Shane Vice and Family
Serving Norman & Cleveland County Since 1995
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the body you would like to live in for the rest of your life...
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may-june 2014
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features
departments
A RISING INDUSTRY A national facility for weather comes to Norman and becomes one of the leading and fastest growing industries for the community and the state
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JAZZ IN JUNE The 31st annual Norman festival has scheduled a wide variety of music ranging from blues to hipster swing
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RUGBY RULES A high school club sport in Norman, the real-life variety, is gaining momentum as more and more players join
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UMMER READING, PLUS S The library’s most diverse set of programs of the year
On the Cover: Photo by Vanessa Rudloff of Shevaun Williams and Associates
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
from the Publisher
11
from the Editor
16
Norman Events
36
Norman FYI
42
Norman Style
46
Norman Business Garage Sales
63 Making a Difference Sanu Babies Home Orphanage 67
Norman History Political artifacts
70 Taste of Norman Classic 50s 74
Dillard’s fashions modeled by Megan Kyker.
6
9
Wine Time
SNAPSHOTS 86 Chamber Banquet 87 Assistance League Gala Bridges Prom 88 89 Kidspace Makeover 90 First American After Hours 91 89er Rodeo Arts! Arts! Arts! 92 93 Mardi Gras Parade 94 True Grit Social Justice Award 96 Parting Shot 98
Provence
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MOORE NORMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTER BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SERVICES
Our BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER exists to help entrepreneurs deal with business issues and put your business on the road to prof itability. Let’s map out your new business path - together.
2013 OKLAHOMA INCUBATOR OF THE YEAR
FUNDAMENTAL AREAS OF SUPPORT: Business plan development Marketing planning Human resources issues Financial management For a complete list visit mntechnology.com
Franklin Road Campus | 4701 12th Avenue NW Norman, OK 73069 South Penn Campus | 13301 S. Pennsylvania Oklahoma City, OK 73170 Ph. 405.809.3511 2007 Oklahoma Quality Award, Achievement
ISO 9001:2008 Certified
magazine
it’s all about you MAY/JUNE 2014 | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 6
PUBLISHER Mark Millsap EXECUTIVE EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER Andy Rieger ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Debbi Knoll ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebekah Collins Ryan Dillard Robin Escarcega Kimberly Lehenbauer Angela Williams Erik Winters CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jerri Culpepper Carol Cole-Frowe Amy David Jill Hazeldine Doug Hill Gary King CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Chilton Benita Cloward Lindsey Davies Doug Hill Kyle Phillips NORMAN STYLE COORDINATOR Rebekah Collins DESIGNER Daren Courtney DIGITAL COORDINATOR Jason Clarke Norman magazine is a bi-monthly publication of The Norman Transcript. 215 E. Comanche, Norman, OK 73070. (Phone: 405.321.1800). Letters or editorial contributions should be sent to: Norman magazine, P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to editor@normantranscript.com. Norman magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission is prohibited. Address advertising inquiries to Debbi Knoll – (405) 366-3554 or dknoll@normantranscript.com Norman magazine can be found online at www.normanmagazine.com
from the Publisher An Okie from Muskogee uses a little Sooner Magic to get his dream job!
T
o borrow from the legendary Merle Haggard, “I am proud to be an Okie from Muskogee.” Now I am having a ball in Norman as the new Publisher of the Norman Transcript, Moore American and Norman Magazine. by mark millsap I started in the newspaper business right out of college, graduating from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah in 1996. My career path was advertising intern, sales rep and then advertising management at my hometown newspaper, the Muskogee Phoenix. At that time, the Phoenix was owned by Gannett Media. To move up in the company as fast as possible, you had to move around the country, wherever Gannett needed help. My travels took me and my family from the only place we had ever known, Muskogee, to places like Fond du lac, Wisconsin; Montgomery, Alabama; Shreveport, Louisiana. Sort of like a military family that moves every 2-3 years. Gannett was a great company and for 15 years, I worked for some of smartest people in the industry. But my heart belongs to Oklahoma and the plan was to always get back there some day. Bad thing though. Gannett did not own any newspapers in Oklahoma any more. That’s were Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. comes in. CNHI owns 18 newspapers in Oklahoma of all sizes and in some great communities. As I began the discussions with CNHI about moving back to Oklahoma, I began thinking of my transition from Advertising and Marketing Director to Publisher of a newspaper. I wanted to run my own show, be the leader of my own newspaper, not just the top ad guy. I was fortunate enough to talk to Terry Conner, Publisher of the Transcript at the time. Terry talked about CNHI and being a Publisher with the company with such passion and enthusiasm, I was sold. Even though Terry was a former news guy, he sold me on a growing, strategic, thoughtful and driven company. I wanted to work for CNHI and I wanted to work under Terry and my first stop would be Chickasha. Going to Chickasha from Shreveport, Louisiana was a major culture shock; big city to small town Oklahoma. But two great things happened. One – I got to see firsthand that newspapers still mattered. People still read the newspaper and their print products like magazines, shoppers and special sections. They still want those products. It solidified my battle cry for the last few years in the business, “Print is not dead.” Two – I learned how to be a publisher. I learned how to listen to our readers and our customers and the community leaders about the future. And how our newspaper fit into that future: a watchdog, a marketing partner, a true news and information company. Just 2½ years later, with success in leading the newspaper team in Chickasha AND a little Sooner Magic, I was promoted to my dream job. Just like OU in the Sugar Bowl, hard work, determination, preparation and a little luck led me to Norman. I look forward to meeting our readers of The Transcript and Norman Magazine. I look forward to talking with community leaders and local business owners about how the Transcript’s portfolio of products can help their businesses and the community grow. My family and I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community. Boomer Sooner! NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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from the Editor
Play Ball! by a ndy rieger
W
e were brothers, with working parents, just wanting to get away from our sisters and play organized baseball in the summer. The Catholic school we attended didn’t have sports and Norman’s Little League program was organized around public schools. We could sign up to play for Jefferson Elementary but the trouble was getting to and from daily, mid-morning practices without a ride. Our bicycles and feet were OK but it was a long way for kids age 6 and 8 to travel. Coach Jim Baker had a proposal. If we came to his house early in the morning, he would give us rides to and from practice. The only catch was we had to be at his house before 7 a.m. to help him with a few chores at Hardie Field where we practiced and he spent the summers tending the turf as most coaches do. So much for sleeping in. Those little chores were pulling sprinkler hoses for a few hours at the football field off Robinson Street. Hardie Field was Norman High’s home field for years and later became home for the Central Cubs where Mr. Baker coached and taught history. We learned much about baseball and about history during those mornings with the grandfatherly coach. Life lessons learned during cool summer mornings watching the grass grow. It doesn’t get much better than that. Baseball has been a part of Norman for nearly as long as there’s been a town here. Early adult teams played other towns. Softball leagues, sponsored by churches and businesses, began at Abe Andrews Park, then moved south to Reaves Park.
Long before the state hospital dairy became Griffin Park, city kids played baseball at Lions Park and Rotary Park. At Reaves Park, we had Pony Field and Colt Field for the older boys. At each of the fields, parents shared space together on the bleachers and rooted for a good game, not just a home team win. Winning was important but so was sportsmanship and making friends. A generation later, my own children played the game with their classmates. We knew early that baseball wasn’t our son’s first love. At one late-summer game, his coach repeatedly called him to bat. “Where’s Patrick?” Dr. Bob Dow asked. “He’s up to bat.” There he was, in the corner of the dugout, reading the paperback he had hidden in his pants pocket. Busted again. A walk through Griffin Park in May and June shows there’s still a decent level of excitement for the old game. Hundreds of families are spread throughout the fields most evenings. Youth soccer and basketball dominate the fall and spring months here but May and June are reserved for baseball and softball. Across the city, Reaves Park is hopping most nights with adult softball leagues. It was at Reaves, nearly 20 years ago in a Sunday night C league softball league, where my only championship T-shirt was earned. A few dads with kids at McKinley Elementary School put together a team that played doubleheaders every Sunday nights. We played fraternity boys half our age. Our secret to winning: A cold beer is best when served after the games, not between them.
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
11
A healthier smile for the whole family
At Dental Design Studio, we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality dental care to you and your family in a fun, relaxed environment, where we see patients as much more than just patients, but as our friends.
Call (405) 321-6166 or visit NormanDentist.com to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Susan Whiteneck ~ Dr. Sara Spurlock
The Oklahoma City Metro’s Only Accredited Chest Pain Center Norman Regional’s HealthPlex hospital has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an international organization that focuses on transforming cardiovascular care by assisting facilities in their effort to create communities of excellence that bring together quality, cost and patient satisfaction. The Norman Regional HealthPlex is the only hospital in the Oklahoma City metro area to have achieved this level of national recognition. To patients this means that processes are in place that meet strict criteria aimed at: • Reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment • Treating patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved • Monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital Norman Regional’s HealthPlex is home to both the Chest Pain Center and its Heart Hospital. Learn more about how our team offers complete cardiovascular care by visiting www.NormanRegional.com/Heart.
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IN YOUR CORNER As your business continues to grow, competition will only get more fierce. You need a partner on your side. At INSURICA, we’re proud to have been an integral part of Norman for more than 50 years, and we want to help propel the growth of your business – and protect you from its inherent risks. That’s why our network of insurance agencies offers unique solutions specifically tailored to your industry’s needs. We’re committed to growing with you and digging deeper, toward a more intimate understanding of how to better insure your business’s future. We figure out just what your corner is – so we can be in it with you. We specialize in you – so you can specialize in what you do best. To learn more, visit INSURICA.com.
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Norman events
Information supplied by Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau Photos by Kyle Phillips, Doug Hill and Jay Chilton
MAY - JUNE 2014 ONGOING EVENTS Art Exhibit – Helen Frankenthaler’s “Head of the Meadow” Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue, Norman Museum visitors have the chance to view Helen Frankenthaler’s Head of the Meadow for a limited time, on loan from a private collector. www.ou.edu/fjjma
Saturdays It’s Feeding Time! (at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History) 11:30 a.m.-Noon Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua Observe local reptiles, amphibians and fish, during their feeding time and learn more about these Oklahoma animals. www.snomnh.com
Saturdays and Sundays Discovery Days 2-4 p.m. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua Discovery Days includes interactive, hands-on activities with stories, crafts and touchable specimens. Free with paid museum admission. www.snomnh.com
Sundays Family Days at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 1-4 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue, Norman Explore art in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, and enjoy a variety of hands-on art activities for the entire family. www.ou.edu/fjjma
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A museum visitor views an exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Live music: Mike Hosty 11 p.m. The Deli 309 White Street Mike Hosty performs live each Sunday night. thedeli.us
First Monday of the month Free Admission the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua The first Monday of each month, the museum features free admission. www.snomnh.com
Tuesdays Art Adventures 10:30 a.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue, Norman Young artists are invited to experience art through books and related art projects for children ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult. www.ou.edu
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
Noon concerts
Noon Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue, Norman The Tuesday Noon Concerts series is a cooperative effort between the OU School of Music and the FJJMA. Set aside part of your lunch hour for these 30-minute concerts performed by OU music students and faculty. Selected Tuesday Noon Concerts are followed by gallery talks or Art After Noon programs at 12:30 p.m. www.ou.edu/fjjma
Comedy Night 9 p.m. Othello’s 434 Buchanan Street Sign up begins at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. othellos.us/
Tuesdays & Saturdays Toddler Time 4 p.m. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua In the Discovery Room, the time includes fun and educational activities for ages 18-months to 3 years. Free with paid museum admission. www.snomnh.com
Norman Farmers Market Tuesdays, 4-8 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-Noon Cleveland County Fairgrounds 601 E. Robinson The Norman Farm Market – now in its 35th season – is a great source of healthy fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, herbs, plants, and value added products! Each Saturday morning and Tuesday evening, more than 50 vendors offer fruits, vegetables, eggs, herbs, spices, honey, jellies, various Made-inOklahoma products, plants and flowers. www.visitnorman.com/events/normanfarm-market-2014-05-03/
Wednesdays Local Trivia Night 8 p.m. Local 2662 W. Main St. Join Local Restaurant for free team trivia every Wednesday, presented by TheLostOgle.com. It is free to play, but the winning teams will win cash prizes! Meanwhile, everyone can enjoy food and drink specials. www.thelostogle.com/thelostogletrivia-night-oklahoma-city/
First Tuesday of the month NSAA Art Critique 6:45 p.m. Mainsite Art Gallery 120 E. Main St. Held the First Tuesday of each month at Mainsite Gallery, the NSAA Critique Sessions enable artists of all levelsto present their in-process work and receive constructive feedback for the betterment of the piece and the artist. www.normanarts.org
Second Friday of the month Second Friday Circuit of Art 6-9 p.m. Mainsite Art Gallery 120 E. Main St. 2nd Friday Circuit of Art – a monthly, citywide celebration of art – is a collaboration between artists, art organizations, and businesses, brought to you by the Norman Arts Council. 2ndfridaynorman.com/
Art “a la Carte” 6-9 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art participates each month with the Norman Art’s Council’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. From 6-9 p.m. on the second Friday of each month the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art provides live music and independent films by the deadCENTER Film Festival Admission to Art “à la Carte” is free and open to all ages. Live music and films run 6:30-8:30 p.m. Films should be considered for mature audiences only. www.ou.edu/fjjma
Ongoing through May 18 Art Exhibit Allan Houser Drawings: The Centennial Exhibition Museum Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue In spring 2014, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma will celebrate the centennial of Allan Houser, the distinguished Chiricahua Apache artist, with a special exhibition featuring one hundred of his inimitable drawings. Ninety-nine percent of the drawings are being lent to the museum by the estate of the artist in Santa Fe and the vast majority of them have never been exhibited or published before. The subjects of the drawings are wide ranging: dancers and musicians; mounted hunters and warriors; Southwestern landscapes; portraits; and genres scenes of Native life. The exhibition, organized by guest curator W. Jackson Rushing III, emphasizes the creative process, connoisseurship, and aesthetic experience. Houser’s work, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings for book illustrations, embodied history and ethnicity, even as it transcended such categories to speak with clarity, subtlety, and power to audiences around the world. Because of the intimacy and accessibility of the
Summer Camps June 2-August 1, 2014 •Acting, Singing, Dancing, Claymation, Improv, Making A Musical and More! •Entering K-12 grades •One, two and three week camps •Full and half-day options And, Don’t miss these Republic Bank & Trust Studio Series Productions! Tickets for ANNIE on sale beginning June 7 Tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL on sale beginning July 12
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July 3 1
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The Sooner Theatre’s Main Event Concert Series season finale
May 9, 2014 • 8 pm The brass comes out for noon concerts.
405.321.9600
www.soonertheatre.com NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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drawings, the exhibition will offer a fresh perspective on this renowned American Master. www.ou.edu/fjjma
One of the most popular sports on Indian reservations, skateboarding has inspired American Indian and Native Hawaiian communities to host skateboard competitions and build skate parks to encourage their youth. Native entrepreneurs own skateboard companies and sponsor communitybased skate teams. Native artists and filmmakers, inspired by their skating experiences, credit the sport with teaching them a successful work ethic. This exhibitfeaturesthe indigenous stories of skateboarding. Join the SNOMNH as theycelebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and controversy of Native skate culture. www.snomnh.com
Ongoing through May 25 Art Exhibit – Our People, Our Land, Our Images Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Our People, Our Land, Our Images represents the work of indigenous photographers from North America, South America, the Middle East and New Zealand. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view indigenous peoples through the eyes of indigenous photographers. The images presented in the exhibition explore their creators’ connections to their land, community and traditions. The various photographic approaches of the artists challenge audiences to examine the stereotypes, politics and histories associated with indigenous peoples. Fifty-one works and 26 artists are featured in the exhibition, including Jennie Ross Cobb (Cherokee), the earliest known female Native American photographer.
Opens June 7 Art Exhibit – Oil and Wood: George Bogart and Jim Henkle
This exhibition is organized by guest curator Veronica Passalacqua of the C. N. Gorman Museum at the University of California, Davis, and is a program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. www.ou.edu/fjjma
E R M FUN M SU IN ALL
! & SIZES SHAPES
Mel’s Kloset 2109 W. Main St. Norman • 405-307-0115 Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5
Ongoing through June 15 Art Exhibit – Ramp It Up! Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua
Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 500 Elm Avenue, Norman Oil and Wood: George Bogart and Jim Henkle pairs the work of two distinguished professors emeriti of the OU School of Art & Art History: George Bogart and James Henkle. Bogart, who joined the faculty in 1970, experimented
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restlessly with oil paint, and the exhibition offers a retrospective of his career. The furniture designs of James Henkle offer a sculptural counterpoint to the paintings of Bogart. Henkle taught design at OU for nearly 40 years and, although he worked in a variety of media, he excelled in the artful design of modernist furniture. www.ou.edu/fjjma
May 1 and June 5 Campus Corner Cabaret 7 p.m. Othello’s Restaurant 434 Buchanan Ave. The OU Musical Theatre Department will present this short showcase of their work on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. For more information, please call (405) 701-4900.
May 2-4
Sooner softball hopes to repeat its national title this year.
Sooner softball vs. Texas Tech
MAY
2
6:30 p.m., 2 p.m., Noon Marita Hynes Field 2500 S. Jenkins Ave. www.soonersports.com
May 3
May 4 and June 1
May Fair Art and Sole 5K Run and 2K Fun Run
OU Jazz Night
7-9 a.m. Andrews Park 528 N. Park The May Fair Art & Sole Run is in conjunction with the May Fair Arts Festival that is taking place the same day. It features a 5k, as well as a 2k “fun run. Registration opens at 7 a.m; the 5k starts at 8 a.m.; and the 2k begins at 9 a.m. norman.assistanceleague.org
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NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
May 4 Lake Thunderbird ‘Splash n Dash’
May 3 & 4 May May Fair Arts Festival 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Andrews Park 528 N. Park The May Fair Arts Festival is held at Andrews Park. A variety of art is sold by more than 100 artists and from across the nation. Musical and dance groups entertain while vendors provide tastetempting treats. A different celebrated artist is featured at each May Fair. norman.assistanceleague.org
Great Selection! Great Service! Great Location!
7 p.m. Othello’s Restaurant 434 Buchanan Ave. The OU Jazz Department will perform from 7-9 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. For more information, please call (405) 701-4900.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lake Thunderbird State Park 13101 Alameda Street Splash and Dash is a part of the Tri-OKC Splash-n-Dash Series. Splash-n Dash (or ‘Aquathlon’) is a swim followed by a run in one exciting event. Although perfect for beginners the 2014 series culminates with the USAT Aquathlon National Championship in October at which athletes can qualify to compete for the USA in the 2015 World Championship. Closer to home, race three events from the Tri-OKC series, (one in Norman at Lake Thunderbird, one in Edmond at Lake Arcadia, and one in El Reno, at Lake El Reno), and you will be in the
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running for the Tri-OKC Splash-n-Dash championship. Tri-OKC series shirts will be awarded to each athlete who completes a race at each venue. For more information, (405) 923-0151.
May 8 & June 12 McMichael’s Music Student Showcase 6-9 p.m. Othello’s Restaurant 434 Buchanan Ave. The second Thursday of each month the McMichael’s Music Studio presents a “Student Showcase.” For more information, please call (405) 701-4900.
May 9-17 Art Exhibit – Norman Open Studios Exhibit
June 6 Art opening reception 7-9 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Oil and Wood: George Bogart and Jim Henkle pairs the work of two distinguished professors emeriti of the OU School of Art & Art History: George Bogart and James Henkle. Bogart, who joined the faculty in 1970, experimented restlessly with oil paint, and the exhibition offers a retrospective of his career. The furniture designs of James Henkle offer a sculptural counterpoint to the paintings of Bogart. Henkle taught design at OU for nearly 40 years and, although he worked in a variety of media, he excelled in the artful design of modernist furniture. www.ou.edu/fjjma
Oklahoma’s Preferred Day Spa
Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mainsite Art Gallery 120 E. Main St. The Norman Arts Council presents an Open Studio event. www.normanarts.org
May 11 Sooner softball vs. Oklahoma State 2 p.m. Marita Hynes Field 2500 S. Jenkins Ave. www.soonersports.com
May 20 Art After Noon 12:30 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Get acquainted with landscape paintings from the museum’s permanent collection at monthly 30-minute discussions. Bring your lunch; dessert and drinks will be provided. Susan Baley, FJJMA Directory of Education, will present the talks. Ernest L. Blumenschein’s Rio Grande Gorge Near Taos (Strength of the Earth) from 1944-1949 will be the May topic. www.ou.edu/fjjma
JUNE
14 June 14 Battle of the Burger (and Pie Contest) 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Crest Fresh Market 2550 24th Ave. N.W. Do you have the best burger on the block? Can your group grill up a burger juicer than any other? Put your burger where your mouth is to help a great cause. By participating, you will have your burger reviewed by a panel of local celebrities and officials who’ll award the best burger for each category. Afterward, gauge public opinion by providing samples to all of our guests. All proceeds from the day will benefit the OK Sheriff & Peace Officers Association (OSPOA), celebrating 100 years of service to Law Enforcement and Oklahoma. www.thebattleoftheburger.com
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JUNE June 16-21
June 17
Heartland Baseball Classic
Art After Noon
Locations in Norman to be announced heartlandbaseball.org
12:30 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Get acquainted with landscape paintings from the museum’s permanent collection at monthly 30-minute discussions. Bring your lunch; dessert and drinks will be provided. Susan Baley, FJJMA Directory of Education, will present the talks. Irving K. Manoir’s Aspen and Snow from 1923 will be the June topic. www.ou.edu/fjjma
19 to perform free for the public. Take part in the rising popularity of jazz by watching various musicians take to the stage at this free music festival. Jazz in June, created in 1984, attracts more than 50,000 visitors annually. Join the citizens of Norman aswe celebrate local musical talent and experience a diverse range of musical artistry at its best. www.jazzinjune.org
June 19-21 Jazz in June 7 p.m. Brookhaven Village 3700 W. Robinson & Andrews Park 528 N. Park Jazz in June, Norman’s outdoor jazz and blues festival, continues its 31-year tradition of bringing Oklahoma and national jazz and blues artists together
JAZZ 19-21 31st Annual
inJUNE
JUNE NORMAN, OK
Thursda y Friday June 19 June 20
Saturda y June 21
Blues Under the Stars
Jazz Under the Stars
Jazz in the Park
Samantha Fish
The Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola Duo
Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks
Dirty Red & The Soul Shakers
After-concert Blues Jam
Edmond Jazz Orchestra
Pidgin Boyd Street Brass
Clinics with the Artists After-hours Jazz Jam
jazzinjune.org
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Cover Story “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, then wait a few minutes.” — Will Rogers
A Rising Industry The National Weather Center by j ill Hazeldine Photos by Jay Chilton and Kyle Phillips
OU’s Seed Sower statue is covered in a layer of ice.
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O
klahoma’s own Will Rogers liked to talk about the weather. People like him come around once in a great while. We could use some more people like Will. Fortunately, we have Oklahomans who have found their “will” to make the weather industry become a rising business and help right here where it’s needed most. Who could have predicted it? From sheer will, fate and determination, a national facility for weather would end up in Norman and become one of the leading and fastest growing industries for the Norman community and the state? From the National Severe Storms Lab landing in Norman fifty years ago in 1964, to the last ten years of the “Millennium Initiative,” the University of Oklahoma’s Research Campus has become a nationally recognized “research Mecca.” In Norman, it’s become a driving force of a thriving weather metropolis and an economic engine armed with a workforce providing
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
research, improving operations, and helping save lives. ECONOMIC IMPACT At the epicenter of the University Research Campus is the National Weather Center (NWC) located on the corner of Highway 9 and Jenkins in Norman. It opened in 2006 as a joint venture of the University of Oklahoma and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is comprised of multiple
agencies from the federal, state and local levels combined with academic entities as well as research and development partners. The National Weather Center facility is stateof-the-art, and quite impressive. A total of $69 million was spent to construct and occupy the building to unite the NOAA with OU’s worldclass education and research programs. Those who work there are just as impressive. With high levels of training and academic degrees accompanied by their knowledge and expertise, they have a huge sense of pride, passion
and compassion for the service they provide. The federal side provides over 630 jobs with an annual payroll of around $43 million. The University Research Campus encompasses 277 acres, houses eleven buildings called “innovation districts.” Shaped by public and private sector collaborations, located in nearly 1 million total square feet of occupied space, the campus represents nearly $300 million in investment. Some 1,700 people across academia, federal, state and commercial organizations work on the Research Campus. The private and
The National Weather Center, at State Highway 9 and Jenkins Avenue, anchors OU’s Research Campus.
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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A weather balloon is sent aloft during the annual National Weather Festival. The annual event draws hundreds of guests to the center on OU’s Research Campus.
government entities located there have created more than 750 jobs. Attracting around 58,000 visitors a year, the National Weather Center has had about 10,000 K-12 graders in school groups from as far as California, Washington, Florida and Minnesota. It’s a popular venue for special events, notably featuring astronauts, governors, a First Lady Retreat, state dignitaries as well as concerts, social functions such as business parties, weddings and receptions. It is open to the public to explore the majestic atrium or dine in the Flying Cow Café for breakfast or lunch. The National Weather Festival brings around 2,500 people together in November to celebrate and learn more about Oklahoma’s weather and technology. Norman’s Chamber of Commerce is unique by having a designated Weather Committee to support the weather industry. So how did it all start? EASING INTO NORMAN - 1964 The path that led to the construction of the NWC is made up of many steps. Looking back, one main impetus was in 1964 when the Nor-
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NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
man Forecast Office and radar lab was upgraded to the National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL). Oklahoma’s open landscape was thought to be favorable for radar studies. Compared to its facilities today at the NWC, the lab had humble beginnings at Westheimer Field in a two-story frame building originally built as barracks during World War II on OU’s North Campus. Dr. Ed Kessler, who became the founding director of the NSSL, had some reservations about moving to Oklahoma and there were questions on whether or not the NSSL should move to Norman from Kansas City. In 1963, Kessler was working on contract for the U.S. Weather Center in Hartford, Connecticut and had made a name for himself by publishing articles on research and weather radar. A Weather Surveillance radar (WSR-57) was purchased for the Norman Laboratory. The National Severe Storms Forecast Center at Kansas City proposed to locate the radar at Olathe, Kansas, near Kansas City, but the attraction of institutional support from the University of Oklahoma was important. Then OU President
George L. Cross was encouraging development of a meteorology group. It seemed like a good idea to move NSSL to Norman, but there were indications of uncertainty. Kessler knew he would be taking a risk. He was also apprehensive about moving to Oklahoma from Connecticut. He wryly says that his wife, Lottie from Texas, “married me to go east, not stay in the west.” Friends of theirs had hardly heard of Oklahoma and had a poor perception of the place. But when they arrived they were “enthusiastically welcomed to Norman.” Besides, “How could a meteorologist turn down an opportunity to help lead the U.S. National effort in severe storm research?” Kessler said. Especially knowing the amazing thunderstorm phenomena that occasionally visits south Texas where his wife was from.
METEOROLOGY Another promising development was OU’s meteorology program. Professor Yoshi Sasaki emigrated to the U.S. after World War II and joined with Walt Saucier in 1960 to help found the now world-class meteorology program at the University of Oklahoma. Besides working with students on radar, forecasting and technology, he got them out to see the storms which eventually led to “storm chasing.” Sasaki’s contacts in Japan helped bring Hitachi to Norman and a number of distinguished professors and scientists from Asia. He became the School of Meteorology’s first George Lynn Cross Research Professor in 1974, and continues to hold the title as Emeritus Professor. He continues to live in Norman. In 2013, the Sasaki Applied Meteorology Re-
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NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
The University Research Campus home of the National Weather Center on Highway 9 and Jenkins Avenue, just ten years earlier had nothing there but empty fields. Thanks to the vision of University of Oklahoma leadership launching a “Millennium Initiative,” it now stands as a “research Mecca” receiving national attention and awards and showcasing innovation. Last October, OU was designated as one of the Innovation & Economic Prosperity Universities. The designation acknowledges their working with public and private sectors to support economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and community development. The Association of University Research Parks named the University Research Campus the nation’s top research park in 2013. “The National Weather Center is a major reason that the OU Research Campus was selected by the Association of University Research Parks as the nation’s top research park for 2013. The staffs from NOAA and the National Weather Service have partnered with
the OU faculty to create one of the greatest meteorological research centers in the world. It has had a multi-million dollar impact on Oklahoma’s economy and has made Norman and central Oklahoma known as the Silicon Valley of weather and climate studies,” said OU President, David Boren.
Oklahoma’s wide ranging weather makes meteorology a natural study here.
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THE FUTURE The Radar Innovations Laboratory, the newest building, located east of the NWC is expected to open this spring. The lab will be a destination showcase for radar researchers and be the base for further investment in radar research and technology. The next innovation district on the horizon of the Research Campus is the Water Innovative Research Center. The further engagement of private companies in weather-related endeavors in the Partners Place Building 5 is due to open fall 2015. Other “innovation” districts under consideration are education outreach and oil and gas. With these developments, the Research Campus looks to sustain and build on its dramatic upward trajectory as it enters into its next decade. DOPPLER RADAR & TECHNOLOGY Have you seen the big white towers around Norman’s weather centers that look like they have a golf ball on top of it? Those are Doppler radars. There are a 150 of them across the U.S. Inside it, is a 28 ft. in diameter dish (about the size of two Honda Civics) that rotates a full circle every 12 seconds. It continuously sends and receives pulses feeding information into a radar map. Along with the NWC, the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration utilizes the radars. Staff at the NWC and at the University’s north base campus operate and maintain Norman’s radars and keeps 32
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
In a single year, central Oklahoma can experience floods, ice and windstorms, tornadoes and snow.
the national fleet healthy by providing engineering, hotline support, technicians, and system upgrades. They also continually work to improve the radar’s capabilities. It’s a 24/7 job. NSSL scientists developed the first Doppler weather radar, and have since contributed to the development of NEXRAD (NEXt Generation RADar), as well as research mobile radar systems. Technology is not all that is needed for severe weather monitoring. Human beings, the experts, provide the ultimate decision when issuing a weather warning. They must use their intuitive and analytical abilities to make decisions in a time-pressure environment. KEEP CALM, YOU’RE IN OKLAHOMA “Historically, the highest frequency of tornadoes occurs in central Oklahoma. This is where the expertise in severe weather research, prediction, and warnings has grown for several decades. The NWC is the culmination of this work, with all these experts
working together in the same facility to continue to improve the severe weather warning process,” said Jami Boettcher, NWC meteorologist, author of a “Keep Calm, You’re in Oklahoma,” presentation. Meteorologist, Rick Smith was recently honored by the Moore Medical Center for the office’s forecasts on May 20, 2013. “We attract the best in the business. The people that work here in Norman are here because they want to be here,” Smith said. Both stressed the importance of having relationships built on trust and a high tolerance for uncertainty and change. In the back of their minds, they know lives can be at stake. They consider co-workers and partnering agencies including first responders, media and city government, their weather family on a mission of “service above self.” Plan, prepare, be aware, and keep calm, you’re in Oklahoma, home of the best.
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The Norman Transcript & The Moore American PRESENT A HISTORIC HARDCOVER BOOK
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With the assistance of the Pioneer Library System, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Moore Public Schools Foundation to assist in purchasing books and materials for the new school libraries at Plaza Towers and Briarwood elementary schools.
the EF5 tornado that hit the city of Moore, Oklahoma and the unbelievable Moore Strong spirit of the citizens as they recover and rebuild. Books will ship late May. To order go securely online at Moore.TheStormBook.com. NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Norman FYI
Crystal
Wicker Director Human Resources/ Risk Management, Cleveland Co. Family YMCA
Why do you volunteer with animals and what kind of animals do you work with? I love being around animals. Animals do not ask to be in the situation they are in and sometimes it is not a good situation, so if I can make their life a little better I will. I have volunteered at Heartland Rabbit Rescue in Blanchard, Second Chance in Norman, Horse Feathers Equine Rescue in Guthrie and after the May 20 tornadoes, I helped with dogs and horses who had lost their families. I currently volunteer twice a week at Majic Stables Horse Riding Academy in Norman. How did you get started volunteering with animals? I originally started volunteering because I wanted something for my daughter and I to do together to make a difference. At the time finding somewhere she could volunteer (because of her age) was difficult. Heartland Rabbit Rescue took us in and we were able to help care for rabbits who were waiting for forever homes. What animal would you say you are most like and why? This question was hard so I had to ask my husband. He said I am like a cat (which is ironic since he does not like cats). His reasoning was because cats are self-confident, independent, tend to keep to oneself, know what they want, don’t take much off anyone, and can be affectionate.
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What are your other hobbies? Being a mother of a teenager who doesn’t drive yet, my hobby is driving her around and waiting! One thing I do love to do is go architectural antique shopping, I love the idea that a window or door knob was in someone else’s house and I am giving it new life. Do you like to get your hands dirty and with what? I don’t mind getting my hands dirty or a little hard work. I will brush whatever needs to be brushed, feed what needs to be fed, and clean up after whatever animal it is. I love summer because… I love summer clothes more than winter clothes. Life slows down a bit in the summer, more family time. What is challenging for you? I am a worrier, I like to worry in advance about situations that will probably never happen. I am trying to change that.
Where is your favorite place to spend time? At home in my barn with my husband, daughter, two horses and two dogs. There is always something to do. How do you like to “chill” in the hot summer months? During the summer I love being outside. Most of the time I want to be doing something productive but sometimes it’s nice to throw something on the grill and hangout with family. Are you shy or outgoing? When I was younger I would say I was outgoing but over time I have become more laid back and keep to myself. What would you like to learn to do? I would like to learn more about riding horses, I usually just take care of them. I only started working with horses about four years ago and I did take some lessons but life got busy and that was put on the back burner. I will get back to it one day!
Belinda
McCoy Business Analyst in Information Technology at Devon Energy
Why do you volunteer with animals and what kind of animals do you work with? My motivation to volunteer with animals is simple. I want to see more animals saved and more families experience the joy and connection that pets bring. I have always felt a strong connection with animals, especially dogs, so these are the animals I mainly work with. How did you get started volunteering with animals? I’ve always loved animals and I started volunteering at a no-kill shelter years ago when I lived in Dallas. I ended up adopting my first dog from there. That eventually led to fostering dogs and travels to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT the past three years. Eventually, my passions crossed paths when I saw an opportunity to help establish and grow the Friends of the Animals Norman (FAN) volunteer organization, where I am privileged to serve as Board President. What animal would you say you are most like and why? I think I am most like a dog because this is the animal I most relate to. I feel they most relate to me as well. I am friendly, loyal, strong, determined, fun, and energetic, like a dog! I think I would love to come back and live a second life as a dog…one of my dogs!
What do you enjoy about the community you live/work in? The Norman community has been so supportive of FAN; so many new volunteers that come to walk dogs and socialize with cats at the shelter. We have wonderful volunteers take beautiful photographs of the animals that we can network on Facebook. This has definitely helped save more lives. When you need help the people of Norman are there. What are your other hobbies? I volunteer at a local K-12 school and I’m active with various programs within OU’s MIS program. I love to exercise and try new fitness classes. I also love weather. I can watch the Weather Channel all day, especially during springtime! I’ve only done it once, but I got the chance to go tornado chasing (w/ a professional) a few years ago…and I would do it again! Describe yourself in one sentence. I am determined (strong-willed), competitive with a cause-driven energy, opinionated, witty and sassy.
I love summer because… I love warm weather and the longer days (I could do without 100+ degree days). Summer also means pool and lake weather; and that we are that much closer to football season. Boomer Sooner! What is challenging for you? This question is pretty challenging, but in working with animals and rescue, I would say that the most challenging aspect is bringing awareness to the importance of spay/neuter and adopting an animal through a shelter or rescue group. Education, along with programs implemented within the community, is key in stopping the never ending cycle of unwanted animals. Where is your favorite place to spend time? I make a point to visit Kanab, UT every year to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. It is truly a beautiful, wonderful, serene place. It’s a great time with the animals and I often go with friends or meet new friends there, all of us doing what we love to do. Even though it is hard work, it is very rewarding and a definite recharge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Norman FYI
Jeff
Bloomgarden Retired Director of the OU Scholars Program in the Honors College, working part-time as an academic advisor in the OU Sooner Success Program
Why do you volunteer with animals and what kind of animals do you work with? I train new volunteers at the Norman Animal Welfare Center to walk and bathe the dogs and socialize with the cats and I also walk dogs myself. I perform these services because I am committed to the well being of all animals, particularly those that humans have domesticated, like dogs, cats and horses. We are responsible for seeing that they are treated humanely and lovingly throughout their lives. If anyone is interested in volunteering at the shelter, they can email fanvolunteers@gmail. com. If you are interested in adopting a dog or a cat, please check out the shelter at 3428 Jenkins. How did you get started volunteering with animals? I attended a meeting of a new group called Friends of the Animals of Norman (FAN) which was being formed to support the Norman Animal Welfare Center to create a humane environment for the dogs and cats and minimize the number of animals euthanized. I attended the meeting, got involved in the organization, and started volunteering at the shelter. What animal would you say you are most like and why? I am most like a dog since I am very social, loyal, enjoy walking and jogging, and like to have my back scratched. 38
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What do you enjoy about the community you live/work in? I am particularly fond of Jazz in June, the Norman Music Festival, the mild winters (except for this one), the variety of good restaurants and the opportunity I have had to work with many extraordinary students at the University of Oklahoma. What are your other hobbies? I enjoy attending yoga classes at Yoga at Tiffany’s every week and have a very good time every morning walking or jogging with my dog, Chloe. I enjoy writing short stories when the Muse speaks to me, and I love getting my weekly massages at the Middle Path Massage Therapy Studio. I also enjoy seeing movies regularly at the Warren Theater with my wife, Becky, or with
my friend, Gerry Gurney. Finally, I like dancing especially to the blues or southern rock and roll. Boogie on down! Describe yourself in one sentence. I am a social, loyal, and intense pessimist who uses humor and good words to create positive outcomes in my work and in my relationships with my wife, my son, Andy, my friends and the dogs and cats in the Norman community. What is challenging for you? My greatest challenge is slowing myself down and bringing my attention into the present. When I focus on the here and now, I am much more effective.
Sean T.
Popp Why do you volunteer with animals and what kind of animals do you work with? Well for me it is a career as well as a way to give back. As the Shelter Director at Second Chance Animal Sanctuary I work primarily with dogs and cats. Where is your favorite place to spend time? I enjoy Sunday evenings when my wife and son and I have dinner together at our house and hang out. How do you like to “chill” in the hot summer months? Actually, I love hot yoga classes in the summer because I always feel cool and collected after I leave the studio. Are you shy or outgoing? I am definitely outgoing. As an only child, I spent a lot of time alone particularly at night. I would perform little plays in front of my mirror to create a social life for myself. That’s an extrovert!
How did you get started volunteering with animals? Well I guess if I go back to the beginning it would have to be helping my dad raising champion Labradors in my youth. What animal would you say you are most like and why? I guess an elephant. I’m somewhat slow and methodical and I have quite a memory. What do you enjoy about the community you live/work in? Currently I enjoy learning about it as I have only lived here a short time. What are your other hobbies? Cooking, home remodeling, riding motorcycles, watching my son wrestle
What would you like to learn to do? If I had the courage, I would like to do stand up comedy. Since I haven’t tried yet, I make at least one person laugh every day.
Describe yourself in one sentence. I am a research guru who has a thirst for knowledge, loves meeting new people and helping people.
What is a staple of summer for you? In the summer, I like fresh tomatoes and peaches from the Farmer’s Market.
Do you like to get your hands dirty and with what? Yes. I enjoy cooking/grilling, remodeling projects, auto/motorcycle maintenance & camping/hunting/fishing.
Shelter Director at Second Chance Animal Sanctuary
What is challenging for you? Finding the time to be a loyal Christian, loving husband, a good father, and trusted friend all while attempting to excel at work. How do you like to “chill” in the hot summer months? Dairy Queen Tropical Blizzard add pineapple. (Tropical Blizzard = Coconut, Bananas & Pecans in Vanilla Soft Serve) What would you like to learn to do? My wife would say dance, but for me I would have to say fly. I was in a program in school for flight including the opportunity to earn your private pilot’s license. Being young and naive I didn’t take full advantage of the program and regret it. What is your view on flip flops? They are an essential part of my wardrobe. Having lived in Arizona for many years I was accustomed to wearing them on a daily basis. What is a staple of summer for you? Motorcycle rides, barbeques/beers with friends and family, swimming, 4wheeling
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Scene & Style
Classic WHITE Photography by Vanessa Rudloff of Shevaun Williams & Associates Hair & Makeup by Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Clothing & Accessories by Dillard’s Modeled by Wilma Acklin, Megan Kyker & Ryan Dillard Special Thanks to Ken MacDonnell
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Norman Business
A Treasure Trove for Bargain Hunters, Treasure Seekers
by j erri culpepper & lindsey davies
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t’s a beautiful summer day, and you spy a long line of cars and trucks slowly wending its way down a neighborhood in Norman. The vehicles range from older-model cars and pickups to brand-new SUVs. Likewise, their drivers and passengers are diverse: young and old, rich and poor. “What’s going on?” you wonder, think-
ing funeral procession or, perhaps, road work ahead. Chances are good that, instead, you have come across a growing phenomenon in this bustling campus town: the weekend garage sale scene. Garage sales (also known as yard or rummage sales) are at least as old as the suburbs, though their kiss-
A $5 tapestry was among the writer’s best finds one weekend.
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ing cousin, the flea market, takes this bargain-hunting tradition back to ancient times. But in Norman, at least, it’s the bargain hunting rather than the bargain selling that is on the increase, at least as far as official statistics are concerned. Since 2007, the number of Norman garage sale permits sold has remained fairly static, and even decreased slightly, from 2,356 in 2007 to 2,089 in 2013. Attendance, on the other hand – at least in certain areas of towns, most notably Brookhaven and other west and northwest neighborhoods – is burgeoning, attracting a greater number and wider diversity of bargain and treasure seekers, at least in the opinion of this writer and her garage sales partner, niece and photographer Lindsey Davies, who enjoy frequenting garage sales virtually year-round. So, why all the interest in other people’s stuff? Just for fun, my niece and I have light-heartedly separated garage sale enthusiasts into seven types. The bargain hunter. These folk are chiefly interested in finding items at a bargain-basement price. For example, gently worn office and casual shoes can be found for $1 to $5, nice jeans
Tweety Bird and Sylvester salt and pepper shakers were a good find.
and slacks for under $3, paperbacks and hardbacks for 50 cents to a couple of dollars, and even a complete set of dishes for less than five bucks. The treasure hunter. These discerning people mine garage sales for items of varying monetary worth. Examples include antique or vintage furniture, rare books (there are apps on smart phones that allow you to scan a book’s barcode and find its worth), jewelry, gently worn rugs and original artwork. The treasure hunter may also be on the prowl for hot collectables, such as rare toys and dolls or vintage fishing lures. The time traveler. This individual is looking for many of the same types of items as the treasure hunter, with the focus on antique and vintage items.
To attract shoppers and increase sales, arrange similar items together, as one done here with clocks and other pieces that can hang on the wall.
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Think “American Pickers,” on a smaller scale. For these people, the search is for furniture, toys, vehicles and other items that make people wax nostalgic: wooden ice boxes (the predecessor of the refrigerator); old oil company, soft drink and Burma Shave signs; 1950s Schwinn bicycles; Grandmother’s “elf on the shelf ’ collection… The “sociologist.” These are people who, in addition to looking for bargains, enjoy studying other peoples’ detritus, like archaeologists searching through ancient home sites. After years of visiting garage sales in Norman, we have found that various segments of this diverse community tend to yield different types of goods. For example, if you are looking for items with of an intellectual, global or unique feel to them – think tomes on philosophy or spirituality, artwork from Nairobi or a Buddhist figurine – head toward the University of Oklahoma. Looking for some classy art prints to adorn a blank wall, a set of nice wine goblets, a pair of designer jeans or a gently used luggage set? Head toward Brookhaven or one of the newly established, upper-income neighborhoods on either side of town. Looking for fishing equipment, hand and power tools, or a boat? If so, you might want to take a drive out toward the lake. The adventurer. These people enjoy traveling new byways and get a thrill from finding the unexpected and unusual. These are the
[Top] Placing similar items together, such as these holiday ornaments and decorations, not only look good, but may attract people looking for specific goods. [Lower left] An example of a poorly organized garage sale. Items are not sorted by type, are not placed attractively on shelves, and many items are left in boxes, leaving the work to the shopper. Even if there are many nice items priced well, most people will not find the sale attractive and will pass this one up.
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ones who will pass by the treadmill machine and latch onto the robot your uncle made out of cogs and scrap metal in the 1950s or the collection of rocks and minerals your father collected from around the world during his military days. The environmentalist. For these shoppers, it’s all about recycling, reusing and repurposing. The packrat. No need for elaboration! Of course, most people who frequent garage sales, including my niece and me, are a combination of the above, though we have striven to avoid the packrat label. We help each other by asking, “Now, where would you put that?” or “Do you really need another scented candle or pair of high-heeled shoes?” In addition to simply enjoying each other’s company during these outings, Lindsey and I divvy up the work. I usually do the driving (though I as yet have not added a warning bumper sticker reading “I brake for garage sales”) while she lays out our route using a maps app on her phone. (And before you ask if there are any garage sale apps, why, yes, there IS an app for that! Lots, in fact.)
Whatever sort of garage sale enthusiast you may be, may you find the bargains you want and the treasures you seek – and have fun in the process.
Racks, such as those found in stores, are best to display clothing.
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The Art and Craft of Hosting a Successful
GARAGE SALE So, you think you might have a garage sale. Perhaps you are trying to simplify and de-clutter for your peace of mind. Maybe you have refurbished and remodeled your home, and the knickknacks no longer fit the theme or color scheme. Possibly you are recently married, and you simply don’t need two sets of every appliance, two sets of dishes and three couches. Perhaps you’ve lost 30 pounds and need to make space for new clothes in your closet. Or perhaps you simply want to put some extra cash in your pocket. Whatever your motivation, a garage sale may be the way to go. However, if you have never held one before, you may wonder how to even start. Here are a few suggestions from two people who have both held a number of garage sales and who enjoy visiting them. First, determine whether you have enough “stuff” to make your time and effort worthwhile. Go through your closets, storage spaces, attic, basement and garage for items that are no longer being worn or used. Generally speaking, it’s best if you have at least a couple of larger items, such as furniture or power tools, along with a multitude of smaller items, which might include shoes, clothing, purses, gardening implements, dishes, books, CDs/DVDs, and games and toys. If you only have a few items, you might want to consider giving them to a family member or friend, or donating them to a charitable organization. Another option is to ask other family members, neighbors and friends if they have anything they would like to include.
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Garage sales are a lot of work, but if you do decide to hold one, here are some pointers to help get you organized and ensure you are successful. Determine the date(s) you will hold the sale (Friday and Saturday are the most popular) and, months or weeks before that date, begin setting aside items for it in a central location, such as your garage or spare bedroom. Even with help from a friend or family member, plan to spend several hours pricing the items; trust me, you do not want to wait to do this until the night before or day of the sale. You will need price stickers (though you can also use masking tape in a pinch) and a sharpie or other bold pen to make the price pop. Some people prefer to color code, using differently colored price stickers along with one or more posters stating what colors indicate what price.) Consider placing similar, small items (e.g., several sets of stationery, pens and pencils, or sewing notions) in a clear baggie and pricing them as a unit. Obtain a garage sale permit. The $10 permit, good for up to three consecutive days, can be purchased at the City of Norman, 201 W. Gray St., Bldg. A, or at the Norman Transcript, 215 E. Comanche. Along with your permit (which you should display prominently at the sale), you will be given one temporary sign to be placed at your sale location. The advantage of obtaining your permit at the paper is that you can also place your classified ad there at that time, for an additional cost. If you must cancel the garage sale due to rain, you may return your permit to the City of Norman and request another
date. There are a number of regulations pertaining to garage sales, including sign usage and how many garage sales a resident is allowed to have each year. These can be found at www.normanok.gov/planning/garagesales. Take some time to properly advertise and market your garage sale. In addition to taking out a classified ad, there are several social networking sites available, including Craig’s List and Garage Sale Tracker (www.garagesalestracker.com/). Make sure to prominently list those items you are particularly motivated to sell: the motorcycle your uncle left in your garage back in 1985, your great-aunt’s china set that was willed to you and is never used, the Twilight series paperbacks your daughter left with you when she went to college… Use some creativity and humor in your ad; it might attract more visitors. Consider involving your neighbors. Several neighborhoods in Norman, including the Rock Creek Polo Club and Cambridge additions, have annual garage sale weekends – a sure way to draw traffic. Make it a family affair. Let your children set up a lemonade stand or ask them if they want to have their own table where they can sell their unused toys and keep the proceeds. You might be surprised how enterprising even young children can be if given a little encouragement. Weeks prior to your sale, gather together your card tables and other means of displaying your wares. Beg or borrow tables, shelving and other means of displaying clothing and other items. Days beforehand, begin pricing your items. This is, in itself, an art, as they should be priced at or only slightly above what you hope to get for them. Price them too low and you will not make enough profit to make the effort worthwhile; too high, and they won’t sell. As a general rule, if you are not sure you want to sell an item – say, an item holds sentimental value to you – don’t.
It’s important to have a well-organized, safe and clean sale site. I’ve been to sales where the clothes where all heaped in a pile on the ground and had been rained on for good measure, where you had to dig through deep boxes to look at shoes, and where the lighting was so poor you couldn’t make out details. These are major turnoffs; most people will simply look at the mess and move on. So, ensure that the location is clean and, if inside, well-lit. If outside, on the grass, make sure it has been mowed recently and is free of tripping hazards. Display (clean) clothing and other items in an attractive manner, similar to a retail shop. Sort your items logically. For example, one table could be dedicated to items for the kitchen, another for the bedroom, another for the yard. One table could be for electronics, another for toys and games. Though it sounds sexist, it’s a good idea to separate typically masculine items like tools and fishing and sporting goods from typically feminine items like sewing notions, kitchenware and scrapbooking supplies. If you are selling a TV, radio, toaster, etc., have an extension cord ready so you can plug it in to show that it is in working condition. If you have the original packaging and/or manual/instructions, include them. Sort clothing and shoes by age, gender and size. Keep in mind that it is much more difficult to sell winter items (coats, mittens, toboggan caps) when it’s 95 degrees F. outside. An added tip: go through pockets and purses to make sure there is no money, credit cards or other items with personal identification information you would prefer not to share in them. Finally, a precautionary note. Some items just shouldn’t be included, such as previously used personal hygiene products (like deodorant), used makeup, torn or stained undergarments and T-shirts, broken items, OTC or
prescription medications. Be mindful in placing potentially dangerous items (like kitchen and pocket knives) and anything that can be easily broken (like porcelain figurines and glass or ceramic lamps) out of reach of young children or where they could be blown over. A day or so prior to the sale, make sure to get change. You will want to have a minimum of $30 (more if you have a lot of big-ticket items, like furniture) in small bills, as well as an assortment of quarters, dimes and nickels. You may want to have a calculator (you can use the one on your smart phone). And your visitors will appreciate it if you have on hand plastic grocery bags and/or paper sacks and boxes for larger purchases, along with newspaper in which to wrap fragile items. If possible, enlist help during the sale as well as beforehand, especially during the critical, and generally busiest, early-morning hours. It’s up to you whether you enlist one person to handle the cash and the other to assist the customers, or if you share duties, but make sure to protect your earnings and keep an eye out for theft. It’s also nice to have someone on hand to help carry heavier items out to people’s cars or to make a food and drink run – or to help you pack it up and bring it all in quickly in the event of a sudden downpour or tornado siren! Be aware that garage sale enthusiasts (as well as experienced dealers looking for items to buy cheap and sell at a considerable profit at their store) tend to be a competitive lot, and that means some of them will be at your door early, maybe even the day before. Un-
less this is OK with you, you may wish to put up a sign saying “No early birds,” or something similar. On the day of the sale, place the items you think will be in highest demand toward the street, where they can be easily seen and may stop passersby who might otherwise keep going. Locate your smaller (think jewelry, campaign buttons, etc.) and more expensive items where you can keep a good eye on them – at your check-out table, for example. Decide beforehand what you will do with the items that remain unsold. Many people make a pact to not return any of the items to their house or garage. If this is the case for you, slash your prices by half (or more) on the last day or final hours. Depending on how much is left, either take the remaining goods to the charity or your choice or arrange for the charity to pick it up as soon as possible after the sale. Be willing to dicker, and be friendly, but not pushy. Remember, part of your goal is to discard unwanted and unused items, and most people are turned off or suspicious of those trying too hard to sell them something. Finally, relax and have fun! And when your sale is over, you will have a few extra dollars in your pocket and a cleaner, more clutterfree home.
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t re ndi ngmomsdadsgrads Explore Norman’s amazing shops and boutiques for the perfect gift For Mom, Dad or your Grad. Shop Norman. Shop Local.
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A beautiful pendant designed in a delicate fashion. Blush 566 Buchanan, Ste, E 701.8600, blushnorman.com
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BLOOMING AT YOUR DOOR Tulip Tree 360 24th Ave. NW, 329.1060 tuliptree.biz
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Norman Music
Kansas City’s Samantha Fish is an up and coming blues artist headlining 2014 Jazz in June’s Thursday Blues Night.
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2014 Jazz in June
Promises Eclectic Blend by d oug hill
The 31st annual Norman festival has scheduled a wide variety of music ranging from blues to hipster swing
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orman’s Jazz in June festival has a lot going for it late next month. It’s many residents’ favorite music festival because of family-friendly atmospheres and the opportunity to hear internationally celebrated musicians. Every year a team of dedicated veterans and newcomers collaborate on planning the next Jazz in June to be even better than the previous ones. Jim Johnson is one of those individuals. Many know him as Oklahoma University’s Programming Director for our local National Public Radio affiliate KGOU-FM (103.6). Johnson is also an on-air personality and host known as “Hard Luck Jim” of the popular show “Weekend Blues.” For 2014 most of the traditional day, time and venue schedule of past Jazz in June remains unchanged. It will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 19-21. The first and second evening of performances will be outdoors at Brookhaven Village. That’s an upscale retail shopping district with pleasant vibe and attractive buildings and landscaping. “We’re opening with Dirty Red and the Soul Shakers,” Johnson said. “They’re past players in Miss Blues’ band featuring Eric McDaniels on vocals.” Festival Thursdays have become known as “Blues Night” and this year will be no exception. Kansas City’s Samantha Fish Band is headliner that evening. She’s a young leggy blond blues chanteuse who flat-out shreds guitar. “Samantha won the 2012 Blues Music Best Debut Album award for her disc ‘Runaway,’” Johnson said. “She rocks her own original music, is
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KGOU’s Jim Johnson is among the dozens of people who help make Jazz in June happen every year. [Opposite page, top] Jazz in June’s Saturday finale will be in Abe Andrews Park. Photo by Doug Hill
a real up-and-comer and we’re excited to have her booked.” After Fish’s set there will be a latenight blues jam hosted by McDaniels at Tres Cantina downtown on Main Street. Friday evening’s performances will pair two very different sets of sounds. “It’s a yin and yang thing,” Johnson said. “We start out with the 25-piece Edmond Jazz Orchestra and conclude with the Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola Duo.” First will be swinging big band sounds great for old school dancers cutting a rug followed by contemporary non-traditional jazz. “California-based Hunter and Amendola on guitar and drums respectively are well-regarded on the jam band scene,” Johnson said. “They 56
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just released a cool album called ‘Pucker.’” Based on perennially low-attendance one of the most overlooked features of Jazz in June are the artist-led clinics. As with all events there’s no admission charge. It’s an opportunity to be in the same room with star talent and hear them discuss making music for an hour. 2014’s three clinics run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, at the Performing Arts Studio in the Santa Fe rail depot. Hunter and Amendola, festival headliner Dan Hicks and Kyle Reid will conduct three clinics. Reid is a Norman folk rock musician who both makes and plays cigar box guitars. He will demonstrate actual construction of one of these unusual stringed instru-
Photo by Doug Hill
Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks is the headliner for the after-hours jazz session at the Norman Hotel.
ments during his clinic. “Kyle is a great talent and he’s currently recording a CD of cigar box guitar music,” Johnson said. Saturday evening’s festival finale kicks off in the early evening at Abe Andrews Park. It starts with the Norman North High School jazz combo playing in the gazebo and during main stage intermissions. “Next up is Boyd Street Brass which features a contemporary take on traditional New Orleans second line parade music,” Johnson said. Following those party sounds will be big Norman outfit Pidgin, filling the park with funky guitar, drum and horn grooves. Members of those two bands will be going on to host the after-hours jazz jam session at Norman Hotel’s (formerly Holiday Inn Norman) lounge. “Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks is the headliner and will be performing last on the main stage,” Johnson said. “It will
be a slightly different vibe for Jazz in June but no less festive and fun.” Dan Hicks is one of contemporary American music’s great eccentrics. He’s a genre bender par excellence, diddling bebop, cowboy folk and gypsy into a very personal sound. Hicks has been on the cover of Rolling Stone and created a 17 title LP discography that stretches from 1969 to last year. Memories of Hicks various combos playing 1970s college town beer joints in these parts are still vivid. He has a rough and ready sense of humor fully on display in his sardonic songs. Sample title: “It Happened One Bite.” “Hicks just celebrated his 70th birthday with the release of a live album,” Johnson said. The entire exciting 2014 line-up will undoubtedly make for another memorable Jazz in June.
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Norman Sings
perfect harmony by d oris wedge
Photo by Kyle Phillips
K
ellie Coffey’s music career has taken her to places she didn’t dream of while growing up in Moore. But the place she is enjoying now is at home with her two children and husband. “All is perfect now. Exactly the way it should be,” the contented singer/ songwriter says. As she relaxes in her home in northwest Norman, she reflects on highs and lows of the music industry. Named the 2002 top new female vocal-
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ist by the Academy of Country Music, she had a song on the Top Ten charts for 57 weeks. But, as often happens in the music industry, business decisions are made that can send one’s career to the back burner and it is difficult to make the move back to the front row. Coffey can’t remember when she didn’t sing, whether it was in church or in the back seat of the family car. And she was young when she learned that she liked to perform. As a Moore
West student and later as an OU student, she was a stand-out performer in musical productions an she relished the chance to be on stage. She was a junior at OU when she began writing songs, pouring a young love heartache into verse and melody. “Love songs. Very sad love songs,” she can say today. As soon as she graduated she packed her belongings in her car and headed west, determined to find her way into the music industry. While waiting tables, she began to make contacts and to get “session work”, singing jingles, helping song writers hear their music performed, singing back-up to other performers. And she continued to write songs. One of those contacts was song-writer producer Geoff Koch. What started as a friendship turned into a song-writ-
Her first single, When You Lie Next To Me, was on the Top 10 cross adult contemporary charts for 57 weeks. Her album debuted at No. 5 on the country charts, the highest rating since LeAnn Rimes first album. Her second single, At the End of the Day reached the 12th spot on the charts. Coffey toured with Kenny Chesney in 2002-03. “I was right off the turnip truck. It was pretty exciting.” Chesney was one of the first to congratulate her when she was named the top new female vocalist. Touring with George Strait was another landmark in her career. Performing in the round, “you could feel the energy of the crowd. Just amazing. Awesome.” Coffey and her husband wanted children and the heartbreak of infertility resulted in another song, I Would Die For That, a song in her independently
Her first single, When You Lie Next To Me, was on the Top 10 cross adult contemporary charts for 57 weeks. ing partnership and gradually evolved into a love and marriage partnership as well. Their first work together was when he got the job of writing the music for the TV show “Walker Texas Ranger.” It was their first collaborative work, and the song-writing work together continues today. She did a lot of work with the Disney organization and her voice is still heard every night at the evening program at Epcot and singing “White Christmas” at the Disneyland Christmas Show. After a decade writing songs and singing back-up for such notables as Barbra Streisand and Melissa Manchester, she landed a recording contract. She crisscrossed the country visiting 117 radio stations promoting her album. Long, tiring days “We would do morning shows, meet people all day long and then take them to dinner,” she recalls.
produced album Walk On. Happily, they now have two children, Jackson, 8, and Maggie, who will soon be 6. She was asked to perform Walk On at the memorial service following the May 20 tornado in Moore. “Someone in the governor’s office knew that song and they called and asked me to sing it.” It was especially emotional for her since the Plaza Towers Elementary Principal Amy Simpson is a life-long friend. At the request of Toby Keith, she also performed at his tornado benefit concert. Coffey and her husband remain active in the music industry, writing and producing songs. Her music is available on iTunes and he produced a video of Coffey’s journey, Kellie Coffey I’m Still Here, which can be seen on YouTube.
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INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW 2015 GMC YUKON DENALI
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Making a Difference
Brynn Bauman at the Sanu Babies Home Orphanage in Kampala.
Sanu means Happiness by chris jones
A
Brynn Bauman met Erone on her first visit to Uganda.
visit to the Sanu Babies Home Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda has given a Norman teen a mature and caring perspective for those in need. A tiny girl named Erone caught Brynn Bauman’s heart the first time she saw her. And since their meeting the 14-year old Whittier Middle School student has worked to do something helpful. Basics such as rice, water, shoes, and diapers all appear in a different light since her visit to the orphanage. Byrnn is learning from the 4-year old orphan, who though nearly 12,000 miles away, is now a part of her life. In July 2013, Brynn traveled with her parents, Sean and Renee Bauman and her younger sister and brother, to Uganda.
Sean Bauman is president and CEO of IMMY, a Norman biotech company manufacturing diagnostic tests used in the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. Not too many Norman dads go to work in Uganda, however Baumann’s business requires frequent travel to Africa where there is the greatest need for the IMMY products. Brynn, a quiet girl with pale blonde hair, said she tried to imagine what Kampala would look like. “It was much worse than I imagined,” she said. “There were so many beggars and people sitting on the street, horns honking and traffic chaos in the streets. I could smell exhaust fumes and bananas cooking.” People pointed and stared at the
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Brynn started a website to tell the story of the orphanage.
family with their pale skin and hair. Once they recovered from the shock of seeing armed guards at the airport and hotel and being warned about serious dangers, they began to feel the warmth and friendliness of people they met. The family had planned to visit a number of tourist sites in the area, but a visit to the Sanu Babies Home Orphanage changed their focus.
The Eyes of an Orphan
“When we came to the orphanage all the children came running to us,” Brynn said. “I cried when we left. All of us cried. The next day we were supposed to look at Chimpanzee Island, but we cancelled the plans to go back to the orphanage.” Erone’s mother abandoned her and she became one of over two million orphans in Uganda. She was blessed to 64
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have a father, but he had no money to care for her. The orphans just keep coming and the “mamas” or workers in the orphanage do the best they can with what they have.
“Three orphans arrived when we were there,” Byrnn said. The Baumans played with the babies and children, fed them, mopped floors and helped with laundry. When it was time to return to Norman, Byrnn began thinking of ways she could help. She started a website to tell the story of Sanyu Babies Home, and she saved money from gifts she would have received for her birthday in December, and Christmas. Her goal of $200, reached $2,250 as friends in Norman contributed when they learned of her love for the orphans. In January Brynn and her father returned to Uganda with funds for medicine and vaccine. They brought rice and sugar, toys and clothes. “It was so much fun to shop for Erone before we went back this year,” Sean Baumann said.
SUMMER READING Norman Public Library & Norman Public Library West & the Virtual Library
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C H I L DREN’SS
Brynn used part of her own birthday money to send Erone to school.
Erone had gone to live with her father in a remote village two miles from the city, but people from the orphanage drove them there for a joyful reunion with Erone, and to meet her father Edward. Byrnn used part of her birthday money to send the little girl to school and provide the uniform Erone needed. “I can’t overestimate the impact Brynn has had on this little girl’s life,” Sean Bauman said. “It was a challenge for Erone’s father to bring her home from the orphanage. His pay is five to seven dollars a day when he works.” Friends of the Bauman family sometimes ask if they will adopt Erone, but this is not their intention. “She has a father who cares about her and with God’s grace she will thrive,” Sean Bauman said. “Erone is like a little sister to Brynn and we will keep this relationship and help with her education and other needs.” Brynn’s parents said their daughter, always a good student, has a new appreciation and focus on her studies since the trips to Uganda, and help for others in her hometown. Renee Bauman said her daughter is a caring teen who is a mentor for a first grade child in Norman who needs help with reading and homework. The trip to Uganda has been a life changing event for them and many others. “We feel like God put us together for a reason,” Sean Bauman said of the orphans and their family connection. “We would like to return to Uganda this summer. We are committed and will watch Erone grow up.”
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Visit the website for details about Summer Reading Programs for Children, Teens, and Adults at the Hometown Public Libraries of the Pioneer Library System w w w.justsoyouk now.us/summer
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NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
Norman History
Political artifacts an insight into Oklahoma history Pat Lenington taught history and coached track and field and cross country for 37 years in the Norman Public Schools. Including fun in the lesson plan was one of his keys to success. A 1976 NebraskaOklahoma football program is part of Lennington’s collection.
Political campaign buttons of the past hold clues to forgotten history.
L
earning history can be dry as bones for many but the OU alumnus with a graduate degree
story & photos by d oug hill
in that subject found a way early on to make it come alive for high school students. “1968 was an important election year and the three main candidates Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace all had campaign headquarters in Norman,” Lenington said. The young teacher gathered campaign buttons and pamphlets from these offices and covered a bulletin board in his classroom with them. This had the desired effect of sparking keen interest in a generation who were observing in real time a critical era of American history being made during their lives. “That turned out to be a lot of fun,” Lenington said. “In 1972 my teaching colleague Mike Robinson did the same thing.” For both men this strategy of gathering campaign materials for use in the classroom turned into the pastime of collecting them. As friends they
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Vintage political collectibles in Coach Lenington’s display case at the 23rd St. Antiques Mall in Oklahoma City.
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shared a passion for learning about well-known and obscure politicians, seeking rare pin-back buttons, selling, buying and trading them until Robinson’s death two years ago. Lenington has developed his knowledge of political history and eye for collecting associated artifacts into a commercial enterprise. He presently has sales space for these and other historical items at Bruce’s Vintage Guitars and Antiques, 306 E. Main and 23rd Street Antique Mall, 3023 NW 23rd St. Oklahoma City. Lenington also sells at the website eBay along with other internet auction sites. He spots these items from the past at estate and garage sales, flea markets and conventions. Undoubtedly these finds are often saved from being discarded and destroyed, doing a service of preserving history and supplying like-minded collectors with long sought after keepsakes. Not surprisingly, Coach Lenington has played a fascinating role in Oklahoma history himself. His coaching career included 13 State Championships and 25 runners-up. He served 31 years in the Army Reserve and National Guard achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Pat and wife Karen will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in August. Coach
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
Lenington has and continues to operate the down box at OU home football games for the past 43 years. “That’s my favorite sideline,” he said. It’s all an admirable personal chronicle by any measure. “Political buttons tell a huge story and you can do research and learn about very interesting characters,” Lenington said. “The struggle for Oklahoma’s statehood is fascinating history. Republicans tended to oppose it because it would mean two more Democratic Senators. There were national politicians coming through Oklahoma during that time and when they did there was always a big button made for them.” Armantrout Brothers photography studio in Guthrie produced many of these pieces. Bird Segle McGuire (1865-1930) was the last U.S. Representative from Oklahoma Territory and after statehood serve six consecutive terms in Congress. An Armantrout-produced button with his big mustached likeness bearing the campaign promise “Statehood (and) Free School Books” recently sold for a mere ten dollar bill. Seeing a button for gridiron great Bud Wilkinson who ran for the U.S. senate in 1964 begged one big question. How could a former
legendary OU football coach running as a Republican lose in Oklahoma? “Probably a lot of voters resented the fact that he left coaching to run for office,” Lenington said with a chuckle. In addition to the fact that the GOP didn’t enjoy the dominance then that they do now. Lenington’s own collection has focused on gubernatorial candidate buttons. “I’m still looking for a Lee Cruce button, Oklahoma’s second governor,” he said. Cruce was known for being hell on vice, keeping the state dry and even using the state militia to enforce bans on horse racing. “There are territorial delegate buttons that are elusive,” Lenington said. “Buttons commemorating David L. Payne after his work was done were made and those are good finds too.” Payne is sometimes known as the Father of Oklahoma and led the Boomer Army into the Unassigned Lands in 1880.
boot sale
Coach Lennington has a sales booth in Norman and one in Oklahoma City for his collectibles.
blowout
May 9th & 10th
OU football buttons from 1913-1915 are scarce as hen’s teeth and fetch top dollar. “They are super tough to find and one of the best OU collectibles,” Lenington said. “Ones from Oklahoma A&M and Central State Normal are also desirable.” Thousands of postcards with pictures from early Norman and OU were made, many still exist and some are for sale. “Years ago I bought a collection of photo postcards made by Roy Heffner,” Lenington said. “He was a freelance photographer here in the 1920s-1930s who took pictures at athletic events and lots of OU connected shots.” These postcards include photos of fraternity and sorority houses, university buildings and posed sports team portraits. They are among the many historical treasures that Coach Lenington has saved from oblivion for new generations to enjoy and learn from.
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Tim Sweatte can hardly remember a time when business. As soon as he could make change, he Taste ofon Norman drive-in West Lindsey. “I think I started whe picking up trash before that. Dad put us to wor he drive-in in the late 1950s after working for C Carolina to play football and run track at the U was on an 8-man football team and OU Coach on Chris, 26, now works in the business which of Norman drive-in diners. The business starte ranchise and then finally Classic 50s. They ha while watching west Lindsey Street develop aro nd Lindsey opened first, then Glenn’s. “Lindse dirty from all the farmers driving on it,” recalls nd the river.” Inside the drive-in, space is at a p napkins, straws, ketchup packets or salt. Soft dr pensers are all within an arms reach of a staff m orders. Good service is appreciated but fast ser first oriented east and west rather than the curr meant making loops to see who was together a ively cheap. “We called it the Sonic 500,” Sweat Coke dates often were the start of long-term rel ay, ‘we had our first date here.’ They like it that amily.” The drive-in once had two 18-hole min hurch parking. For a time, goats did the mowi ystem that delivered a customer’s order on a co oft drinks (2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 high school T crowd as well as the “Sprittle” drink burgers are the most popular burger. Pickle-oCompetition has been strong. Fast-food franch rom near Berry Road to across the street. Soni ront door before moving across the street. “Th mostly they were their own people,” says Sweat me three months. I was scared for a while.” Eve hat Classic 50s needed support. v“The commu ported us ever since,” said Sweatte. The newest ng of Lindsey Street in 2015. It will disrupt all he McGee Avenue drainage and replace the Li by a ndy rieger
Photos by Kyle Phillips
Neon lights up the night on West Lindsey Street at Classic 50s Drive-In.
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im Sweatte can hardly remember a time when he didn’t work in the drive-in restaurant business. As soon as he could make change, he was carhopping at Norman’s original Sonic drive-in on West Lindsey. “I think I started when I was 11,” said Sweatte, now 55. “Maybe picking up trash before that. Dad put us to work.” Juel Glenn and Elaine Sweatte opened the drive-in in the late 1950s after working for Coca-Cola. He came to Norman from South Carolina to play football and run track at the University of Oklahoma. In South Carolina, he was on an 8-man football team and OU Coach Bud Wilkinson somehow found him.
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
Tim’s son Chris, 26, now works in the business which has served four and maybe five generations of Norman drive-in diners. The business started as Glenn’s Drive-In, then became a Sonic franchise and then finally Classic 50s. They have been in three different buildings, all the while watching west Lindsey Street develop around them. Pat and Sue’s drive-in at McGee and Lindsey opened first, then Glenn’s. “Lindsey Street wasn’t a dirt road. It was just real dirty from all the farmers driving on it,” recalls Sweatte. “There wasn’t anything between us and the river.” Inside the drive-in, space is at a premium. Every inch is covered with boxes, napkins,
n he didn’t work in the drive-in restaurant was carhopping at Norman’s original Sonic en I was 11,” said Sweatte, now 55. “Maybe rk.”Juel Glenn and Elaine Sweatte opened Coca-Cola. He came to Norman from South University of Oklahoma. In South Carolina, he h Bud Wilkinson somehow found him. Tim’s h has served four and maybe five generations ed as Glenn’s Drive-In, then became a Sonic ave been in three different buildings, all the ound them. Pat and Sue’s drive-in at McGee ey Street wasn’t a dirt road. It was just real s Sweatte. “There wasn’t anything between us premium. Every inch is covered with boxes, drink machines and soft serve ice cream dismember always in something of a race to fill rvice brings tips. for the crew. The drive-in was rent north-south loop. Cruisin’ on weekends and who was driving what. Gasoline was relatte recalls. “Round and round and around.” elationships. “We have couples come back and t we’re still here and still owned by the same niature golf courses in the area that is now wing. Once, Juel installed a massive conveyor onveyor track. Happy hours for half-price 0 p.m. ) remain popular with the college and k which is a Sprite with Skittles. Bacon cheese -s and footlong hot dogs are local favorites. hises have come and gone. McDonald’s moved ic opened up about a 7-iron from Sweatte’s They had 300 people at their grand opening bu tte. “One of my sales reps said they were giving en before social networking, the word spread unity really rallied behind us and have supcompetitor may be the city’s planned widenbusinesses for a time while. The plan is to fix indsey Street overpass at I-35 at the same time straws, ketchup packets or salt. Soft drink machines and soft serve ice cream dispensers are all within an arms reach of a staff member always in something of a race to fill orders. Good service is appreciated but fast service brings tips. for the crew. The drive-in was first oriented east and west rather than the current north-south loop. Cruisin’ on weekends meant making loops to see who was together and who was driving what. Gasoline was relatively cheap. “We called it the Sonic 500,” Sweatte recalls. “Round and round and around.” Coke dates often were the start of long-term relationships. “We have couples come back and say, ‘we had our first date here.’ They like it that we’re still here and still owned by the same family.”
The drive-in has withstood competitors for nearly 60 years. Drinks and ice-cream concoctions are big sellers late at night. The drive-in once sported two 18-hole miniature golf courses.
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Tim Sweatte can hardly remember a time when he didn’t work in the drive-in restaurant business. As soon as he could make change, he was arhopping at Norman’s original Sonic driven on West Lindsey. “I think I started when I was 11,” said Sweatte, now 55. “Maybe picking up trash before that. Dad put us to work.”Juel Glenn and Elaine Sweatte opened the drive-in n the late 1950s after working for Coca-Cola. He came to Norman from South Carolina to play football and run track at the University of Oklahoma. In South Carolina, he was on n 8-man football team and OU Coach Bud Wilkinson somehow found him. Tim’s son Chris, 26, now works in the business which has served four and maybe five generations of Norman drive-in diners. The business started s Glenn’s Drive-In, then became a Sonic franhise and then finally Classic 50s. They have been in three different buildings, all the while watching west Lindsey Street develop around hem. Pat and Sue’s drive-in at McGee and Lindsey opened first, then Glenn’s. “Lindsey Street wasn’t a dirt road. It was just real dirty rom all the farmers driving on it,” recalls Swette. “There wasn’t anything between us and th iver.” Inside the drive-in, space is at a premium. Every inch is covered with boxes, napkins, traws, ketchup packets or salt. Soft drink mahines and soft serve ice cream dispensers are ll within an arms reach of a staff member always in something of a race to fill orders. Good ervice is appreciated but fast service brings ips. for the crew. The drive-in was first oriented ast and west rather than the current northouth loop. Cruisin’ on weekends meant makng loops to see who was together and who was Popular items include the “potato boat” and soft drinks topped with candies. Daily happy hours remain popular with the high school and college crowd.
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The drive-in once had two 18hole miniature golf courses in the area that is now church parking. For a time, goats did the mowing. Once, Juel installed a massive conveyor system that delivered a customer’s order on a conveyor track. Happy hours for half-price soft drinks (2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ) remain popular with the college and high school crowd as well as the “Sprittle” drink which is a Sprite with Skittles. Bacon cheeseburgers are the most popular burger. Pickle-o-s and footlong hot dogs are local favorites. Competition has been strong. Fast-food franchises have come and gone. McDonald’s moved from near Berry Road to across the street. Sonic opened up about a 7-iron from Sweatte’s front door before moving across the street. “They had 300 people at their grand opening, but mostly they were their own people,”
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
says Sweatte. “One of my sales reps said they were giving me three months. I was scared for a while.” Even before social networking, the word spread that Classic 50s needed support. “The community really rallied behind us and have supported us ever since,” said Sweatte. The newest competitor may be the city’s planned widening of Lindsey Street in 2015. It will disrupt all businesses for a time while. The plan is to fix the McGee Avenue drainage and replace the Lindsey Street overpass at I-35 at the same time. “We may have to deliver to a limited area,” Sweatte said. “It’s going to be tough.”
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Cool wines for Hot Times by k athy hallren
Try a wine cocktail
S
ummer is upon us once more and it is time for new refreshing wines. Spain and Argentina produce wines perfect for the patio on a hot afternoon. Albarino from northwest Spain is produced from grapes, possibly distantly related to Riesling. The wine is a dry, light fruit forward wine, with notes of pear. It is distinctively different than the Vinho Verde produced in Portugal. Originally the Albarino vines were grown on the trunks of trees surrounding fields, but the rising popularity has moved the grapes in traditional vineyards producing greater yields and better quality. If you like Gerwurztraminer, give Albarino a try. This wine pairs well with a variety
Coctel de Santiago 2 ½ ounces Albarino ¾ ounce gin ¾ ounce St. Germain Combine in a mixing glass and stir with ice; strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
of foods, but you may especially enjoy it with spicy fare, or even chips and dip. Torrontes originates in Argentina, although some is now grown in Chile. Its heritage is however, unique to Argentina. Torrontes is similar in taste profile to Albarino with perhaps a little more sweetness, depending on the particular wine maker. Again it has a taste profile with notes of peach. Looking to serve something different than Riesling or with a little less sweetness than Moscato on a hot day, give Torrontes a chance. It will be a real crowd pleaser, and will pair well with smoked meats, and mild to medium cheese. A great party pick. Have a great summer, Kathy
Torrontea Cocktail 2 Lime wedges 2 Ginger slices ½ ounce Simple Syrup 2 ounces Torrontes wine ½ ounce Vodka 2o unces Camomille tea (any floral tea will work) Add 2 wedges of lime with the ginger to your class, add the sugar syrup and crush vigorously, ensuring the lime zest and ginger are nicely crushed. Fill glass with ice and add the Torrontes and Vodka. Shake for 10 seconds. Serve and top up the glass with the tea.
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Norman Sport
Old School rugby here to stay A well-known and oft repeated quote sprung from a Brad Pitt movie about a bunch of youngsters joining an underground street fighting group: “The first rule of fight club is do not talk about fight club. The second rule of fight club is Do Not talk about fight club.” A high school club sport in Norman, the real-life variety, is gaining momentum as more and more players join. However, it has a credo decidedly different than the aforementioned quote. In fact, those associated with high school rugby in Norman want nothing more than to get the word out. Talking about rugby is step one of growing the sport. “It’s all about word of mouth,” says Preston Pennington, a Norman High junior. “We want to let people know we’re out there and get people talking about it.” The “We” Pennington is referring to is the Norman Colts. The Normanbased rugby team has 30 players, the majority of which are Norman High or Norman North students, but there are also team members from Washington, Purcell and Noble. The sport isn’t sanctioned by the state’s governing body of high school athletics (the Oklahoma Secondary Activities Association). Nor is it funded by either of the local schools’ athletic budgets. It’s a club sport that relies on its players and coaches to raise money through their own efforts and sponsorships. And that is one reason why talking about it is essential. But there is another purpose.
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Photos by Kyle Phillips
by j ustin harper
The Norman Colts have attracted about 30 players from Norman High and Norman North High School.
“To really grow and get to the level where we can compete with the best teams in the state on a yearly basis, we’ve got to get more kids out and get them when they’re younger,” said Rodney Burt, one of two coaches for the Colts. “A lot of times we don’t get players until they are seniors in high school. And rugby has a lot of nuances and players benefit a lot who have spent more time in the sport. It’s difficult to just show up and learn.” One such player who opted to give rugby a go as a senior is Zac Musgrove
of Norman North. And what convinced him to try? “A guy I had first hour with at school kept talking about it,” said Musgrove. “Kevin Hollcroft (a player and team president for the Colts) talks about it all the time and he kept saying, ‘You have to come see a match.’ He said I’d be hooked. So, I finally did it and he was right. I was hooked.” And now it’s Musgrove spreading the word about the Colts. And not just in the hallways at Norman North. “We have to be ambassadors for the sport out in the community,” said
the 17-year old. “We need to push the envelope and bring it up as often as we can. We need to let people know, ‘Hey, the high schools have a rugby team.’” Another step is to shed an ugly image of the sport. Another major difference from the “Fight Club” analogy is this: “There aren’t all these bloody noses, busted teeth and broken bones,” said Musgrove. “People hear these crazy stories. That kind of stuff doesn’t really happen.” Adds Pennington: “You don’t see a lot of injuries in rugby. And compared to football, the injuries are less serious. You may have more bruises playing rugby, but not injuries.” Pennington would know. As would Musgrove. Both are football players for their schools.
“Rugby has had a bad rap,” says Burt. “The exaggeration of broken noses and blood running down players’ faces used to be played up to make the players look tough. But as far as serious injuries, you don’t see that often. We have to tell the players to educate people and let them know that’s not what rugby is all about. It’s not what it’s like.” Comparing the two sports, both Pennington and Musgrove brought up the fact that playing without pads makes a player less willing to fire themselves torpedo-like at another. “With football pads, you lose the trigger mechanism in your head that makes you think, I need to protect my body along with the other player,” Musgrove said. “In rugby you kind of sub-
consciously maneuver differently and feel your way through the game more.”
W
hile the Colts work on building a future legacy, its past is rooted within many of the same people who helped rugby prosper at the University of Oklahoma — Al Velie, Tim Wilson, Jon Velie and Michelle Corr, among others. The OU rugby clubs are flourishing and in March held a 40-year celebration of rugby at the school. Tracy Curtis, who coaches the Colts with Burt, played women’s rugby at Emery University in the 1990s. After relocating to Norman, she played for and then coached OU’s women’s rugby club, the Roses. The Colts, loosely founded in 1999, were looking for
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The high school team is not sanctioned by the state’s governing body of high school athletics. Players and coaches raise their own money to compete and travel. [Top right] OU’s alumni returned for a reunion match on a rainy weekend this spring.
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coaching help in 2001. And after 10 years of juggling time conflicts between her job and the travel required to coach the Roses, Curtis took on a new challenge. She’s seen the high school program take shape and grow to new heights. “We became more competitive in the 2000s, but we’re much more so now,” Curtis said. “For the last several years we’ve had a good solid team. We’ve got 30 guys on the team, we have (team funding) in the bank and good support from the university. We’re well established. Certainly on the map.” Not unlike other OSAA-sanctioned sports, Tulsa Union and Jenks are the elite in high school rugby. Union, a perennial state champion and nationalcaliber team has 40 players and is said to be sponsored by the school’s athletic department. To elevate to the level of the Tulsaarea clubs, more than community support is needed. Youth programs and recognition of the sport in the middle school age group would go a long way toward building on the foundation that the Colts already provide. Burt, a multi-sport athlete and standout wrestler at Comanche in the late 1980s, played rugby at OU beginning in 1988. After moving away upon graduation, he and his wife returned to Norman 10 years ago. When he got back he got involved where he could with the OU rugby club. In 2009, Burt was at an OU practice at the Al Velie Rugby Complex, just west of the Lloyd Noble Center, and looked over and saw a high school team working out. He noticed several of his friends from the rugby community were coaching. Next thing you know, Burt, alongside Curtis, was all in to build a high school rugby program in Norman. Today the growth of the team has become apparent. “We’ve had some major improvements the last two years,” says Burt. “We found a new pool of athletes. Where we used to just rely on a couple of football players here or there, we now have kids who play all different
types of sports and kids from four towns and five schools. We used to get one or two pretty good athletes, but our teams also had a lot of guys who were just looking for something to do. We still have some football players, but we’re getting athletes from all sports. And we’re not having to plead to get them.” Though a significant leap in progress, the Colts are looking to cultivate such athletes starting around age 15 rather than working quickly with one-year players. “We’re always looking for any kind of exposure we can get for our sport with the younger kids,” said Burt. “We’ve made some inroads. We’ve had some coaches ask us to come talk to their kids about rugby. If we could just get a start at the middle schools, it could just take off.” There are a select few who come to the Colts with rugby in their bloodlines. Pennington, for instance, got the bug to play the sport watching his sister, Zoe, play for the Roses. He joined the Colts as an eighth-grader. Now he’s the first nonsenior to ever be voted captain of the team. Another Norman High product, Cale Stumpff, comes from a line of rugby enthusiasts. Stumpff, who plays football for the Tigers and is a national champion in freestyle wrestling, has been at OU’s Tarzan Pitch since birth. In fact, his father coached Curtis during her playing days.
Rugby players returned for a celebration of the sport’s 40 year anniversary at OU.
Of course, those are the players who need no recruiting. It’s the Musgroves of world -- or, Norman in this case -- that the Colts need to gather sooner. “What a great athlete,” says Burt of the former quarterback. “If we had him for more than just one year … wow.” On the other hand, it’s a move in the right direction that the Colts were able to land a player like Musgrove who had never really given rugby a second thought. “This is definitely a first in my family,” he said. “My par-
ents didn’t know what to think at first.” And they had mixed reactions soon thereafter. Though, as mentioned previously, the cracked noses aren’t a common occurrence in rugby … well, they do happen every now and then. And sometimes in friendly fire. “The first match my mom came to I accidentally broke one of my teammate’s nose,” Musgrove laughs. “She said, ‘OK, you’re not playing anymore. But I talked her into it. Then my dad saw a match for the first time and he loved it right from the start.” No doubt he told others. Talking about this club is not only allowed, it’s warranted.
NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Norman Library
Summer fun at the library
S
by c hristian potts
ummer means many things around the libraries of the Pioneer Library System. A chance to keep up on reading skills, to get a break in the cool air conditioning or to catch up on the latest technology offered through the library as the world of reading keeps evolving. It also means the library’s most diverse and complete set of programs of the year, as talented performers share their knowledge with audiences of all ages. This June and July is no exception, as the Norman Public Library, Norman Public Library West and all of the 11 branch libraries and even a few points beyond take part in the Summer Reading Program. The scope of these programs is significant. Last summer, the attendance at library programs totaled more than 41,000 people. “That’s a lot of friendly faces coming through the door and seeing not just a program, but hopefully everything that our library has to offer,” said Gary Kramer, Public Information Officer for the Pioneer Library System. 82
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Arakansas-based magician Tommy Diaz, better known as Tommy Terrific, will perform his magic shows for Pioneer Library System audiences this July.
Getting scientific
This year’s Summer Reading Program is centered on science and has the usual entertaining themes for each age group of reader. Children will take part in activities that go “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Teens are going to “Spark a Reaction” and adults can find the right “Literary Elements” to make for a great summer. The programs coming to the library reflect both that science theme and also the interests of those age groups. “That’s my goal, just like the library, to create an educated populous that can read, and as soon as you can start reading you can start thinking at a different level that can make you think and help your community have an informed populous,” said musician Kevin Dolan, one of this year’s Summer Reading Program performers. “That starts really young, starts with teaching them how to think.”
For the kids
The Oklahoma Museum Network, which includes longtime library partner Science Museum Oklahoma, will bring a physics and chemistry lesson for kids. They’ll take some favorite children’s books and use them in activities that bring learning while children are having fun. “For the most part we try to tie books into everything,” said Eileen Castle, coordinator of outreach programs for the Oklahoma Museum Network. “I think my little kids book collection may be more than some of the people I know with little kids.” For animal lovers, Extreme Animals, an Oklahoma City-based group, will bring several of its exotic animal friends for a program that gives a hands-on education about animals not commonly seen in this part f the world.
[above] Image consultant and personal development coach Kay Byrd will share her tips with women during her tour of Pioneer Library System hometown libraries this summer. [left] Patrick Riley shows off two of his Egyptian masks that he will display during his tour of the Pioneer Library System this summer. Teens that participate in Riley’s workshop will decorate and take home their own leather mask.
Shana Schmidt of Extreme Animals shows off “One-Eyed Jack,” an albino Burmese python. Extreme Animals will bring several of its exotic friends for educational programs in local libraries as part of this year’s Summer Reading Program.
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Magician Tommy Terrific has been a library favorite for years, and Dolan will come to Oklahoma from the Kansas City area to morph into his alterego, Dino O’Dell, to provide an afternoon of wacky tunes with a purpose. And some of the library’s youngest visitors are invited to the program “Grow a Learner with Art” (GLARt). The two-part program, conducted by local artist Kiona Millirons, is for ages 5 and under and their parents or caregivers, and uses art activities to aid early literacy skills.
Teen topics
Kevin Dolan, also known as Dino O’Dell, will perform many of his outer space-themed original songs during the Pioneer Library System’s Summer Reading Program series in June.
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Art is a big part of the teens’ summer schedule. Patrick Riley is a legend within the Oklahoma Arts Council’s touring roster, his creative masks being a favorite through school and library workshops. This year, participants will decorate leather masks of an Egyptian design.
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“We’ll be focusing on the pharaohs and the royalty of Egypt, the lineage of the pharaohs, who built the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the different temples,” Riley said. “It will be a history lesson as well.” Much of Riley’s inspiration for Egyptian mask making came from days spent as a child at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. And the museum is part of the teen programming slate also, with a presentation centering on its collection of items from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras, which is the largest of its type in Oklahoma. “Our education philosophy is with art, through art, about art,” said Donna Merkt, Curator of Education at the museum. “We definitely try to bring in social studies, science, art, even math into our programs. It’s going to be a lot of fun to talk about science this summer.” And the Oklahoma Museum Network will have a teen-centered program at libraries as well, with the museum’s “Zombie Responder Team” on site to get local teens ready in case the summer brings a zombie apocalypse. Teens can show off their improvisational acting skills with the guidance of the experts from OKC Improv, who will bring a day of creativity and laughs into each PLS hometown library in July.
Literary elements
Reading is a lifelong endeavor, and the library has several program options for adults this summer, with two geared specifically toward women. Kay Byrd brings a wealth of experience as an image consultant and personal development coach. She has worked with clients around the country, written magazine articles and appeared in television and radio spots giving her tips on helping women find the right look. Now she’ll do so for audiences throughout the library system. “Be Wild for Art” is a Norman-based art studio that specializes in short programs where would-be artists spend time painting and socializing. They’ll take their program on the road for evening events at both the downtown Norman Public Library and Norman Public Library West locations this summer. The Norman-based Food for Thought Institute returns to the library for a second year and will focus on the art of pickling, giving ideas for how to preserve a variety of items, from apples to zucchini and everything in between. For a complete listing of the schedule of Summer Reading Program events, visit the Norman Public Library’s website, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/norman, or call 701-2600. Also, keep up with the library on Facebook at “Pioneer Library System” or follow on Twitter @mylibrary2go. NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Snap
86 Chamber Banquet | 87 Assistance League Gala 88 Bridges Prom | 89 Kidspace | 90 First American 91 89er Rodeo | 92 Arts! Arts! Arts! 93 Mardi Gras | 94 True Grit 96 Social Justice Award | 97 Parting Shot
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Chamber Banquet
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The Norman Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet April 17 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Banker Andy Sherrer passed the gavel to Mike Fowler who will preside over the business organization in 2014-2015.
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6 1. Joe Sparks and Michelle Hohlier 2. City Council members and guests enjoyed the evening’s festivities 3. Jonathan Fowler and his mother Terri Fowler 4. Dr. Chris and Gary Purcell
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5. Claudia Griffith 6. The band, “Professor D,” entertained before and after the chamber’s festivities 7. MacKenzie Britt visits other chamber members 8. Tessa Breeder, Stephen Tyler Holman and April Doshier
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Assistance League Gala
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The Assistance League of Norman celebrated its 40 year anniversary with a chapter house reception in February.
1. Outgoing chairman Andy Sherrer visits with a chamber member 2. Mike Thompson receives an award from John Woods 3. “Professor D” entertained the crowd. 4. Assistance League of Norman founding member Gerry Mayes, left, and founding president Donna Hughes. 5. Jaclynn Reynolds, Lolly Frank, Nancy Dill and Geri Krenek 6. Founding president Donna Hughes and current president Jennifer Cook toast the league’s 40 years of service in Norman. 7. Steffani Allen, Diane Dragg and Sharon Heatly 8. Jason Jobe, left, and Clark Collier prepare hors d’oeuvres NORMAN magazine | MAY/JUNE 2014
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Snap Shots Bridges Prom A prom “do-over” to benefit the Bridges housing project was held at Star Skate, 2020 W. Lindsey.
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3 1. Gina and Justin Kelly 2. Autumn and Tom Crawford 3. Richard Justik and Kent Tarver 4. M eredith Worthen, Brian Eddins and Autumn Hobbs 5. Tania Rubio-Rosas and John Woods 6. Nikki Noey ance shoes replaced skates on the 7. D Star Skate floor.
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Kidspace Makeover Volunteers from the Norman community and the University of Oklahoma joined city crews over a March weekend to make over the 15-year-old Kidspace at Reaves Park. Volunteers sanded and re-sealed the wood and steel structure, painted and put down new mulch bedding just in time for the annual Medieval Fair held at the park.
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Snap Shots
First American First American Bank sponsored the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours April 15. The bank had a Mexican fiesta theme for the event.
Leslie and Jason Christopher Allan Oehlschlager used the event to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Stephen and Susie Smith
Zach Ball, Bow Bottomly
Chris Allen, Rhonda Hamon and Gail Willis
Kathy Morris, Eric Williams
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Joshua Hinkle, Miranda Taliaferro, Haley Murray
Anita Bednar, Hank Enterline, Cecelia Yoder
Stefanie Brickman enjoys a massage from Amanda Barnard
Andrew Seamans, Evan O’Connell, Kathy Cardott
Parade & Wild West Show Norman celebrated the 125th anniversary of the land run that lead to the town’s founding. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show followed at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. Parade grand marshal, left side, middle photo, was longtime Norman banker and civic leader Al Loeffelholz Jr.
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Snap Shots
23rd Annual Arts! Arts! Arts! Celebrating old memories and creating new ones made for a delightful evening at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City during the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts 23rd annual Arts! Arts! Arts! Celebration on Monday, March 10. The event committee, co-chaired by Beth Kerr, Lindy Ritz and Susan Turpen, planned an event to showcase the creativity and talent of student artists in the college. Barry and Becky Switzer, and Lou Kerr served as honorary chairs for the event. The Chickasaw Nation was the Spotlight Sponsor. Costumed students from the Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama and the School of Dance greeted guests upon their arrival as the sounds of a student string quartet from the School of Music filled the grand hallway. Students from the School of Art and Art History not only exhibited their work, but also provided a traditional ceramics demonstration and a cutting-edge display of how 3D printing technology can be used to create art. Guests also viewed awardwinning scenic design displays from tech students in the School of Drama. Upon entering the Special Events Center, attendees enjoyed entertainment from a classical guitarist and a student jazz ensemble as they viewed costume displays from past University Theatre productions. Students from the Max Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre then kicked-off the program portion of the evening with a rousing number from The Drowsy Chaperone. After a delicious meal, Broadway and television star Betty Buckley headlined the evening with a delightfully entertaining set, wrapping up with her signature tune, “Memory,” from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical CATS.
OU Fine Arts Dean Rich Taylor and Betty Buckley
Honorary event co-chairs Becky and Barry Switzer meet Broadway and television star Betty Buckley.
OU Drama students Andrew Rathgeber and Kimberly Maxwell welcome guests to the event. From left: OU School of Dance students Melanie Jensen, Austin Crumley, Camille Robinson and Cameron Morgan showcase costumes from past Oklahoma Festival Ballet productions of Cinderella and The Firebird.
Ryan Hauser and Norman Arts Council Executive Director Erinn Gavaghn enjoy the reception.
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Event co-chair Lindy Ritz, right, and her husband John Ritz thank the evening’s headliner, Betty Buckley, for her performance.
Doris Whinery, long-time supporter of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, at left, and Karen Gregory take a break from viewing the student art and drama tech design exhibition.
Leon and Rachel Zelby
Mardi Gras A cool, damp evening didn’t kill the spirits of Norman’s annual Mardi Gras parade. Revelers took to the streets at sundown March 1 to celebrate. Participants included the Queen of Hearts, a confederate re-enactment group and a Yellow Submarine float. Photos by Jay Chilton
Coach Barry Switzer poses with OU modern dance students Hannah Olson, left, and Marie Kuhns, right.
From left: Alexa Healey, Hoang Truong and Harlee Dickerson, students in the OU School of Art and Art History, share their work with guests.
OU Musical Theatre alumnus Tommy Glenn, center, shares the evening with, from left, Paul Gebb, Ashley Sanders, Glenn, Tiffany Glenn and Brooke Gebb.
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Snap Shots
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True Grit The Pioneer Library System Foundation hosted its annual Literally Yours event Monday, April 7, at LOCAL in Norman. The event is the annual fundraiser for the Pioneer Library System Foundation, which provides advocacy and financial support to enrich the present and enhance the future of the Pioneer Library System. This year’s event centered around the PLS Big Read novel “True Grit” by Charles Portis, with many guests dressing up in their best western attire.
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9 1. Bob French 2. LOCAL Executive Chef Kyle Mills and owner Melissa Scaramucci 3. Partygoers take a break for a quick picture 4. Kathy Walker poses with LaBouef (Matthew Erickson) and Rooster Cogburn (Dennis Edwards) 5. Anne Masters and James Chappel 6. Christian Morren 7. Jeff Miles, Cathy Estes, Larry Estes 8. Mattie Ross (Shalla Strider) reads from “True Grit” 9. Cynthia Cooper, Mike Pullin
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Snap Shots Social Justice Award Steve and Barbara Owens received the Sam Matthews Social Justice Award at an event sponsored by The Xenia Institute. The award honors Matthews, the first Realtor to sell a home to an African American family in Norman. The Owens were the ninth recipients. Photos by Lee Davenport
Steve Owens accepts the award
Steve and Barbara Owens, right, greet members of the Matthews family.
Bob Thomas visits with Dr. George and Barbara Henderson
Former OU football players Dewey Selmon, Steve Owens, Ed Foster and Billy Sims
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Bob Thomas presents award to Barbara and Steve Owens.
Parting Shot
The Sooner Stampede at Lake Thunderbird was sponsored by the Bicycle League of Norman.
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