Norman Magazine, November/December 2014 by Norman Magazine

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LOCAL TRADITIONS Annual traditions a mainstay of Norman holidays OUR COMPLIMENTS to the chefs of the season POLICE ACADEMY 7 Your neighbors are training with the police

departments 9

from the Publisher

from the Editor

Norman Events

Norman FYI

Norman Style

Taste of Norman Whispering Pines B&B

Wine Time Make mine a Riesling!

SNAPSHOTS 78 The Big Tailgate 80 Taste of Norman 82 Chamber Arts Luncheon 84 Fred Jones Museum members party 86 Chamber Auction

On the Cover: Abe Andrews Park in the center of Norman has a non-traditional Christmas tree. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lighting ceremony is planned for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Photo by Kyle Phillips

6 NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Make sure Santa knows exactly what you want!

Is your

Wish List ready?

2201 West Main Street 405.360.2515 ♦ mitchells-jewelry.com #ShopNorman

My Wish List 1. Tacori Fashion Ring – Black Lightning Collection, Black Onyx layered with Rutilated Quartz Size 6 2. Vahan Bracelet Lattice Collection 8mm 3. Michele Serein Diamond watch with black diamond dial & stainless band – would also love the red alligator strap 4. Add to my Alex and Ani collection 5. Makur – Argentium silver and rose gold ring 6. Diamond earrings 7. White pearl strand – 18” – the bigger the better 8. Love Tokens necklace 9. Anything turquoise from Dove’s! 10. Alison & Ivy oval monogram

magazine

from the Publisher

t’s a all about you NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER Mark Millsap

Millsap Family

Holiday

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER Andy Rieger ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebekah Collins Ryan Dillard Robin Escarcega Kimberly Lehenbauer Matt Moran Nathan Ward CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Shana Adkisson Theresa Bragg Jerri Culpepper Amy David Doug Hill Chris Jones CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Theresa Bragg Jay Chilton 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

Traditions

by mark oliday traditions are great. For the Millmillsap sap’s, we have a few traditions that we stick to every year, the “must-have’s” of the holiday season. But there is room for new experiences and possibly new traditions every year. The Millsap Holiday Traditions list is one that is ever evolving. We have found that this takes some of the stress out the holiday madness and most times, it brings us closer as a family. We start with the “must-have’s”. These are non-negotiable and these can happen on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or anytime in between. But they must happen. You must have the following food items: Mammy’s Chocolate Pie and her homemade dressing (secret recipe that includes one loan hamburger bun); my mom’s Hashbrown Casserole and Meatballs with chili sauce and grape jelly (it may sound gross but it is awesome); Nana’s green bean casserole (but stay away from her baked beans, they are not baked sometimes). You must have a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit where the ending is always the same. Someone gets mad and then the game ends in a fight that lasts until the next year. You must make fun of your inappropriate relatives for acting the way that they do. You remember quickly why you only see them one time a year. You must get underwear and socks every year as a present. Wait. That may just be me. But I have some really cool socks because of it. The new stuff. “Making Memories” is usual our theme and our battle cry. The Millsap’s usually try something new every year and it is always an adventure. Things like: Black Friday shopping at 3 a.m. just to see all the crazy people and how people will fight over a $5 toaster; Driving around town looking for a new area of Christmas lights or displays; Volunteering at a food bank or ringing the bell for the Salvation Army; finding and wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater in the family photo. Most of these things were unplanned and spur of the moment. No matter what your family traditions are, keep them close to your heart and hold on to them as long as you can. Make room for new things, some fun things, and enjoy your families. Happy Holidays from the Millsap Family and the Transcript Family.

P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to editor@normantranscript.com. Norman magazine e is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission is prohibited. Norman magazine can be found online at www.normanmagazine.com

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Random acts of holiday kindness

e’s long gone from Norman now but a Norman physician had a holiday tradition that stood out in this season of retail madness that seems to start earlier each year. Dr. Stephen Acker used to buy a poinsettia plant for every patient in Norman Regional Hospital on Christmas Day. They were not just his own patients. Anyone who had to be hospitalized on Christmas Day got a plant. Plumbing contractor Bob Usry didn’t hand out flowers. What he did hand out were toys for kids who found themselves in foster care over the holidays. His plumbing showroom on Norman’s northeast side was just too small for the kids, families and donors to gather and open the gifts. Instead of moving the event, he valued the program so much he knocked down a wall and expanded the showroom to make more room.

from the Editor by andy rieger

These random holiday acts that come with no expectation of repayment or even acknowledgement are what make the season brighter for me. Helping neighbors, family and friends is worthy and even expected but helping strangers is almost spiritual. It happens all around us and most do it without a press release or a photo opportunity. The manager at a large big-box store was called in when a busload of handicapped adults descended on his store to find a Christmas tree for their workshop. They had passed the hat and raised money for a new tree but when it came time to check out, the manager waved them through. No charge today, he said. Local attorney David Bernstein has never known hunger. But that

doesn’t stop him and other Oklahoma lawyers from handing out hundreds of turkeys before Thanksgiving. No one asks for a tax return or proof that you need a turkey. His parking lot is full of people happy that a stranger helped them out. Bob Magarian annually organizes a Christmas Day dinner at Norman High School. The workers outnumbered the diners at the first dinner 27 years ago. An ice storm nearly canceled the plans. This year, they’ll feed about 2,000. It’s a Christmas tradition for many families to put off their own gathering to serve others. Letters to Santa can pull on the toughest co-worker’s heartstrings. A few days before Christmas, friends go by the Post Office in downtown Oklahoma City and thumb through the box of letters in search of ones that can be identified and wishes fulfilled. That’s the take-home pay from a blessed life.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Norman events

Information supplied by Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau

Photos by Kyle Phillips, Doug Hill and Jay Chilton

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

ONGOING EVENTS Saturdays

Tuesdays

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Wednesdays

It’s Feeding Time!

Comedy Night

Toddler Time

Local Trivia Night

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua 11:30 a.m.-Noon Observe local reptiles, amphibians and fish, during their feeding time and learn more about these Oklahoma animals. www.samnoblemuseum.org

Othello’s 434 Buchanan Street 9 p.m. Sign up begins at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. othellos.us/

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua 4 p.m. In the Discovery Room, the time include fun and educational activities for ages 18-months to 3 years. Free with paid museum admission. www. samnoblemuseum.org

Local 2662 W. Main St. 8 p.m. Join LOCAL Restaurant for FREE team trivia every Wednesday at 8 p.m., 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

Saturdays and Sundays Discovery Days Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua 2-4 p.m. Discovery Days includes interactive, hands-on activities with stories, crafts and touchable specimens. Free with paid museum admission. www.samnoblemuseum.org

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Second Friday Second Friday Artwalk Mainsite Art Gallery 120 E. Main St. 6-9 p.m. 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/

First Monday

Open through Jan. 19

Free Admission

Rare: Portraits of Endangered Species

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The first Monday of each month, the museum features free admission www.samnoblemuseum.org

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 S. Chautauqua Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Rare exhibit features portraits of endangered species. www.samnoblemuseum.org

Tuesdays Art Adventures Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue 10:30 a.m. Young artists are invited to experience art through books and related art projects for children ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult. Art Adventures are made possible by generous support from the Kimball Foundation. www.ou.edu/content/fjjma/ experience/education/families/ art-adventures.html.#sthash. x6nbcEiz.dpuf

Noon concerts Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Noon 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

Open through Jan. 4 Art exhibit: Macrocosm/ Microcosm: Abstract Expressionism in the American Southwest

Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Contemporary Dance Oklahoma 560 Parrington Oval 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday OU School of Danceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Contemporary Dance Oklahoma, Choreographed by Austin Hartel and Derrick Minter, with Guest Choreographer Jose Limon For more information please contact the Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101 or online at www.theatre.ou.edu

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 500 Elm Avenue Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. With more than 60 works representing nearly 40 American painters and sculptors, Macrocosm/ Microcosm not only documents the spread of Abstract Expressionism from major urban centers to other parts of the country but also how artists of the Southwest adapted the techniques of the style to interpret the region. www.ou.edu/fjjma

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Nov. 1

Nov. 8

2014 National Weather Festival

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor

National Weather Center 120 David L Boren Blvd. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The annual National Weather Festival highlights the many weather related organizations and activities in Central Oklahoma. Visitors can view the National Weather Center’s premier facilities including National Weather Service forecast operation areas. This unique event features hourly weather balloon launches with local TV meteorologists, emergency response vehicle and equipment displays, LEGO® models and robots demonstration, children’s activities, and weather related information and products. www.norman.noaa.gov

Oklahoma Memorial Stadium 180 W. Brooks Time TBA www.soonersports.com

Nov. 9 Sunday Jazz at the Depot - Kyle Reid and the Low Swingin’ Chariots Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 7-9 p.m. Kyle Reid leads the Low Swingin’ Chariots for the opening concert of the 2014 Depot Jazz Series in a joyful revelry of original swing tunes, classic New Orleans, Gypsy Jazz, and Western Swing. The group consists of nationally touring musicians with the low, sonorous quality of Reid’s voice well balanced by the hot accents of the rhythm section and the sweet melodies of the brass section. www.pasnorman.org

Oklahoma Wine Walk Brookhaven Village 3750 W. Robinson Noon-6 p.m. Venture to Brookhaven Village, Norman’s upscale shopping area where you can stroll from booth to booth, sampling the many wine offerings from our great state. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the vast selections of true Oklahoma amenities such as wine, food, music andmerchandise. www.oklahomawinewalk.com

OU Volleyball vs. West Virginia McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

OU wrestling vs. Oklahoma City University, Baker University, Shorter College McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks Time TBA www.soonersports.com

Jim Brickman: The Platinum Tour Sooner Theatre 101 E. Main St. 8 p.m. Nationally known piano player Jim Brickman makes a stop in Norman to play on the historic Sooner Theatre stage. www.soonertheatre.com

Nov. 9 Veterans Day Parade Nov. 2

Nov. 7

Winter Wind Concert Series – Griffin House

Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball vs. Washburn

Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 7-9 p.m. Griffin House has toured extensively and, since 2007 has been a national headliner. He issued his first independent release in 2003. Several self-released albums followed, the majority on his imprint label, Evening Records. House is currently celebrating the release of his 8th full length album, Balls. His music is a blend of folk, rock, pop and even a little punk which captures a depth of emotion and intelligence, while at the same time maintaining accessibility. www.pasnorman.org

Nov. 5 OU Sooners women’s basketball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

From Norman High School to Reaves Park 2 p.m. www.normanok.gov

Nov. 9 & Dec. 14

Nov. 14

Second Sunday Poetry Reading

United Way Celebrity Sing Riverwind Casino Interstate 35 and State Highway 9 West 6:30 p.m. Celebrity Sing is a night you won’t forget, full of amazing performances, delicious food and a live auction. Rock & Roll attire is encouraged! Come have fun and raise some money for the United Way of Norman. www.unitedwaynorman.org

Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 2 p.m. www.pasnorman.org

Nov. 11 Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State

OU women’s basketball vs. Washington

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Nov. 12 OU Volleyball vs. Iowa State McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

NOV

7th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser OU School of Art and Art History 520 Parrington Oval 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

The Chili Bowl Fundraiser features faculty, staff and students who bring their best Chili to this annual fundraising event. Ceramic students create one of a kind ceramic bowls available for purchase at the event. www.ou.edu/content/finearts/art_arthistory/news_events.html

Nov. 14 & 15 Holiday Home Tour Various Norman residences 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Norman. www.assistanceleaguenorman.org

Nov. 14-16 and 21-23 Little Women OU Weitzenhoffer Theatre 563 Elm Ave. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday OU Drama’s presentation of Little Women, based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott. For complete details please call the Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101 or online at theatre. ou.edu www. theatre.ou.edu

and 16 critically acclaimed albums, the latest of which is Silver Ladder, released this year. www.pasnorman.org

Nov. 18 OU Volleyball vs. Central Arkansas McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

OU women’s basketball vs. Lamar Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Nov. 15 OU Volleyball vs. Texas McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Nov. 16

Nov. 21

OU men’s basketball vs. Southeastern Louisiana

OU women’s basketball vs. Bradley

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 2 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Winter Wind Concert Series – Peter Mulvey Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 7-9 p.m. Perhaps best known for a voice that feels like fine old leather, a powerful percussive guitar style and his warmly wry songwriting, Peter Mulvey has developed a strong national following in the indie folk/rock scene through his more than 20 years of relentless touring

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Norman Medieval Fair Lecture Series Norman Public Library 225 S. Webster 6:30 p.m. www.justsoyouknow.us

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Nov. 22

Nov. 26

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Kansas

OU Volleyball vs. Kansas

Oklahoma Memorial Stadium 180 W. Brooks Time TBA www.soonersports.com

McCasland Field House 180 W. Brooks 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Nov. 23

Nov. 29-30

OU menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball vs. Northwestern State

Cleveland County Craft Show

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Cleveland County Fairgrounds 615 E. Robinson 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Cleveland County Craft Show features nearly 100 booths with jewelry, home decor, candles, quilts, bath & body, sewn items, holiday items and much more. www.clevelandcountyfair.org

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Nov. 30

Dec. 13

Oklahoma Nutcracker

Main Street Christmas Parade

Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts 1809 Stubbeman Ave. 3 p.m. The Norman Ballet Company Presents The Oklahoma Nutcracker, featuring guest artists from the Tulsa Ballet Theatre. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ticketstorm.com, or call 1-866-966-1777.

Downtown Norman 10 a.m. www.normanchristmasparade.com

Dec. 14 Sunday Jazz at the Depot Sisters of Swing Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 7-9 p.m. Now a holiday tradition at The Depot, The Sisters of Swing musical collective have “always enjoyed singing Christmas music: ancient and beautiful, modern and fun, some of it just plain silly.” They concentrate on giving their audience a fun time with numbers from the swing era, the rock and roll years, and ancient times. Mary Reynolds and Mary Freeh arrange all the music and are joined by Louise Goldberg, Elyse Angelo, Joanne Trombley, Christine Freeh and, Rosalind Cravens. www.pasnorman.org

Sand Plum Fairy Tea Party Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts 1809 Stubbeman Ave. 1 p.m. Before the Oklahoma Nutcracker stages, attendees can enjoy a tea party. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ticketstorm.com, or call 1-866-966-1777

Dec. 5 OU men’s basketball vs. Missouri

Sundays with Santa Assistance League House, 809 Wall St. www.assistanceleaguenorman.org

Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 8:30 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Dec. 16

Holiday Gala University of Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom 8 p.m. The Assistance League of Norman presents “The Magic of Christmas” featuring an evening of magic, entertainment and tradition. www.assistanceleaguenorman.org

The Holiday Celebration Andrews Park 201 W. Dawes St. 5:30 p.m. The Holiday Celebration includes the official tree lighting ceremony. www.normanok.gov/parks/parks-andrecreation

Dec. 5-7, 12-14 Meet Me In St. Louis Sooner Theatre 101 E. Main St. Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. With songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, the musical is based on “The Kensington Stories” and the MGM motion picture, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” www.soonertheatre.com

Dec. 6 Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Oklahoma Memorial Stadium 180 W. Brooks Time TBA www.soonersports.com

Breakfast with Santa Senior Center 329 S. Peters Starts at 8:30 a.m. Admission is $6 for children 2-8. www.normanok.gov/parks/parks-andrecreation

Dec. 7 Winter Wind Concert Series – Don Conoscenti Norman Depot 200 S. Jones 7-9 p.m. Don Conoscenti’s live performances are a soulful fusion of styles blended from his experience playing rock, jazz, blues, folk, funk and country, driven by an unusual rhythmic sense and a finger style approach set apart by the use of partial and multiple capos. One of the

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

most respected musicians in acoustic music, Conoscenti has performed twice on the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center. A collection of his work is in the folk revivalist archives of The Library of Congress. www.pasnorman.org

Christmas at OU Sharp Concert Hall Catlett Music Center 500 W. Boyd 3 p.m. School of Music and Sutton Concert Series present Christmas at OU. Advance purchase tickets: $9 adult, $5 Student/OU employee. At the door: $10 all tickets. Fine Arts Box Office (405) 325-4101. www.ou.edu

Dec. 8 Santa’s Calling From The North Pole Calls begin at 5 p.m. For children in kindergarten through 2nd grade, Santa Claus will call from The North Pole. Call 405-366-5479 for more information. www.normanok.gov

OU men’s basketball vs. Oral Roberts Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 6 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Dec. 22 OU men’s basketball vs. Weber State Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 8:30 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Dec. 30 OU women’s basketball vs.Yale Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 7 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Dec. 31 OU men’s basketball vs. George Mason Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave. 4 p.m. www.soonersports.com

Holidays in Norman

Traditional Spirit of Giving by a my david

Norman is home to “Everyone demany holiday traditions serves a memory and memories are made that are sure to in so many ways,” Heiple said. bring a twinkle to The meal is made possible through a collaboraanyone’s eye.

ust like family, residents gather each year to share meals, good will and fun with their neighbors throughout the season. April Heiple said seeing tables of familiar and unfamiliar people sitting, talking and sharing cupcakes and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving makes her heart swell. Heiple is the executive director of Food and Shelter and since the agency opened more then 30 years ago it has been serving Thanksgiving lunch. Heiple said the meal was moved to Norman High School a few years ago when their building was no longer able to accommodate the crowds attending. In 2013, more than 1,100 were fed. “We get bogged down with negative, but when people sit down together we are all really one big family.” She said originally the free dinner was to provide for those who had no other place to eat, however, it has become truly a community Thanksgiving with people from all walks of life taking part.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

tion of the generous people in the community who want to give and with the help of the United Way of Norman, Salvation Army of Norman, City of Norman and Norman High School. “We really are open to anyone and everyone. We encourage people to show up and be a part. No one should be alone on Thanksgiving.” The serving line is open Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norman High School, 911 W. Main St.

eiple said another holiday tradition for her and her daughter is to kick off Christmas by eating pancakes at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast before Norman’s Christmas parade. The breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 13 at the Norman High commons. This year’s parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the school Dec. 13. The theme is “Frozen”

At Burr Park on the University of Oklahoma campus, carolers welcome the season.

and University of Oklahoma President David Boren and First Lady , Molly Shi Boren, will serve as parade grand marshals. Ed Copelin said the parade is an important community event and for the past 6 years he has enjoyed helping to organize it for the kids. The family-orientated parade is entertaining and gives kids and adults alike the opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas and see Santa, he said. Copelin said about 90 different entries will parade from Norman High eastbound on Main Street to Crawford. For 20 years, Donn Mason has been the Santa in the Norman Christmas Parade. Mason said he enjoys seeing familiar faces along the parade route and many of those are kids he has watched grow up over the years.

The Montford House Bed and Breakfast hosted a Lionel train exhibit this past year.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Mason started impersonating the jolly old elf at various events at about age 18. Over the years some of his favorite memories have been seeing the children smile and their eyes light up. “It just makes me happy. I feel blessed to be able to do it.” Mason, who is the technical director for Norman’s Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts, said his beard is naturally white and his wife made the red velvet suit he wears many years ago. He said it is important to remember however, that Santa isn’t the reason for the season. On Christmas Eve, he enjoys attending Christmas Eve service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, listening to a recording of the Christmas Carol and spending time with his kids and grandkids. The Assistance League of Norman annually makes time for Christmas photos with Santa Claus.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

ob Magarian and his family are planning the 28th annual Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner at Norman High School. Magarian said when they started the meal through his church, St. Michael’s Episcopal, they fed 24 the first year. This year, they anticipate serving nearly 2,000. Planning starts in July and it takes about 200 volunteers to serve the traditional turkey and dressing. Delivery is also available with prior arrangements. Magarian said the dinner is about more than providing a meal to those in need, for some seniors and those without family nearby it provides companionship. For others attending it has just become tradition. Making people happy and seeing them enjoying each other’s company is what Magarian said he enjoys. “If it brings some hope and happiness on Christmas Day that pleases me.”

Magarian said he believes the tradition will continue even after he is unable to help.

nother holiday staple in Norman is the Christmas Store of Cleveland County that will touch about 1,500 people this year. For four decades, eligible low-income families in the area have received gifts and food through the program run entirely by volunteers. Charles Hollingsworth has been a part of the effort since 1987. He said it has been fun to see how the program has grown and improved over the years. The goal is to provide a shopping experience that exceeds all expectations for the clients, he said. We want it to look like they just walked into Dillard’s or Macy’s, Hollingsworth added.

It takes a team to pull the wagon in the Christmas Parade which begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Norman High School. Classic cars from every era are a staple of Norman’s Christmas parade.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

“Lots of clients leave with tears in their eyes they are so grateful to get to be a part of it.” He said Norman is a giving community and there are many needs, so he enjoys being a part of matching those needs with those giving. “We believe this is God’s work and many Norman churches have endorsed our efforts by joining with our work.” Each client selected to participate is given an opportunity to select new items in departments such as toys, teens, seniors, household goods and groceries. Children also get the chance to come back and shop for parents with the assistance of a volunteer. Hollingsworth said for the opportunity to shop the participants work two hours to assist with setting up the store, 641 E Robinson. “We provide a helping hand not a hand out,” he said. The clients like being able to assist with the program rather than being simply given a basket full of goodies, Hollingsworth said. The only fundraiser for the program is a direct mail solicitation that takes place this month.

“Lots of clients leave with tears in their eyes they are so grateful to Residents annually provide gifts for The Christmas Store and other programs.

Assistance League of Norman Holiday Home Tour, Nov. 14 and 15 dŚĞ ƚŽƵƌ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ĮǀĞ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞůǇ ŽǁŶĞĚ ŚŽŵĞƐ ŝŶ EŽƌŵĂŶ ĚĞĐŽƌĂƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŚŽůŝĚĂǇƐ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĂƌĞ ΨϮϱ ĂŶĚ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ,ĂǀĞŶďƌŽŽŬ &ƵŶĞƌĂů ,ŽŵĞ͕ ϯϰϬϭ ,ĂǀĞŶďƌŽŽŬ ^ƚ͖͘ ƌŽĐŬŚĂƵƐ :ĞǁĞůƌǇ͕ ϮϭϬϳ t͘ DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͖͘ KůĚ dŽǁŶ ZĞĂůƚŽƌƐ͕ ϭϬϮ t͘ ƵĨĂƵůĂ ^ƚ͖͘ ĂǇŵĂŶ͛Ɛ͕ ϮϬϬϭ t͘ DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͘ ^ƵŝƚĞ ϭϬϱ͖ ĂŶĚ

get to be a part of it.”

dŚĞŽ͛Ɛ DĂƌŬĞƚƉůĂĐĞ͕ ϯϳϮϬ t͘ ZŽďŝŶƐŽŶ ^ƚ͘ ůů ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ĂŐĞƐ ϭϮ ĂŶĚ ŽůĚĞƌ ĂƌĞ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ͘ DŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞůĞĂŐƵĞŶŽƌŵĂŶ͘ŽƌŐ͘ WƌŽĐĞĞĚƐ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ƚŚĞ ƉŚŝůĂŶƚŚƌŽƉŝĐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ŽĨ ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ >ĞĂŐƵĞ ŽĨ EŽƌŵĂŶ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ^ĐŚŽŽů Ğůů͕ ƐƐĂƵůƚ ^ƵƌǀŝǀŽƌ <ŝƚƐ͕ ĞĂƌƐ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͕ DĂǇ &Ăŝƌ ƌƚƐ &ĞƐƟǀĂů͕ ĂŶĚ ^ĞŶŝŽƌƐ Z Θ Z Ăƚ &Ƶůů ŝƌĐůĞ ĚƵůƚ ĂǇ ĞŶƚĞƌ͘

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 16 DĞĂů ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϭ Ă͘ŵ͘ ƚŽ Ϯ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŝƐŚ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŐǇŵ͕ ϰϮϭ ĐƌĞƐ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĂƌĞ ΨϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂĚƵůƚƐ͕ Ψϱ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŐĞƐ ϲͲϭϮ ĂŶĚ ϱ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ĞĂƚ ĨƌĞĞ͘ ĨĂŵŝůǇ ƟĐŬĞƚ ŝƐ ΨϯϬ ĨŽƌ ϱ ;ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ƌŽŽĨͿ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ŽĸĐĞ Žƌ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŽƌ͘ dĂŬĞ ŽƵƚ ŽƌĚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Food and Shelter Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 27 DĞĂů ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϭ Ă͘ŵ͘ ƚŽ ϭ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ EŽƌŵĂŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĐŽŵŵŽŶƐ͕ ϵϭϭ t͘ DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͘ &ƌĞĞ ƚŽ ƉƵďůŝĐ͕ /Ŷ ĐŽŶũƵŶĐƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ hŶŝƚĞĚ tĂǇ ŽĨ EŽƌŵĂŶ͕ ^ĂůǀĂƟŽŶ ƌŵǇ ŽĨ EŽƌŵĂŶ͕ ŝƚǇ ŽĨ EŽƌŵĂŶ ĂŶĚ EŽƌŵĂŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂůů ϯϲϬͲϰϵϱϰ͘

more on page 33

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

nother Norman family has also made it their tradition to help others during the holidays. The Downs Family started producing an outdoor Christmas light musical production at their home southeast of Norman eight years ago. The production was so popular the family decided it was a good opportunity to collect donations for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma from those coming to view the display. With this year’s donations the family will have collected one million meals for the organization. Each year the donations total about $43,000 and 10,000 pounds of food. Chuck Downs said the Volunteers fill family listens to every piece grocery carts at of Christmas music you have The Christmas Store, 641 E. Robinson. heard and some you haven’t year round to find neat songs to use. The 280,000 LED lights are strung beginning in October and all done by Downs with occasional help from family and friends. Last year the house, 2900 72nd Ave SE, was featured on ABC’s, The Great Christmas Light Fight. Downs said he believes his house is one of the biggest private displays around. Each year about 20,000 cars drive through the property to view the show that starts over about every half hour. Music is

played through car radios tuned to a special frequency with the synchronized lights. The spectacle runs from 6 p.m. to midnight nightly from Thanksgiving evening until the first weekend after New Year’s Day. The display does have a message and Downs and his family hope visitors see and hear it. “What Jesus did for me 2000 years ago is worth a few lights.”

Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry, Nov. 27- Jan. 4

The Christmas Store of Cleveland County

Norman Christmas Parade, Dec. 13

Nightly 6 p.m. to midnight weather perŵŝƫŶŐ͘ ϮϵϬϬ ϳϮŶĚ ǀĞ ^ ͕ EŽƌŵĂŶ͘ ĐĐĞƉƟŶŐ ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞŐŝŽŶĂů &ŽŽĚ ĂŶŬ ŽĨ KŬůĂŚŽŵĂ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ĚŽǁŶƐĨĂŵŝůǇĐŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘

^ŚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ůŽǁͲŝŶĐŽŵĞ ĨĂŵŝůŝĞƐ ďĞŐŝŶƐ ǁĞĞŬ ŽĨ ĞĐ͘ ϲ͘ ĐĐĞƉƟŶŐ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ Ăƚ W͘K͘ Žǆ Ϯϱϲ͕ EŽƌŵĂŶ͕ K< ϳϯϬϳϬ͘ EĞǁ ŐŝŌƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐƚŽƌĞ ƐŝƚĞ Ăƚ ϲϰϭ ZŽďŝŶƐŽŶ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ĐŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐͲƐƚŽƌĞ͘ŽƌŐ Žƌ ĐĂůů ϰϬϱ ϰϰϳͲϱϱϰϳ͘

^ƚĞƉ Žī ƟŵĞ ŝƐ ϭϬ Ă͘ŵ͘ ďŽƵƚ ϵϬ ĞŶƚƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ^ĂŶƚĂ ǁŝůů ƚƌĂǀĞů ĨƌŽŵ EŽƌŵĂŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĞĂƐƚďŽƵŶĚ ŽŶ DĂŝŶ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƚŽ ƌĂǁĨŽƌĚ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂůů ϮϱϯͲϭϰϬϬ͘

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Dec. 13

^ĞƌǀŝŶŐ ůŝŶĞ ŽƉĞŶ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϭ Ă͘ŵ͘ ƚŽ Ϯ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ EŽƌŵĂŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĐŽŵŵŽŶƐ͕ ϵϭϭ t DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͕͘ &ƌĞĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝĐ͘ ĞůŝǀĞƌǇ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌŝŽƌ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚƐ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂůů ϯϲϰͲϯϮϳϯ͘

City of Norman Holiday Celebration, Dec. 5 ŶĚƌĞǁƐ WĂƌŬ͕ ϮϬϭ t ĂǁƐ͘ ĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ďĞŐŝŶ Ăƚ ϱ͗ϯϬ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ dƌĞĞ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ Ăƚ ϲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ ĨŽůůŽǁĞĚ ďǇ ŵƵƐŝĐĂů ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ͘ &ƌĞĞ ŚŽƚ ĐŚŽĐŽůĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŽŬŝĞƐ͕ ŵŽŽŶ ďŽƵŶĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŵƵĐŚ ŵŽƌĞ͘ ƌŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ĐĂŵĞƌĂ ĨŽƌ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ƉŚŽƚŽ ǁŝƚŚ ^ĂŶƚĂ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂůů ϯϲϲͲϱϰϳϮ͘ Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 6 ϴ͗ϯϬ Ă͘ŵ͘ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ ŝƟǌĞŶƐ ĞŶƚĞƌ͕ ϯϮϵ ^ WĞƚĞƌƐ ǀĞ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĂƌĞ Ψϴ͘ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŐĞƐ ϮͲϴ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂůů ϯϲϲͲϱϰϳϮ͘

^ĞƌǀŝŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϳ Ă͘ŵ͘ ƚŽ ϭ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ EŽƌŵĂŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĐŽŵŵŽŶƐ͕ ϵϭϭ t DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƉƌĞͲƐĂůĞ Ăƚ ĂŶĐ&ŝƌƐƚ͕ ϭϮϬϭ tĞƐƚ DĂŝŶ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ƚŚĞ dƌĂŶƐĐƌŝƉƚ WƌĞƐƐ͕ ϮϮϮ ĂƐƚ ƵĨĂƵůĂ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶǇ <ŝǁĂŶŝƐ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ĨŽƌ Ψϲ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŽƌ ĂƌĞ Ψϳ ĨŽƌ ĂĚƵůƚƐ ĂŶĚ Ψϯ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ϭϬ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ͘

Norman Community Christmas Day Dinner, Dec. 25

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Assistance League of Norman to Host Holiday Home Tour Nov. 14 and 15 The Assistance League of Norman invites the public to its annual Holiday Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15. This year’s tour includes five privately owned homes in Norman, each decked out for the holidays. Ticket proceeds benefit the philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Norman, including Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, Bears For Children, May Fair Arts Festival, and Seniors R & R at Full Circle Adult Day Center. “Homeowners put a huge amount of ingenuity and hard work into creating spectacular holiday showcases for our tour visitors,” said Katsey Johnson, who is Assistance League 2014 new members cochair with Kim Koop. “Every year, people look forward to seeing what they have dreamed up, and we are so grateful for our homeowners’ generosity.” Neighborhoods on the tour crisscross Norman, from the Trails to Brookhaven and Hallbrooke to Arbor Lakes. In addition to offering holiday inspiration, homes on the tour showcase architecture,

landscaping and interior design that draw thousands of visitors annually. The Allred and Pullen home, for instance, has been featured on HGTV and in several magazines.

This year’s tour presents the homes of: Jim Allred and Michael Pullen, 402 Scarlet Street Chad and Jennifer Vice, 4817 Wellman Dr. Brad and Melonnie Summers, 1914 Ithaca Drive

House sponsors for the 2014 Holiday Home Tour are Ideal Homes, McClain Bank, Coldwell Banker, and Lea and Bob Johnson. Tickets for the tour are available at norman.assistanceleague.org or Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St.; Brockhaus Jewelry, 2107 W. Main St.; Old Town Realtors, 102 W. Eufaula St.; Cayman’s, 2001 W. Main St. Suite 105; and Theo’s Marketplace, 3720 W. Robinson St. The 2014 Holiday Home Tour is open to all visitors ages 12 and older. Maps and contact information are available at norman. assistanceleague.org.

Rick and Dava Byrd, 2100 Brookhaven Blvd. Brandon and Apryl Meyer, 2616 Lynnwood Circle.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Compliments from the Chef(s)

Dining Highlights for the Holidays by doug hill

A trio of Norman’s professional chefs share their personal thoughts about food and cooking during festive seasonal gatherings.

he holiday season is here and with it comes those times when we traditionally sit down together for special meals with family and friends. In some clans this may mean extensive preparation and hours in the kitchen while for others it might involve carryout from a favorite Chinese restaurant. Regardless of what is consumed the joyful significance for most is being together and the good feelings that come from sharing a meal. Norman Magazine sat down with three local culinary professionals for their thoughts about food and this very singular time of the year. Rebecca Sparks is executive chef at Legends Restaurant, 1313 W. Lindsey. It’s an upscale family-owned eatery with a decade’s long history and loyal clientele. Sparks started working there as a waitress in 1979 while she attended University of Oklahoma. She received her Executive Chef certification through the American Culinary Federation. “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving,” Sparks said. “Which is interesting because it’s a work day for me. We usually have four seatings at Legends and then a party after that.” She grew up in a family that had big traditional

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Thanksgiving dinners. There was turkey and her grandmother’s cornbread stuffing with lots of celery and onion. “So many dishes have personal meaning for people and they must have them at the table,” Sparks said. “Although I hate it, Legends always serves ambrosia fruit salad with marshmallows because some love it.” She counsels home chefs not to overdo their menus and avoid making preparations too difficult. That said, Sparks signaled her preference for cooking food from scratch where possible. “But it’s OK to bring in parts of your meal,” she said. “Don’t bake the bread if there’s a bakery that makes it better than what you can do at home.” Sparks noted that the cook should be having a good time like everyone else. “Let others take some of that burden off your shoulders,” she advised. The Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center’s Executive Chef Mike Harvell thinks of family first when it comes to holiday banquets. The Cleveland, Ohio native’s relations all like to cook. Harvell is a U.S. Navy veteran, received his formal culinary training in Pittsburg, PA and has an impressive resume in his field all around the country. “The biggest joy for me around the holidays is just being with family,” he said. “All the people I grew up with could cook. One of my earliest memories was of the difference between my mom’s pork chops and when my dad cooked them with baked apples.” The smell of cinnamon and pies his aunts made crowd

Harvell’s memory. Counterintuitively, tradition wasn’t important in his family as preparing different foods and surprising eager appetites the next time they got together. “We all looked forward to what’s new,” he said. “What’s Aunt Jean going to make this year? That was more important than Christmas gifts.” Harvell’s grandmother grew up in North Carolina and brought southern tastes to the table. Fresh baked biscuits from scratch, turkey, ham, lamb, pork tenderloin and Cornish game hens were served on a rotating basis. Kids were encouraged to participate in the kitchen and naturally that’s something Harvell continues with his own two children. “The only thing that seemed to be a standard were Grandma Veola Love’s roasted rutabagas,” Harvell said. “I can’t remember anyone else making them and I want some right now.” He suggests adding your own personal touches to traditional dishes can make them special. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows might be missed if they weren’t there, but adding chopped pecans on top could be a game changer. To be able to spend as much time as possible with loved ones he advises home cooks to do as much food preparation as possible ahead of their arrival. “Potatoes can be peeled and kept in cold water a couple of days in advance and make sure that turkey is well thawed out,” he said. “Cleaning up as you go frees up time later too.” Amy Radford is the Staff Chef at Food and Shelter Inc. 104 W. Comanche. She’s an alumnus of Scottsdale (AZ) Culinary Institute and former employee of Arizona Catering and Blu Fine Wine and Food in Norman. “Our Thanksgiving tradition now is to serve the community dinner in the Norman High School cafeteria,” Radford said. That’s the complimentary meal everyone in town is invited to that’s sponsored by the City of Norman, Food and Shelter Inc. and others. “My mom from Tahlequah sometimes comes to help out along with my son,” she said. “And while we’re doing that, my two daughters are preparing another

meal for later at our home.” Radford’s youngest child has become adept at cooking the sophisticated French dish Beef Bourguignon which has become a family tradition for Turkey Day. “My middle daughter usually makes the dessert, often pies,” she said. “I’ve always taught my kids that when you’re making a big meal have one thing that you do really well. That’s your knock-out dish.” She recommended the Julia Child cookbooks for reliable guidance to holiday recipes.

Radford’s tip for home cooks involves roasting the all-American gobbler. A common complaint is that the meat has dried out during its lengthy bake. “The easiest way to have a beautifully done turkey is to start the roasting process covered with the breast down,” she said. “Then all those juices from the bones and dark meat goes into the breast.” Forty-five minutes before completion flip the bird breast side up and finish baking uncovered. The result is a juicy turkey with golden brown skin. “Having guests bring pot luck dishes is always a good idea,” Radford said. “You don’t want to be overwhelmed. Keep things simple as possible.”

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Roasted Rutabagas/Parsnips ;DŝŬĞ ,ĂƌǀĞůůͿ Ϯ >ĂƌŐĞ ZƵƚĂďĂŐĂƐ Ϯ WĂƌƐŶŝƉƐ ϱ d > Kŝů Ϯ ƚƐƉ ƌŝĞĚ KƌĞŐĂŶŽ Ϯ ƚƐƉ ƌŝĞĚ ZŽƐĞŵĂƌǇ Ь ĐƵƉ &ƌĞƐŚ WĂƌƐůĞǇ ĮŶĞůǇ ĐŚŽƉƉĞĚ ^Ăůƚ ĂŶĚ WĞƉƉĞƌ ƚŽ ƚĂƐƚĞ WƌĞŚĞĂƚ ŽǀĞŶ ƚŽ ϰϬϬ ĚĞŐƌĞĞƐ͘ WĞĞů ĂŶĚ ĐƵďĞ ďŽƚŚ ƌƵƚĂďĂŐĂƐ ĂŶĚ ƉĂƌƐŶŝƉƐ͘ dŽƐƐ ƚŚĞ ǀĞŐĞƚĂďůĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞƌďƐ ĂŶĚ Žŝů ŝŶ Ă ďŽǁů ƚŽ ĞǀĞŶůǇ ĐŽĂƚ͘ WůĂĐĞ ŝŶ Ă ƐŝŶŐůĞ ůĂǇĞƌ ŽŶ Ă ďĂŬŝŶŐ ƐŚĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ƌŽĂƐƚ ŝŶ ŽǀĞŶ ĨŽƌ ϯϬͲϰϬ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ͘ ZĞŵŽǀĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŽǀĞŶ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐĂůƚ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƉƉĞƌ͘ 'ĂƌŶŝƐŚ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂƌƐůĞǇ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀĞ͘

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Butter Cookies ; ŵǇ ZĂĚĨŽƌĚͿ Ϯ ĐƵƉƐ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ͘ ϭ ĐƵƉ ǁŚŝƚĞ ƐƵŐĂƌ Ϯ ƚĞĂƐƉŽŽŶƐ ǀĂŶŝůůĂ ĞǆƚƌĂĐƚ ϰ ĐƵƉƐ ĂůůͲƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŇŽƵƌ͘

WƌĞŚĞĂƚ ŽǀĞŶ ƚŽ ϯϱϬΣ& ;ϭϴϬΣ Ϳ͘ ƌĞĂŵ ďƵƩĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƵŐĂƌ ƵŶƟů ŇƵīǇ͘ ^Ɵƌ ŝŶ ǀĂŶŝůůĂ͖ ĂĚĚ ŇŽƵƌ ĂŶĚ ŵŝǆ ǁĞůů͘ WƵƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĐŽŽŬŝĞ ƉƌĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌŵ ĐŽŽŬŝĞƐ ŽŶƚŽ ďĂŬŝŶŐ ƐŚĞĞƚƐ͘ ĂŬĞ ĨŽƌ ϭϬ Ͳ ϭϮ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ͘

Chocolate Kahlua Pecan Pie ;ZĞďĞĐĐĂ ^ƉĂƌŬƐͿ

es Mak s i P 4 e

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NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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Norman FYI

Lee Ann

Looman What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas traditions? I love dressing and gravy! I also love to bake, so I make pumpkin bread for Christmas morning and I also make peanut brittle and fudge that were my grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipes and give them to family members and friends.

What do you most look forward to about the holiday season? I look forward to it being over. I know that sounds like I am a Scrooge, but I love returning to normal everyday life. I love the new year and having a fresh start on goals and aspirations. Out with the old, in with the new!

What are you most thankful for this holiday season? My health, my children, and everything about my very blessed life!

What is the most unusual Christmas gift you have ever received or given? We gave my son a Shetland pony when he was 4 years old and told him Santa dropped it off in our yard.

What is one of your best holiday memories? I loved Christmas when my kids were little and still believed in Santa. What kind of holiday sweet treat makes your mouth water? My fudge. (no question) What is one thing that would surprise someone about you? I hate to shop!

Owner of The Webb

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

What part of the hustle and bustle would you change if you could? I would love to go on a trip with my family for Christmas and that be our gifts to each other. That way we could spend quality time together instead of going from place to place to try to see everyone. What is your New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution? To be the best person I can be and to live a life full of gratitude!

What are you most thankful for this holiday season? My family. I’ve never spent a holiday away from my immediate family. My grandparents and parents are all gone now, but it’s still wonderful to be with my sister, her family and mine; the people who are the most important and special to me.

Mariann

Lawson Marketing and Community Development Director, Republic Bank & Trust

What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas traditions? Thanksgiving – the menu has hardly changed at all in my lifetime. After four generations (that I remember), my children even know exactly what will be served – and are unhappy if any dish on the menu is missing. Christmas – growing up we opened most of our presents on Christmas Eve. When John and I married he was adamant that presents shouldn’t be opened until Christmas morning. For the past 30 years that’s been the rule. It’s awesome to wake up on Christmas morning, dive into a great breakfast, sit around in your pj’s and watch everyone open their gifts.

What is one of your best holiday memories? When I was about seven, my aunt, uncle and cousins came to Norman from Houston for Christmas. My cousins had never seen snow before and we had a big snowfall that year. I still remember how excited they were to see and play in the snow and how special it was to get to be there with them for such a “first” moment. It’s also the year I got my Barbie airplane and “Prancer” (Barbie’s horse)…a girl remembers those kind of things! What kind of holiday sweet treat makes your mouth water? My friend Kathy Schemmer makes the world’s best fudge. She always gives us both plain, and some with pecans. I have to be sure to hide some because it’s usually consumed within minutes. What is one thing that would surprise someone about you? My job for three summers in high school was taking tourists out on horseback rides on Crested Butte (CO) Mountain.

What do you most look forward to during the holiday season? Christmas Eve service at McFarlin. Except for the year of “snow-mageddon,” I’ve hardly missed being there. After all the planning, shopping and seeing commercial side of Christmas, it’s the perfect time and reminder to bring me back to what the next day is truly about. The birth of a King whose life has changed our world and even two thousand years later is still the reason for the season. What is the most unusual Christmas gift you have ever received or given? The first year we were married, John gave me a very heavy wrapped shoebox to open. Once inside it I found a brick. (He knew I would shake it, and try to figure out what it was.) With the brick was an envelope with at least 15 photos of a newborn Siberian Husky puppy – eyes not even open yet. I was totally surprised. Later named Vooshka (taken from the name of that year’s winter Olympics mascot – a wolf), we got to pick him up five weeks later. All I want for Christmas is… maybe another wrapped shoebox with a brick? What part of the hustle and bustle would you change if you could? While shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on our Christmas list is fun, it can also take over and become bigger than the reason we’re buying the gifts at all. If I could change one thing, it would be that I make a better effort to focus on the birth of Jesus Christ in every part of Christmas I take part in; from gifts and parties, to our family traditions. What is your New Year’s resolution? To be better as a wife, mother, sister, friend, and professionally than I was in 2014.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Norman FYI What is one of your best holiday memories? Christmas Eve with extended family when I was young. My aunt owned a scenic home and acreage on a hilltop 5 miles directly north of downtown OKC at 57th and Harvey. What kind of holiday sweet treat makes your mouth water? Egg Nog. It may not be the healthiest treat, but it certainly defines the season! What is one thing that would surprise someone about you? I’m a cat lover What do you most look forward to during the holiday season? I love Christmas music….it makes me very happy. I listen beginning the first day that Magic 104 begins playing it around Thanksgiving, and listen until midnight on Christmas Day.

Wally

Kerr

Owner/Broker Kerr Team Real Estate What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas traditions? Spending a portion of Christmas Eve in downtown OKC and Bricktown. Seeing the large crosses in the downtown skyline windows is the highlight.I enjoy a quiet walk by myself sometime between 10pm and midnight to reflect. What are you most thankful for this holiday season? My younger sister’s brave fight with breast cancer, diagnosed late in 2013. She endured 8 chemo and 38 radiation treatments, and came out strong. She’s an inspiration!

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

What is the most unusual Christmas gift you have ever received or given? My wife is an avid equestrian.She bought a nice horse trailer and had living quarters built into the front of it about 10 years ago.One of her Christmas gifts that year or the year after was a “Porti-Potti,” as her trailer didn’t have a bathroom.She opened that Christmas present and we laughed for an hour. It still gets mentioned most every Christmas, when she eyes any large, wrapped box under the tree! All I want for Christmas is… my children, my granddaughter, my parents, and our health. What part of the hustle and bustle would you change if you could? It seems the giving at Christmas has become more like a contest, or out-of-control gift giving. The baby Jesus received 3 gifts from the wise men. I believe Christmas might be more meaningful that way. What is your New Year’s resolution? Too early to say, but my resolution each day is to be better to the people in my life each and every day.

Shad

Satterthwaite OU Professor & Administrator/Lieutenant Colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard What are your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas traditions? Doing a morning run with my sons on Thanksgiving. Peeling potatoes and chopping celery and onions after we get back with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. What are you most thankful for this holiday season? Being home with my wife and kids. What is one of your best holiday memories? Christmas 2011. I was deployed to a forward operating base in Eastern Afghanistan. I was able to Skype home and narrate our family’s traditional nativity production from Luke 2. What kind of holiday sweet treat makes your mouth water? Right now, just about anything.

What is one thing that would surprise someone about you? I don’t have a cell phone. I began using my son’s phone a month ago for convenience. What do you most look forward to during the holiday season? Skyping with my son who is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cambodia. What is the most unusual Christmas gift you have ever received or given? A chapan – a traditional cape given to me by General Abdullah who was serving as the Afghan National Army Inspector General. All I want for Christmas is… world peace What part of the hustle and bustle would you change if you could? Having Black Friday sales start on Friday. What is your New Year’s resolution? To strike the ever elusive balance in life. NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Scene & Style

Warm It Up! Photography by vanessa rudloff of shevaun williams and associates clothing and accessories provided by Backwoods and Sun & Ski Sports OU jewelry provided by Brockhaus Jewelry Modeled by Aubin & Sam McGee & their dogs Frank & Suzy Lawrence Sierra Lawrence MacKay Whalen Kevin Tanner Justin Cooke Jeff Ives Austin Wallace Sheridan Rasmussen

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Making a Difference

Police Academy Seven A by j essica bruha

bout 20 Norman residents and business owners have been sitting through three-hour classes every Monday night since Sept. 2 to learn more about the Norman Police Department. They make up the seventh Citizen’s Police Academy, which will graduate at the end of November. The 12-week program teaches individuals about police operations and functions. Officials hope to have two classes per year. “It really gives you an insight into how the police are trained and why they do certain things that they do,” said Jimmie Martin, a CPA graduate. From mock pursuits to officerinvolved shooting scenarios, everyone who attends the class gets an inside look about what it’s The police SWAT team is part of the CPA training like to be in law enforcement. For some, it may even be their first PHOTOS BY JAY CHILTON time to shoot a gun. “I never shot a gun before,” said graduate up with the help of the Public Safety Sales Tax Jean McCasland. “There’s just a lot of hands on passed in 2008, said Police Chief Keith Humexperiences that you could choose to do.” phrey. Shooting a gun, driving a golf cart with “The key was, if we started it, we didn’t want “beer goggles” on, getting tased or even just it to end. We wanted the concept to continue,” approaching a parked car learning how officers Humphrey said. conduct traffic stops are all some of the hands The first class began in the Fall of 2011 and on activities offered throughout the academy. was lead by veteran police sergeants Tim Smith While the very first CPA class in Norman and Jennifer Newell. Since then more than 100 was offered over 20 years ago, it had to be elimipeople have gone through the program, which nated due to staffing issues. It was picked back is offered in the spring and fall each year. Mem-

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

The class watches a police dog search for drugs planted in a vehicle.

bers have ranged in age from 19 to 80. “Norman has a great civic history and it’s really a great city for developing partnerships and that’s what it’s all about,” Humphrey said. “We work really well because the citizens here are actively engaged in what’s going on in the community. “ Humphrey said the class helps citizens understand it’s not an “us versus them” and why officers react the way they do during certain situations. “They actually see why officers respond and react the way that they do. They have a clear picture of what’s going on in law enforcement. So then they know what questions to ask if they have some concerns,” he said. The CPA isn’t just teaching people in the community, either. It’s teaching officers vision, communication and how to be more proactive. “You have guys that start thinking of ways to better handle a situation,” Humphrey said. “If you can learn how to be more proactive, then you have a better chance of addressing incidents when you do have to be reactive. And it’s all about communication.” The chief said they’ve found when officers talk to someone in a defensive method when they’re just asking a simple questions, there’s a

The police robot can get into possibility areas unsafe for officers to go. of damaging that relationship that they can never recover from. “Ninety-five percent of the people that come in contact with police only come in contact with police one time. So that one time sets the tone for future encounters,” he said, adding that those people will also be telling their friends and family about the encounter. CPA graduate Michael Palermo described the class as “bridging the gap” between average citizens and the police department. Martin also said the class showed him how the department is working to be part of the community instead of separate from the community with Community Oriented Policing. “(The chief) wants to get the public involved,” McCasland said. Humphrey said it’s all part of having an open dialogue so if there’s a concern they can address it early. “It allows us to have our pulse on the community and also our community to have a pulse on public safety,” he said. The partnership, education and open dialogue that has been fostered in Norman

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

between the police department and the community could greatly contribute to the community’s safety. The CPA teaches individuals to not only be more aware about what’s going on in their community, but also how reporting can make a difference. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, report to the police what you see. It’s helping them cut down crime or cut down accidents,” Palermo said. “Norman’s my town now. I live here. I love it. This is one way of giving back.” McCasland said by going through the academy, the relationship she has built with some of the officers makes her more comfortable in knowing she can call one of them up and they will listen to her concerns. She also doesn’t feel afraid to call and turn someone in for a crime now, she said. It’s a unique partnership that not every community has with law enforcement. As the nation turns its gaze

The seventh Norman Citizens Police Academy will graduate in November.

to situations like the one in Ferguson, Missouri, the Norman Police Department turns its gaze inward. Humphrey said when they see things like that going on, they look at what they’re doing and how they can prevent something like that occurring. “I think, personally, that if there had been a partnership or a positive relationship in the community between the government and citizens of

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Ferguson, I don’t think it would’ve gotten that bad,” he said. “I’m not saying that there wouldn’t have been concerns and anger, but I think when you don’t have a relationship from the beginning, when things like that occur, it’s going to make things worse. It’s going to further damage that relationship.” While officials in Ferguson didn’t respond for more than a week, Humphrey said that whole time there were

Did you know? • The concept of the Citizen’s Police Academy started in the UK in 1977 with a police night school. Citizens in England wanted to learn about police functions, operations and the organization of the police system. • The first CPA created in the United States was in Orlando, Florida in 1985. The department adopted the concept of the UK’s police night school with a goal to reduce crime through a stronger citizen commitment to the police department and community. • Currently, there are CPA’s all across the nation including some in Oklahoma City’s metro-area.

Tis The Season Holiday Open House Sunday, November 16

Tree of Thanksgiving

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Information provided by the National Citizen’s Police Academy Association website

perceptions and rumors spreading, which didn’t help the situation. The police department in Ferguson having military weapons raised some eyebrows, as well. Humphrey said he can’t judge any other law enforcement official’s decision to obtain those type of items because every official has to justify their own choices. “If that’s what they feel is necessary for them to protect their community and keep their officers safe, then they have to be able to justify that,” he said. “It’s not the possession of those items, it’s the application of them.” In Norman, the only thing the police department has purchased from the military purchase program has been a Skywatch tower which can often be found at OU home games, in parking lots of shopping centers during the holidays, or any big event, such as the Norman Music Festival. “I don’t think we’ve got a resource in our department that we have not had to use,” Huphrey said. The Citizen’s Police Academy sees all of those resources put to use, too. Members are shown what each department does and what kind of equipment they have including the tactical team, bomb squad and K-9 units. It doesn’t stop after an individual graduates from the academy though. The recently formed Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni of Norman keeps members involved and the police department also offers advanced classes for continued education. “It’s just like our job, we require annual training,” Humphrey said. “We want our Citizen’s Police Academy Graduates to also go through training where they can maintain their interest and that they can share their experience with others.”

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NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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Norman People

Marathon Man by jocelyn pedersen

OU employee Jason Cook won the 2014 OKC Memorial Marathon.

ith solitary perseverance putting one foot in front of the other, a local marathon runner has taken strides to success. Jason Cook recently won the 2014 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon without any formal training or coach. He just ran. Cook who works at OU in Human Resources, said running has always appealed to him. He said he wanted to be able to run, but it took him a while to run consistently without becoming injured with shin splints or tendonitis. After taking up running in 2008, he ran his first marathon in 2009. To prepare, he said he found a running plan online and followed it.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Cook won the marathon with a time of 2:42:29 while helping others make record gift to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum of over $1 million. Cook explains that as weeks progress up to a marathon, runners run every day and work up to a long run at the end of the program. In Cook’s case, the long run at the end of the web program topped out at 20 miles. Since he started running marathons, he’s participated in nine of them. He’s participated in Oklahoma City, Boston, Dallas and Tulsa, each time running the same distance: 26.2 miles. For fun, Cook says he’ll run anything

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from a 5 km race to a marathon and has won three half marathons—all of them the A2A or Arbuckles to Ardmore races in 2012, 2013 and 2014. “It’s all for fun,” Cook says. “I enjoy it. I enjoy running.” Cook has a few words of advice to those who might like to take up running. “Start slowly and listen to your body,” Cook says. “If it hurts, take a day off. Don’t push it too hard when you first start. Slowly work up your mileage to a level you can comfortably do.” Listening to your body and training are important in running. Cook said he runs between 79-90 miles a week which with an average time of about 7 minutes per mile takes him about 8-9 hours a week. Then on the weekends, he does a 16-mile run, which he said is the minimum distance for a long run. Sometimes he cranks it up to a 22 mile run which he measures by GPS. He normally does all of his running alone. Once in a while, he’ll run with others on the weekends, he said. So where does Cook run? He said since he lives in Norman, he runs in Norman and around north and south campus sometimes venturing north to Lake Stanley Draper for a change of pace. Overall, he said he prefers to run on roadways but “If I lived in Colorado, I’d run on a trail all the time. It’s not conducive here. When I went on vacation, I ran trails.” Whether on trails or the road it’s important to have the proper gear for any sport. Running is no different. Amanda Goetschius, distance runner, is a sales associate at OK Runner, a store specializing in apparel and accessories for runners. Goetschius said proper footwear and nutrition are important in marathon training. Although everyone is different, Goetschius said some people prefer to run together for support and encouragement. Others, she said enjoy running alone. “By doing that, you can gauge how your body is doing,” Goetschius said. “I know plenty of people who train by themselves. It’s a personal preference.”

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NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Goetschius describes Cook as a Cook’s success in winning the OKC “good guy” and said of his success, “I Memorial Marathon this year, calling think it’s awesome. I see him running him one of the state’s best runners. around all the time. “I think it was We have a group great culmination of that goes running years of training and together. He joins us development for Jaonce in a while.” son,” Cohen said. “It’s Mostly, though, been really exciting Cook runs alone. to watch Jason progStep after step, mile ress over the last deafter solitary mile. cade from someone Sometimes he’ll run who didn’t run in with Goetschius and high school to someher group and once one who has become in a while he’ll run an accomplished with Adam Cohen, marathon runner. an occasional trainJason is a very strong ing partner and runner. He knows competitor who has that course and on Jason Cook spends run the OKC Memothat particular day time running around rial Marathon nine I thought if Jason the streets of Norman. times and finished in went out conservathe top ten. Cohen tively and just let the speaks highly of race develop then

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

eventually the leader would wilt in the heat and Jason’s strength would carry him. It was exciting to see him reap the rewards of all that training.” And that’s how it panned out. Cook won the marathon with a time of 2:42:29 while helping others make record gift to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum of over $1 million. All this running helps keep Cook fit but he said he mostly runs just to run because he likes being outside when the seasons change. “There’s something about being outside in strange weather conditions,” Cook said. “I like running in the cold and the heat. I’ll take the cold any day.” No matter where or when he runs, Cook said he finds it rewarding. “It pushes people and it’s something that calls me back again and again,” Cook said.

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An herb and potato crusted salmon filet awaits diners at Whispering Pines.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Taste of Norman

Best Kept Secret by shana adkisson

Whispering Pines Inn 7820 E. State Highway 9, Norman

ucked away on Highway 9, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast could be one of Norman’s best kept secrets. Touted for its picturesque scenery and quite surroundings, Whispering Pines was built in 1994. The bed and breakfast has the look and feel of a 1900s mansion, accompanied with a wrap-around porch. There are seven rooms at the inn, three of which were recently renovated and four are cottages. Whispering Pines also has a vineyard in the back, all located on 20 acres. Just as impressive as its views and rooms, the inn also offers a restaurant that is open to the general public. Hours are 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and reservations are encouraged. A family-friendly brunch is now being served on a walk-in basis from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Whispering Pines owners, Chinda and Rany Kchao, both French continental chefs, are former owners of the Lindochine restaurant in Oklahoma

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐĂůů ϰϰϳͲϬϮϬϮ͕ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ƚŚĞǁŚŝƐƉĞƌŝŶŐƉŝŶĞƐŝŶŶ͘ĐŽŵ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů ƐƚĂǇΛƚŚĞǁŚŝƐƉĞƌŝŶŐƉŝŶĞƐŝŶŶ͘ĐŽŵ͘ NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Brunch is served from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

City. In June, the couple handed responsibility of the inn to their son David. “My dad found this place and it was supposed to be a retirement thing. That was 14 years ago. It didn’t turn out like that, it was a lot of work,” David Kchao said. “My mom saw it first and she didn’t want it. She has worked hard her whole life and she said this doesn’t look like a piece of cake like it sounds like.” A meal at Whispering Pines is an experience. It is obvious that the food is thoughtfully prepared and plated. Don’t expect to be rushed through your meal either as the waitstaff at Whispering Pines make sure their customers have an enjoyable, relaxed environment to dine on such menu items as warmed smoked duck salad, sweet corn-crab bisque and herbs-potato crusted salmon filet, just to name a few. Helping in the kitchen is David’s aunt, Chinda Kchao. David Kchao adds that he too helps prepare and plan menu items. Not only does the restaurant serves a wide variety of continental cuisine, they also offer freshly baked bread, original soups, desserts and homemade palate-cleansing sorbet between courses. A full bar of wines and spirits also is available. David Kchao adds that Whispering Pines is the No. 2 restaurant on Trip Advisor for Norman. 62

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

The bedroom at Pine Cone Cottage

“It’s amazing to me because probably only 2 percent of Norman has ever come out to us. We have a lot of regulars. It’s a special dinner, so it’s not like they come here every week,” David Kchao said. “I’m really trying to highlight my brunch because there’s really not a lot of places to have brunch. Sunday’s, we are trying to do family-

friendly, casual, lower cost plates.” Kchao adds that his signature dishes on the brunch menu include the huevo rancheros that are made from scratch and served with handmade tortillas. Also, the crème brûlée pancakes are popular, according to Kchoa. The best selling item on Whispering Pine’s dinner menu, Kchao said, are

the certified black angus steaks and the roasted pork tenderloin with mango chutney and apple cider sauce. “The service, I think, is great. It’s a different atmosphere. It’s quiet if you want to talk. All the food, none of it’s processed, it’s made from scratch. I use high quality ingredients. Everything is made with a lot of time,” Kchao said.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

holidaytrending Shop some of Norman’s favorite boutiques!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DECK THE HALLS We have the perfect gifts for you or your loved ones this holiday season. Featured are the Waterford Fleurology 12” Ruby Rose Bowl, Arthur Court Elk Centerpiece Bowl, and Ceil Christmas ﬁgurines. Columns 2001 W Main Street 364.3777

MOTHERLY LOVE Sentimental and hip for your mother - a monogram Mother’s necklace is simply perfect. Allison & Ivy exclusively available : Mitchell’s Jewelry 2201 W Main, 360.2515 mitchells-jewelry.com

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

Our one-of-a-kind cloisonne ornaments are extremely intricate. Occasions designed both ornaments and by Christmas time we are usually out! Each comes in a small padded box. Occasions 2001 W Main St # 119 217.8467

MERRY AND BRIGHT Invite your friends and family into your home for the holidays this season with the wonderful scents of Tyler Candles. Come experience the diﬀerence and purchase yours now at The Tulip Tree. The Tulip Tree 360 24th Ave NW, #100 329.1060

HOT! HOT! WE GOT IT!

Settle in this winter with the newest scent from Nest: Japanese Black Currant

Experience Heloise’s cayenne powder! These peppers are grown pesticide and herbicide free in the Oklahoma sunshine. Order by phone and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heloisepeppers.

Theo’s Market Place 3720 W Robinson St, 364.0728, theosmarketplace.com

Heloise’s Oklahoma Peppers 401.1281

Norman Vintage

Riesling Relations T

he holidays are here again and you may be serving dinner or invited to dinner. Either way wine can be a wonderful complement to dinner. I am old enough to remember when the Thanksgiving wine was an obligatory bottle of pink Catawba (if you don’t know what this is count yourself lucky). Foodies and wine experts agree that the wine of choice for Thanksgiving is Riesling. Now don’t groan, Riesling does not necessarily mean sweet. Riesling originated in Germany, but is now grown worldwide. In the past purchasing German Riesling could be confusing, because of the labeling system that used terms that describe the ripeness of the grapes, which does not always relate to sweetness. Recently, however, importers and producers are including information on sweetness levels. Dry Rieslings will often be labeled trocken. Regardless, the sweetest German Qualitatswein is less sweet than moscato, or the above mention Catawba. Good choices include, Relax, Kruesch Riesling, and Heinz Eifel Riesling Auslese. Since this is an American holiday, try a domestic Chateau St. Michelle or Pacific Rim, which offer a variety of Rieslings of varying sweetness. King Estates NxNW offers dry Riesling that offers notes of green apple. Looking for something a little different, try Gewurztraminer. This fussy grape, produces a slightly spicy, frequently spritzy, wine. Also, originating in Germany, and perfected in Alsace, it is doing well in drier, hot climates in the US, including Oklahoma. River Ranch Gewurztraminer, by Land Run Vineyards, is a charming example, and will complement any holiday dinner.

by kathy hallren

Finally, don’t forget the bubbly. Sparkling wine can be used as an aperitif or with dessert (or in this writers opinion, any time in between). Stock up for New Year evening. There is something for everyone, in every price point and sweet to dry. Talk to your wine merchant for recommendations to meet your taste.

Drink suggestions for the holidays: CHRISTMAS MANHATTAN ŽŵďŝŶĞ ŽǀĞƌ ŝĐĞ͗ ϭ ƉĂƌƚΎ '>h,t/E t/E ͕ ϭ ƉĂƌƚΎ ŽƵƌďŽŶ Žƌ ůĞŶĚĞĚ tŚŝƐŬĞǇ͕ Ă ĚĂƐŚ ŽĨ ďŝƩĞƌƐ͘ ^Ɵƌ Θ ƐƚƌĂŝŶ ŝŶƚŽ ŐůĂƐƐĞƐ͘ 'ĂƌŶŝƐŚ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĐŚĞƌƌǇ ŝĨ ĚĞƐŝƌĞĚ͘

HEART WARMER ϭ ďŽƩůĞ '>h,t/E t/E ϭ ĐƵƉ ƌĂŶďĞƌƌǇ :ƵŝĐĞ ϭШϮ ĐƵƉ ƌĂŶĚǇ ;ŽƉƟŽŶĂůͿ ϭШϮ ĐƵƉ ƐĞĞĚůĞƐƐ ƌĂŝƐŝŶƐ ;ŽƉƟŽŶĂůͿ ŽŵďŝŶĞ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ͕ ŚĞĂƚ͕ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ďŽŝů͕ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀĞ͘

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Norman Profile

Born to Dance by c hris jones

PHOTOS BY CHRIS JONES

yn Cramer grew up in McAllen, Texas where she earned a reputation as the Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland of her neighborhood. The self-described drama queen couldn’t stop dancing, acting, and choreographing. Her Barbie, Ken, and baby dolls all had roles in ongoing childhood productions. And at 13, she stepped out of fantasy and began teaching tap dancing. She tied her tap shoes on her bicycle and off she went with her dogBrownie. “I was born to be an entertainer,” the popular professor said. Cramer, is Weitzenhoffer endowed professor specializing in tap, jazz and theatre dance styles at the University of Oklahoma, where she has guided OU students for 14 years. Cramer looked out the windows of Carpenter Hall on the OU campus and said it’s a pleasure to come to work every day. She recently moved into the sunny office, where she said she loves the view of the North Oval. There is an air of energy in Carpenter Hall where the sounds of music drift through the halls of the red brick building. In a recent interview, Cramer, author of the book, “Creating Musical Theatre,” featuring her conversations with 12 Broadway directors and choreographers talked about the book as a

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Lynn Cramer began teaching tap dance at age 13.

teaching tool, and the stellar reputation of the school. “We are the school of dance, drama, music, opera and musical theater,” she said. “We are ranked in the top 10 in the country. Nobody gets lost here. We know our kids and it feels like family.” The energetic professor, who clearly loves her work, said there are 50 students at any given time. They come to OU from throughout the country, and there is a long waiting list. Cramer said only 16 students come in new each year. “Paul Christman, director of the school, and I were around when things got started here producing students who could work on Broadway!” It’s an impressive record accomplished by a team effort and a tradition of high standards. “We have a faculty full of people still working in their field and we practice what we preach,” Cramer said. “This is the toughest business there is; performing arts of any kind. It requires a backbone of steel because there is so much rejection.” Cramer’s book offers students insight into where directors place their focus when they cast a show. Cramer said when talent and technique are a given, the gift of communication is essential. Directors are looking for a story and it’s all about connecting with the audience. “Creating Musical Theatre,” features twelve interviews with the directors and choreographers that make up today’s Broadway elite. Oklahoma native Kelli O’Hara, four-time Tony nominee wrote the forward for Cramer’s book. Kristin Chenoweth, another famous Oklahoman, and Tony and Emmy winner, recommends the book to young performers. The book serves as inspiration to students as they learn about networking, hard work, lucky breaks, focus, style and versatility. Cramer said students who open her book will read the thoughts of the people who are doing the hiring. And that’s what it’s all about in Carpenter Hall. Dancers want to dance and singers want to sing. They will only be on the OU campus for a short time. During those years, before they go on stage near and far, Cramer said the students are being given the best everyone in the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre has to give.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Norman Life

OU WaTER CENTER

by t heresa bragg

The Worldwatch Institute estimates that over 3.5 million people, mostly children, die from water-related illnesses each year; roughly 1.1 billion people (nearly onesixth of the world’s population) do not have access to an improved source of drinking water; nearly 2.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation and about 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 (U.S. dollars) per day (OU WaTER Center website).

OU WaTER engineer Dr. Jim Chamberlain recently returned from Ethiopia.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

ight years ago, staggering numbers like these are why Dr. David Sabatini, along with other professors from the University of Oklahoma established the Water Technologies for Emerging Regions (WaTER) Center. Dr. Sabatini saw the importance of the elimination of polluted drinking water in developing countries as vitally important to the well-being of especially children. “In Ethiopia, 1 child in 7-10 doesn’t live to see their fifth birthday . . . It was tugging at my heart,” Dr. Sabatini said. After visiting with a group of colleagues, the Center was formed. The Center is located in the O.U. School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES) and is made up of a group of interdisciplinary faculty. About the same time, the United Nations released their Millennium Development Goals. These eight goals addresses eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, improved primary education, gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combatting diseases and illnesses such as HIV/Aids and Malaria, ensuring environmental sustainability and global partnership for development. Sabatini and his colleagues felt that the WaTER Center could help play an important role in this world mandate. Research at the Center focuses on issues that are close to home but can

be applied world-wide. For example, naturally occurring fluoride, as well as arsenic in water, are issues both here and in their locations abroad. Dr. Bob Nairn takes what was learned from arsenic issues here in Oklahoma and applies them in Bolivia, where mines have impacted the water, and that same heavymetal water is used to water the crops. Lessons learned from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl can be applied in the drought and flooding regions in Pakistan and Kenya. Dr. Yang Hong focuses upon drought and climate research in those countries. A new faculty member, Dr. Robert Dreibelbis, shares his time between Civil Engineering and Anthropology, studying sanitation and water Dr. David Sabatini, left, and others established the OU Water Technologies for Emerging Regions Center. quality, especially in India and Rwanda. CEES as Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Orohas much higher concentrations, (10Director Dr. Randy Kolar and Anthromo Self-Help Organization (OSHO), 40 mg/l), therefore, there is widespread pology professor Dr. Paul Spicer are USAID, and a university in Ethiopia to dental fluorosis (mottling and staining also part of the WaTER Center team. facilitate work that they are doing. Dr. of teeth) and skeletal fluorosis (hardDr. Jim Chamberlain, OU Business Chamberlain said that these organizaening and deformation of skeletal Professor Dr. Lowell Busenitz, Dr. Sations “are very good at working with structure) that reduces the quality of batini and a graduate research student, local water committees and training life of millions of people.” The Center recently returned from Ethiopia. Dr. local people to maintain the systems is using fluoride extraction methods, Chamberlain reports that “The region and make sure they are functional. one of which was developed in the we are working in is the Middle EthioBut, honestly, that has been the biggest 1940’s and 1950’s that uses charred pian Rift Valley, a valley which extends problem that we have seen in many animal bones and filtration systems. all the way into Kenya and Tanzania. other villages. The well pump is not It is important to the Center that The groundwater in this area has very working, or the generator, or the filter all processes used in these villages are high, naturally-occurring fluoride in is out of adsorbent, and the local peosustainable and uses local materials, the well water. In the United States, ple don’t know how to fix it or replace promotes local businesses and incorwe add fluoride to the water to reach the media in the filter. . . education and porates what is culturally acceptable an optimum level of 0.5 to 1.2 mg/l to local ownership are both critical to to the residents. The WaTER Center prevent dental cavities. But this region making these projects sustainable.” partners with other relief groups such

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Dr. Lowell Busenitz of the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business, traveled to Ethiopia with the team to investigate which of the water filtering solutions might also have business potential for local residents. By creating local businesses, it could make the solution more sustainable in the long run. “If someone can make a living while providing clean water, there is an incentive to keep the systems operating and functional” Dr. Chamberlain explained. This multi-disciplinary approach has led this summer to the creation and approval of an undergraduate degree minor in Water Sanitation at the University of Oklahoma. Students will take courses in engineering, business, anthropology and sociology in order to learn more about sustainable solutions. The target goal is fifteen students. Students are also encouraged to get involved in “Sooners Without Borders,” an undergraduate service organization

that consists of a core group of 30-40 participants. “A recent trip to El Salvador was very eye-opening for many of the students” said Dr. Sabatini. Many of these students have gone on mission trips and some plan to pursue careers in environmental engineering. Undergraduate students in Environmental Engineering complete

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

internships in developing countries to experience first-hand world issues. Dr. Sabatini reports that their next step is to work on partnering with the Peace Corp. There are normally 3040 students each semester who take “Water for Developing Countries” and another 12-15 who take Dr. Chamberlain’s technical field methods course.

In addition, the department has 10-15 graduate students at this time. Other universities such as the University of North Carolina, Emory University, Johns Hopkins, University of California Berkley and University of Colorado-Boulder have strong programs, but what makes the WaTER Center unique are the facts that the Center is located in the College of Engineering, the new Undergraduate minor, the International Water Conference and the presentation of the University of Oklahoma International Water Prize. The $25,000 O.U. International Water Prize is a biennial award that is sponsored by the WaTER Center. The award is presented at the International Water Conference which is also hosted by the WaTER Center. According to Dr. Sabatini, the prize recognizes and honors an individual who has made significant international contributions, either through research, teaching or service, in the field of water supply and sanitation, with a focus on the world’s poorest living in developing countries. The prize is internationally recognized along with the Stockholm and Singapore Water Prizes. The OU President’s Office funds the prestigious award. Dr. Sabatini says that “we are very pleased that the Dean of Engineering, the OU Vice President for Research and OU President David Boren are very supportive of what we do here at the OU WaTER Center.” This fall at the Water Symposium, a group of jurors will present their nominees and decide on the winner of next fall’s recipient. The International Water Conference, last held in September 2013, drew 180-200 people from 25-30 different countries. According to the Center, the conference is held every two years and brings together participants from multiple disciplines in response to the UN Millennium Development Goals of bringing water and sanitation to emerging regions. It offers attendees a forum for sharing experiences and discussing challenges and solutions. The conference also involves local school children by hosting a Clean Water Poster Contest in order to raise awareness of the importance of clean water world-wide. Funding to do the work of the Center is always a challenge. “We were fortunate to receive a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for our work in Ethiopia. We had to show what we learned there was helpful to the United States.” Additional grant funding has been received from the National Academy of Sciences, United States Aid for International Development and Rotary International. Private donations to the OU WaTER Center are funneled through the University Foundation, where the Center has an account set up.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Norman Community

Norman’s book-reading dragon

he vibe and feel inside Norman Public Library West has always been a little different from that of other library facilities around this part of the state. But visitors to the library this November and December will be greeted by the building’s newest and perhaps most unusual guest – an eight-foot dragon hanging high over the space in front of Michelangelo’s Coffee Shop. He’s there to get readers ready for the Pioneer Library System’s ninth commemoration of The Big Read, which will focus on the Ursula K. Le Guin novel “A Wizard of Earthsea.” And while The Big Read doesn’t begin in earnest until the spring, the library is getting things started in an artistic manner this fall with a Fantasy Art Contest, seeking to inspire talented pieces with an otherworldly look. “The Pioneer Library System has been celebrating ‘The Art of Reading’ this fall through a variety of activities,” said Gary Kramer, Public Information Officer for the Pioneer Library System and designer of Norman West’s dragon. “The Fantasy Art Contest is a perfect lead-in to grow interest in The Big Read in the spring.” 74

Artists must create an original work of visual art that is either based upon or inspired by “A Wizard of Earthsea.” It may be done in any medium or mix of media, including digital or video formats. There will be categories for students age 8-18, adults, and PLS employees. Two $100 prizes will be awarded in each category, plus all entries will be eligible for a separate People’s Choice Award category. Entries are being taken through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. Online judging for a People’s Choice Award takes place Jan. 14-Feb. 28, 2015, and the contest-winning entries will be announced during the Big Read Kickoff event March 26, 2015. They will be part of an exhibit that will open May 8, 2015, at MAINSITE Contemporary Art Gallery in Downtown Norman. “The dragon itself at Norman West is also an example of the type of work that would be eligible for the contest,” said Kramer, who built the dragon during a course of about six weeks this summer. To aid in the creative process, PLS hometown libraries began hosting a series of art workshops based on the book in October, with workshops slated to continue all the way through the spring. They

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

An eight-foot dragon model hangs from the ceiling in front of Michelangelo’s Coffee Shop inside Norman Public Library West, The dragon is helping the community get ready for The Big Read 2015, centered on the fantasy novel “A Wizard of Earthsea.”

focus on four types of art with four separate programs: · A Balance of Earthsea, using the Japanese paper technique Notan; · A Fog of Earthsea, with a collage technique creating atmospheric perspective; · A Light of Earthsea, employing etching · A Map of Earthsea, creating order out of randomness

A variety of local artists will lead the classes, which are scheduled to take place in each PLS hometown library as well as a few editions of the classes that will be given just for students in local schools. Pieces produced through these classes will be eligible and appropriate for the contest, or artists may do something of their own choosing as long as it ties in to the book. Complimentary copies will be available at Norman West for art-

George Chavez of the Pioneer Library System’s administrative staff works to hang a dragon model from the ceiling at Norman Public Library West.

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

ists interested in entering the contest. And that’s where the center of each edition of The Big Read is, on the books that the event features. “A Wizard of Earthsea” is the first fantasy genre novel to be featured by the library system. The novel won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in 1968 and is considered one of the leading fantasy novels published in the past 50 years. To get readers a look inside the worlds of this genre, the library system is welcoming Michael Chabon to Norman March 26, 2015, to officially kick off The Big Read. Chabon

won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001 for “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” and will be discussing the fantasy genre for local audiences as an introduction and encouragement for local readers to try “A Wizard of Earthsea.” The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. It was established in 2007 with the goal of revitalizing the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.

Installation crew members Mark Aday, Larry Trumbo, George Chavez, Gary Kramer and Rebekah Lynam stand under Norman Public Library West’s newest resident, an eight-foot dragon model that hangs above library patrons. The dragon is helping the community get ready for The Big Read 2015, centered on the fantasy novel “A Wizard of Earthsea.”

NORMAN magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Snap

78 The Big Tailgate | 80 Tastes of Norman 82 Chamber Arts Luncheon 84 Fred Jones Museum | 87 Chamber Auction

The Big Tailgate James Marshall and Norma Newburry with Rocio and Juan Tayahua enjoy the auction at The Big Tailgate benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma-Norman at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center Saturday,

Robert and Nita Wood

The Big Tailgate was held in September at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center and benefited Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Oklahoma. PHOTOS BY JAY CHILTON

Angie Wright gets her hand signed by Boomer

Rachel Hernandez, Abigail Brown and Jacquelyn Edwards enjoy the auction

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Wine expert Michael Pullen

Traci Roper, Connie Allbritton, Lacey Griffith and Kim Griffith Melissa and Ben Houston

Traci Moses and Kristi Ray

Erica and Kyle Millar

Fred Peters, Rick Byrd and Deidra Peters NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Snap Shots

Rebecca Sparks cuts a slice of Legends’ famous lemon cake.

Tastes of Norman Norman restaurants served up ƚŚĞŝƌ ĮŶĞƐƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů dĂƐƚĞ ŽĨ EŽƌŵĂŶ ďĞŶĞĮƟŶŐ ŚŝŐŚ ƐĐŚŽŽů ŵƵƐŝĐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘

Sean McMahon serves up the beef.

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Norman North musicians entertain the crowd.

Kendall Ray of Ray’s Smokehouse dishes up samples.

Tim French delivers the pizza.

Emily Goepfert chows down at Taste of Norman

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Snap Shots

Chamber Arts Luncheon Norman Chamber of Commerce’s business and the arts ĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĞ ŚŽŶŽƌĞĚ ĐŽŵŵƵnity members for their contriďƵƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĂƌƚƐ͘ Honoree Carol Armstrong, center seated, is surrounded ďǇ ǁĞůůǁŝƐŚĞƌƐ͘

Scott Martin

John Woods and Chuck Thompson

Daniel Kao, Debra Levy Martinelli, Steven White, Carol Armstrong and Chuck Thompson

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Kyla McMoran and Stephanie O’Hara

Rich Taylor, Jessica Farling, Emily Neff, Koby Harrington Michael Bendure, David Henson

John Woods, Carol Armstrong Joel Deardorf, Jim Meiller

Deidra Peters, Jeff Pilkington, Laura Ingram, Mark Ledbetter

Sherry Brown, Scott Martin

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Snap Shots

Fred Jones Museum >ŝǀĞ ŵƵƐŝĐ͕ ĂƵĐƟŽŶ ŝƚĞŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŐƌĂŶĚ ƉƌŝǌĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ &ƌĞĚ :ŽŶĞƐ :ƌ͘ DƵƐĞƵŵ ŽĨ ƌƚ͛Ɛ ĂŶŶƵĂů ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ ƉĂƌƚǇ ^ĞƉƚ͘ ϭϵ͘ dŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ŚŽƐƚĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ &ƌĞĚ :ŽŶĞƐ :ƌ͘ DƵƐĞƵŵ ŽĨ ƌƚ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ͘ dŚĞ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐ ǁŝůů ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞ ůŝǀĞ ŵƵƐŝĐ ďǇ ƚŚĞ :ƵƐƟŶ ĐŚŽůƐ :Ăǌǌ dƌŝŽ͘ W,KdK^ z Kh' ,/>> Daniel Pullin, Tamara Pullin, Tim Kenney

Emily Neff, Barbara Hill David Light, Renee Light, Brynnan Light-Lewis

Elyse Bogart

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Becky Trumble, Rachel Zelby, Lea-Ward Bobadilla

Todd and Melissa Scaramucci

Justin Echols jazz trio performed

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

S h a l l

We plan out all the special details, but one of the most memorable:

Your Dance!

• No Partner Required • Social & Competitive W Dancing Dance e • All Partner Styles • All levels from D beginners to advanced

a n Ballroom • latin • Country • Swing Creek Shopping Center c Normandy 2260 W. Main St. • Norman e405.801.3308 • shallwedancenorman.com

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Snap Shots

Chamber Auction The Norman Chamber of Commerce ŚĞůĚ ŝƚƐ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĂƵĐƟŽŶ KĐƚ͘ Ϯϯ Ăƚ ZŝǀĞƌǁŝŶĚ ĂƐŝŶŽ͘ dŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ƌĂŝƐĞĚ thousands of dollars for chamber opĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ͘ Tessa Breeder, Mary Ann Fischer

Terri and Mike Fowler, Robert Castleberry

Guests enjoy the chamber auction

Michael Friedman, Heath Tate

Tania Rosas, John Woods

Lisa Talley, Zan Waldenville Amanda and Kyle Allison

Robin Allen, Jim Adair, Gina Mitchell

Guests enjoy the chamber auction

Kyla McMoran, Angie Drury

Gina Mitchell, Dava Byrd, Lisa Talley

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Parting Shot

Area cyclists pedal into the mist on Highway 77 on a cool Saturday morning as the sun warms the day.

NORMAN magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014