boyd street march issue 2015

The Sooners’Alex Ghilea

15National ChampionshipsSpring Sports Team

and counting....page 39

March 2015 • Issue 3 • Volume 14

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Pg. 14 Normanite: Sally Little by Alexander MutzRetired school teacher Sally Little went on a mission trip to Haiti that would alter the course of her life and give life to “Threads of Kindness.”

Pg. 19 Red Cross Awareness Month by Rebecca BarbeeMarch is the perfect time to celebrate the service and the humanitarian work of the Red Cross in Oklahoma and around the world.

Pg. 20 Celebrating Sisterhood, Impacting the Worldby Meghan WhitingThe Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts their annual Mid-Western Regional Conference in Norman.

Pg. 23 Running for the Greenby Carleigh FouchIt’s time again to don your green and run for a good cause at O’Connell’s St. Pat’s 8K Run.

Pg. 24 Spring Break Staycation by Tegan Burkhard25 ways to have fun close to home this Spring Break.

Pg. 28 Sanctuary Among the Pinesby Lezlie ChristianWhispering Pines Bed and Breakfast is a little slice of heaven in Norman, Oklahoma.

Pg. 31 Norman’s Home Away from Homeby Carly O’Donnell“Norman’s best-kept secret,” the Marriott Conference Center and Hotel at the National Center for Employee Development is making itself known as a Marriott-managed hotel.

Pg. 34 OU Federal Credit Union Gets an Update.By Shannon HudzinskiThe Oklahoma Memorial Union branch received a much-needed makeover and a series of new mobile banking apps.

Pg. 38 Sooner Spotlightby Chris JosephOU Baseball’s Sheldon Neuse discusses the upcoming season. Pg. 39 Sooner Spring Sportsby Mark DoescherOnce March Madness ends there are still plenty of championship-caliber Sooner squads to cheer for on campus.

Pg. 45 From Spectator to Savant by Kathryn SchaubergerInternational Pantry offers gourmet cooking classes throughout the year taught by local chefs.

Pg. 47 The Nature of Discoveryby Lindsay CuomoFamilies have plenty to discover at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History this March.

Pg. 56 Step Back in Timeby Meghan WhittingtonNorman will host the 39th Annual Medieval Fair, March 27 – 29, at Reaves Park.

Pg. 68 When the Owls Turned Greenby Jeff ProvineA tale of the infamous feud between OU’s college of engineering and college of law.

Pg. 73 Young Choreographers Showcaseby Grant SchatzmanA look back at the collaboration of the OU School of Dance and the College of Fine Arts that showcases the work of ten OU Dance students.

/boydstreetmagazine@boydstreet

boydstreet.com

Februaruy 2015 • Issue 2 • Volume 14

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Haley Mowdy

ART DIRECTORHaley Mowdy

MANAGING EDITORLindsay Cuomo

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER & CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark Doescher

ASSOCIATE EDITORSAlex Mutz | Meghan Whiting

ADVERTISING MANAGERKaitlin Manis

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSCarly O’Donnell

PHOTOGRAPHYAlanna Moore | Kelsey Higley

Shar Rother | Kathryn Shauberger

CONTRIBUTORS Alex Bare | Rebecca Barbee

Stefanie Brickman | Tegan Burkhard Rachel Campbell | Leighann Carroll

Lezlie Christian | Jen Elsner Carleigh Foutch | Taylor HickneyChris Joseph | Audrey Lievens

Tyler McComas | Victoria GartenBrenna McLaughlin | Kim Petersen

Jeff Provine | Grant SchatzmanSkylar Stanley | Arden Stringer

Kathryn Shauberger | Cheyenne SimmonsLacey Swope

DESIGNAlex Bare

Savanna CometaRachel Campbell

WEB DESIGNBecs Yeager

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVESJoe Wilhite | Randy LaffoonTracie Gray | Perry Spencer

PUBLISHER

Boyd Street MagazineP.O. Box 721494

Norman, Oklahoma 73070

Phone: (405) 321-2400E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine

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.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Joe Wilhite

10 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE

Spring is the season of new beginnings: newly budding flowers and trees, longer days and (hopefully) better weather. It’s a time to focus on renewal , and that’s what we’ve been doing here at Boyd Street magazine. After years (and years, and years), we’ve finally decided that it was time for our old website to go. The version of the website we’ve been using was crafted in 2004, and very little had been done to update it over the last decade.

After realizing that our magazine, formerly at less than 30 pages but now at around 80, would no longer fit and perform properly on the outdated website, we knew that it was time to make a change. Through the diligent efforts of our incredible web designer, Becs Yeager, we’ve crafted a new website that will not only happily hold all of the most recent issues of Boyd Street, but I bet you’ll agree that it’s also much more user-friendly. Here are some of our favorite improvements:

• Home Page: Our home page is now easier to use than ever. A navigation bar easily directs you to the appropriate page, and our twitter feed keeps you up-to-date with all that is happening in our community. We will soon begin featuring online-only content with articles, blogs and stories that can be found exclusively on the website. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a brief history of the magazine as well!

• Issues Page: We now have an archive of all issues from August 2014-present. These issues, run through Scribd, are fully viewable from the website for those who like to read the magazine electronically. You’re also able to like, share, download and interact with the issues directly from this page.

• Meet the Staff Page: Our writers and staffers are members of the Norman community, just like you! We’ve included a “Meet the Staff” page with bios and head shots so you can get to know our team.

• Contact Us Page: We’ve now made it easier than ever to get in touch with Boyd Street! Our “Contact Us” page now has three separate tabs to avoid bogging you down with information you don’t need! For those interested in sending feedback, asking questions, submitting story ideas or looking to join our team, the first tab, “Contact” is for you! You can send messages to us directly from the site, including having a new button specifically for the type of inquiry it is so that we can direct your message to the appropriate place! This will allow us to get back to you much faster! The “Find Us” tab will give you an idea of where to pick up the magazine here in our community, and the “Advertise” tab directs businesses right to the important information about getting into our magazine!

• Mobile Optimization: If you’ve ever tried to view a website on your smartphone or tablet and saw only a jumble of images and misplaced text, you can understand why mobile optimization for our new website was a priority for us. You’ll now be able to use all of the features on the website from any mobile device, so you can take Boyd Street with you wherever you go!

As we continue to grow, so will our website. Check back frequently for new content and features! As always, we’re here for you, so please feel free to send your suggestions and feedback about our website, or any other feature of Boyd Street!

Haley MowdyEditor-in-Chief

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Our blasts of arctic air have been few and far between lately. This has allowed temperatures to soar well beyond our typical chilly February highs. It has felt much more like spring for most of the month that tends to be our coldest time. On several occasions, highs have been in the 70s and even 80s. Record highs have been shattered. Some of them were well over 100 years old. This follows a very cold winter in 2014, which makes it seem even warmer. Snow has been extremely hard to come by here in Oklahoma, but they sure have had their share in the northeast. In Massachusetts, this was the 3rd snowiest February on record. Seeing all the video and pictures of the massive amounts of snow up there leaves many Oklahomans just a little jealous.

Farmers are still hoping for a little snow, but most importantly, for the moisture. Our limited amount of snow means a lack of water, and the drought story continues. I would love nothing more than to see this end, but it is going to take a very, very wet spring for that to happen. In the meantime, we will continue to soak up any unseasonably warm temperatures in the forecast, lather up with sunscreen, help prevent wildfires, and enjoy our last few days of winter!

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Before retiring in 2010, Sally Little was a regular Oklahoma schoolteacher. With three kids of her own, she was living the life of a wife and mother. “My husband is so supportive of my work,” she says. She spent 22 years teaching, and seven more as a counselor in Newcastle. Upon her retirement, though, her perspective changed. Along with Newcastle’s Summit Church, she decided to go on a mission trip to Haiti. It was uncharted territory for her, but it was a trip that would alter the course of her life. During this trip, Sally saw an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of impoverished, homeless women she met and identified with.

“When I spent a week there, I saw that these women were exactly like my friends and I,” Little said. “They worried and thought about the same things we did, they just never had the same opportunities that we did as people born in the United States.”

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The reasons for this status are largely governmental. Haitian power structures have long been subject to a great deal of corruption, and the consequences of these corruptions extend to the citizens of the country. The women she met were up against difficult odds from their circumstances alone. Having a steady income was nearly out of the question for many of them. Often times, poor Haitian orphans are led to prostitution as a means for supporting themselves. As a result, Sally could see the importance of sustainable employment for these women.

Sensing an opportunity to help, Sally decided to set up an operation in which she taught 14 homeless women who had lost limbs how to sew. In Haiti, having proper clothes can mean the difference between having educational opportunities or not. There is often a limited amount of space in their school systems, and the deciding factor can be access to a proper school uniform. These uniforms, though, are quite costly to the poor people who need them. They cost $35.00, and many families can’t afford them for their children. Little decided that she might be able to make a difference by teaching women how to sew these uniforms, helping not only the prospective students who need them, but also creating a source of revenue for Haitians.

Initially, she was concerned that she might be taking jobs from locals, but that all changed when she made a plan to open up her own sewing facility where she could hire Haitian employees. She made plans to create a sustainable operation, a facility where

she could set up shop and give jobs to a significant number of local women. Unfortunately, it was here that her dream ran into a road block.

“I was fundraising because I was given some land and was told that I could build the facility I wanted for about $20,000,” Little said. “But by the time I’d gotten $20,000, the price increased to $90,000. I even had the blessing of the mayors and the people. We all thought it was going to happen.”

Little tried to figure out what to do. She knew she would have a great deal of difficulty trying to raise $90,000 on her own. As fate

would have it, though, she received a helping hand. Last August, she got an email from a representative of the “Global Orphan Project” in Kansas City who was interested in her endeavors. The representative called her on a Friday, and by the following Monday, she’d left again for Haiti. Sally received the help she needed to create her new facility, and was well on her way to making positive changes and following through with her dream.

Orphanages in Haiti work a little differently than one might expect, and their relationship with the education system is quite shaky. Little was concerned about the limited opportunities for orphans to get proper

schooling. The orphanages she encountered ejected their inhabitants when they turned eighteen. There simply isn’t enough room or resources to keep them beyond that since the influx of new orphans is so prominent.

This creates extra challenges for the aspiring students who sometimes take a long time to find the resources for their uniforms. If a fifteen-year-old orphan finally finds the means to go to school, and yet he or she only reads at a first-grade level, they will be placed in a first-grade class. If they progress through school normally, they will only get three years of education before getting kicked out of their orphanage. As you might be able to guess, a homeless eighteen-year-old third-grader faces a mountain of adversity.

“My own daughter’s eighteenth birthday was in November. If she was in Haiti, she could be out on the streets,” Sally said.

Sally LittleNormanite in the Spotlight

Kind Threads logo designed by Sally’s son.

Phot

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: Sha

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Roth

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imag

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by S

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By: Alexander Mutz


“Nowhere to live, no food, no clothes.”

Thankfully, though, the Global Orphan Project has a program called “Pathways” to help these people. They give homeless eighteen-year-old orphans the chance to take two more years of school. Once they age out of the orphanage, they give them a place to live while they continue their education. It isn’t like a typical school, though. “Pathways” teaches like a trade school, giving their students the opportunity to learn useful skills. Little now works with these students to teach them to make school uniforms.

“This way, we are not only helping our women be able to get jobs, but we are providing 2400 school uniforms each year so that 2400 orphans get the chance to go to school,” Little said.

Right now, Little has fourteen employees, and she will get ten more on June 1. Six of them have been offered jobs at a factory in which they will make double the Haitian minimum wage, placing them in a better financial position than 90% of the population. Most are women, but the work is beginning to expand to Haitian men as well. The people from the Global Orphan Project own the facility, and their higher wages will help the orphans with costly needs like medical care and child care. It is an opportunity that many orphans couldn’t have gotten any other way.

“I have no idea why Haiti and why me. I’ve been to Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, and many other poor countries, but for whatever reason, my heart is in Haiti,” Little said.

As she flipped through photos of her Haitian friends and employees, it was clear how much Sally Little truly cares for the people she has helped. She spoke fondly of friendships with her interpreters, drivers, and students, and showed genuine enthusiasm for all of the positive work she’s done.

For only $20, anyone can contribute to Sally’s dream of a better life for impoverished Haitians. Her website, www.kindthreads.org, has a donate button. Ten dollars of the 20 will go toward materials to build a uniform, while the rest goes toward supporting the employees who made it. Sally takes no cut for herself, preferring to pay her own airfare and travel expenses as she

goes to and from Haiti once each month. More information can be found on her website, or on the Global Orphan Project’s website, www.goproject.org. You can also mail a check to Kind Threads at P.O. Box 8 in Norman, OK, 73070.

Sally Little poses with her Kind Threads’ employees in their facility in Haiti.

“When I spent a week there, I saw that these women were exactly like my friends and I,” Little said. “They worried and thought about the same things we did, they just never had the same opportunities that we did as people born in the United States.”

Kind Threads’ employees hard at work.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 15

You’ve found the love of your life and you’re engaged. What’s next? All the details that go into making your wedding day special can be overwhelming from the dress to the food, the music and the cake. There is one detail that can be so stress-free and dare I say, fun: the gift registry!

In big stores, tackling the registry can be somewhat of a challenge. At The International Pantry, we make registering for your kitchen so fun and easy, you will wish you could register for everything you needed in your new home.

As soon as you walk into our store, you will have one-on-one service with our helpful, friendly staff. For the couple just starting out, we can help you find exactly what your first combined kitchen needs in order to be fun and functional. For those who already have established a kitchen, we can update it with the special things that you have been missing.

Registering locally is not only easy for you; it’s so much easier on your friends and family. We gather all of your registry items and set up a beautiful display in the store giving your guests easy access to everything on your list. Gone are the days of searching through end-less sheets of paper and aisles at the big stores trying to locate the perfect gift. We take the ease one step further offering not only free gift wrapping, but we also offer free local delivery.

Do your friends and family live far away? We have a solution for that as well. They can look up your registry and make their purchase at www.intlpantry.com. We will gift wrap it and deliver it personally, free of charge!

If you would like assistance with your registry, we ask that you make an appointment; otherwise, it is as easy as coming in at your convenience. Prefer to register from the comfort of your sofa? Create your registry online. Happy Wedding, from International Pantry!

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The American Red Cross responds to a home fire or other emergency every eight minutes, but many people may be unfamiliar with the wide variety of services offered by the organization. Since March is Red Cross Month, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about the fantastic things taking place locally and throughout the nation.

Ken Garcia, the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross, said that this month is a time to "celebrate the service and promote the great humanitarian work that the Red Cross does, not only in Oklahoma, but around the world."

To kick off the month, the American Red Cross will be at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Thursday, March 5 to meet with legislatures to discuss the many ways the Red Cross helps our communities. The primary focus of the meeting will be the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

"We identify high fire response areas and then go door to door to help families create a fire evacuation plan and install smoke detectors," Garcia said. "We partnered with the Oklahoma City Fire Department over the Martin Luther King holiday and visited nearly 300 homes."

Having a fire evacuation plan and practicing with drills is essential to surviving a house fire. Installing working smoke alarms in the right places throughout a home can cut the risk of death in half. Although the campaign only began in October 2014, there have been close to 1,000 smoke alarms installed across Oklahoma and Arkansas by Red Cross volunteers and the local fire departments they have teamed up with.

"The goal of this campaign is to reduce fire-related deaths by up to 25 percent over the next five years," Garcia said.

In addition to meeting with legislatures, the Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the State Capitol on March 5, as well.

"We really want to encourage people to come out and donate blood," Garcia said. "One donation can save up to three lives."

The American Red Cross supplies approximately 40 percent of our country's blood and blood products through the generosity

of current donors and is a leader in protecting the safety of the blood supply. Each year, they collect approximately 5.6 million donations and distribute them to roughly 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers.

For those who are not able to make it to the blood drive at the Oklahoma State Capitol, there are other opportunities to donate. Heart of Oklahoma, the chapter of the American Red Cross that serves Cleveland, Garvin, McClain and Pontotoc counties, has a blood drive scheduled for Monday, March 9. It will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1205 Halley Avenue in Norman.

Providing life-saving blood to those in need, and protecting people from losing everything to a home fire are only two of the many ways the American Red Cross serves local communities.

For large-scale disasters, such as the tornados that have devastated parts of our state on numerous occasions, their relief efforts are invaluable.

Emergency Response Vehicles circulate distressed areas and hand out food, relief supplies and information. They set up shelters, so victims have a safe place to sleep. Their health and mental health volunteers provide assistance to those who need it.

In addition to these valuable services, the American Red Cross offers a variety of health and safety training education such as CPR, First Aid and Water Safety. Garcia encourages everyone to visit the American Red Cross website to see what classes are available and consider taking one.

"If you've always wanted to know how to save a life, this month is a great time to learn," he adds.

When asked what Norman residents could do to honor Red Cross Month, Garcia said "If you are looking for something to do, volunteer-wise, look into the Red Cross. There are lots of opportunities, including disaster prevention or helping with special events."

To see how to become part of an organization that is helping millions of people throughout the world, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Awareness MonthBy: Rebecca Barbee


While many students and families will be leaving Norman this spring break, one organization will be calling the city of the Sooners their vacation destination.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first Greek-letter organization established by college-educated African American women, will gather March 19-22 for their 85th Mid-Western Regional Conference. The conference, which has the theme “Launching New Dimensions of Sisterhood: Moving Upward in Service,” will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman, and over 700 members of AKA are anticipated to attend. These members will belong to one of the 26 graduate and 23 undergraduate AKA chapters throughout eight states. Nine of these chapters come from Oklahoma alone.

This isn’t the first year that Norman has acted as host city for AKA’s Mid-Western Regional Conference.

“The last couple of years that the conference has been in Oklahoma, they’ve always come to Norman,” said AKA member and Director of OU’s Henderson Scholars Program

Angelette “Angie” Wright. “It’s great because it helps bring a lot of business to our community.”

Although the spur in business is a wonderful aspect, it’s not the only thing that this year’s conference will bring to the table.

Just one glance at the weekend’s schedule makes it clear that months of planning and preparation have gone into making the four day event possible. Each day starts at 6 a.m. with an optional morning workout, and ends around 11:30 p.m. The hours in between are packed with activities designed to prepare and develop attendees as leaders within the organization and within their community. These activities include advisor and officer certification trainings, a “Pamper me Pink” spa oasis, an AKA Step Show Competition, a Legacy Parade, a motivational Public Meeting with guest speaker Simon T. Bailey, a Formal Gala and much, much more. But while the activities are always fun and informative, they aren’t Wright’s favorite part of attending the conference each year.

“I sometimes go to the national conferences in the summer, but I definitely try to make the regional conferences because you get to see so many people you’re familiar with,” said Wright. “You get to see the Silver Star Members who have been in AKA for over 25 years, and the Gold Star Members which have been in it for over 50 years. That’s the wonderful thing, you get to talk with them and hear them share their wisdom, which is always so helpful.”

Wright has been a member of AKA since 2002, after joining the sorority while pursuing her graduate degree at the University of Oklahoma.

“I was always going to do it as an undergrad, but was very active in other organizations on campus and never got the time,” said Wright. “I have family, a cousin and two aunts, that are Alpha Kappa Alpha members. It’s been so neat getting to share the experience with them and look up to them.”

The 106 year old sorority has, at the heart of their sisterhood, the mission of rendering “service to all mankind.” To do this, AKA will focus on five target areas from 2014-2018 to direct their service. These five areas are: Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion, Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership and Global Impact.

For example, although their colors are pink and green, AKA members will be wearing red to promote heart disease awareness during the month of February.

“Making a global impact can be as simple as just what you're doing in your own community,” said Wright. “You have to take the responsibility and think ‘Well gosh, what happens when 10 people do it?’ which is what creates the ripple effect.”

This year, AKA National President Dorothy B. Wilson came up with an event that has the goal of providing over one million backpacks to children across the world. This is just one of the numerous events AKA has organized to help not only their communities, but all mankind.

The Mid-Western Regional Conference is participating in this event with their own “We’ve Got Your Back” themed campaign. All AKA members attending the conference this month are encouraged to bring eight backpacks with luggage tags attached that include a brief history of the donator’s organization. The backpacks will then be filled with non-perishable items and gift cards, and distributed to schools in the Norman and Oklahoma City areas. Along with AKA members, the Norman Legacy Rotary and Wishnuck Investments, LLC. are also helping to fund the campaign.

“We are hoping to have 500 filled backpacks each for both Norman and OKC,” said Wright. “We’ve already had tons of donations. That’s the exciting part. We’ve already seen parts of the reward and still have plenty of time to expand.”

With all of the items already coming in, Wright said she is sure they will be able to reach their goal of at least 1,000 backpacks. Wright also invites all members of the Norman Community to become involved in “We’ve Got Your Back” by bringing kid-friendly food items and backpacks to one of the two drop-off spots in town: Walden Cleaners and Be Wild For Art.

Knowing that you belong to an organization that is so dedicated to serving and improving the lives of others is why Wright and so many others continue to support the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisterhood.

“It’s just been a great honor to be a part of it, and know it’s for a lifetime,” said Wright. “Somewhere along the way, I'm making a ripple effect and paying it forward. I’m providing a seat at the table for someone that may not have had that opportunity had I not been part of this organization.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Celebrate Sisterhood While

Impacting the World By: Meghan Whiting


During the weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day practically every shop or restaurant window is decorated with frilly green clovers and cartoonish leprechauns. And what better way to celebrate this Americanized Irish holiday in Norman than at O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille on Campus Corner?

With its grand, sprawling cursive logo, frequent visitors to Campus Corner will easily recognize the popular pub.

O’Connell’s has been a part of the Norman community for 46 years. With its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, weekly specials and undeniable loyalty to the Sooners, it’s no wonder that O’Connell’s has been a traditional hot spot for students and alumni throughout the years.

“We sponsor just about everything in town it seems like,” said Jeff Stewart, one of the pub’s owners. “And we work with all the various organizations, whether it’s the police, a charitable organization, the sororities or fraternities, or the university.”

For 15 years, O’Connell’s has put on their annual St. Pat’s 8K Run. The mini marathon started with Oklahoma Landrunners, a few people who just wanted to get together and run. It wasn’t centered on St. Patrick’s Day at all. But eventually, the run was tied in with the holiday. As it gained notoriety, O’Connell’s decided to work with an outside organization from Tulsa to help regulate all of the participants and certify the race course.

“I’m really excited to see how it does with Campus Corner,” said Stewart. “I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Participants can either choose to run or walk, just as long as they’re decked out in green attire. And this year, the proceeds from the run will benefit Special Olympics Oklahoma.

“They bring so much to the table. From logistics, from management and manpower to assist in the event,” said Stewart. “It’s a great organization. They use athletics to help children feel better about themselves, develop confidence, and understand that, yes they may be different but they’re not that different.”

Special Olympics Oklahoma is a foundation that provides athletic and sports training events for those with intellectual disabilities. The athletic events take place all across Oklahoma, including at OU, where they held a Special Olympics event in January at the Huston Huffman Fitness Center, aptly nicknamed “The Huff” on campus.

“I have a younger cousin with Down's syndrome that participates in [Special Olympics], so I've always been aware of the organization,” said Hannah Homburg, an employee at the Huff. “And I think it's awesome that they've created an opportunity for people with special needs to participate in team sports that they may not always get to.”

For Homburg, working at the Huff and being able to see the kids that benefit from Special Olympics Oklahoma is encouraging, and knowing that O’Connell’s run is benefitting such an incredible organization means so much more.

“I'm always a fan of businesses that use extra funds or create special events to give to organizations, because they're ultimately helping to keep things like the Special Olympics going, and in turn continuing to allow these kids to do something they love,” she said.

By simply walking into O’Connell’s, it’s easy to see that they care. The walls are covered with OU paraphernalia. The pub wants to see the community come together over their food and lively restaurant and bar. Working with members of the community and beyond only strengthens the relationship O’Connell’s has with the Norman area.

“O'Connell's is great because it's really close to campus, so it's convenient, and it's also really affordable,” Homburg said. “I don't think there's anyone in Norman that doesn't know what it is, and most of that has to do with their involvement in the community.”

Anyone wishing to participate in the run can find the information at the link provided above under the logo. Whether you chose to run or walk in the 8K doesn’t make a difference, but knowing that the proceeds are benefitting such an incredible organization is sure to make anyone feel lucky.

Run GreenBy: Carleigh Foutch

for the

Interested participants can visit http://www.sook.org/8k--fun-run-registration-norman.html to sign up!



Sometimes, the stress of planning an epic spring break adventure outweighs its potential fun.

If the idea of trekking across the country for a week makes you sweat, stick close to Norman instead.

Local luxuries and hidden gems you’re normally too busy to enjoy await.

Mix and match from the following list to maximize spring break enjoyment.

EaseIf you fall in the 21+ category, wine tasting gives you the chance to feel sophisticated, yet relaxed for the day. Head over to Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery to sample their self-professed dry wines and pick up a bottle to pair with your next home-cooked meal. Those more prone to turn on the grill than the stove can bring home the vineyard’s Wine For Stoops, perfect for your next cookout.

Spring break and spring cleaning go hand in hand. Now is the time to update your wardrobe, men. Threads offers a wide selection of menswear, sure to please even the most selective man. Bring the ladies along and make them wait while you shop for a change.

Pamper yourself properly at Le Visage Spa and Wellness. Choose from a range of relaxation services, from full body massages to rejuvenating facials. Repair your feet with a pedicure, and polish those fingernails with a manicure.

Sometimes, the soothing smell of coffee and the peace and quiet of a coffee shop are all you need to feel relaxed. Since school is out of session, swap those textbooks for a novel and head over to Gray Owl Coffee for some light reading. Treat your taste buds to a sweet snack like cookies, muffins or cinnamon rolls while you read.

There’s nothing like retail therapy to brighten a lady’s day. Spend hours on end perusing vintage goodies at Birds of a Feather: A Marketplace Boutique. Add new jewelry, accessories and trinkets to your wardrobe. You can also stock up on stationery, and spend the afternoon catching up with your friends the old-fashioned way.

EatWhen wanderlust hits and you find yourself daydreaming of shipping off to Europe, Royal Bavaria is the next best thing. Servers decked out in lederhosen greet you at the door and hand you the house beer menu. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of Oklahoma and into Germany when you sample traditional fare like jagerschnitzel pork loin and spatzle noodles. If the weather holds up, enjoy your meal outdoors in the beer garden.

Take a virtual road trip across the country via your taste buds. At Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, the Louisiana Crawfish Tail Mac ‘N Cheese will have you imagining you’re among the jazz musicians and voodoo dolls in New Orleans. While the Nashville Hot BBQ Chicken will leave you wondering when you’ll run into one of Tennessee’s musicians. As an added bonus, happy hour extends to any hour of any day from March 14-21.

“It’s a good time to come try us out for the first time,” Owner Brady Sexton said.

Head over to Kendall’s Restaurant, the perfect stand-in for Mom’s home cooking. Fill up on blackened, fried or lemon-peppered catfish, or a chicken fried steak. Be sure to order a side of buttermilk ranch to accompany your fries. Order a plate lunch and be awarded a hot roll, dessert and two Southern vegetables, like green beans or fried okra. Country dinners include salads and signature cinnamon rolls.

Drive up to Moore for a delicious lunch at Two Olive’s Café. Step inside the Old School Business Center to select your sandwich or salad and side. Try the C.M.S., with chicken, mushrooms and swiss. Or order the chef’s salad with smoked turkey, tomatoes, olives, cheddar and ranch. Choose a menu item that features the café’s namesake: olives or olive salad.

When you’ve graduated from freshman status at OU, and you start to reminisce about the Greek food in the Caf, drive over to Ole Town Gyros & Kabob to satisfy your cravings. Here, you can treat yourself to a gyro with tzatziki sauce, falafel, hummus and kabobs. For dessert, pick up an order of crunchy, sweet baklava.

ExploreStep back into the Victorian Age at the Moore-Lindsay Historical House. This Cleveland County museum features the home itself and its ornate furnishings, which includes a spiral staircase, carved woodwork designs and more. It also includes period pieces, artifacts, photographs and artwork.

Round everyone up for a day in the Boathouse District with a RIVERSPORT Adventures Day Pass. Navigate the 80-foot SandRidge Sky Trail challenge course. Free fall from the Rumble Drop. Kayak and paddle down the Oklahoma River. Climb a variety of walls, or cycle 13+ miles of trails.

Cook out, lay out, fish and swim at Lake Thunderbird. Come on a weekend and trek down the four-mile trails. Join an Eagle Watch on March 15, from 1-4 p.m. Call Ernie Martin at 321-4633 to reserve your spot on this bald eagle scouting excursion.

Prepare for a possible Zombie Apocalypse by sneaking up on your friends in a laser tag game at HeyDay. Decompress after your victory with a round of bowling or mini golf. Climb to new heights in the ropes course. Take down more zombies in the arcade, or try your luck at defeating the laser maze.

Grab a camera and hit Main Street. Pose your friends, and show off those dazzling smiles. You’re guaranteed to stumble upon the perfect artsy backgrounds as you explore some of the alleyways on Main.


The Art of Spring Break Staycationing

EnjoySpring break weather gives you the excuse to be outside as much as possible. The Crucible Foundry & Gallery lets you combine the great outdoors with larger-than-life artwork. Take a stroll through the sculpture garden to soak in the sun while appreciating the arts. Venture inside afterward to view paintings and smaller sculptures on display.

Wander the gallery at Firehouse Art Center, and consider signing up for future art classes. Browse the 2015 Healing Studio Exhibition, on display until March 21.

“The culmination of a year’s work will be displayed in this exhibition,” Director Douglas Elder said. “So it’s a lot of fun, and for them [the artists], it’s everything.”

Attend the opening session the first Friday of spring break on March 13, from 6-9 p.m.

Plan a themed party with your fellow staycation friends, and hit Queen of Hart’s Costumes and Dancewear to find your perfect outfit. Rent out a lion tamer costume, or channel your inner Thor. Stock up on masquerade masks, and put on a different persona for the night.

Celebrate Oklahoma’s Native American influences and history by checking out all the Native American fine art, jewelry and gifts featured at Tribes 131. Browse and buy from Oklahoma’s own American Indian artists. Here, you’ll find baskets, beadwork, bronzes, gifts, pottery, rugs, sculptures and more.

Curl up with a good book at the Norman Public Libraries. Catch a special community event, including brown bag book discussions and craft nights. On March 18, send your bug enthusiasts to Norman Central for bug-centered exhibits and activities. From 9 a.m.-noon, the library will transform into an insect zoo.

ExperienceShow off your singing chops at Red Brick Bar’s Karaoke Night on March 13 or March 20, from 10-11:30 p.m. If singing in public is a task better left to your more vocally or verbally talented peers, head over to Michelangelo’s Coffee & Wine Bar instead. On March 19, from 7-10 p.m., singers, musicians, poets and comedians will take the stage for all to see.

Catch a free concert at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s Noon Concert Series, Tuesdays at noon. See national touring acts at The Opolis on Main Street. Be part of the first Whistle Stop Concert at The Depot on Main Street. March 22, Heather Maloney will take over the Norman train depot for the night. Buy your tickets at www.normandepot.org.

Take the kids to Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of History for their interactive Discovery Days, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Kids can tour through the museum to learn about dinosaurs, Oklahoma history and more. On Discovery Days, kids can participate in hands-on crafts, activities and stories and view specimens.

Give back by volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities available under the Volunteer tab at www.regionalfoodbank.org. Even the kids can help pack backpacks of food for kids in need.

Support your local sports teams and catch a game or meet on OU’s campus. Take your pick from men’s baseball, women’s softball, women’s tennis or men’s gymnastics. Sit back, relax and scream your heart out as you cheer the Sooners on to victory. Get your tickets at soonersports.com.

By: Tegan Burkhard

i-FlashDrive

329 W. Boyd onHISTORIC CAMPUS CORNER9AM - 5PM Mon - Fri, 11AM - 3PM Sat

900 Asp, Room 101 in theOKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION9AM - 5PM Mon - Fri, 11AM - 3PM Sat

325-5001oneustore.ou.edu /oneustore@OneUStore 325-1925itstore.ou.edu /OUITStore@OUITStore

stores photos, songs,

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Last month, I left you with a bit of a teaser on how I have been streamlining my use of technology. I ditched the laptop, desktop and went “all in” with an iPad. We talk about digital learning here at OU, distance learning and how the Universities Digital Initiative is changing the landscape of higher education. I knew there has to be a way to jump in the middle of it too!

Most of the articles I have been writing since I took on this adventure have been leading up to this one article. And, I won’t lie, this was not planned. I have been writing these articles based on how I see the future of technology. How I use it and how others are using it based on what’s happening around us. This was something that actually happened to me without any warning. It all just came together in how the world is evolving around us and in my personal journey.

What I quickly figured out was that while I was trying to use every piece of hardware technology within my reach for “this or that feature,” it for the most part had me out of control. My organizational skills already suffer terribly and by working off of whatever was within arms reach made me even more dangerous! I had documents, pictures, files and other countless items that were either here or there. When I needed something it was “oh great…it’s on THAT device that I don’t have right now.” The only thing that was consistent was my email and my frustration.

So I made a decision and forced myself into it. I created an online cloud storage account that I felt worked for me and integrated easily with the other productivity tools I currently use and could possibly use in the future. Could I have gone with a laptop or a desktop? Sure. But, some of my friends told me I couldn’t do it, that I would hate it. I love a challenge!

i-FlashDrive

329 W. Boyd onHISTORIC CAMPUS CORNER9AM - 5PM Mon - Fri, 11AM - 3PM Sat

900 Asp, Room 101 in theOKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION9AM - 5PM Mon - Fri, 11AM - 3PM Sat

325-5001oneustore.ou.edu /oneustore@OneUStore 325-1925itstore.ou.edu /OUITStore@OUITStore

stores photos, songs,

and videos

upload, organize, and

manage files across

multiple devices

compatible with Apple

iPhone® or iPad®

16G, 32G, AND 64G

i-FlashDrive

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So what’s the end result?

It has been AWESOME! I have found tips and tricks I didn’t know existed and re-tooled my brain in how I want to work. I am more productive since I am not multitasking, focused on a single task at a time and finishing it before moving on to the next. I have met a few faculty members and students on campus who are doing the same thing and it’s a great support group.

It has been over 3 months since I used just the iPad and it’s been a great journey. Will I go back to a laptop or desktop in the future? Of course. My eyes can’t handle that small screen! Most likely it will be just a desktop. I have no need for a lap top.

Best part is that in the end if you can catch me standing or sitting still and say “Hey do you have…?” I can get you taken care of before you can finish your question. And that, if you know me, makes me dangerous!with you!

David

As the Director of Innovation, Creativity and Marketing for the Campus Stores at the University Of Oklahoma, David is charged with leading efforts to develop and execute OU’s digital initiative as it relates to the campus stores and beyond. David came to OU with over 20 years of retail experience from traditional big-box retail to smaller entrepreneur types of retail with hands-on purchasing, marketing and visionary roles. David’s ability to think differently and challenge traditional retail strategies has helped OU earn regional and national recognition as a leader in Higher Education technology stores and technology deployments. David also worked at Apple Computers and spent countless hours collaborating with universities around the country to integrate new technologies within the ever-changing higher education landscape.

By: David Goodspeed

Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast is a little slice of heaven in Norman, Oklahoma. Crave some diversion? Want to get away for a few days, but don’t want to drive hours or fight your way through busy airports? This 20-acre property just minutes from Lindsey and Jenkins is nestled amongst native oaks and Loblolly pines. We felt like we were moving into another, slower time, as we walked to the main house. The peacefulness of the wooded setting stole over us as we went up the stairs to the wrap-around porch, and into the house.

We were celebrating our 16th anniversary, and had decided to get away for a day or two, checking into Whispering Pines. We were greeted with genuine warmth—almost familiarity. The family and the staff all seem devoted to providing the best possible experience they can offer their guests. We rang the doorbell and a smiling young woman asked, “How can I help you?”

“Pine Cone Cottage,” I said, having scoped out the different rooms’ themes and amenities on the website for the B&B. The family-owned inn offers everything from French provincial to Victorian England to ultra-clean Postmodern suites and cottages. The website is very user-friendly, so it wasn’t hard to select one that suited our taste. We are country folk at heart, and the cottage was pure rustic kitsch.

This Bed and Breakfast also features a world-class restaurant, run by the Kchao family, formerly proprietors of L’indochine Restaurant in Oklahoma City.

“My dad wanted to do something to help his brother and his family,” David Kchao explained, “so they sold the restaurant and bought the bed and breakfast.”

Kchao said that after great consideration they bought it and have been steadily renovating it ever since. They have improved what existed, and found new ways to serve visitors.

The dinner menu includes rare and wonderful things, such as escargot and duck, as well as salmon and chicken dishes. Kchao came to our table, one of his roles that night being head wait person. The beautiful, formal atmosphere of the room was echoed in the formal white shirt and black tie he wore. We were given drink and meal menus and informed of the specials.

At Whispering Pines, you can get a unique, profoundly delicious meal in a more intimate and slightly more refined atmosphere than many restaurants. The decoration of the dining room is classic, with gold flocked wall paper, brass wall sconces and comfortable cushioned chairs. The wait staff is efficient but not pushy—attentive while almost invisible.

I ordered the special, roasted rack of lamb in a special herb sauce. My husband decided upon salmon encrusted with herbed potatoes. I talked him into sharing a shrimp cocktail. We both ordered salads, as well.

Lamb can be difficult to prepare, so I was quite keen on eating some lamb that might be properly cooked. Each rib had this beautiful little piece of loin, crusty with glaze glistening on the edge. Keith’s salmon was beautiful, as well.

The technique whereby the wait staff served the shrimp cocktail is something worthy of Downton Abbey. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and neither mushy nor tough. The salad dressing had a slight tang, some spice or herb I couldn’t identify. There was clearly something different in this handmade, fresh

Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, and Restaurant


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dressing. Fresh baked, warm rolls were served with the meal, and a sorbet was served between the salad and the entrée.

Each bite of the lamb was flavorful and tender, the sauce an explosion of savory goodness. My husband enjoyed his salmon, which he said exceeded his expectations. Everything was perfect, and we felt we had a truly remarkable culinary experience.

As soon as we returned to the cottage, I opened the bottle of wine I had found in our fridge, from the Inns own vineyard.

The bed and the tub were sprinkled with silk rose petals. It created quite a romantic atmosphere combined with red and white votive candles clustered around the edges of the massive tub. The candles in wall sconces create an extraordinarily soothing light. Fluffy white robes hung ready in the bathroom.

The next morning our breakfast arrived at our door promptly, and we wrapped ourselves in warm robes and padded out into the kitchen area. Our food was done to a turn. The eggs were moist and creamy, the bacon was crisp and the rolls browned in butter.

We reluctantly prepared to return to our daily lives, and went to check out. They already had a pretty good crowd for brunch that Sunday. We could hear the tinkling sound of silver on china and the conversation of groups enjoying a delicious meal, all prepared fresh each day in the restaurant at Whispering Pines.

Aside from the restaurant, there are seven separate accommodations in all at Whispering Pines: three in the main house and four in nearby cottages. All of the units are unique and comfortable, offering luxurious amenities like double Jacuzzi tubs and deep, soft, king-sized beds. Each suite or cottage has a specific theme, with stunning attention to detail in each setting.

The Kchao family has worked diligently since 1999 to improve the Victorian style house they purchased, originally built in 1994. When they moved in, they discovered many more renovations needed than they had expected. They brought in family, and everyone got busy. The suites in the main house have been renovated, as well as adding and renovating cottages. They even have their own orchard, and make wine from their own grapes.

Kchao talked about how hard it was for his parents, who had gone through a civil war in Cambodia before escaping to the United States, sponsored through a Catholic charity. He sobered as he described what they had been given to eat each day: a spoon of rice and a spoon of salt. Many people took to foraging for whatever they could find to supplement their diet. When they came to the United States, they resolved to work as hard as they could to get established in this new country. He said that they sometimes worked 19 to 20 hours a day, often seven days a week.

“Most bed and breakfasts make enough to cover expenses and a property payment, but not more,” Kchao said. This led them to decide to try to distinguish themselves by providing exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, as well as the opportunity to enjoy mind-blowingly delicious food.

Kchao took over operations in June of 2014. He made successful changes to the in-house suites, and expanded the dining area, as well as decided to offer brunch.

“This gives people a chance to enjoy a meal here in a slightly less formal setting, at a more reasonable price,” explained Kchao.

“You have to start with good ingredients. They don’t get better as you cook them,” said Kchao’s aunt, Chinda Kchao, who runs the kitchen.

“She’s very particular about how things are done,” Kchao said about his aunt. “But it’s good!”

He admits he couldn’t keep anything going without the able assistance of Brittany Ennis, who manages the bed and breakfast side. “She’s perfect for this, her enthusiasm and friendliness are important qualities in this business.”

And indeed she does make one feel welcome.

We returned for Brunch on a brisk Oklahoma winter morning, and found the same warm, inviting interior waiting just inside the doors of the main house. Brittany recognized us, and called me by name. We were seated quickly.

My daughter thought the salmon omelet was divine, and my husband inhaled the pork hash. Everyone was quiet for a few moments, aside from sighs of pleasure. Then, everyone started describing the absolutely wonderful nature of their food. I smiled to myself, knowing that I had found a hidden gem in Whispering Pines. A gem which I will seek out again and again.



A place that has often been described as “Norman’s best-kept secret,” the Marriott Conference Center and Hotel at the National Center for Employee Development is making itself known as a Marriott-managed hotel.

In 1969 the Marriott Conference Center at NCED was developed to provide the newest technology and services to the Postal Service workforce. As time continued, the campus began to slowly open the conference rooms and guest rooms to the public. Finally, in 2009 it officially opened its doors as a full service Marriott-managed hotel.

Today it has evolved into a one-of-a-kind facility that offers unique amenities to anyone who is staying for business or pleasure. Currently, it is the largest conference center and hotel in the state of Oklahoma, and offers a home-away-from-home feeling for guests of all backgrounds.

The staff is not stopping with what they have now. The conference center and hotel is renovating the lobby area to make it fit the mold of a Marriott lobby with a great room atmosphere. Recently they opened a full Starbucks, a brand new gift shop and a more communal main area that allows for more networking and socializing for visitors and guests.

The suites and conference rooms are also getting some new additions. 15,000 square feet of meeting space have been recently added to make more room for conferences, local galas and other events, making a total of 60,000 square feet of space to enjoy. In addition to the already existing twin rooms and presidential suites, the conference center and hotel is upgrading the queen suites to king suites.

The fitness center is now open to anyone who is looking for a gym membership in the Norman community. It includes a full-sized basketball court, an indoor walking track, an Olympic-sized pool and a ropes course.

“As we look to the future, we see so many opportunities for us to grow,” says general manager Robbie Tawil. “We are always thinking of new ideas to make our conference center and hotel the best of its kind.”

The Marriott Conference Center at NCED values community involvement and different philanthropies throughout the Norman area. The staff is always thinking of new ways to do their part in the community. In the past they have taken part in blood drives, Veterans Day events, United Way Norman Day of Caring, and the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Without the Norman community we would be nothing, so we are always trying to find ways to give back and show them how much we appreciate them,” says Tawil.

The Marriott Conference Center at NCED offers many special holiday packages for its guests, but it also has packages that are open year-round. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, consider their package that includes a bottle of champagne and chocolates with your stay. Their family night package offers a family-size suite, pizza, soda, a movie and, of course, popcorn. Out of town visitors will enjoy the OU Visit

Package with a guidebook, free museum passes, a camera, and shuttle service to and from the conference center and hotel.

The Marriott Conference Center and Hotel at the National Center for Employee Development is located at 2801 East State Hwy 9, Norman, Oklahoma 73071. For more information about booking a room, planning a conference or any other questions about the conference center and hotel, visit cc.nced.com or call 405-447-9000.

Norman’sBy: Carly O’Donnell

HOMEHOMEAway from

To begin this year’s ninth commemoration of The Big Read, a program meant to encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences, the Pioneer Library System is bringing in a Pulitzer Prize-winning author to get its readers an inside look at the genre of fantasy writing.

Michael Chabon is a well-known name in literature circles, not just for his writing but also his public speaking appearances. His work, “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,” was named the 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction. He’s received dozens of

other awards for his writing during the past 20 years.

Chabon will make three appearances as part of the start of The Big Read for 2015. This year’s event is centered on the Ursula K. Le Guin novel “A Wizard of Earthsea,” with discussions and activities planned throughout the library system’s three-county area.

This is the ninth year for The Big Read, established by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) after a 2004 NEA report found a decline in literary reading, particularly in young people. The Pioneer Library System (PLS) has participated in The Big Read every year since its national launch in 2007. However, this is the first year PLS has selected a novel from the fantasy genre.

“Fantasy crosses generation lines like no other literature,” Le Guin said in a 2008 interview with the NEA. “People who like fantasy tend to begin liking it as kids, and then 20 years later, they will go back to these books and find a whole new joy in them.”

To get readers who already fans of the genre even more hooked, or as an introduction to the genre, PLS is welcoming in Chabon to get The Big Read officially started. Chabon arrives in Oklahoma Wednesday, March 25, and that evening will be the featured guest at a reception presented by the PLS Foundation in the home of Jim and Lisa Bowers. Tickets are $100 per person. More information on the reception is available through the PLS Foundation by phone at 801-4520 or online at www.plsfdn.org.

Chabon will make two free public appearances on Thursday, March 26. He will speak at 10 a.m. at the Geiger Center on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Then at 6:30 p.m., Chabon will present in Norman at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.

In addition to winning the Pulitzer at age 38, Chabon has had a number of works make their way to Hollywood. Among those efforts, he wrote a draft for the 2004 movie “Spider-Man 2,” a portion of which was used in the final film.

In this setting, he will talk not just about his efforts, the art and process of fantasy writing but also will take a good look at “Earthsea” and the impact its author has had on that genre and writing in general.

“Part of the greatness of Ursula K. Le Guin is that her imagination is so powerful that it is not limited by any perceived ideas or preconceived notions about, for example, in this case about what fantasy is,” Chabon said during an NEA panel discussion on the book.

The focus shifts to the “Earthsea” novel itself at a scholar panel discussion of the novel at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the OU campus.

This will be an in-depth look at the book and its meanings, with commentary from a diverse panel of experts, who are: Dr. Charles Kimball, Presidential Professor and Director of Religious Studies at the University of Oklahoma, an expert analyst on the intersection of religion and politics in the U.S.; Deborah Chester, author of more than 40 novels and a tenured professor of professional writing in OU’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication; Matthew Price, co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Features Editor for The Oklahoman and writer of the blog “Nerdage,” which averages more than 100,000 monthly views, and David Dean Oberhelman, Professor of Library Service for the Oklahoma State University Edmon Low Library in Stillwater, an expert on the narrative genre Mythopoeia.

The Big Read is a presentation of the National Endowment for the Arts and managed by Arts Midwest. The Big Read is funded by grant support from NEA, the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Humanities Council, the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Friends of the Norman Public Library and the PLS Foundation.

By: Christian Potts

Author Michael Chabon will kick off The Big Read for the Pioneer Library System with a pair of public presentations Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at the Geiger Center on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and at 6:30 p.m. in Norman at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.

“A Wizard of Earthsea,” by Ursula K. Le Guin


The land of Earthsea featured In Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel “A Wizard of Earthsea,” the selected title for The Big Read in the Pioneer Library System.

Guests to the Pioneer Library System Foundation’s February fund raiser “Literally Yours” also will have the option of attending a private reception with author Michael Chabon. There still are tickets to attend the reception available through the PLS Foundation by calling 405-801-4520.


For over 15 years, the Student Union branch of OU Federal Credit Union has been serving students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Oklahoma from the Oklahoma Memorial Union. In late 2014, the branch received a much-needed makeover, which included the addition of two offices for member transactions, an updated teller line and a technology workstation. The technology workstation features iPads that include the Mobile Application which allows members to explore the new platform on their own, and credit union employees to assist in troubleshooting. The new layout embraces both service and technology, and allows members to manage accounts electronically right in the branch.

“The new technology workstation is a great tool for members to see the mobile application in action, and to see how easy it is to use,” said Morgan Stapleton, the Union Branch Manager. “We can be sure that they know how to use all of the features and answer any questions that may arise.”

Throughout 2014, the credit union has added a series of technology products, including a new Mobile App, Mobile Deposit, and Mobile Bill Pay. Integrated into the credit union’s online banking portal and the Mobile Application is the option to view earned My Rewards points as well as browse and redeem rewards such as gift cards and merchandise. The My Rewards program, introduced in September 2014 awards points to members for their day-to-day checking account transactions using their OU Federal Credit Union debit card.

All of the credit union’s technology services are designed to enhance the mobility of the credit union, especially for the OU student body as well as faculty, staff and administrators. Other upcoming technology enhancements include the integration of the credit union’s Visa debit card with Apple Pay later in 2015, as well as greater online banking security, and a technology workstation added to the credit union’s Lindsey branch as well.

“The ever-changing dynamic of the financial service industry and economic market indicate that mobile app usage will continue to grow as smartphones continue to become so integral in our daily lives,” stated President/CEO Shannon Hudzinski. “We felt it was necessary to not only meet member needs with online account access but to add Mobile Deposit and Mobile Bill Pay so that our members can manage their finances from wherever they are in the world.”

Since taking the helm of the credit union in 2013, President and CEO Hudzinski has placed technology, and it’s potential, at the forefront for the Board of Directors and the Management Team, while still focusing on service to members as one of the core principles that guide the credit union from day-to-day. “As a financial institution, we not only offer a full menu of products and services, we provide members with real people to help resolve issues,” stated Hudzinski. “We never want to stray from our roots at OU by sacrificing the human touch in favor of technology.” Instead, the credit union has merged the two to create a service philosophy centered on the needs of its members—whether they are in class, at work, or traveling around the world.

Other service enhancements made by the credit union include longer business hours at the on-campus branch, extended call hours and Instant Issue debit cards which allow members to immediately have access to their accounts when they leave the branch and begin earning points through the My Rewards program.

“OU Federal Credit Union understands that it must meet the needs of a diverse and mobile population, and that one solution may not fit all,” stated Director of Financial Operations Kayla Wilham. “Therefore, the credit union has introduced new mobile platforms as well as various convenience services, such as Instant Issue debit cards, that allow members to quickly conduct their banking on their schedule.”

Wilham, who spearheaded the Mobile Deposit initiative, has been pleased with the number of members who have used this new service. “We recommend this to every member who just needs to deposit a check. It is such a time saver.”

Members are encouraged to check out the new mobile application, with Mobile Deposit and Mobile Bill Pay available through the Google Play and iTunes stores, or stop in to either branch for a guided tour.

gets an update.

Photos by: Mark Doescher


Norman Regional Moore Art for Healing Artist Announced

NORMAN - The Norman Regional Health Foundation announced the artist selected for the Art for Healing project. Brower Hatcher of Mid-Ocean Studio, located in Providence, R.I., is the commissioned artist selected to create the artwork for the new Norman Regional Moore facility.

On the one year anniversary of the May 20, 2013 tornado that destroyed Moore Medical Center, a Call to Artists was released to begin the submission process for the Art for Healing project. The call to professional artists was for a major work of art to be created for patients, employees and the community to enjoy outside the new medical building that visually represents the innovation, strength, trust, and protection demonstrated in the wake of the communal loss and devastation after the tornado. Hatcher was chosen by a committee comprised of representatives of the Moore community, the city government, Norman Regional Health System, the Foundation board, donors, and a professional art juror. More than 100 art proposals were submitted.

The artwork’s construction will coincide with building construction of the new state-of-the-art $29 million healthcare facility and will serve as a visual symbol of hope and healing. The artwork will be located near the main exterior entry point of the facility.

“Research has shown that the creative process and art itself can be healing - especially when coping with challenging conditions,” said Richie Splitt, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Norman Regional Moore. “We believe this art project will serve as a very public symbol of strength while inspiring hope and healing for our community.”

Hatcher’s sculpture will be fabricated from powder-coated stainless steel and 2,000 prismatic crystals. It will be called, “Sanctuary.”

“The Norman Regional Health Foundation has commissioned this art piece as an investment in the emotional healing of our community,” said Erin Barnhart, Executive Director, Norman Regional Health Foundation. “Sanctuary will serve as a visible symbol of hope and healing and will provide the community with a beautiful landmark of its resiliency.”

The Art for Healing artist and project rendering were revealed at the Norman Regional Health Foundation’s annual Ambassador Ball on February 6. The Foundation works to improve the health of the community through special projects and grant awards. To learn more about the Foundation visit their website www.nrhfoundation.org.


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OFF THE CORNERSPORTS

Seven Tigers Sign on National Signing Dayby Tyler McComas

Norman North Signing Dayby Chris Joseph

On National Signing Day, seven athletes from Norman High were able to make their lifelong dream a reality. As the group gathered in the school library donning the colors of their future schools, their signatures would cement their dreams of playing their respective sport at the collegiate level. Four players from the girls’ soccer team signed, three of them giving their commitment to in-state schools. Gracie Koonce will exchange her orange and black for crimson and cream as she spends the next four years playing at the University of Oklahoma. Sofia Alvarez and Asha Haile will join each other in Edmond as they attend UCO, and Kinleigh Robb will be the lone player of the bunch to leave the state, signing with Murray State in Murray, Kentucky. Alongside Koonce, Julia Hanks from the girls track team is the second Tiger athlete this year to become a Sooner, pledging her allegiance to stay in Norman and signing with OU.

From the boys’ golf team, Turner Howe not only committed to play at the next level, but also to serve his country, attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Austin Early was the lone signee from the boys’ soccer team. He will take his talents to Missouri State. Early, a goal keeper, will look to make an immediate impact for the Bears in his freshman season. Cooper Clark, the star for the Tigers on the hardwood, will continue his career at UCO. Clark is having another stellar year for the NHS basketball team, and will undoubtedly be a main player for the Bronchos in the coming years. Though the recruiting process can be strenuous, there are few prouder moments for an athlete than on National Signing Day. To most it’s just a dream, but for these seven athletes, it will soon be a reality.

Early in February, 21 Timberwolves signed their National Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics. Ranging from football to swimming, Norman North was well represented in every sport.Three football players will continue to the next level as John Kolar, Bo Garver and Trevor Magee will play college football. The Boys Soccer program, winning both state and national titles, will now see Carson Cacciatore, Jacob Jerels, Ethan Dvorak and Sage Moore all head to a college pitch.David Burdick will play college tennis while Hayden Hansen will wrestle and Thomas Johnson will play golf. Thomas Hughes will play baseball for his father at OU while Justin Wu will go to Harvard to swim.Norman North will be represented by a number of Lady Timberwolves. Luka Joyner, Kristin Wilpitz and Haley Woodard will get to see one another many times while playing college soccer.Dru Collins will play college softball and Tia Williams will play college basketball at instate school East Central University. Isabella Rose and Rachel Chrisman will run track while Emily Vittitow will row for the University of Oklahoma.Two Gatorade Athletes of the Year were recognized. Aubrey Alford was the Oklahoma High School Volleyball player of the year and will play at the University of Oklahoma.

Ben Barrett was the will be taking his cross country and track skills to the east coast as he will run for the Wolfpack of North Carolina State.It was another great year for Norman North as they continued the rich tradition of having a strong athletic program that prepares young men and women for the next phase of their life. Good luck to all the Timberwolves!

Norman North’s Ethan Dvorak scores a goal against Owasso in the 6A boys state championship in 2014.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

Spring is just around the corner, which means golf courses across America will be in full swing. After the long winter months, golfers across the metro are flocking to GolfTEC in Moore at 1619 I-35 Service Rd to take advantage of their March Sale. With patented g-SWING technology that combines digital video with a motion analysis computer system, your certified personal coach will be able to analyze and break down your swing, as well as, compare it to a database of over 150 PGA and LPGA players. With this technology, you’ll be able to receive instant feedback to achieve your ideal swing. But, your GolfTEC experience doesn’t end after walking out their doors. With their mobile GolfTEC TO GO application, you can access your lessons and videos through their online player performance center. So, whether you’re at home, vacation or even on the golf course, you can access your golf lessons or even contact your golf coach. GolfTEC’s certified personal coaches are all experienced golf professionals that are passionate about improving your game. Each coach is regularly reviewed and refined for maximum effectiveness. With their expert training along with all the technology at their disposal, GolfTEC boasts a 95 percent success rate among their clients. The biggest factor for any level of golfer is correctly fitted golf clubs. With their TECfit 90-minute fitting system, you’ll be on your way to using golf clubs that maximize every shot you take. With GolfTEC’s Foresight technology, their certified club fitters will measure your club head speed, ball flight, launch angles and spin rates to confirm your individual shot patterns. Your personal data will then be cross-referenced with thousands of club and shaft combinations to identify certain models that will maximize your results. GolfTEC will then order your clubs directly from the manufacturer where they will be custom made to fit your personal preference. If you’re looking to improve your golf game to a level you’ve never before reached, give GolfTEC a call today at 225-3494.

by Tyler McComas

The Sooner Baseball season is upon us once again, and Sooner fans are curious how the second year under head coach Pete Hughes will go. One of the bright spots last year was the emergence of freshman Sheldon Neuse. At the end of the season, it seemed Neuse collected as many post-season awards as he did clutch hits for the Sooners.

Neuse was named Big 12 freshman of the year, Baseball America Freshman All American, Louisville Slugger Freshman All American Team, and to the ABCA Midwest All Region first team. Neuse was also named the number four prospect while playing summer ball in the California Collegiate League for the San Luis Blues.

I had a chance to sit down with Sheldon and get his thoughts on the upcoming season, his outlook for his game and Sooner Baseball as a whole, and even what his favorite baseball movie is.

Neuse is a fan favorite and looks to improve in his sophomore season while playing shortstop. I asked Neuse what he worked the most on during the offseason and he quickly mentioned his defense and his foot work. Neuse had a fielding percentage of .992. Defense is a part of the game that Coach Hughes said was a focus for the entire team. The Sooners ranked near the top of the Big 12 in every offensive category, while they were near the bottom defensively. If the defensive side matches up with the offensive side, Neuse, who is on the Golden Spikes Award watch list, has a chance to be one of the best in college baseball.

Baseball is a team game and while speaking to Neuse, he reiterated this fact. Even though he is on multiple preseason award watch lists, it means nothing to him if the team does not hit their goals as a whole.

At the plate, Neuse led the team with 47 RBIs, 17 doubles and 6 triples. I asked him if he liked or disliked the BBcor bats.

“A bat is a bat, BBcor, BESR or wood, it doesn’t matter. You still have to hit it on the barrel for the ball to go, so it’s no different there,” said Neuse.

In college baseball, there will be a new ball used this year, a ball with flat seams. I asked Coach Hughes in a recent interview if he felt the new baseball would help offense.

“It adds another 30 feet at least to the flight of the ball,” said Hughes.

That is a huge factor whether a ball is a routine fly out or it leaves the yard. Some have said the new ball gets through the gap quicker and that could lead to more hits and RBIs for Neuse and the team.

On a lighter note, one of the things you have to ask any baseball player is what his favorite baseball movie is. Of course, like he is at the plate Neuse was cool and collected as he responded.

“It has to be the Sandlot or Field of Dreams,” commented Neuse.

Sooner Baseball is back, get out to L. Dale Mitchell Park and support the Sooners!

By: Chris Joseph


OU Baseball’sSheldon Neuse

Sooner spotlight

Photos by: Mark Doescher

In college towns across America, March is most commonly associated with “March Madness”. The Sooner basketball teams are each gearing up for a run in their respective tournaments with the help of rowdy home crowds and revived student sections that include chickens, bananas and tigers. While this is a highly welcome development, one can hope this same enthusiasm can spread to the multitude of sports that call March the beginning of their spring seasons.

Most people know about the main spring sports, including baseball and softball, and support and attend them well. Eleven NCAA Division 1 and one club team make up the University's spring offering of athletics in Norman. There are currently five nationally ranked teams wearing the Sooner crimson including multiple number one rankings. These Olympic sports are often free or inexpensive to attend, highly entertaining for the whole family and include some of the nation's best in their respective sport. They have accounted for 15 team national championships, the most recent being the Men's Tennis ITA National championship, the first for the tennis program. Once your brackets are busted and the confetti has fallen in Indianapolis, grab your friends and family, get outside and enjoy some nice spring weather cheering for the Sooners on the diamond, water, court, track, course and vault.

Sooner Spring Sports

By: Mark Doescher



Men’s GymnasticsNational Championships ‘77, ‘78, ‘91, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘08

BaseballNational Championships ‘51, ‘942

See the Men’s Gymnastics Team:March 14th vs. Ohio St at the Field HouseApril 9th - 11th NCAA Championships at Loyd Noble CenterTickets - $8 Adult, $5 Youth

See the Baseball team:March 6th - 8th vs. PurdueMarch 20th - 22nd vs. Texas TechApril 2nd - 4th vs. KansasApril 24th - 26th vs. Sam Houston StateMay 14th - 16th vs. TCUMay 2nd & 3rd vs. OSU in Oklahoma CityTickets - $8-$12 Adults, $5 Youth

Men’s GOLFNational Championship ‘891See the Men’s Golf TeamApril 27th - 29th Big 12 Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa

The Sooner Baseball team fights for a trip to Omaha at L. Dale Mitchell Park this season. Come out and see a possible Golden Spikes award winner Sheldon Neuse lead the Sooners against Oklahoma State in Oklahoma City in May.

The Sooner folers look to put themseles in position to compete for the Big 12 championship taking place at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa in April.

8The No. 1 ranked Sooner Gymnasts recently shattered the all-time team meet scoring record and are in position to capture thier 9th national title. The national championship is in Norman this year. Don’t miss this chance to see history.


WOMen’s GymnasticsNational Championship ‘141

SOFTballNational Championships ‘00, ‘132

See the Women’s Gymnastics Team:March 6th vs. Florida at the Loyd Noble CenterMarch 21st Big 12 Championship in Norman April 4th NCAA Regionals in NormanTickets - $8-$10 Adults, $5 Youth

See the Softball team:March 7th & 8th Courtyard Marriott Tournament vs. Missouri and SamfordMarch 14th - 16th OU Tournament vs. Iowa and East CarolinaApril 3rd & 4th vs. Iowa StateApril 8th vs. ArkansasApril 16th & 18th vs. BaylorApril 9th vs. OSUTickets - $8 Adults, $5 youth

Track & Field

See the Men’s and Women’s teams:April 17th & 18th John Jacobs Invitational

The No. 1 ranked Sooner Gymnasts captured their first national championship last season and will try to defend it against to co-national champions Florida in Norman March 6th. Watch them compete for the Big 12 Championship in Norman in April.

The highly ranked Sooner Softball team looks to add to their national championship total at the Women’s College World Series in OKC this spring. Come see slugger Lauren Chamberlain attempt to break the all-time NCAA home-run record at Marita Hynes Field.

The Sooner track teams host the prestigious John Jacobs Invitational at the John Jacob’s track complex just east of Memorial Stadium in April.


Lacrosse

Rowing

See the Lacrosse team:March 23rd vs. IllinoisApril 4th vs. UNTFree to the public

See the Rowing team:March 7th vs. Kansas StateMay 2nd vs. TulsaFree to the public

Men’s TennisNational Championship ‘151

Women’s Tennis

See the Men’s Tennis team:March 10th vs. VirginiaMarch 27th vs. TCUMarch 29th vs. TexasApril 1st vs. TulsaApril 19th vs. OSUFree to the public

See the Women’s Tennis team:March 8th vs. New MexicoMarch 13th vs. TexasMarch 15th vs. BaylorApril 10th vs.Kansas StateApril 12th vs. KansasFree to the public

The No. 1 ranked Men’s Tennis team just won their first indoor national championship and now begin the quest to win an outdoor championship. Cheer them on at the Headington Tennis Center this spring.

Come see the 33rd ranked Women’s Tennis compete for their first ever Big 12 championship.

Travel to OKC and visit the growing Boathouse District to cheer on the Soooner Women’s Rowing team. While you are there, visit Riversport Adventures for high wire fun and excitement.

The Sooner LAcrosse club team plays their matches just north of Marita Hynes Softball complex.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 43Photos by: Mark Doescher

Come see the 33rd ranked Women’s Tennis compete for their first ever Big 12 championship.

International Pantry is an independent gourmet food and kitchenware store that has been a part of the Norman community since 1978. The local business specializes in made-in-Oklahoma products, bakeware, linens, glassware, gadgets and cutlery, but you might not know that they also offer gourmet cooking classes throughout the year. The classes are open to men, women, singles and couples as a place to learn about new ingredients and techniques to put zest in your cooking.

The overwhelming demand for classes encouraged International Pantry to increase the number of classes to six or more each month, shared Jocelyn Wall, owner of International Pantry. She accredits the rising popularity to the Food Network. People get inspired while watching their favorite shows and want to learn how to cook it themselves.

“Besides,” said Wall, “It is a great way to meet people. After a few classes, they become really good friends with other regular students.”

This spring the International Pantry will have observation classes. In an observation class, the chefs prepare each course, presenting it to you at the end of the demonstration so you can eat while you watch the next course being prepared.

“At the end of the night, you have a full meal and a full belly!” said Wall.

In the summer International Pantry plans to offer full classes on Saturdays where people can come by and dig their hands in, making the recipes with the chefs. The instructors for the class are all local culinary artists who run independent kitchens in Norman and Oklahoma City. Wall said that most of the chefs who teach the classes are from restaurants or catering businesses that she or one of the staff at International Pantry have enjoyed while eating out.

Teri Fermo is a classically taught chef who now runs a food truck catering business in Tulsa. One of the women working for Wall was enamored by her cooking and asked her to come teach. On

March 2, she will prepare a gluten-free meal that transcends cultures as each course progresses. Jeremiah Caldwell is the main chef at Coriander Café on campus corner and recently joined the lineup to teach traditional Oaxaca Mexican techniques on March 5 including a roasted cactus soup. Ahmad Farnia, from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Café, will do a back-to-back teaching demo on March 10 and 11 featuring Mediterranean seafood. Chef Bill Forster, a regular instructor at the International Pantry, will end the month with a bang showcasing his “Greatest Hits” on March 24 and 26. His specialty is French cooking.

Suppose your mouth is watering and you are wondering how to get signed up for your next girl’s night out, date night, or personal treat. It is very simple. First, go to their website to see the entire schedule, which currently has dates until early May of this year. Next, call to make a reservation with the date you would like and a form of payment ready. The classes are $45 each, including dinner and a show. The instruction lasts two to three hours and groups are encouraged to let International Pantry know they’re coming together ahead of time so that you are guaranteed to get seats together.

Wall is very enthusiastic about this next season of classes. “There is only a fine line between going out to eat and cooking at home,” encouraged Wall.

Learning to entertain friends at your house and incorporate things you learn, even if you do not use the same recipes, is the best thing about the demonstrations. For example, Mrs. Wall used to hate Brussels sprouts.

“My mom would make them and I would dread eating them, but a chef roasted them and I loved them,” confessed Wall. “It opens your eyes to things out there that you didn’t like, but you now can like when cooked another way.”


Story & Photos By: Kathryn Shauberger

Cooking Classes at the International Pantry

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With a surprisingly lengthy history itself, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History began in a sense in 1899. The Territorial Legislature of the future state of Oklahoma mandated the founding of a natural history museum on the campus of the University of the Territory of Oklahoma in Norman, now the University of Oklahoma. On May 1, 2000, the museum opened the doors of their current facility, housing over 4 billion years of Oklahoma’s natural history. Five galleries feature thousands of artifacts, immersing visitors in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.

As you enter, you are taken back in time as the exhibits trace the ever-changing Oklahoma landscape from the prehistoric to the present day, offering visitors two stories of hands-on learning. Beyond the popular museum highlights like the type specimen of the brachiosaurid, Sauroposeidon, the tallest known dinosaur and the iconic Mammoth statue, my family always enjoys a lengthy stop in the museum’s Discovery Room. The Discovery Room is a place to explore artifacts and scientific specimens in a hands-on and interactive environment. Kids can try their hand at an archaeological dig, explore native Oklahoma animals and work in some imaginative play. The museum offers a variety of ongoing programs in the Discovery Room which are free with museum admission.

Each weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, the museum offers a special program called Discovery Times. Visitors learn a little bit about the specific selected theme. They hear a story, touch a specimen and do a correlating craft.

“Each weekend has a different theme related to natural history,” explained Heléna Lucas, lead educator at the museum. “Our goal is to provide a fun and engaging learning activity where visitors can learn a little bit more about a natural history topic and be able to take home a fun craft as a souvenir.”

“We try to make the activities appropriate for everyone, but generally, we have younger elementary or preschool visitors who participate with their families,” added Lucas.

Another very popular program is called “It’s Feeding Time!”

“Visitors learn all about native Oklahoma reptiles, amphibians and fish and watch as they are fed by trained Discovery Room staff,” shared Lucas.

The month of March is a particularly exciting time to visit Sam Noble. Their Spring Break Escape offers opportunities for exploration and fun on a budget, said Lucas. From face painting and crafts to bird shows and jaw-dropping science experiments, the Spring Break Escape is sure to wow the whole family. Those who have attended year’s past will be happy to hear many of their favorites will return.

“We will have many of the same amazing organizations back to educate and engage us, like the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, Mad Science and the Oklahoma Fancy

Dancers,” said Lucas. “One new group that will be joining us this year is Insect Adventure from Oklahoma State University.”

Sponsored by BancFirst, the Spring Break Escape activities are also included in museum admission.

The fun continues into April with their annual Eggstravaganza on Wednesday, April 1. Kicking off at 4 p.m., families can enjoy complimentary museum admission, games, crafts, photos with the bunny and an egg hunt of Jurassic proportions. Kids can test their luck at the famous Dino Prize Walk and shake hands with museum mascots Spike and Slash all while exploring the museum and enjoying

the variety of crafts, games and educational activities.

“Families and children are invited to pose for pictures with the celebratory bunny,” said Jen Tregarthen, marketing and public relations representative with the museum. “Individuals may take their own photos at no charge. However, professional photos can be purchased on-site for $5.”

The Eggstravaganza evening will conclude with an egg hunt just before 7 p.m.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus at Stovall Road and Chautauqua Avenue. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and up, and $3 for youth ages 6 to 17. Current OU students with an OU ID and children ages 5 and under are admitted for free. Discounts are available for military personnel and their immediate families.

The Nature of Discovery


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It’s once again time to pull out that one green outfit in your wardrobe saved especially to avoid a painful pinch, because St. Patrick’s Day is rapidly approaching! On March 14, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will march through downtown Oklahoma City.

“This parade is a staple OKC event, beloved by both natives and people from all over the country, judging by a survey of annual attendance,” shared Kristina Davis, parade coordinator.

Beginning on Sheridan Ave., the parade will make its way through downtown Oklahoma City, ending at Central Ave. Who’s in the parade, you ask? Well, a better question would be who isn’t in it. Last year, entries ranged from KOSU/The Spy FM to OKC Pride to the Oklahoma Republicans, just to name a few. The Highlanders walked in Scottish attire playing bagpipes, and Batman even made an appearance!

The parade is open for everyone who wants to be a part of it. Anyone can enter, but there is certainly room for those that just want to watch, too. Thousands of people from literally all over the country come to Oklahoma City just to celebrate. Since almost half a million Oklahomans claim Irish descent, the parade provides an opportunity to give some cultural awareness, as well as celebrate as a group.

This is the second year for the “O’City” brand to hold the parade, after the city passed the torch of responsibility in 2013. Prodigal, a downtown OKC business, produces the parade, making all the behind-the-scenes moving parts fit together, while “O’City” has become the brand name for the program. Prodigal is able to put the parade together through the generosity of Downtown OKC Inc. and other partners. Energy FC will be the “host” this year.

The planning of the event begins months in advance of the actual date, with lots of different people working tirelessly to coordinate it. If you can believe it, the day-of staging begins at 5 a.m.!

After the initial parade, Bricktown hosts a “block party” on the corner of Sheridan Ave. and Oklahoma Ave., lasting from 10 a.m. to midnight. This festival of sorts includes tons of live music every year, combined with the surplus of restaurants and stores in the Bricktown area. Parade spectators can make their way to the block party to celebrate the luck of the Irish for the rest of the day!

The OKC parade and Bricktown Block Party are so popular because of the incredible entries, and the dual nature of the festivities by location. There are areas perfect for family life and children, while at the same time having other areas more suited for adults. A spectator can experience whichever atmosphere they want.

In addition, the parade has become an unofficial, yet traditional, marker for spring. Residents and visitors have been hibernating all winter, and the parade accompanying the classic holiday in mid-March serves as a checkpoint for reaching warmer weather. By the time it rolls around, everyone is ready to break out of the ski clothes and enjoy the rising temperatures.

Davis works for Prodigal and plays an integral role in organizing the parade events. In her opinion, “The best part of the O’City St. Paddy’s Day fest is that there is something for everyone. Last year, families gathered around the Myriad Gardens to watch, while more adult festivities took place ‘beyond the bridge’ in Bricktown.”

More than anything, the parade brings Oklahomans together in celebration of the same cause, representing a huge variety of groups that would otherwise never interact. So, Normanites, pack up your green and head North to Oklahoma City for St. Patty’s Day!

TheLuck Irishof the

The John Marshall High School Air Force Junior ROTC marches in the Oklahoma City St. Patricks Day Parade.

The “O’City” St. Patricks Day is officially hosted by the Oklahoma City Energy FC of the United Soccer League. The Energy play their first home game on April 18th.


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Engage your senses as you spring into the natural and cultural history of Oklahoma!

Spring Break Escape offers opportunities for exploration and fun on a budget with daily activities including crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, face painting, scavenger hunts and more, all complimentary with paid museum admission.

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1. Medieval Fair, March 27-29. The beloved Medieval Fair at Reaves Park celebrates “mirth and merriment.” Held annually since 1977, this living history fair features arts, crafts, food, games, educational exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family including minstrels, dancing, theater and reenactments, jugglers, knights jousting on horseback and human chess games as well as King Arthur, mermaids, and the fair’s royal court.

2. Spring Break Escape, March 16-20. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has a whole week of activities planned featuring crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts and more, all free with paid museum admission.

3. A World Unconquered: The Art of Oscar Brousse Jacobson on exhibit throughout March. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art commemorates the centennial of Artist Oscar Brousse Jacobson appointment at OU with a retrospective of his influential career. The exhibition will include over 50 works by Jacobson and explore the vital role he played in encouraging the visual arts in the region.

4. 2nd Friday Norman Artwalk, March 13. Downtown Norman will be hopping with open art galleries, live music, dinner and drink specials and more.

5. Winter Wind Concert Series: Whistle Stop Concert: Heather Maloney, March 22. Heather Maloney’s self-titled album, out in March, is the third album for a songwriter hailed by The Huffington Post for “lyrics that cut to the chase.” Maloney is traveling through, making a brief stop at The Depot, 200 S. Jones, for the first “Whistle Stop Concert.” Tickets are $20.

VisitNorman exists to promote the city, to attract overnight meeting, convention, sport and tourism business to the community, and to enhance and contribute to the overall identity and economic wellbeing of the city. VisitNorman’s vision is to be the leader who proactively markets and develops Norman as the preferred destination in Oklahoma.

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VISITNORMANMarvelous March

March means spring break, daylight saving time and the budding of a new season. In Norman, it means Medieval Fair, museums and more. Here are five March must-do’s:


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With images of knights on horseback, banquets filled with primal food and magical tales about dragons, the period known as the Medieval Ages has captivated many of us long after the last jousting match ended.

Beginning in 1977 when a few people from the University of Oklahoma’s English Department decided to highlight their work the Medieval Fair of Norman has now taken on a life of its own.

On March 27-29, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the 39th Annual Medieval Fair will feature 240 food and artist vendors.

“We’re as big as we can get,” said Medieval Fair Coordinator Ann Marie Eckart. “Now we’re looking for the cream of the crop.”

Starting off as a University event, the Medieval Fair grew, moving to OU Outreach.

“OU Outreach is a lot about lifelong learning,” Eckart continued, as we sat in her office decorated with posters from past Medieval Fairs. “Our Medieval Fair mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity that leads to lifelong learning through educational entertainment, so that’s what we try to do.”

Perhaps the most enticing aspect of the Fair that keeps crowds flocking through the tents every year is its ability to accommodate just about anyone.

“If you get this group of people together, and one wants to eat good food, one wants to hear live music and the other just wants to go shopping—go to the Medieval Fair!” Eckart said smiling, her dedication and love for the event becoming more evident.

Eckart said that most vendors beg to come back, and they try to keep everyone’s favorites. She said that along with the old, such as hair-braiders and hand-dipped wax roses, new vendors and events are always added.

For attendees who enjoy shopping, the Saltfork Craftsmen of the Artist-Blacksmith Association will be back to demonstrate their blacksmith skills and sell their fine jewelry, wares and utensils. There will also be a new Brick Artist, Zack Easley, who sells pen and ink artwork of elaborate castles.

Those who come for games and activities will not be disappointed, as the hand-cranked Flying Carousel Ride and Extreme Animal Petting Zoo are both booked for this year. The Human Combat Chess Match performed by the Arthurian Order of Avalon, a non-profit organization that shares the Medieval Fair’s goal of educating audiences through performance, will of course be there.

Thrill seekers will be in for new surprises with acts such as The Steele Sisters, who will put on a comedy sword-fighting show.

And let not the foodies worry. The giant turkey legs, loaded brisket potatoes and Scottish Eggs will be in full supply. If your meat-tooth still isn’t satisfied, Oz Highland Farm, a traditional Scottish Food Vendor, will be joining the ranks. Their food is unique to the period and includes Highland Beef Steakburgers and Bangers & Mash. Looking to take some treats home? New vendor Wacky Jammers will be selling unique jams and jellies, such as Dr. Pepper Jelly, to dine on later.

This year, the Medieval Fair Department is working with the Pioneer Library System to promote this year’s Big Read; “A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin. They will have a booth set up with more information on the event and their services.

You may wake up one morning at the end of March wanting to ride a camel, or have a burning desire to watch two knights battle in a jousting match. Maybe you suddenly develop a craving to chow down on the food of your great, great ancestors. Well, there’s only one thing for you to do: drive, walk or skip your way to the Medieval Fair of Norman for a day that is sure to be unforgettable.

Step back in time for Norman’s 39th Annual

Medieval Fair


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Norman:Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like an Irish pub. If this is your scene, you should be at O’Connell’s Irish Pub in Norman located in the heart of campus corner at 769 Asp Ave. Since 1968, O’Connell’s has been the venue of food, fun, and good times. This year, they celebrate their 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Food and spirits are just the beginning to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at O’Connell’s. While all of the happenings are still being decided, you can be sure that O’Connell’s Irish Pub will make their party one for the record books. A look at their Facebook page from last year’s party is proof of that! Dress in your St. Patrick’s Day best and join the fun. Visit http://oconnellsnorman.com for more information.

O’Connell’s isn’t the only St. Patrick’s Day watering hole in Norman. McNellie’s The Abner Ale House located in downtown Norman provides great food, great atmosphere, and a lively party for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. With 200 beers and counting, you’re sure to find the right libations to wet your whistle. No beer is complete without some great food. From burgers and fries to cottage pie, there’s a meal to compliment your beer and your holiday. The St. Patrick’s Day scene wouldn’t be complete without bagpipes! Norman firefighters and policemen showcase a uniform fit for the Irish. Their roving gang of kilt-wearing, bagpipers are around the city, making frequent pit-stops at McNellie’s to liven things up. “This is our biggest event of the year,” says Emily White, General Manager. “All of us get really excited to be a part of the festivities in Norman.”

Oklahoma City:In an effort to add to the fun, and recovery for that matter, the 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day block party will be held Saturday, March 14 in Bricktown between Reno Ave and Oklahoma Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free. There will be a variety of venders from restaurants around the Oklahoma City area with plenty of food and drinks for all. Don’t forget the green beer, served to those 21 and up, of course. In addition, live music will fill the festival air providing the perfect atmosphere for your friends and family.

If the block party isn’t the family theme you’re looking for, perhaps you and your family can join in the fun by watching the 2015 Oklahoma City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 with the block party and other fun events to follow. Be sure to wear your green and show your St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

A variety of bars and pubs in Oklahoma City also offer St. Patrick’s Day libations for those of age. Here is a list a few of the Irish pubs and bars in the metro area:

• Oklahoma City McNellie's Irish Pub, 1100 Classen Drive

• Oklahoma City Sean Cummings Pub, 7523 N. May Ave.

• Oklahoma City Saints Irish Pub, 1715 NW 16th St.

• Edmond Dan McGuinness Irish Pub, 3005 S. Broadway St.

• TapWerks Ale House, 121 E. Sheridan Ave.

• Henry Hudson’s Pub Multiple locations in OKC-Metro

Regardless of where your St. Patrick’s Day parties take place, the number one thing to remember is to stay safe. EMSA Paramedic Annamarie Pontius has experienced four years of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the OKC-Metro area. “Every year there is some traumatic accident, usually involving drunk driving,” she said. “We at EMSA encourage everyone to be safe and enjoy the holiday responsibly.”

Whatever you plans are on St. Patrick’s Day, wear your green and show your Irish pride. Join in the fun at one of the OKC-Metro parties and remember to party responsibly. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

It’s a St. Patrick’s Day to Party

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner on Tuesday, March 17. So what are you doing to celebrate? If you’re not sure yet, we have a few suggestions. From the bar scene to the street, there’s a party that’s sure to fit your St. Patrick’s Day needs.


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City of NormanMardi Gras Parade

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Most everybody who visits OU knows that the owls in the gables of Monnett Hall, affectionately known as the “Law Barn,” are painted green. A few know that they were originally gray, like the rest of the building’s façade, and that the green resulted from a prank pulled by the engineers. Yet not too many know that the green paint kicked off a week-long prank war that involved kidnapping, tampering with public utilities, and chemical weapons.

The year was 1926. The engineers on campus were and still are famous for their annual antics in celebration of Saint Patrick, the patron of engineering. In the early part of the century, the “Sons of St. Pat” would welcome in March 17 at midnight with fireworks and a huge bonfire on Campus Corner. The Norman fire chief finally put an end to that, even though the engineers often included a fire truck in their mad-dash parades. One of the favorite pranks was firing off Old Trusty, the mascot cannon. With the Memorial Union still just a dream, there was open space between Felgar and Monnett Halls, and the engineers would aim the cannon across Asp Avenue to “accidentally” knock out windows of their old rivals at the law school. This tradition, too, came to an end when President Brooks and the campus facilities manager stole Old Trusty II and buried it in a creek bed.

Thanks much to President Brooks’ sobering tenure, the rivalry between the engineers and the lawyers quieted down. The OU Daily featured a lengthy article by Lee Thompson on March 17, 1926, entitled “Old Time Feud Now Forgotten,” praising how any bitter feelings between the two groups had disappeared for six years. In fact, according to St. Pat records, an engineering student had even enrolled in the law school to take concurrent courses.

It was all a ruse.

The engineers were ready to bring back the rivalry, and they decided to do so by painting the owls, those mascots of law and prized animals of wisdom-giving Athena, shamrock green. The engineer-turned-lawyer was a plant. They had drawn straws, and the loser had enrolled in legal classes so that he could study in the reading room, which today houses the Western Histories

Collection. When the night before St. Patrick’s Day rolled around, the lawyers heard rumors of a coming prank. They posted guards all around the law barn, but none of them suspected anything when their old pal waved at them on his way up to the reading room, studying there as he did most nights.

After midnight, assuming the engineers would be too busy with their celebrations to be pranking, the lawyers began playing cards or wandered away to get some sleep. The guard was let down, and the engineer on the inside was able to open a window at the back of the building. His fellow engineers poured inside. They worked their way upstairs, out the reading room windows, and onto the roof, damaging a few tiles on the way. Both owls received their new green coats, and the engineers slipped into the night.

The next morning, campus was in an uproar. The lawyers were incensed, the engineers elated, and President Bizzell was wondering if the property damage was permanent. Despite warnings of punishment if the culprits were caught, the engineers happily prepared their festivities. The next day, the secretly elected St. Patrick would lead a parade and crown their queen, Marion Olinger.

St. Pat never showed, and, instead of the queen, the engineers received a ransom note from the lawyers saying that she would be returned when the owls were returned to their proper color.

The engineers launched search parties all over town. Eventually John Coffman, the senior voted to be St. Pat, appeared, dirty and a little battered. He had left Phi Delta Theta that morning, followed by a car full of lawyers. When they had the drop on him, they grabbed him off the sidewalk. Meanwhile, another car pulled up to Kappa Alpha Theta, Marion Olinger’s sorority. She was told that it was Coffman to pick her up for the crowning and came out in her formal green robes only to be whisked away by kidnappers. Both were hidden far from Norman. Coffman eventually escaped his basement prison in Chickasha and hitchhiked home, but by then all of the festivities were done, except crowning the queen.


When the Owls Turned GreenStories and Photos By: Jeff Provine


Olinger was returned to campus that night on the engineers’ vow that the owls would be repainted gray. The next day, even though St. Patrick’s had passed, the engineers decided they should still crown Olinger. They chose to do so on the top of the law barn steps, right between the lantern-bearing dragons. When the lawyers realized what the gathering crowd was all about, they tried to rush out and stop it, only to find the doors chained shut. Their next step was to stick a fire hose out the window and drown the onlookers, but turning the knob revealed that the engineers had cut the water to the building already. A few lawyers climbed out the back and hurried around to physically stop the crowning, but the engineers had them outnumbered.

With a brawl breaking out on the Oval, President Bizzell stepped out of his office to put a stop to the war, even though he enjoyed the “shows of school spirit.” Both sides agreed that they had gotten in good stunts and that it was time to let it rest. The lawyers vowed that anyone acting against the Engineers’ Ball that Friday night in the Administration building, now Evans Hall, was not sanctioned by the majority.

Yet there were a lot of lawyers acting out of sanction by the majority. In a past prank, the lawyers poisoned the Engineers’ Banquet, giving collective nausea. That year, rogue lawyers struck the ball in multiple directions. They broke into the electric substation on campus and cut the power, but the engineers had already installed a storage battery that kept the lights on through the night. Undeterred, lawyers threw stink bombs and ran. None of them made it inside the windows, but it still “caused a great deal of discomfiture” according to the 1926 Norman Transcript.

That Saturday morning, representatives from the engineers and the lawyers sat down in the administration building to sign a formal treaty. It seemed to do the trick, as the banquet that night in McFarlin Memorial Church was quiet, although newspapers stated volunteers from the neutral Chemistry department tested the food. Meanwhile, the owls were covered with a new coat of white concrete to cover the green.

Of course, as anyone who comes to campus knows, that was hardly the end of the story. The owls eventually became green again, and they have received a number of fresh coats of paint over the years in a new tradition. As alum Tom Love’s book, “The University of Oklahoma College of Engineering: the First 70 Years,” tells, the lawyers found a new tradition, too: kidnapping the queen.

For the next 25 years, engineers kept a close guard on their lady royal, sometimes successfully evading lawyer ambushes and other times having to postpone her crowning. In 1932, the engineers lost their queen but said that the lawyers “can keep her until prosperity returns.” In 1934, the lawyers kidnapped a stand-in planted by the engineers to dupe them. Lawyers in 1950 were crafty, inviting the queen to a fake photo shoot for “Life Magazine.” As World War II came to a close in 1944, the Navy ROTC stepped in to do the kidnapping. This tradition finally ended with a formal peace pact signed by both sides in 1952.

Yet the owls remain green.

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Acronyms invite a special, breathless excitement, or at least I’ve always felt so. They are a title just under the tip of your very nose, a name hiding in plain sight like a masked man. With the proper amount of imagination, the most exciting part comes just before the reveal, when you get to make guesses at the secret identity. Fabulous Bread Industry, Corporate Investigation Aardvarks, the Nuanced Anthropomorphic Alliance of Caribou Poets—all, I think, much more intriguing than their official alter egos. While it is utter silliness, it is exactly what I felt when my friend invited me to watch her dance at YCS. A thrill ran down my spine: the Yodellers Christmas Summit, perhaps? But no, it was January already, and for a brief moment, my expectations sank. However, while my 12-year-old self was sorely disappointed to discover how comparatively dull the real FBI and CIA were, I can confidently say that the real YCS surpassed even my wild dreams of yuletide ululations.

The Young Choreographer’s Showcase, which opened on the evening of Jan 22 and continued through Jan. 25, was held in Reynolds Performing Arts Center. Produced by the OU School of Dance and the College of Fine Arts, this year’s showcase featured the choreography of ten students from the School of Dance. The choreographers were competitively selected by Fine Arts faculty, giving talented senior, junior, and sophomore students the chance to see their dances performed on stage before a nearly sold-out audience. After selecting their casts, the choreographers collaborated with lighting design students from the School of Drama, producing rounded, multidimensional works that engaged the eye on every level.

Music choices varied widely among choreographers, a fact which the lighting directors took full advantage of to give each piece a distinct feeling. Rather than watching a set of different dances on the same Reynold’s stage, the audience found itself in an entirely different atmosphere each time the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. For example, the first performance, “For,”, was a more classically styled dance, featuring the music of cellist Zoe Keating and a soft, dim blue washing the whole of the stage. In contrast, “Falling for Temptation” was accompanied by the music and lyrics of the folk-pop artist Soko. The theme was much

more modern: two lovers struggling through addiction together, moving through fits of despair and moments of touching tenderness as the two dancers collapsed into each other’s arms. Whereas before the whole stage had been softly backlit, these two lovers were lit by smaller spotlights, suggesting the intimacy of a bedroom.

One performance, entitled “Counterparts” made especially good use of lighting, effectively establishing different settings by creating little pockets of the stage. Each contained a new, unexpected feeling, gorgeously expressed by the dancers and music. The depth of talent and collaboration among choreographers, dancers, and lighting designers was readily apparent throughout all the performances, standing as a testament to the schools of Drama and Dance.

Of course, the focal point of the showcase was dance, a form of expression that I confess to have precious little experience with. To put it mildly, I am not gifted with grace. For me, YCS was a veritable smorgasbord of new artistic experiences. From the very first performance, I was awed and enamored with the grace, strength, and smooth precision of the dancers. Simply put, I had not known that movement could be so beautiful. Many audience members, students like myself, undoubtedly as inexperienced as I, came to support friends or just to see something new. Yet I can hardly doubt that each one walked out of Reynolds as impressed and intrigued as I did. Young Choreographers Showcase displayed the very best efforts of the most talented students of OU Fine Arts, and did so with a variety that included the areas of expertise and interest of the choreographers, dancers, and the audience members. From classic to modern—solemn, elegant beauty to energetic outbursts of club-like fervor—YCS engaged a full spectrum of movement and emotion.

Regretfully, I cannot describe the real phenomena of this year’s showcase. The best I can do is urge you to explore it for yourself. If you didn’t get a chance to see the performances at YCS, mark your calendar for Oklahoma Festival Ballet from April 3-12, or SummerDance “Dance and Dessert” from June 26-28. Or, best of all, save the date for both and get a taste of the modern and the classic.

Young Choreographer’s ShowcaseBy: Grant Schatzman

&

Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as CASA, is a program designed to promote awareness and advocate for children who are either neglected or abused. The University of Oklahoma’s Kappa Alpha Theta sorority just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of involvement with the program this past year.

CASA operates in this way: a judge assigns a volunteer to a child’s case so they can obtain enough information to make an informed, and safe, decision about the child’s future; these volunteers sign on to stay with the case until its completion, which is usually about a year and a half. The selected volunteer proceeds to interact with every person playing a role in the child’s life, including relatives, medical professionals, social workers, and even the child his/herself. The aim is to gather as much information as possible in order to determine, and report back to the judge, the best possible home for the child.

Kappa Alpha Theta hosts an annual 5k run, “KATs Making Tracks,” to raise money for the Cleveland county chapter of CASA. Last year, as with every year, the race was held on Dad’s Day Weekend, usually in November, and over 700 participants showed up. Theta was able to raise over $30,000! The amount of money raised is revealed to the foundation at a formal meal after the event. The donations contributed fund the process of recruiting, training, and supporting the volunteers in their efforts. Theta’s fundraising is actually the main source of revenue for the Cleveland county chapter of CASA, making the annual 5k crucial to its work. In fact, many Theta members, once they turn 21, begin training with CASA in order to take on a child’s case; all volunteers go through extensive background checks and training in order to be assigned to a child.

“The 25th anniversary of our work with Theta is so important because it allows us to more fully showcase the foundation and the work it does,” said Josie Smith, the Kappa Alpha Theta philanthropy chair. “Theta has an incredible opportunity to reach out to a community of young adults on campus who have the time and capacity to make an incredible impact on a child’s life.” The Cleveland county chapter of CASA desperately needs more volunteers; according to Josie, the waitlist of children needing advocates is constantly growing, and the chapter simply lacks the number of volunteers to accommodate the amount of children in need. According to Josie, “When assigned to a CASA volunteer, children are generally able to complete necessary, and usually

lengthy, court work in less time, which is huge. Additionally, after their case, children maintain more structure in their lives. Advocates follow up with regular check-ups and support, making the child feel continually cared for.”

Kappa Alpha Theta contributes awareness and support to CASA. Because of Theta, crucial amounts of able students on campus know about the organization and have consequently signed up to help when they are of age. Awareness is one of the number one challenges programs like CASA face; how can anyone help if they don’t know it exists? Fortunately, CASA teams up with Theta in order to raise the necessary awareness as well as integral funding to keep the process going. It’s so special that the organization has been able to work with Theta, because this draws the Norman community closer as a whole, connecting college students at OU with other adult volunteers locally, as well as with the children of Cleveland County in need of advocates. It keeps the spirit of philanthropy circulating among an entire range of ages. Here’s to celebrating 25 wonderful years of partnership, and many more to come!

Theta CASA 25 Years and Going


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Since 1968, O’Connell’s has been a popular name in Norman. Although they’ve moved from their original location on Lindsay to Campus Corner, O’Connell’s is still a hot spot for Normanites and college students alike.

It’s nearly impossible to live in Oklahoma and not indulge in fried vegetables every now and then. O’Connell’s specializes in three of the best fried veggies on the planet: pickles, onions and potatoes. There are a variety of appetizers at O’Connell’s including wings, nachos and chips and queso. But where they really shine is their fried pickles, onion rings and loaded fries. I’m pretty picky when it comes to fried pickles, and O’Connell’s didn’t let me down. They use crunchy, thick slices of pickles and lightly bread them before frying. Likewise, the onion rings are hearty slices of onions with the same flavorful breading. Cheddar fries and loaded fries are a popular appetizer favorite. Their fries are covered in cheddar cheese and loaded with bacon and scallions. They’re perfect to share with a friend or just to eat on your own.

“I can’t go to O’Connell’s without getting the loaded cheese fries,” said Jenna Partain, University of Oklahoma graduate. “The cheese, bacon and ranch go perfect together.”

Restaurants don’t get awarded Readers’ Choice Best Burger by the Norman Transcript for having “okay” burgers. O’Connell’s received the award in 2012 and 2013 and ranked in the top five in 2014. As a frequent customer, the cheeseburger is my go-to order. While my burger tastes might seem basic, O’Connell’s offers a wide variety of burgers. A customer favorite, the Ranchhand, is a beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, their fantastic ranch dressing and bacon crumbles. The North Shore is a unique twist on the modern burger. It’s a beef patty with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. Another delicious burger is the C & R, a beef patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, an onion ring and hickory sauce. One of my favorite things about O’Connell’s is the option to swap a beef burger for a turkey burger or chicken breast for every burger.

“O’Connell’s not only has a fun and inviting atmosphere, but it also has delicious and quality food,” said Kayla Cook, O’Connell’s frequenter. “My parents love it and go all of the time!”

Burgers aren’t their only talent, they also offer “House Specialties”: club sandwich, hot dog, fish and chips, fish sandwich, chicken fried chicken sandwich and buffalo chicken sandwich. They also

have several wraps and sandwiches available. Check out their daily specials for a good meal at a great price.

O’Connell’s is well known for their food and their fun. They don’t just offer a happy hour on the weekends. They have a week full of events and specials planned for their customers. If your friends refer to you as the trivia buff, you don’t want to miss Trivia Night every Thursday starting at 9 p.m. It’s time to build your trivia dream team because if you’re a winner, you won’t come away empty handed. First place wins $50, second places wins $25 dollars and third place wins $10. It’s free to play and guaranteed to be a fun time. If trivia isn’t your game, but karaoke is, don’t miss Karaoke Night every Wednesday starting at 9:30 p.m. Take the stage and show your singing skills. Don’t worry, if you’re not a singer it’s just as fun to enjoy Wednesday Burger Night, where you get a half-pound burger for just $4, and cheer on the performers.

It’s O’Connell’s favorite time of year again! Hung on a wall on the inside of the restaurant a clock counts down the days, hours and minutes until St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patty’s Day at O’Connell’s is not something to be missed. Starting in the morning they offer green eggs and ham straight out of Dr. Seuss’ literary work. What’s St. Patty’s Day without green beer? Don’t miss your chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at O’Connell’s for their 47th celebration. Stay tuned to their website and Facebook page for more information about the events and activities this March 17.

Irish Pub & Grill


By: Alexandra Bare

MARCH 27 & 29, 2015 • CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

2015 NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL REGIONAL

ALL-SESSION & SINGLE-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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MARCH 27 & 29, 2015 • CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

2015 NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL REGIONAL

ALL-SESSION & SINGLE-SESSION TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

All-Session Pricing: $51 & $38Single-Session Pricing: $33 & $22

SPECIAL: All-Session “Four-Pack” tickets also available• Center Court Tickets: $159 -- savings of $45• End Zone Tickets: $108 -- savings of $44PLEASE NOTE: additional Ticketmaster fees may apply; save money by purchasing at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Box Office

FOR TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION:WWW.OKCALLSPORTS.ORG/OKCREGIONAL

ANOTHER GREAT EVENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY OKLAHOMA CITY ALL SPORTS ASSOCIATION

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