OEC serves area wineries that thrive on patron participation Oklahoma Historical Society records indicate that the first documented winery was opened on Oklahoma Territory in 1898. Today there are approximately 52 wineries across the state. Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is proud to power a few of these operations in Lexington, Slaughterville, Tuttle and Norman. In addition to making tasty wines these enterprises have also incorporated into their business models ways of encouraging community spirit. Canadian River Vineyards and Winery is set on a picturesque acreage due south of Norman at Highway 77 and Slaughterville Road. The business has been recently acquired by married couples Autumn and Don Bellinger and Karie and Chad Killgore. In addition to being friends and business partners, Autumn and Chad are also siblings. Although new to the 20-yearold operation, the proprietors intend to maintain and expand its already strong ties to the community. One of these ways late last year was to host fundraising activities at the winery for a member of the community in need. Last June, Norman Police Department officer Jenny Bryan was diagnosed with a Stage 4 re-occurrence of breast cancer. Folks came out to help raise money for her battle against the disease. “I’ve known Jenny for nine years,” Autumn Bellinger said. “She was an instructor at the YMCA, involved in the community and a really great person. She’s a single mom with four kids and when it came to my attention she had breast cancer again, Karie and I knew we had to do something to raise money for her.” The community stepped-up supporting the food and drink event fundraiser and they were able to donate significantly to Jenny Bryan’s medical care fund. “On a monthly basis we’re planning similar events to charitably benefit individuals or organizations,” Karie Killgore said. As a member of the Noble and Dibble Chambers of Commerce, with children in Noble Public Schools and operations manager at McClain Bank, Killgore was already closely involved in her community and its needs. “Being part of the community is good for business opportunities, getting to know people and networking,” Killgore said. Activities at the winery include tastings and food pairings to celebrate Valentine’s Day, upscale couples socializing events and “Sip n Shop” with multiple vendors present. “We’re excited that OEC serves the winery because they are presently running fiber optic cable to us,” Bellinger said. “In the past we’ve had horrible internet access but now everyone raves about their OEC internet services. OEC has always been a huge supporter of the Noble community,” CREATING COMMUNITY IN EAST NORMAN Native Spirits Winery is located on the rolling hills in east Norman at 10500 E. Lindsey Street. It’s operated by vinters Rick and Staci Vollmer.
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Oklahoma Electric Co-op News • February 2021
