Boyd Street Magazine March 2020 by SportsTalkMedia

New Parks for Bikers and Skaters

Places to Play

March 2020 • Issue 3 • Volume 19

OK Canine Corral Opens New Location

Ruff and Tumble

Normanite in the Spotlight

Vicki Davis

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Features

MARCH CONTENTS 2020

ISSUE 3– VOLUME 19 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

68 Team Giveaway

16 by Josh Helmer

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

SENIOR EDITOR

SportsTalk Media’s annual March Madness tournament.

Chip Minty

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

Places to Play

24 by Callie Collins

CONTRIBUTORS

Norman builds parks for bikers, skaters.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Tracie Gray - tracie@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com Jess Haralson - jess@sportstalk1400.com

Normanite in the Spotlight: 35 Vicki Davis

Diamond Upgrades

46 by Josh Helmer

High school baseball and softball fields improved.

500 Wins

50 by Chris Plank

PUBLISHER Randy Laffoon

by Chelsey Kraft Multi-generational Norman resident now serves as the plant operations manager at Johnson Controls.

Major milestone only part of Coale’s legacy.

Silver and Gold

Train Smart

Norman Regional observes National Athletic Training Month.

Visit Norman

20 Chad Roney

Service Spotlight:

by Chelsey Kraft

30 by Lindsay Cuomo

Boyd Street Teacher Features

42 Capt. Michael Finley Service Spotlight:

Ruff and Tumble

by Joy Hampton

OK Canine Corral opens new location on Norman’s east side.

63 in 6 Easy Steps

Up Their Alley

88 by Lindsay Cuomo

by Bill Moakley

14 by Stefanie Brickman

Silver Elm helps residents in golden years.

84 by Roxanne Avery

Spotlights Service Spotlight:

77 by Lindsay Cuomo

Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission. Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.

10 Susannah Bishop

58 by Thomas Iscenko

Social Butterfly starts catering enterprise at Sooner Bowling Center. sportstalk1400.com

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How to Create a Budget

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by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

69 by Kathy Hallren - Joe’s Wine & Spirits Wine by Line

73 Agility and Quickness

Motor Skill Development: Speed,

by Chat Williams - Youth Performance Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

COMM U N I T Y

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight:

Susannah Bishop

orman Police Communications Supervisor Susannah Bishop hadn’t always planned on a career in law enforcement. However, plans change.

“I thought I wanted to be an accountant,” Bishop said. “The more classes I took and the more I thought about sitting in a little room by myself, looking at numbers, the more I thought it was going to drive me insane.” So, while earning her degree in law enforcement administration from the University of Oklahoma, Bishop took a job in 1990 at the Cleveland County jail. That was followed by a year and half working in an attorney’s office, and a year as a dispatcher for the University of Oklahoma Police Department. She then joined the Norman Police Department as a dispatcher. Bishop now serves as the department’s supervisor and has overseen a growing communications bureau. When she joined the department, it was her and one other person on the night shift. The day shift was staffed by a supervisor and two other officers. Now, at minimum, the department staffs a supervisor and three dispatchers for every shift. Dispatchers take non-emergency and 911 calls, as well as after-hours calls for the majority of the municipal government offices. Bishop explained the first priority for incoming emergency calls is simple. “All calls on 911 are answered the same way, ‘Norman 911 – what is the location of your emergency,” she pointed out. “We can’t send you help if we don’t know where you are. If we get nothing else out of a 911 call, if we have an address or location, we can send people.” Dispatchers then confirm the incoming phone number to ensure it is displayed correctly on the 911 screen and to have a record of the call number if officers need to call back. If it’s a LAN line (Local Area Network), a physical address is provided automatically. Cell phones ping to a tower in the area, usually within 30 seconds, which is critical. “Thirty seconds can be the difference between life and death,” Bishop said.

10 | March 2020

According to the veteran communications professional, cell phone technology has become a valuable resource for those needing assistance. “It has benefitted people getting help faster,” Bishop said. “If you saw a horrible crash 15 or 20 years ago, you had to find a pay phone or wait until you got home to call it in. Now you have a crash and 15 people around you are calling it in before you dig your phone out to call.” As beneficial as the technology can be, it can also lead to false alarms. “At least a third of our cell phone calls are accidental dials,” Bishop pointed out. “You’ve got it in your pocket or your child is playing with the phone. Even if a phone doesn’t have service, if it will turn on, it can call 911.” When Bishop is not on the clock, she can be found spending time with her kids and dogs, or if you’re up really early, she can be found working out. “I get up every morning at 4:30 and get to boot camp at 5:15,” Bishop said. “It has kept me healthy, which has helped keep me at work. I love it.”– BSM

COMM U N I T Y

BY: JOSH HELMER

6 8 Te am Giveaway

portsTalk Media Group is excited to once again host the 19th annual 68-Team Giveaway on Monday, March 16 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Moore. This event gives listeners an opportunity to have their name drawn for one of the teams competing in the postseason NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Depending on how an individual’s team performs in the tournament, great prizes from SportsTalk Media Group’s advertisers are awarded. “It’s like a community-wide office pool at Buffalo Wild Wings,” SportsTalk owner Randy Laffoon said. “People turn out to get a team, but they all want to know what they can win. “It’s a win for the advertiser and it’s a win for the listener.” Buffalo Wild Wings has been the perfect place to host the event thanks to its spacious complex. Show hosts from SportsTalk set up in the bar area atop a stage to announce teams beginning during the 1 p.m. hour of program ming. Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings’ setup, families with kids don’t have to be bashful about joining in on the fun and can nab a team, too.

16 | March 2020

“The speaker system goes throughout the whole building, so we can have a lot more people than just in the bar area,” Laffoon said. SportsTalk program director TJ Perry has been a part of the event since its inception back in 2002. “It’s always a special event,” Perry added. “Regardless of what the prizes have been over the years, the giveaway has become more about togetherness, about friends getting together.” As the station’s biggest event of the year, he noted the event’s importance to SportsTalk’s listeners, as well. “It’s the one time of the year that the loyal listeners to the station can all get together. It’s almost like a family re union,” Perry said. “Many take vaca tion days to be there, because a lot of it starts in the middle of the day. They don’t want to miss anything. People meet one another and save tables.” Longtime listener and caller Kurt Keeley echoed those sentiments. He is an event regular for many years, and he was lucky enough to win an iPad one year. “It’s my favorite event, just the camaraderie of it,” Keeley said. “It’s always

packed. I enjoy everybody getting together all in the same place for a couple hours, all of the on-air talent, hall of fame callers, people you may have never met face to face.” Toby Rowland, host of the “T-Row in the Morning Show” and Voice of the Sooners, said the event has really grown and he appreciates the opportunity to engage with listeners and callers. “This is the one time where a significant percentage of listeners are all under the same roof at the same time,” Rowland said. “It’s grown and grown. I remember when it first started, we would give away multiple teams to the same people because we didn’t have enough people to draft all sixty-eight teams.” “It’s just fun,” Rowland continued. “They’ve got wing sauce all over their face and they probably have had a couple of their favorite beverages. Everybody’s excited about the tournament and the brackets being out, and so we all get together to figure out who is going to win this thing.”– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

That interest in lending a hand to others initially led him to earning an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College and to working as a physical therapist assistant. It also impacted his decision to become a fireman. After working four years at a clinic, he realized he didn’t want to keep having the same routine day in and day out. Roney had thought about being a fireman for years, but was under the impression that recruit academy was similar to basic training in the military, which would require him to be away from his family for several weeks. Once he realized that was not the case, he became more interested and spoke to a friend who was part of a volunteer fire department in Newcastle. After that chat, Roney made the decision. 20 | March 2020

Service Spotlight: Chad Roney “When I found out that I didn’t have to go away and leave my family, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Roney said. “The thing I love about the fire department is you never know from one shift to the next what you’re going to be doing. You could be sitting around waiting for a call, you could be training, you could be helping someone, you could be putting out a fire. It’s always changing, and you’re getting to help people at the same time.”

for high school boys. He and his wife are also directors of Teen Reach Adventure Camp, a program for at-risk youth from the foster care system.

Roney joined the Norman Fire Department in January 2001, and he’s been a captain for seven years.

As a person who’s motivated to better himself, Roney said he enjoys the captain role because he is always learning. He has a broad scope of responsibilities.

Originally from Mississippi, Roney moved to be near relatives in Oklahoma after graduating from high school in 1989. He and his wife, Ronni, will celebrate their seventh anniversary in May. The couple has four children, Titus, Kaleb, Noah and Abby. Roney also is an active member of CrossPointe Church, where he serves as a drummer during worship services, secretary of the board of directors and a Sunday school teacher

“We just love on them and show them the love of Jesus,” Roney said. “There’s obviously an incredible need with over 10,000 children in foster care in our state. It’s just an incredible need that needs to be addressed, so that’s just one small way that we’re addressing it.”

“I view the captain’s role as serving my guys too, as well as serving the public,” Roney said. “I love it. I do like being in charge to the point where I can make the choice to make a positive difference. I get to be part of making that decision that’s going to make someone’s day better.” – BSM

Photo by: Mark Doescher

had Roney’s career path and his community involvement have been heavily influenced by his desire to help people.

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

Places to Play

Norman Builds Parks for Bikers, Skaters

orman is adding some new features to its community parks. Creekside Bike Park, located at Lindsey Street and 24th Avenue SE, opened last fall. And, if that’s not enough fun, the city will build an expanded skate park within Andrews Park later this year. Construction of these parks was made possible with funding from the city’s hotel and motel tax, which contains funding earmarked for parks and recreation, said James Briggs, Norman’s city park planner. “We’re so excited to be able to offer this type of facility and we hope they are the first of many,” said Briggs. He said the bike park project was prompted by suggestions from the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee in 2015. The city has hired Missouri-based park design and construction company American Ramp Company to do the work. The company built Andrews Park’s first skating area nearly 20 years ago, and it has maintained contact with the city ever since. The company was

24 | March 2020

new at the time, but its resume now includes projects in 42 countries. “I am really proud to say that Creekside Bike Park is one of the best of its kind in the state of Oklahoma,” said company co-owner John Hunter, who described himself as a former mountain biker. “Norman is one of the first in Oklahoma to feature this kind of cutting-edge set-up.” Hunter and his staff met with members of the Norman community to understand what they wanted . They also created a logo and a brand identity for Creekside. The new bike park includes a biking playground designed for children ages 8 and under and the rest of park is composed of a tree-lined loop with different obstacles and a jump line for more adventurous riders. “Generationally, playing in this way is not something we always consider safe in our society. It used to be that people built ramps like these in their yards,” Hunter said. “Today, these parks are built by professionals as a

way to get kids more excited about outdoor play.” In an age when doctors are prescribing outdoor play for kids, parks are an important community asset. “All of this type of recreation and activity answers a lot of really big problems that we deal with, like getting kids engaged and figuring out how to reduce time staring at screens,” said Hunter. “Competition for time and attention being what it is now, we know that video games and multimedia stuff is super engaging, especially for teens. Biking is basically like a video game that can be done on your own. You don’t have to wait for a group practice. “There’s a natural progression and you have to build up your skill level. There are areas you can see you shouldn’t attempt because it’s obvious you’re not ready yet. That’s a life lesson.” Unlike bike and skate parks from the ’90s, and even the early 2000s, overall access has improved, and people of all ages can find an activity to enjoy. The ability to enjoy the parks’ green space,

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 25

read a book on a bench, picnic and meet friends and neighbors offers a much broader, more inclusive picture. “When you open up spaces, communities get safer. What we’re doing is bringing people together, away from computers and screens and creating a safe place to come together,” said Hunter. “One of the cool things about (a bike park like Creekside) is the terrain doesn’t have to be flat. Some of the undulating patterns found in Oklahoma are naturally here already, which makes it a really good spot to

have a bike park.” Construction at Andrews Park will get started later this spring and American Ramp Company is finalizing the design, working out important details. “The design is architecturally very cool. It’s right by a busy intersection, so even just driving by, you can say ‘that’s a really pretty thing.’ You can look into the park, see the skaters and hopefully decide to give it a try,” said Hunter. The skate park’s remodel will include a variety of terrains, a bowl, a plaza and a mini-ramp. It will serve all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, and possibly even as a place to host professional competitions. “Skateboarding will be included for the first time in this year’s summer

Olympics. It’s really cool to see action sports recognized as a legitimate option for kids. Now that it’s an Olympic sport, there’s almost an obligation for cities to provide a place for families to get involved,” Hunter said. “It’s awesome to see Norman investing in infrastructure. Parks are for the whole community, whether it’s kids on scooters, small kids on strider bikes or older kids jumping a ramp.” Hunter also owns Atlas Safe Rooms, which has a location in Norman, a connection that deepens his ties to the area. Hunter started Atlas after a tornado that hit Joplin, Mo, in 2011. Using his experience in outdoor construction and metalworking, he designed an above-ground, tornado-safe shelter as an alternative to the tradition underground option. Find more information about the parks and the construction progress at www.normanok.gov/parks/ parks-and-recreation. – BSM

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TO THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITIES

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W W W.O KCO O P.O R G

COMM U N I T Y

Dawn Thrailkill

eaching offers plenty of opportunities to pay it forward. It’s a cherished part of the profession for Dawn Thrailkill, orchestra director at Alcott Middle School.

“I had incredible teachers who fostered within me a love for education,” Thrailkill said. “I chose to teach orchestra because being a part of a musical group brought me joy, creativity, discipline and lasting friendships. Teaching has given me the opportunity to foster those same characteristics in young people.” Thrailkill grew up in Norman public schools and has been witness to the growth of the music program firsthand.

“My family moved to Norman when I was in fourth grade. When I began my own musical training, the Norman string program was in its infancy and over the years I have witnessed it grow into one of the most respected

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

string programs in the state.”

“After 28 wonderful years (teaching), I had the opportunity to teach at Alcott Middle School. It feels like I have come full circle!”

Today, Thrailkill teaches four different grade levels, and travels to other schools to teach with other Norman orchestra colleagues. Her intense schedule leaves little downtime.

“Teaching 120 students in two to three buildings each day requires a lot of juggling and is often organized chaos. My 50-minute planning time is filled with countless tasks that need to be done to make class time go smoothly and productively.”

ative and spontaneous. I enjoy getting to see them grow personally and musically over the four years I have them in class.”

Thrailkill was recently honored as Alcott’s Teacher of the Year, a high point in a career she feels called to be in.

“Middle school students are never predictable. The kids are clever, cre-

“I feel honored to have been selected,” Thrailkill said. “I wish everyone could see behind the scenes to see how hard teachers work to reach every student, and how they give so much of their time, resources and hearts. I am very proud to be a teacher!” – BSM

All these choices are guided by the classroom community Spears fosters. “My role as a teacher is to facilitate their learning,” Spears said. “Questions are encouraged, and sometimes they lead to a better lesson than I had planned. I greet my students at the door with a hug or high-five and the day ends the same way it began, with a hug or high-five. It’s important that my students feel loved, so they feel safe enough to learn.” But, there are times when life’s circumstances seep into the classroom. “I’ve had students who’ve lost a parent, students who lose their housing, students whose parents are going through a divorce… my trauma-exposed students are the ones that stick with me year after year. They are the ones that remind me that my career is also my mission field. I get to be the calm during someone else’s storm.”

Spears credits the Norman community for many of the successes she has experienced in the classroom. “I feel extremely proud to live and work in Norman where education is held to a high standard. We are able to provide our students with the best because our community approves bonds and outwardly supports the educators in our town.” Spears was selected by her colleagues as Eisenhower’s Teacher of the Year. – BSM

But all those tasks lead to what Thrailkill is really focused on achieving: student growth.

Teaching Norman

Skye Spears

t might seem like math and literacy should be top priorities for a fourth-grade teacher. But for Skye Spears, those academics skills are just part of her educational agenda for the students in her class at Eisenhower Elementary. She wants her students to have an active voice in their educational journey. “It’s important for students to have a voice and a choice,” Spears said. From the books they read to the seats they sit in each day, it’s all up to her students. “Every morning they get to choose where they sit … and they take ownership in their spot. I have flexible seating, so some students are on yoga balls, a wobble stool, balance boards, desk chairs or regular seats. During small group reading, we read authentic literature and the students vote on which book they want to read together.”

30 | March 2020

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NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

s far as Vicki Davis knows, her family has always lived in Norman.

At the very least, her Norman lineage goes back to her great-grandparents. Today, Davis and her husband of 30 years, Kelly, live on what used to be her great-grandparents’ property east of town. Her parents, and both sets of grandparents, grew up in the community, too. The Davises met at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where she attended college for a year. Once they married, they decided to return to Norman, where they started working full time. They moved into the house that her grandfather had built for his parents. Once they had their two sons, Tyler and Colton, they needed more space, but wanted to stay on the land. “My whole life has been spent in that boydstreet.com

Vicki Davis

four-mile radius,” Davis said. “We decided to basically add on an entire new house instead of starting from scratch.” Her family roots also run deep at Johnson Controls, where Davis has worked for 28 years, the past five as the plant operations manager. In her current role, Davis is responsible for the plant, where air conditioning units are produced by more than 700 employees.

Davis’ mom, Dorothy Wren, joined Johnson Controls when Davis was two years old and now she works as the safety supervisor. Kelly works in the manufacturing engineering department, while their youngest son is in the company’s IT department. “I’ve been around this business my entire life,” Davis said. “It’s been a good support system for my mom and us as we grew up, and it’s been a really great support system for my-

self and my family as we’ve raised our family here.” For Davis, the primary reason she has built a career at Johnson Controls is that it’s a good company to work for. She has had many opportunities to advance, since she started out on the shop floor. Davis went back to school, earning both her bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix while continuing to work full time. From there, she moved into different leadership roles and has continued to advance within the company. “They’re really good about promoting from within, looking at the talent they have and putting opportunities in front of you if that’s what you want to do,” Davis said. “That kind of lends itself to staying because they’re constantly looking to develop talent within Johnson Controls.” BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 35

Davis is involved with several community groups, especially as it relates to Johnson Controls. Right now, she is on the board of directors for United Way and the Norman Chamber of Commerce. Recently, Davis was awarded the 2020 Women’s Leadership Award from the chamber. In their free time, Davis and her husband like taking their recreational vehicle on long weekend camping trips to different areas around Oklahoma. The couple especially enjoys Roman Nose State Park and Black Mesa State Park, near his hometown of Boise City. Having such deep roots in Norman provides a comforting feeling to Davis, and she appreciates living in a community that has the small-town feel but also the big-city amenities. With both of her sons living in the area, it appears as if Davis’ Norman family history will continue. As for Davis, she has no desire to leave anytime soon. “With my job, there are always opportunities for me to go other places if I wanted to,” Davis said. “I’ve always liked Norman though. If it was the right opportunity for me, I might consider going someplace else for work, but I’ve been lucky, and I’ve not had to move away.” – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: JOY HAMPTON

Service Spotlight:

Capt. Michael Finley

ichael Finley didn’t take a direct route into law enforcement.

“I joined the volunteer fire department in my community,” Finley said. “During the five years, I was a member of the Little Axe Fire Department, and I interacted quite a bit with the sheriff’s deputies. One day, seeing a burglary in progress, I pursued the suspect.” Because of his role as a volunteer firefighter, he was able to talk with a dispatcher in the sheriff’s office, which allowed deputies to catch up and apprehend the thief. “A few of those deputies convinced me to join the sheriff’s office,” he said. Growing up, Finley had been a fan of shows like “Emergency” and “CHIPS Patrol.” He knew he wanted to help people. He started with the sheriff’s office in 2005, working at the jail. He worked his way up the ranks to captain. As a captain, Finley is part of the command staff and reports to Chief Deputy of Operations, Jose Chavez, who reports directly to the undersheriff and to Sheriff Todd Gibson.

“Mike Finley leads from the front,” Gibson said. “The example he sets for the men and women under his supervision is as an engaged leader who won’t ask more of them than he’s willing to give himself.” Finley has served under four different sheriffs, and he’s always been a handson, show them how to do it kind of guy. Finley is quick to assist the agency when high-risk calls come in, whether he’s on duty or not. From fires and tornadoes, to the high pursuit of a suspect in traffic, the captain frequently responds to help protect the rural areas that are the agency’s primary jurisdiction.

In addition to moving up the ranks at the sheriff’s office, Finley started a side business with members of his family. Now, due to growth in that business, he is retiring from the sheriff’s office.

“If I know of a situation unfolding where I think I could make a difference and help, I’ll join in whether I’m off duty or on duty,” he said.

Still, Finley’s interested in protecting and serving remains, so he will continue to serve the county as a reserve deputy.

Finley was the oldest of four children raised by a single mom.

“We are saddened to see Mike leave, but we wish him well in this new endeavor,” Gibson said. “As a reserve deputy, he’s going to still be in the field, leading by example and helping with major events where his experience, leadership and training will be invaluable.”

“I grew up very poor. I can remember eating a lot of bologna sandwiches,” he said. “I made a decision early on that I wasn’t going to live like this when I was able to do for myself.”

This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

42 | March 2020

SS_BoydSt_0220-FINAL.pdf

CMY

1/20/20

12:05 PM

S P O RT S

BY: JOSH HELMER

Diamond Upgrades

High School Baseball and Softball Infields Improved

ainouts and makeup games will mostly be a thing of the past, beginning this spring. Norman Public Schools partnered with Hellas Sports Construction to install four state-of-the art infield turfs at Norman High and Norman North for the district’s baseball and softball programs. In addition to countering Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather, the hope is that these upgraded facilities would encourage greater participation from student athletes and enhance the spectator experience. “We wanted to get out in front and be on the leading edge in regards to something that gets people’s attention. It’s a win-win for all and a better overall product,” T.D. O’Hara said, NPS district athletic director. Hellas installed its Major Play turf, which is designed to simulate the nat-

46 | March 2020

ural bounce and roll of a ball like on a natural grass infield. “It’s our top of the line fiber. We do a lot of neat things with it by changing the pile heights, the tallness of the blade, depending on what area of the field we’re simulating,” David Fisher, Hellas’ Oklahoma business development manager, said. “For instance, if we’re simulating a clay area, we shorten the pile height to make the ball move quicker. If we’re in a grassy area, we raise the height to help the ball slow like on natural grass.” Fisher worked for 27 years as Yukon athletic director, so he understands what NPS athletics will enjoy on turf. “We’re always so excited at Hellas whenever we can bring this type of quality surface to any school district. They’re playing on a collegiate-type surface. I know what it means to parents, stake-

holders and student athletes to be able to upgrade your facilities like this and get onto a consistent surface,” Fisher said. “It’s tough in the fall and the spring sometimes trying to play baseball and softball with the weather we deal with around here. It’s great to be able to know that five minutes after it quits raining and there’s no lightning in the area that you can get on the field and play.” One of the other benefits is less field maintenance. Norman North head baseball coach Brian Aylor said having turf has removed two hours of daily field maintenance. “It’s taken a lot off the responsibility of the coaching staff and the players in regards to the before and after of every day. It’s allowed me to spend more time coaching and working with players instead of having to work on a field,” Aylor said.

It’s changed practice for the Timberwolves, too. Now, instead of worrying about tearing up base paths or pitching mounds, they can practice without that concern.

The renovations also make NPS athletics a more attractive destination for future in-season tournaments and as a neutral-site postseason venue.

“We’re able to do multiple base runners at one time. You can put down two or three home plates and have guys running, because you’re just working on a surface, you’re not working on grass and dirt,” Aylor said. “You’re tearing your mound up consistently doing pitching and fielding practice. Being able to get out there on the turf, you don’t have to worry about the damage you’re doing to your field because it’s the same as it was when you got on it.”

“It’s the new wave and the new way of doing things. We’re one of the first ones on the west side to be able to do that and I think that it’s already generated a lot of talk across the state in regards to playoffs as a neutral site which brings things in for our community. Teams from the outside want to come in and play on that. The community of Norman benefits from that as well as each site and the district,” O’Hara said.

boydstreet.com

The turf upgrades continue a distict-wide series of facility renovations.

NPS athletics recently replaced the turf and added a video board at Harve Collins Field. They have built concession stands and storage areas for softball as well as new underground irrigation systems for the practice fields. “We’re really proud of the strides we’ve made… as far as what all we’ve done to make our facilities better and encourage more kids and more people to come out and support our programs. That’s not possible without support of the community and support from the district administration. We certainly appreciate them understanding the key role that athletics plays in the overall educational process,” O’Hara said. -BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 47

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BY: CHRIS PLANK

Major Milestone Only Part of Coale’s Legacy

n the history of Division I women’s basketball, less than 100 coaches have won 500 games. Sherri Coale surpassed the 500 win mark on Feb. 2.

Coale was a coach at nearby Norman High School when she heard the news. There was no way they could shutter the program, she thought, but the university seemed set on its plan.

But it was more than a historic win. It was a critical road victory against an opponent that had the Sooners down by 22 points at halftime. The Sooners roared out of the locker room and outscored Kansas 29-13 in the third quarter, eventually forcing overtime, when they outscored the Jayhawks to break a four-game losing streak.

The reaction was swift and included a campus rally to condemn the decision. A national group prepared to file a lawsuit, advocating for women’s rights as part of a movement focusing on sports as a key element to achieving across-theboard gender equity. The State Senate even passed a resolution, condemning the decision.

“In the great scheme of things, our team needed to win a basketball game today and we did,” Coale said.

Threatened with legal action and battered by a national outcry, officials announced one week later that the program would be restored. As the 1996 season approached, it was clear that the OU women’s hoops program was still struggling.

But there’s no doubt that the win was also an important highlight to a legendary career. Coach Coale took a women’s basketball program from the brink of extinction to a Final Four appearance, and then on to compete for a national championship. She has elevated the Sooners to a level of consistent success that is good enough to land her in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame before her coaching career is even finished. Leave your story better than you found it. That is the foundation of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball under Coale’s leadership. “When a head coach gets recognition, it’s a result of a bunch of great players and a wide array of great staff members through the years. But it’s not just the guys on the floor. It’s the people that get us where we’re going: our office manager, equipment managers, trainer, strength staff,” Coale said. “That recognition goes to a lot of people. Five hundred reflects a lot of great players and a lot of committed staff members. “I’ve been very, very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people and that’s the only way that happens.” While this historic win meant a lot to the 2019-2020 Sooners, it continues to add to one of the great stories in college basketball history. In the spring of 1990, OU was coming off another losing season. The Sooners had finished 7-22 and had an average of 65 fans at home games. OU President Richard Van Horn and Athletic Director Donnie Duncan made the decision to drop the program, saying they wanted to use the funds to bolster other women’s sports. boydstreet.com

In the meantime, Coale had won two state titles at Norman High, which got OU’s attention. So, OU administrators took a chance and made a rare move, hiring a high school coach to run a college program. Onlookers wondered if the job would be too steep of a challenge for Coale. “Everybody had to be convinced,” Coale said. “People inside the program, people you wanted to bring into your program, people outside the program… we just continued acts of sincerity over and over and over to change the way people saw who we were.” “Coale came in with a plan,” said Marita Hynes, who was OU’s associate athletic director at the time. “She was very specific and effective in showing how she could do it.” Former President David Boren said he was proud of the fact that Sherri Coale was the first coach hired on his watch. “Here we were, about to do away with women’s basketball, and along came Sherri Coale,” Boren said. “It’s the only coaching decision my wife got involved in, as well. The discussion didn’t go on for long before we realized we wanted and needed to sign her up.” Coale gave birth to her second child, her first daughter, Chandler, just two weeks after she got the job. “When you have a job like this, your family has to be a part of your job,” she said. “It’s not, ‘leave it at the office and come home.’ To me that’s impossible, because, with this job, I’m never off.” BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 51

“If we go to Target to buy school supplies, when people see me, I am still the head women’s basketball coach for the University of Oklahoma, so family has to understand that.” While her family continued to grow, so did the women’s basketball program, but many questioned whether it could ever be changed enough. “It’s really, really challenging to stay at the top,” Coale said. “But I don’t know that there’s anything harder than truly changing a damaged perception.” 52 | March 2020

Through years of hard work and determination, Coale has done that, and her record of success speaks for itself. Since taking the job, Coale’s teams have won six Big 12 regular-season titles and four Big 12 post-season titles. She has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year on four occasions, and she has made the NCAA Tournament 19 times. In those 19 trips to the Big Dance, Coale has advanced to the Sweet 16 nine times, the Final Four three teams and the NCAA Finals once.

However, her former players, those who helped leave the story better than they found it, best tell Coale’s impact. Take Amanda Thompson, a former Sooner standout who played from 2006 to 2010 and is currently a graduate assistant. “From the first moment I met her, I felt that passion to win a championship,” Thompson said. “That’s one of the reasons why I came here. She really wants to win. Her players and her coaching staff are all on the same mission.” When Coale took over, the program had

made two tournament appearances in 22 years. The move from irrelevance to elite was not an easy climb, though. “She is Oklahoma basketball,” former Sooner Maddie Manning said. “She made the program what it is. That’s why I went to the University of Oklahoma. That’s why kids go there, to play for Sherri Coale. She’s a Hall of Fame coach and has an unbelievable way of motivating people. I can’t say enough good things about her.” Success and championships helped push the program, but the journey is more than just wins and losses. For Coale, it’s about changing lives. “She’s chasing that championship, but she’s on a mission to change people’s lives,” Manning added. “That’s her biggest thing, affecting anybody that walks through that door in a positive way, and then chasing that championship.” Colton Coale, Sherri Coale’s son and assistant coach the last two seasons, says their players are the top priority. “The kids mean more to her than those wins,” he said. “In her mind, those aren’t her wins… they’re her players wins. I think the wins are just kind of a validation of how she’s touched so many people. She does this thing every day to impact kids and help them figure out who they are. That’s just the lens that she looks through every day and she does a heck of a job of it.” It is amazing to think that a program which was viewed as an afterthought has become such an integral part of OU’s athletic department. Coale is now one of only 33 coaches with 500 wins who are currently active, and only 15 achieved the mark while coaching at a single school for their full career. She has coached 14 WNBA draft picks (six of those were first round picks), 13 All-Americans, seven Big 12 Freshmen of the Year and six Big 12 Players of the Year. She was inducted into the Women’s College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. While 500 career wins serves as an important milestone that represents Coale’s on-the-court success, she believes the impact she’s made on her players, coaches and the sport of women’s basketball is even more meaningful. – BSM 54 | March 2020

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B U S I N E SS

BY: THOMAS ISCENKO

Silver and Gold

Silver Elm Helps Residents in Golden Years

he old adage that you are only as old as you feel resonates with residents at Silver Elm Estates, a senior independent living community in Norman.

Jillian Jones, the former executive director of the facility, says she sets the bar high when it comes to the range of amenities and social activities available to the residents living at Silver Elm. “When you retire, you want to live a full lifestyle,” Jones said. “We’re really proud to offer our residents a rich life in their golden years.”

So rich in fact, Silver Elm’s line dancing group has been invited to perform during an upcoming OSU basketball halftime show. With members ranging from age 80 to 98, they prove that people in their golden years still know how to get their groove on. In preparation for their upcoming performance, the women are practic58 | March 2020

ing up to three times a week, but their ambitions don’t end there. At least some of them have their sights set on the Superbowl.

The line-dancing group is just one of the community-driven activities at Silver Elm Estates. According to residents, the senior independent living community stands out because of the people and the social interactions they share. Jones emphasized the importance of providing full and enriching options for their residents.

“We have line dancing, exercise, Bridge, jewelry making, movie nights and parties. But, for people who are a bit quieter, they can lay low and not have to feel pressured into joining in.”

Social engagement has always been the community’s priority, said Wendy, a member of the line dancing group, who has lived at Silver Elm since it opened in 2013.

With only seven years under their belt, Silver Elm Estates has quickly distinguished itself. Just last year, the institution was given an award for best retirement community in Norman. Popular amenities, such as one-story apartments and washers and driers are appreciated by residents.

“I was sold the very moment I heard we also get a washer and drier,” another of the line dancers remarked. With such a rising reputation, there is also a growing waiting list for their one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

“Even though we hate to see people leave, their spot is quickly replaced. We always stay at full capacity,” Jones said.

To learn more about the amenities and programs at Silver Elm, visit www.silverelmestatesinnorman.com or stop by to meet the new executive director, Calia Deyalsingh – BSM

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BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI | PRESIDENT/CEO OU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

How to Create a Budget in

6 Easy Steps

HO NEEDS A BUDGET ANYWAY?

If you’re always wondering how you’re going to pay the next bill, feel guilty when you indulge in overpriced treats and you can’t seem to find money to put into savings, then you probably need a budget. A budget is not a magic potion that will automatically solve all your money problems, but it will help you gain financial awareness. That, in turn, will help facilitate more responsible decisions. Lots of people think budgeting is overly tedious, and that living within a budget means never indulging in a $6 latte or a pair of designer jeans again. The reality, though, is almost the complete opposite. A well-designed budget may initially take time to create, but once it’s up and running, it shouldn’t take you long to maintain. You’ll likely sleep better at night knowing you can comfortably cover all your expenses. And, perhaps most shockingly, a good budget allows for the occasional treat—without the guilt.

HERE’S HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET IN SIX EASY STEPS: Step 1: Gather all your financial information Collect all your financial documents and receipts for three consecutive months. This includes all account statements, bills, pay stubs, receipts and more. You can save all these documents over the three months, or you might be able to access this information online, especially if you’re a card user who rarely uses cash.

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Step 2: Tally up your totals Divide your documents into expenses and income. Then, list the corresponding numbers on a spreadsheet. As you work through these lists, include occasional and seasonal expenses, dividing these expenditure groups by 12 to spread them evenly throughout the year. When you have your numbers, look at how they match up. In the bestcase scenario, your income will exceed your expenses. If the numbers are too close for comfort, or your expenses outweigh your income, you’ll need to trim your spending and/or look for ways to boost your income, so you don’t end up in debt. You can also review your fixed expenses to see if there’s any way to bring those values down, such as refinancing your mortgage to a lower rate, switching to a cheaper car insurance policy or cutting out a monthly bill you don’t really need. Step 3: List all your needs Look at how you’ve spent your money in the recorded time and weed out all the actual needs from your list. This will include fixed expenses like mortgage/rent payments, savings, insurance premiums, car payments, minimum loan payments and childcare costs. You’ll also want to consider fluctuating expenses, such as groceries, clothing and other goods. To keep it simpler, list your fixed expenses first, followed by your nonfixed expenses. Separating your needs from your wants can get tricky, and you’ll need to use your common sense. For example, you need to eat, but do you really need to eat organic? If this is an important value to you, the answer may

be yes, but if it’s something you’d only prefer if possible, it may be more of a want. As you list each need, write down its corresponding cost. When you’ve finished creating this list, add up the total. Step 4: List your wants Your next step is going to be all about the stuff you love to spend money on but can live without. Include entertainment costs here, as well as eating out, gifts, expensive hobbies and anything else that costs money, but is not an absolute necessity. Here too, jot down the monthly cost of each item on your list and tally up the total when you’re done. Step 5: Assign dollar amounts to your expenses You’re now ready to do the nitty-gritty work of budgeting. Open a new spreadsheet and copy your lists of expenses, starting with the fixed-cost needs, your nonfixed-cost needs, and then list your wants. Remember to include your occasional and seasonal expenses here as well. Assign a fixed amount to each of these costs and plan to have that amount automatically transferred into a special savings account. This way, when you need to meet that expense, you have the money on hand to cover the cost. There are several schools of thought when it comes to creating a budget. To keep things simple, we’ve outlined just two of the most popular budgeting methods for you to choose from. The traditional budget involves assigning a specific dollar amount to each expense category. If your budget allows, simply use the average BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 63

amount you’ve spent in each category for the last three months to set the cap for that expense. For example, if you spent an average of $600 on groceries, jot down that number near this category in your budget. Continue until every dollar is accounted for. If your expenses outweigh your income, you’ll need to trim some expenses for your budget to work. The 50/30/20 budget is simpler but requires more discipline. Set aside 50 percent of your budget for your needs, 30 percent for your wants, and the remaining 20 percent for savings. If you want to use this kind of budget, divide up your numbers accordingly to see if it can work for you. Does 50 percent of your income cover the total amount you listed for your needs? Is 30 percent enough for your wants? If it can work, this type of budget allows for more individual choices each month and less accounting. Going forward, be sure to spend only the assigned amounts for each expense category. Step 6: Review and adjust as necessary Review your budget each month to see if you’re staying on track. If you consistently overspend in a category, move some numbers around and spend less in another area so you have more money available to meet your needs. Remember: A budget should be freeing, not restrictive. If yours is not working for you, adjust and tweak it until you can stick to it easily.

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LI F EST Y L E

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Wine by Line

ine is a complex and baffling subject for many. Most wine drinkers find something they like and never budge.

The wine served by a friend or at a restaurant becomes their wine for life, or at least for a long time. Then, when they have guests who drink white wine instead of their favorite red, they go out and grab a bottle with the same label. While this is a great marketing strategy, it’s not always the best way to choose a wine. Many wine producers, particularly in the United States and Australia, follow a brand model. It’s obvious why the larger producers use this strategy, but why do small producers use it? Economics. Startup vineyards can produce white wines in three to four years, as opposed to the six or seven years they need for red wines. So, even if the goal was to produce a perfect French style Pinot noir, the vineyard often develops a following for its French style chardonnay.

Why is this important? Each wine has its strengths and weaknesses. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for industrial volume wines or the artisanal producer. The Cabernet Sauvignon in the box from one line may be very acceptable but the Pinot Grigio may pale compared to wine with a different label. This type of the information is not always available at big box stores. But, local stores curate their offerings. They can select the best wines of each brand. With the help of your favorite local store, you can discover value priced wines that are gems. Staff recommendations are still the best way to select your wine, but you can also check reviews on your smart phone. Enjoy and drink responsibly. Kathy

LI F EST Y L E

BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

Motor Skill Development: Speed, Agility and Quickness

here are multiple components to consider when designing a strength and conditioning program. Muscular strength, power, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, motor skills and flexibility are all important and play a role in the development of a young athlete. Motor skill components enhance speed, agility and quickness, and they can be incorporated into workouts in various ways, depending on fitness level and seasonal preparation. Acceleration, deceleration, change of direction, footwork, stride length, stride frequency and explosive capabilities are just a few of the variables that may improve when incorporating speed and agility into a training regimen. Speed and agility drills use several types of equipment, including manual resistance straps, cones, hurdles, parachutes and agility ladders. These exercises should focus on mechanics to help development and enhance efficiency of movement. The goal is to teach youth how to be effective in sprinting, cutting and transitioning into their next movement, while reducing the chance of injury.

KEY TERMS FOR MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE:

Speed: The ability to cover a specific distance or execute a movement in a short amount of time. Agility: The ability of an individual to change direction quickly or the velocity of the body when reacting to a stimulus.

Acceleration: The process of going from a static or near static position to maximal speed as quickly as possible. Deceleration: The ability to slow-down or stop quickly while maintaining body control. Stride length: Typically, 2.3 to 2.5 times the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leg length. Can be improved through the training in sprint mechanics. Stride frequency: The number of strides taken in a specific amount of time and/or distance. Closed Agility Drills: These types of drills remain consistent and have a predetermined pattern. Open Agility Drills: Have limited restrictions and are performed in an environment that is ever-changing and not pre-determined.

Call or email for more information about group training, private training or team training. Chat Williams, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CSPS*D, FNSCA chat@youthperformance.net www.youthperformance.net 701-3416

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H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Train Smart

Norman Regional Observes National Athletic Training Month

thletics are an influential part of our culture. From the court to the gridiron, on the pitch or the diamond, communities across the nation rally behind youth sports. Entire cities and states come together to support their favorite collegiate and professional teams. And, all this recreation is powered by athletes, young and old, competing at various levels.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

It should come as little surprise that sports medicine is a fast-growing discipline. In fact, participation in high school sports reached an all-time high during the 2017-2018 season, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Experts expect these numbers to continue to increase. Norman Regional’s Sports Medicine program works with 10 different school districts and area colleges including Norman Public Schools. Their athletic trainers work with schools in a variety of capacities, providing resources for injury prevention programs, rehabilitation and more. boydstreet.com

“We have different programs and services for each of the schools we work with,” said Joe Waldron, an athletic trainer for 25 years and manager of the Norman Regional sports medicine program. “We help with the needs of the athletes to keep them healthy and get them back into the game as soon as is safely possible.” In addition to the growing demand, sports medicine has also experienced a renaissance of sorts, Waldron said. “We know more today than ever before about the long-term effects of injuries, especially head injuries,” Waldron says. “We are so much more educated on what to look for and to test for.” New testing capabilities and injury protocols provide trainers with better guidelines for safe practices, and for recovery. “It used to be, if an athlete had a head injury, they would have to sit out a certain (number of days) but every kid is different and secondary injuries can be deadly. We need to be very smart about how

quickly we let athletes return to play. We now utilize more tests and tools to determine when an athlete is ready.” Athletic trainers are required to be a jack-of-all-trades, Waldron said, addressing a variety of needs for the athletes under their care. “We have a lot of training in different areas. We have training in nutrition and rehab,” Waldron said. “We are a combination of all of the medical trades, so we can help the athlete as a whole.” Waldron says conditioning plays an important role, especially in preventing future injury. “Many times, an athlete’s body isn’t ready for the conditions. They come out not prepared physically and have a tendency to overheat, strain muscles or break bones.” Waldron recommends young athletes participate in a variety of sports. “Participation in different sports trains BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 77

your body kinesthetically,” Waldron says. “Every sport uses the body in a different way. Let kids play every sport they want to play and then specialize later on if that’s what they want to do.” But, perhaps even more importantly, Waldron said players should listen to their bodies. “Make sure you understand what your body is trying to tell you,” he said. “If you aren’t able to do what you were able to do, that is an indicator you should (see a doctor).” And, when it comes to head injuries, Waldron said it’s always better to be safe than sorry. “There are no heroes when it comes to head injuries,” Waldron cautioned. “We can fix knees, elbows, shoulders but we can’t fix heads.” Norman Regional recently welcomed Ortho Central to its family of physicians and practices who are under the Norman Regional Health System umbrella of care. Ortho Central is comprised of four orthopedic surgeons as well as a sports medicine physician. Through its new partnership with Ortho Central, Norman Regional assists various state sporting organizations including the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, providing doctors and specialists during championships and other events throughout the state. To learn more about Norman Regional’s sports medicine or orthopedic programs, visit www.NormanRegional.com. – BSM

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B U S I N E SS

BY: ROXANNE AVERY COM M UNI TY

Ruff and Tumble D

ogs are social creatures. They not only love human companionship but also enjoy spending time with their canine buddies. In today’s world, many dogs spend their days at home alone while their owners are at work or school. That may be why the first modern dog day care opened in 1987 in New York, and the trend has spread across the country, including Norman. In 2016, Mike Greb and Jeff Lewis built the first OK Canine Corral at 1413 24th Ave. SW. The Corral offers dog owners a place to take their pets for an exciting day of fun, adventure, training and grooming. Dogs enjoy indoor and outdoor playtime, meals and a nap. At the end of the day, the daycare staff reports information about what their dog enjoyed, what he or she did best and names of new friends.

84 | March 2020

Due to the success of their first location and to fill the need for a facility on the east side, Greb partnered with Jeff Latham to open a second location at 1224 Lindsay Plaza Drive. “The southeast part of Norman was underserved in the area of doggie daycare. There is not a center anywhere near this location,” Latham said. Luck was on their side when the team searched for a space. The owner of their chosen lot said she would sell to them if they would bring her on as a groomer. “She’s our full-time groomer,” Latham said with a smile. Located a mile from campus, the daycare is next to University Animal Hospital, owned by Dr. John Otto. “Dr. Otto started a prison program for dogs,” Latham said. “One of our trainers was in that program, and

that’s where she learned. She now trains dogs at both of our locations.” “Our mission is to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners by providing a safe, clean and happy environment,” Greb said. “Socialization is key to providing a dog with a happy, healthy and productive life and our facilities are equipped with vinyl fencing, mud-free artificial turf and free live HD cameras.” “A person can literally be on vacation and receive images on their phone in real time to watch their dog,” Lewis said. “People have fun checking on their dogs throughout the day on their cell phones. One of our clients watches her dog all day on her I-Pad.” The doggie daycare is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and overnight boarding is also available. “It’s just like dropping kids off at school,” Latham said. “It’s really nice

Photos by: Mark Doescher

OK Canine Corral Opens New Location on Norman’s East Side

for owners getting off work or school to not have to go home and take their dogs for a walk. They are played-out from a full day or half day of exercise here.” Standing in the spacious reception area, Lewis said, “Every dog coming in here cannot wait to get back there,” pointing to the play area on the big screen monitor. “It’s like being in elementary school, but it’s recess all day.” Lewis also said it’s fascinating to watch the dogs who know each other from previous visits and the friendships that develop.

The first day at the Corral is free for a required temperament test. Prior to inclusion in the playgroup or for overnight boarding, every dog is tested to evaluate his or her general attitude toward other dogs and people. Physical and mental traits are evaluated, including behavior, body language and personality. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament and a general play day at the Corral includes two sessions in the climate-controlled playrooms, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Dogs play outside when the weather is nice with cool fresh water always available at multiple locations inside and out. When it’s naptime, dogs go to their individual suites filled with cozy cots and blankets. Veterinary professionals recommend rest time between play sessions and the Corral accommodates that between noon and 2 p.m. each day. Greb’s father, Ted, built a western-themed “corral” in the back of the playroom for the individualized suites, which are also used for meals. Strict standards concerning sanitizing and cleaning are in place to ensure a healthy environment. Requirements for dogs coming to the Corral are a quick release collar and vaccinations for rabies, bordetella and DHPP. Puppies must be at least 10 weeks old and they must be spayed or neutered by the time they’re 7 months old. To learn more about the services offered at OK Canine Corral or to schedule a tour or free temperament test, visit okcaninecorral.com. – BSM

B U S I N E SS

BY:LINDSAY CUOMO

Up Their Alley Social Butterfly Starts Catering Enterprise at Sooner Bowling Center

andy Haws has always prided herself on doing the unexpected. Over her 16 years managing the family owned Sooner Bowling Center, Haws has embraced the unconventional. In fact, she was honored last year for her pioneering strategies by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. “I have a little sign in my office that says that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra effort,” Haws said. In a continued effort to modernize the bowling center, Haws has completed a long list of improvements, including cosmetic changes as well as a variety of technological changes. The most recent upgrades were focused in their kitchen. “I have had a kitchen renovation on my to-do list for some time,” Haws

88 | March 2020

said. “We have always been doing our best, but we needed it.”

From this renovation, a new idea took shape. Haws decided to partner with Liz Barfield, a fellow Norman businesswoman, to open Social Butterfly Catering. The catering operation is based within the newly renovated kitchen inside Sooner Bowling.

Barfield and Haws saw an untapped opportunity in the Norman community. They analyzed the market and saw a place to merge their talents. “We decided that we could serve businesses and nonprofit organizations during their small to mid-size events with good, fresh food and good service,” Haws said.

“It’s been a process, but it just made sense to go beyond our four walls,” Haws said. “It was a natural progression for us.”

The two women have compiled a unique menu of “fresh food with a flare,” describing their style as “comfortably elegant.”

Barfield has been in the hospitality business for many years and she sees food as a way to bring people together.

“I come from a Southern background with a strong connection to cooking. It runs in my family,” Barfield said. “We’re using family recipes with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients to make great flavor combinations.”

“I love serving people. It makes me smile from ear to ear to see people happy,” she said.

“Because we like to be able to answer the question of where we got it, Inter-

national Pantry helps us out with our sauces and the little extras like that,” Haws said. Their catering options include appetizers, charcuterie boards, casseroles, entrees, sides and desserts. And they love to do themed parties. “Give me a theme, and I will run with it,” Barfield said. “We enjoy tailoring our food selections and tablescapes to your event.” The Social Butterfly name is a nod to both Haws and Barfield. “Liz and I are both very social, and I am passionate about social media in the bowling industry. The butterfly is so elegant so that solidified it,” Haws said. “And it just so happens to have the same initials as Sooner Bowling Center, which we are a part of.” To learn more about Social Butterfly Catering, visit www.socialbutterfly-catering.com.– BSM

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Boyd Street Magazine March 2020

Articles inside

Vicki Davis NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Silver and Gold

Up Their Alley