Lindy Motl Legener pledged the Phi Delta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi in1975 at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. As a pledge and member, she served in many leadership positions including pledge-class president and rush chairwoman.

After leaving the university, Lindy married Craig, and the couple moved to Tulsa in 1981. They came for Craig’s new job, greener pastures and more opportunities. Lindy jokes that the pastures were greener because they moved from Wisconsin in November. Craig is now a shareholder with Stanfield and O’Dell, the local accounting firm that brought the couple to Oklahoma.

The Silver Needle developed a mail-order business well before the Internet existed and now maintains a website visited by thousands each day. In 1985, the store introduced Camp Wannesew, which is a concept of retail retreat weekends now common in the quilt, scrapbook and needlework industries. The store hosts four events each year that attract stitchers from across the U.S., Canada and Europe.

In 1996, the Secret Needle Night was launched and now serves as a template for the industry. It is a program of monthly, original needlework designs mailed internationally. The store hosts nationally recognized needlework teachers each year, attracting stitchers to Oklahoma’s Green Country.

Through the years, Lindy has taught numerous business marketing, motivational and organizational classes at the needlework industry wholesale trade shows.

Lindy has given more than 12 years of service to the Southeast Yarncrafters Guild. Under her direction, the group changed its name to the International Needleart Retailer’s Guild and gained tax-exempt status as an educational trade organization. She has served as its president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and membership chairwoman.

Craig and Lindy have a daughter, Natalie, who is currently attending Tulsa Community College, majoring in art and working as a waitress at The Brook. The family belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church, where Natalie attended grade school and Lindy served on the Parent/Teacher Club board. They live in Brookside area, and Craig is an active member of the Brookside Lions Club. The family includes Twinkles and Busy Lizzie, two Westie dogs, who guard the homestead.

Lindy’s first friends in Tulsa were her sisters in the local Alpha Omicron Pi chapter. She has continued the friendships and support from the sisterhood and is honored to be chosen by them for the Panhellenic Woman of the Year.