19th Street Magazine May 2023

Mark Doescher

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING

City of Moore Advocates for Preparedness in Emergency Safety

As the tenth anniversary of Moore’s most recent large tornado approaches this month, residents will likely be reminded of how important disaster preparedness is. Stemming from a desire to better prepare citizens in the event of an emergency, the City of Moore offers Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) courses several times a year.

The free emergency skills training program educates citizens about the various parts of disaster preparedness and how they can prepare for hazards in residential areas and how to respond in the event of an emergency.

“A lot of communities use CERT to train teams of volunteers to help in emergencies, but in Moore, we are using it as a readiness training program (for citizens),” explains Kevin Smith, Moore’s assistant emergency management director.

CERT training is an 18-hour course spread out over three weeks, with classes taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Class sizes typically range anywhere from seven to 15 students to allow for on-site exercises and realistic scenarios.

Citizens of all ages and abilities are welcome, however, teens are recommended to attend with parents. Smith said the program has had several success stories from past attendees of various ages and abilities. He thoughtfully described their own personal journeys as they discovered hidden talents they didn’t know they had.

“Our students come from all walks of life. Just come ready to learn,” he shared.

Moore’s program is unique in that professional first responders are brought in to teach portions of the course, depending on the topic. Fire personnel trains

the class on using fire extinguishers against real fires, medical personnel oversees the medical section, and police officers educate during the terrorism portion, for example.

“One of our goals is to prepare people on how to react after an event,” Smith explained. “There is so much going on after a major event. You may be in a situation where you’re going to have to fend for yourself. We are training people to be prepared to react.”

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security provide equipment and

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON

resources to use during the course, and they supply attendees with tools such as a backpack, PP, gloves, hard hat, etc.

The course is a national program that started in California and was acquired by FEMA. Moore has offered the program for the past six years. Two courses have been offered so far in 2023. If scheduling allows, they’re hopeful that another class may take place in the fall. Interested individuals or families can contact Kevin Smith at ksmith@cityofmoore.com to be added to the waitlist. – 19SM

OKLAHOMA YOUTH PREPAREDNESS CAMP

While Moore’s program is great for teens, Oklahoma has another program specifically designed for youth. Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Council will host an annual Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Camp (OKYPC), July 9-14, on the Murray State College Campus in Tishomingo. The camp is free and open to students in grades 9-12. The overnight camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn basic emergency response skills, teamwork and community action planning. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/homeland-security/cert.html.

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CONNECTIONS

Moore Chamber Sees Growth, Helps Local Businesses Thrive

The Moore Chamber of Commerce is in the business of paving a path to success for the Moore business community, and it’s been serving the Moore community for over 75 years.

“We are about making connections,” Kim Brown, president and CEO of the Moore Chamber, said. “We help grow your business by growing your network, connecting you with like-minded businesses in your area.”

In 2023, the Moore Chamber of Commerce has experienced unprecedented growth, and what began with a goal of helping local businesses overcome the obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic, has become an annual membership campaign, bringing in 114 new members and membership upgrades this year.

Brown has worked for the Chamber for over 15 years, and she said there are a multitude of benefits for members.

“It’s hard to say what gets me most excited,” she said. “I love what I do. I love watching people grow and take their business to the next level.”

The Chamber not only offers networking events, but also the opportunity to serve as a part of a committee, exclusive advertising opportunities, and philanthropic opportunities such as the annual Fill-a-Bus event which

helps teachers offset the cost of classroom supplies.

The City of Moore is listed among the top 10 fastest-growing communities in Oklahoma, and in the top five largest school districts in the state, something that’s reflected in the Chamber membership.

“When someone walks in the door, we want them to feel welcome,” Brown said. “We want them to feel like they are visiting with family. My door is always open.”

Professionals interested in joining the Chamber can attend a free networking lunch to get an idea of what it is like, including information on what they will get out of their membership, before becoming a member. Other free events include business after hours and business before hours.

The next networking lunch is May 9, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Individual tickets are $15, and sponsorships are also available starting at $300. Typically, networking lunches are held at a local restaurant to promote local business, a tradition that began during the pandemic.

“The best thing you can do is invest in local businesses because it comes full circle,” Brown said. “You throw a stone in, and you can watch how it ripples.”

19SM

MOORE LOVE STUDENT-LED PHILANTHROPY PLANTS SEED OF GIVING

Moore Public Schools began the Moore Love annual philanthropic campaign with the goal of raising money for local nonprofits whose services directly impact students in their area. However, they did not anticipate how the program would cultivate a student culture with philanthropy at its core, and inspire students to think outside of the box, gain valuable planning and fundraising skills, while directly impacting their peers’ utilizing services from local organizations.

“We have planted a seed on what philanthropic work looks like and we had no clue that it would explode, and those seeds would be planted but it’s been very exciting to watch,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines said.

This year, Moore Love raised a combined total of over $375,000, benefiting Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, the Sparrow Project, Abbot House, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Bridges.

Each year, Moore Public Schools forms a Superintendents Leadership Academy comprised of about 30 to 35 students per school and those groups are responsible for selecting the nonprofits and developing a plan for how to activate a fundraising campaign at their school. Fundraising includes things such as

dances, pies in the faces of school administrators and teachers, movie nights and more, with fundraising tactics varying from school to school.

“It’s about taking care of our nonprofits and it’s about students investing in the communities in which they reside,” Romines explained. “We want them to have that tool in their belt.”

Each year, the philanthropic organizations selected change, but for two years in a row, the Bridges program has been a recipient. Bridges serves homeless teens, giving them a place to live and the tools they need to graduate high school and succeed in life.

“Two years ago, I was introduced to a student who found himself in hard times,” Romines said. “He didn’t have a dad in the picture and his mom had been diagnosed with cancer, I believe, junior year and he lost her due to cancer his senior year. His school counselors found out that he was living in his car, couch surfing and had just fell on really hard times.”

The student was able to graduate with the help of the Bridges program, however, the program is Norman based. Seeing the need for such a program in the Moore community, Moore Love began the process of raising funds for a new facility to be built in Moore.

“I asked him once if Bridges were not available to you where would you be today?” Romines recalled. “And the two options he told me were, ‘I would either be living under a bridge, or I would be dead’ and this is a high school senior at 18 years old. That was an eye-opening experience for me.”

So far, Moore Public Schools has raised over $500,000 for the Bridges capital campaign. The Bridges program emphasizes creating a plan for the

BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS

future, whether that is college or career-focused following high school graduation.

In the coming months, students will meet once again to begin planning for the 2023-24 Moore Love campaign, which will include a new list of benefactors. Philanthropies interested in benefiting from the campaign can check their website at mooreschools.com/MooreLove2023 for the latest updates and deadlines.– 19SM

Young Adults with Disabilities “Thrive at the Hive”

Have you ever wondered what happens when kids with special needs age out of the public school system? Going from an engaging educational and socially interactive schedule to almost nothing when they graduate can be a devastating set-back. Thanks to the incredible vision of Loralei Gann, a former special education teacher at Norman North who knew there needed to be something more for her students after high school, SunHive Collective is now filling that need.

“I was giving assessments to my students after they returned to school from the summer break, and realized they’d lost a lot of skill,” Gann remembers. “Some of them were about to graduate. I was panicking because I didn’t have a lot of time left with them and I knew there was nowhere for this population to go from here.”

Gann reached out to Kelly and Melissa Collyar about their daughter Hannah who has higher support needs and recently graduated. When inquiring about what Hannah was doing and the Collyars answered, “nothing,” Gann knew she had to do something.

Gann told the Collyars about her five-year “passion project” where a space could be created for young adults with disabilities.

“The idea was like a residential space – a house where they could continue to grow and nurture their skills,” Gann said.

Job skills such as growing things in a garden and selling their produce at the farmer’s market were all a part of Gann’s vision.

“I wanted to be able to meet our members where they are,” she said.

After Kelly listened to Gann’s vision, he told her they were not going to wait five years and wanted to start immediately. Gann and Melissa began formulating ideas. On October 10, 2022, SunHive Collective was born.

Gann serves as the advocacy director and Melissa as the director of operations. Their mission is to offer an inclusive space with daytime programming to cultivate independence and promote inclusiveness within the community.

The “HiveHouse,” located in West Norman at Redeemer Church, operates as a safe and inviting space for young adults with disabilities to grow in their daily living and social and transitional skills.

“We wanted land and a house and freedom for people with different disabilities to be themselves as well as to have structure while learning,” Gann said.

Members can socialize with their friends and are provided with daily activities, including both structured and free-choice opportunities. Every activity is guaranteed inclusive. Although not a school, the organic hands-on experiences help members thrive.

“Our amazing curriculum director, Raegan Calloway, was also at Norman North with me,” Gann said. “She creates everything for the week from our outings to the art, job tasks and meals - we cook lunch every day.”

Construction is currently underway on a new property for the HiveHouse, located in northeast Norman. In February, United Way of Norman presented SunHive with a $10,000 grant as their 2023 winner of The Launch. This annual award is given to an organization that has the clear potential to make a measurable impact in the community.

“We are using the grant money to build our greenhouse and are partnering with The Well,” Gann said.

In March, SunHive received a recipient check for $45,000 from Norman North’s SPUD (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds) initiative.

“It’s been really cool to see how many people in the community have come together to support us because they are just so glad we’re here,” Gann said.

The SunHive Collective currently has eight full-time members and five full-time staff. SunHive accepts respite vouchers and DDSD (developmental disabilities services division) self-directed waivers.

“We also have scholarship opportunities,” Gann said. “People need to know that because it is expensive to have care and although we try to keep expenses on the lower side, we do have a full-time staff and that costs money.”

Each week during June and July, various summer camps are being offered including “Animals,” “Space” and The Movies” as well as “Dinosaurs,” “Hometown Heroes” and “Nature.” For more information, check out SunHive Collective on social media. With more volunteer staff this summer, the age for members has been lowered to 15. The maximum age is 30.

Learn about ways to donate and volunteer at sunhivecollective.com– 19SM

“We wanted freedom for people with different disabilities to be themselves as well as to have structure while learning,” Gann said.

With a focused group of veterans, a talented class of newcomers and a little extra motivation, the University of Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team cemented its dynastic run with a sixth National Championship in the last nine seasons.

The Sooners knocked off Florida (198.3875-198.2375) to cement back-to-back titles. Utah finished third at 197.9375 and LSU fourth at 197.5250.

“I could tell from the warm-up that their bodies were feeling really good,” Kindler said. “If their bodies and their minds are in a good place, we’re ready to go. I could tell by the energy and the camaraderie in the locker room, we were in a good place. I was content and happy with whatever happened.”

The path to the title included a challenging run through the Norman Regional and a semi-final performance that left the Sooners wanting more. When the time came to be the best they could be, the Sooners were beyond elite.

AN UNEXPECTED BUT WELCOME DISTRACTION

A different star than anyone could have imagined stepped into the spotlight for the Women’s Gymnastics team. As Oklahoma prepared to defend its National Championship in Fort Worth, a “welcome distraction” occurred that provided a rallying cry for the team.

Sooner volunteer assistant Ashley Kerr was expecting her second child, but the due date wasn’t until April 24. She continued her regular duties with the team in Fort Worth. But, on that Saturday morning, plans changed.

“There was a knock on the door… I heard a scream from KJ that woke up the whole hall,” Sooner assistant coach Lou Ball said. “So much for the team sleeping in because they’re awake too. I could hear what they were saying and all I could think of is, what a day Ashley and Mark are going to have.”

BY: CHRIS PLANK

DOMINATION

Sooner Gymnastics Wins Second Straight National Championship

Kerr’s water broke around 5:30 a.m. but she didn’t want to wake KJ or the team and decided to drive herself to the hospital.

Her husband, OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, was in Minneapolis on Friday night, coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder in what proved to be their season finale. Daigneault arrived home around 3 a.m. but quickly shook off the fatigue and hit the road, arriving in Fort Worth around 8:30 a.m. Before the team even arrived at the arena, the Sooner assistant gave birth to a healthy 7-pound, 13-ounce baby girl named Stella.

“Jen Richardson, our trainer, came and knocked on the door. When I opened the door and saw it was her, I thought one of the girls was sick,” Kindler said. “She told us Ashley was in labor and at the hospital.

“I was shocked because when my trainer calls in the postseason, I’m pretty sure it’s bad news. You’re always nervous because you want your athletes to feel great on that last day.”

While the Oklahoma coaching staff prepared to adjust, plans had already been put in place if Kerr went into labor.

“It was wild. She wanted the coaches to sleep, which is so sweet of her,” Kindler said. “She had the baby by 9 a.m. Mark got on the road and got there in time. Everyone is super healthy.”

BOUNCING BACK

As the Sooners boarded the bus on Saturday morning to head to Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, no one knew what had transpired with Ashley Kerr.

Kindler stood up at the front of the bus and told the team they were making a video for the newest Sooner fan then announced that it was for Ashley Kerr and her new baby that was born that morning.

“They weren’t expecting it. They hadn’t seen her that morning yet,” Kindler said. “I definitely think it was motivating. It rallied them.”

“We had no idea what was going on, but it wouldn’t be shocking to make a video for a fan or someone,” Sooner gymnasts Dani Sievers said. “When Coach told us it was for Ashley’s baby, we were hyped. It was an awesome moment.”

The newest addition to the Sooner women’s gymnastics family was motivation but improving on a school record added even more motivation.

The Sooners clinched a spot in the championship after a second-place finish in the semi-finals on Thursday night with a 198.1625. The Sooners had clinched a spot in the NCAA Finals for the tenth straight season. They also became the only program to advance to every NCAA finals competition since. But Oklahoma felt like there could have been more. That they could have been better.

“Our highest score in the history of the program was in the prelims, but I didn’t know that because it didn’t feel like our best performance,” Kindler said. “We gave away quite a bit on bars and vault. Beam had a great start. Jenna Dunn put her best routine in her career on Thursday and it’s her highest score in a postseason meet. That really helped us, but we knew we could be better.”

To get better for the championship, the Sooners contemplated a change in the vault lineup and in the order of the floor performances.

“We talked about it Friday night, putting ourselves in scenarios knowing where all the other teams started,” Kindler said. “We knew what it was going to take to win. We knew whoever was hot on vault had to go. We put Audrey Davis/Faith Torrez in this spot. Then we had a quick decision to make.”

The Sooners decided to go with the freshman, Torrez, who responded with a 9.925 in the vault. Davis, who did not compete in the vault, put forth her best bar routine and her best beam routine of the night.

“I thought it was a ten,” Kindler said of Davis’ performance. “It wasn’t but it should have been. She is the ultimate performer and all about the team. It was incredible to see her respond.”

Kindler also decided that there was another potential adjustment that could help the Sooners clinch the championship.

“We switched the lineup on floor, and we were thinking about Florida being on bars and Utah on beam, their best events. Who would we want to be out there in that anchor spot to bring home a championship if it’s that close?” Kindler said. “Dani Sievers is the person who has been the most consistent on floor this season. We moved her to the last spot on floor.”

Danae Fletcher, in the fifth spot on the floor, scored a 9.925, a performance that clinched the championship for the Sooners. By the time Sievers stepped on the floor, it was already over.

“That was the most exciting moment ever,” Sievers said of her floor routine. “Before I went, I saw KJ and the

team going crazy in the coral. Tom (Haley) was hyping me up. I went out there and had fun and celebrated with my team afterward. It was an amazing feeling.”

ONE MORE TIME

As the Sooners celebrated back-to-back national titles, senior Olivia Trautman was soaking it all in as much as she could. Trautman has been a regular part of the Sooner rotation since her freshman year in 2019. During that season, Trautman was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and racked up major awards year after year.

But through all the success, Trautman has battled injuries. In fact, the situation was so severe that Trautman was told she should not compete during her final season of eligibility.

“They told me in September that I needed to medically retire,” Trautman said. “After reinjuring my knee, they thought it would be best to step away.

“I retired for eight weeks in the preseason and the week after I had a feeling I wasn’t done. I had more to give. I asked the doctors for a chance to do bars or try anything. They told me no limitations, but no expectations. For me, that was a win. I just went all out and did the best I could, and it worked out in the end.”

Trautman pushed through and made a major impact during her final season. She competed on the beam, bars and anchored the vault for the Sooners. Her 9.95 on vault set the tone for the Sooners on Championship Saturday.

“Amazing what she’s done. She is a go-getter,” Kindler said of Trautman. “We can depend on her every time she stepped out on the floor. You knew she was going to give it her best shot.”

Trautman’s historic career came to a conclusion with her third championship ring and incredible memories.

“We were all just family. I could go to any of the girls and the team chemistry would be amazing. We were so bonded and that helped us excel on the competition floor,” Trautman said. “This team was so special. We were super competitive, but it made us so much better and allowed us to achieve our goal in the end.”

CHAMPS AGAIN

On the way to the sixth national championship in nine years, the Sooners led after every rotation despite strong efforts from Florida down the stretch.

OU’s six women’s gymnastics national titles are tied for the most over a nine-year span in NCAA history. Utah won six of the first nine NCAA championships from 1982-90. The Sooners have been back-to-back champions for the second time in program history (also in 2016 and 2017).

“It is so hard to get to the finals. You saw that on Thursday,” Kindler said. “Sometimes I pinch myself because these incredible women keep doing it over and over and over. They’ve had such great legacies and examples to look at but they still have to do it.”– 19SM

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Michael Crawford, PA-C Jordan Hobbs, MHS, PA-C

WEJ PRODUCTIONS

Upscale Entertainment with a Purpose in South OKC

When Warren Stowe and his wife, Amy, moved to Oklahoma in 2010, they noticed a lack of entertainment options in south Oklahoma City. The couple decided they wanted to help fill that void.

“We wanted to bring some classic entertainment to the southside,” Warren explained.

They formed WEJ Productions and began searching for a location to host their dinner shows.

“We found the Yale Theatre and knew it was the elegant venue we were looking for,” he shared.

The Yale Theater was built in 1910 as an open-air performing arts theater until the 1920s when it was converted into a movie theater. The iconic marquee was a welcoming centerpiece in the Historic Capitol Hill District for many years. It fell into disrepair during the 1980s but was given a facelift in 2018.

“We want to showcase local artists and have a place for their fans to come and see a good show,” Warren explained.

Fun and light-hearted impersanations are prominent elements in WEJ shows. Amy is one of the five entertainers on rotation that performs with the guest artists. Some of their entertainers have performed at the Oklahoma Opry and on Broadway.

Next up for WEJ is Diamond on The Rocks, a tribute to Neil Diamond featuring Glenn Sulley. They recently held a benefit concert for Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity, which Warren said is an important part of WEJ’s mission.

“We give back to local nonprofits, especially military organizations, and host galas because we want to make our community stronger,” he said.

Warren also owns a GEICO office in south Oklahoma City.

Spring Sports Preview

The art deco design is a fitting backdrop for WEJ’s classic shows. Recently, they put on a Country Legends concert featuring Oklahoma’s own Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road. Dillingham’s high-intensity violin music and his band’s classic sound set the stage for WEJ’s cast of entertainers as they performed Country Western hits from several different decades.

“That’s what brought us to Oklahoma City from Georgia,” he shared.

To learn more about WEJ Productions and their upcoming shows, visit wejproductions.com. – 19SM

ROSE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

3 Days of Peace & Music

Kicking off Friday, May 5 in the heart of the city of Noble, the annual festival has been a springtime tradition for more than four decades, celebrating Noble’s notoriety as the Rock Rose Capital of the World!

“The Rose Rock Festival is very important to our community,” said John Stokes, festival organizer. “We pride ourselves in providing a family friendly festival for all ages to enjoy together.”

All of the action happens at Noble City Hall. Just look for the giant Ferris wheel and you’ll know you have arrived! Here are six things you won’t want to miss at the 2023 Rose Rock Music Festival.

1. The Music – This year’s festival, like those in the past, is spotlighting local talent. Almost all of the bands have ties to Noble or the surrounding area. The musical lineup includes red dirt country, classic rock, 70s & 80s pop, country, alternative bluegrass and more to keep festival attendees rocking all weekend.

2. The Rose Rock Parade – Thousands of people gather to watch as marching bands, scout groups, horses, antique cars and community groups trek down Main Street, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. This year’s theme is Peace Love, and Rose Rock taking on a festive “hippie” vibe.

3. Pro Wrestling – Always a crowd favorite, pro wrestlers with World Class Revolution put on a great show for fans. They’ll be back on Saturday, May 6 at 12:30 & 3 p.m.

5. Food & Ambiance – From the towering Ferris wheel to plenty of tasty treats, the festival will have a full lineup of carnival food, rides and games to enjoy.

6. Shop Local – Over 120 local crafters and makers will be selling their best creations offering unique finds such as cigar box guitars, furniture and, of course, rose rocks.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

• FRIDAY, MAY 5, 4-10PM

• SATURDAY, MAY 6, 10AM-10:30PM

• SUNDAY, MAY 7, 10:30AM-4PM

LOVE, CARE, COMMUNITY

Brenda Palmer’s life and work are dedicated to people. A special education teacher at Westmoore High School, Palmer also has a creative flair. Most recently, her efforts culminated in a series of events that brought teachers together at a critical time.

Team Unity, an intentional effort to help teachers find support in one another, is Palmer’s coworker outreach project. The initiative started in response to the altered dynamic educators everywhere noticed when returning to the classroom after virtual experiences and modified schedules during COVID.

“That was a bizarre time. We couldn’t see our students, then there was Zoom teaching and we were able to see each one of them every day, but it wasn’t the same,” said Palmer as she reflected on the pandemic.

Palmer has taught at Westmoore since 2018. Her teaching career of nearly two decades also includes

service at Moore’s Winding Creek and Earlywine elementary schools, in addition to time spent working in the Mid-Del district.

She noticed the difference from other academic years.

“Even when we returned to the classroom, it was not under normal circumstances. Students would intermittently get ill,” said Palmer. “I felt like we were so disjointed. We are still seeing the effects of that. It is easy to get lost in teaching your students and just saying hello to your colleagues in passing.”

Palmer discussed the shift in dynamic with Heather Blair, who teaches Family and Consumer Sciences a few doors down.

“I asked her if she was feeling what I did and she agreed,” said Palmer.

BY: STAFF WRITER

Westmoore Teacher Offers Creative Solutions to Challenges, Implements Solutions to Support Colleagues

The concept “art is medicine” came to Palmer, a phrase her daughters have explored as owners of The Wild Mother, an Oklahoma City-based florist service. Palmer decided to leverage the healing power of art to help provide support and spark lasting friendships and organized a winter wreath workshop.

“People may be drawn to something like making a craft but there’s another motive and that is we’re hanging out together,” said Palmer. “I didn’t want faculty to feel obligated to come but I want them to want to be there.”

Limited funding was available through administrative approval for the event, which Palmer hosted in January of 2022.

Heather Blair’s class offered to serve a light meal, with preparations incorporated into their classwork. Special education teacher Sherrie Peak’s students coordinated to serve beverages throughout the evening as part of their Java Jags efforts, which help students learn responsibility and real-world applications for classroom skills. Palmer arranged for Chili’s to donate chips and salsa and Starbucks fulfilled her request for donated coffee.

Knowing that drawings could help boost attendance, she requested participation from local franchises. Blair also created tote bags using her Cricut machine and a local t-shirt company owned by a former student provided matching tees.

More than just making a wreath together, Palmer recognizes the power of person-to-person interaction.

“People were sharing ribbons and pinecones and talking with one another. Even when we were cleaning up and putting things away, people connected,” said Palmer. “It wasn’t about the product. It was about getting out of your comfort zone and listening to your colleagues.”

Palmer hosted a second winter weather session on the same date this year, with participation from colleagues from the district’s other high schools too. The positive impact of the events continues.

“Our heads are down doing our jobs, but I know the names of people now. I see the coach talking to the math teacher, the science teacher talking to the special education teacher and an openness that helps

people seek answers from each other,” said Palmer. “We all need one another.”

Palmer plans to continue hosting Team Unity events twice a year, with a painting class scheduled for May with instruction from two Westmoore art teachers.

Aside from Team Unity, Palmer has put her creative know-how to work in other ways. She offers a functional Walking Taco food truck experience for her students, which helped raise funds for the district’s annual Moore Love fundraiser, and offered practical knowledge, including how to apply for a food handling license, ways to serve and be respectful.

Funded by a grant, she created The Blue Room, a sensory-sensitive space with an ocean theme.

“You have to put action to your wish and know change begins with me,” said Palmer, who credits her mother, Lizzie Boykin, 89, with teaching her. “I watched my Mama do what you see me doing. My Mother modeled this.”

Palmer also credits her husband, Trey, of 38 years for moral support and practical hands-on help with her projects.

Find out more about the role art has played in the Palmer family’s life at thewildmother.com.– 19SM

LOOKING AHEAD

Tips for Students as They Prepare for Future

This month, hundreds of students from Moore Norman Technology Center will take the next steps, be it a pathway to a new profession or heading into higher education.

As they do, they’ll be equipped with knowledge and training to aid in that transition, said Terri Helvey, assistant superintendent of instruction at the center.

“I believe our students gain skills, credentials and real-world experiences,” Helvey said. “Our students can walk out our doors and immediately use their knowledge and skills to be successful.”

The students are members of this year’s graduating class. The center has 592 graduates from more than 30 career programs, Helvey said. The graduation ceremony will be May 15 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center.

As the graduates prepare for the future, Helvey has a few tips to share as they make their way into the workforce or enroll in college.

• Never stop learning. Every experience, even your mistakes, is there to teach you something. Learn from it and figure out what is your next right move.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Working, college and everyday adulting can be difficult. There are so many people who want to help. If you simply let them know what you need, someone will help you.

• Always go the extra mile. Don’t ever have the mind-set of, “It’s not my job.” Being a team player and being willing to help others is a quality that never goes out of style, she said.– 19SM

NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK

Moore Norman Technology Center has a myriad of programs that focus on economic development, whether it’s customized training for established companies or offering guidance to entrepreneurs. Center officials are highlighting these programs during National Economic Development Week, May 8-12.

Tim Burg, economic developer at the center, said the center’s extensive programs and training help meet the needs of individuals, local businesses and the state.

“I’m blessed to work inside an institution that is a critical partner in the workforce development and training pipeline, that serves not only the communities in our district, but the region and state,” Burg said.

Burg encourages individuals and companies to look to the center for continuing education and training opportunities.

“We have dedicated staff who are focused on helping individuals improve their lives,” he said. “We

have a leadership team that listens to the needs of business, which helps the school adapt and prepare for the future.”

National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities.

From left to right: Corbin Rogers - Automotive Service Technology (WHS); Lilia Valerio Weekley - Engineering (SHS); Gracie Swenson - Cosmetology (Epic); Mason Miller - Programming & Software Development (WHS)

AWARD-WINNING, LIFE SAVING CARE

Norman Regional Stroke Center Earns Center of Excellence

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 800,000 people have a stroke each year, placing stroke as a leading cause of death and the number one cause of serious longterm disability in the United States. Those statistics are also reflected in Cleveland County, where stroke is in the top ten causes of death for people aged 45 and older.

“In Cleveland County, one-third of the population has obesity and high blood pressure, 15% smoke and 10% have diabetes,” shared Brandon Byrd, the stroke program quality administrator for the health system. “All of those are risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease.”

To improve patient care, Norman Regional Health System recently undergoes review by the Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the quality and safety of patient care by assessing hospitals in more than 20 countries around the world.

As a result of the review, Norman Regional’s Stroke Center of Excellence has been accredited as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, the commission’s highest honor, since 2008 for its outstanding level of stroke care.

The Joint Commission awards the accreditation by looking at core measurements in three key areas: quality improvement, prevention and education during an on-site review conducted by national experts.

“The Center of Excellence encompasses multiple departments, not only our nurses and doctors but rehabilitation and all the specialties within our stroke care program,” said Byrd. “As an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, our stroke patients can know they are in the best of hands, not just in the region but in the nation.”

The health system has seven Centers of Excellence and Byrd shared that they have more reviews pending. The Stroke Center was also recently awarded the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke

Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, the association’s highest honor, and a Women’s Choice award for one of America’s Best Stroke Centers.

Maintaining the Advanced Primary Stroke Center accreditation is an ongoing process. For Stroke Awareness Month this May, the health system is hosting a Be Sweet To You educational event on May 4. During the event, community members will hear from a panel of experts about heart-focused nutrition, heart health and stroke prevention, followed by a local chef who will lead a demonstration on making a heart-healthy cauliflower pizza crust.

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

BY LINDSAY CUOMO

“It’s a fun and educational night where you can learn important tips to improve your heart-healthy lifestyle,” Byrd shared.

To purchase a ticket for the Be Sweet to You event, visit NormanRegional.com/besweet. To learn more about other community outreach efforts, follow Norman Regional on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.–19SM

Because every second counts when experiencing a stroke, an easy way to remember the signs of stroke and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke is to use the acronym BEFAST.

• BALANCE: SUDDEN LOSS OF BALANCE, DIZZINESS OR NOT ABLE TO WALK STRAIGHT

• EYES: SUDDEN VISION CHANGES

• FACE: IS ONE SIDE OF THE PERSON’S FACE DROOPING?

• ARMS: ASK THE PERSON TO RAISE BOTH

ARMS. DOES ONE ARM DRIFT DOWNWARD?

• SPEECH: IS THE PERSON’S SPEECH SLURRED OR STRANGE?

• TIME: IF YOU OBSERVE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

DEVELOPING TOMORROW'S LEADERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022-23 LEADERSHIP MOORE GRADUATES!

Evelyn Alvarez, Champion Hotels

Lizzy Bozarth, Sharing Tree

Jaci Cantwell, Tinker Federal Credit Union

Kristy Clark, Ginny Freeman Shelter Insurance Agency

Phil Clark, Moore Public Library/Pioneer Library System

Cacie Duncan, Norman Regional Health System

Marla Freeman, Oklahoma Natural Gas

Stefanie Garland, Moore Norman Technology Center

Katelyn Gleason-Dockery, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Renea Glover, Moore Norman Technology Center

Elizabeth Hurley, Metro Brokers of OK

Brianna Jones, Citywide Mortgage

Cheri Lee, Roserock Habitat for Humanity

Isaac Lewis, OEC Fiber

Michael O'Neal, BancFirst

Nick Pokorny, Fanatics

Chrystal Raprich, ARIA Real Estate Group

Heather Seay, BancFirst

Keith Toles, Moore Police Department

Micah Willeford, Moore Public Schools

VETERAN OF THE MONTH: JOHN NEIL

Many people who served in the United States Military during the Vietnam War were drafted, but two thirds went in as volunteers. One of them was John Neil, a Marine from Oklahoma.

Although Neil was born in California in 1947, his dad was a frogman in the Navy and moved his family several places before ending up as a machinist at Tinker Air Force base. Neil graduated from Carl Albert High School, and, on August 4, 1965, he enlisted in the military.

“I was kind of a thug in high school,” he said. “I didn’t have a way to go. When I went to the Marine Corps, they trained me. That’s the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Most of his aunts, uncles and cousins were in the military but no one in his family had ever been in the Marines. While in basic training, John received his draft notice.

“Too late,” Neil laughed. “I was already enlisted.” Trained as a diesel mechanic, after basic training in San Diego, Neil was sent to Okinawan where he went into the Infantry. After about six months, he was sent to Vietnam.

“I knew enough not to volunteer because it was too dangerous,” he recalled. “But I was single, and they told me I was going. There was no getting out of that.”

John said his first tour wasn’t bad. He was doing well in the Marines and was getting paid, so he went back for a second tour.

“After you’re there for one year, you have the option to ship over again for six months at a time and that’s what I did,” he said.

The second tour proved to be more treacherous than the first. Neil’s troop was there to get people out.

“We went to an underground combat base in Khe Sanh where we were hit with a lot with bombs,” he remembered. “You couldn’t even go outside to go to the bathroom. It was pretty touch and go for a while.”

After Vietnam, Neil ended up back in Midwest City, where he went to work at a machine shop and soon began working on diesels again.

“I had the experience, so it was natural to do that again,” he said. “I did that almost all my life. I was still working on coal tanker trucks when I retired.”

In 1971, Neil got married and moved to Norman where he’s been ever since. Still married, he and his wife have a son who lives in Norman and a daughter who lives in Colorado.

Now in the senior years of his life, Neil likes to fish and enjoys spending time at his place in Texhoma that he has owned since 1957.

“I love to fish for catfish and stripers,” he shared.

Active in all the activities at the Norman Veteran’s Center where he lives, Neil especially enjoys pour painting and dominoes.

“I finished second in the domino tournament,” he proudly said. – 19SM

ALL OF OUR ACCOUNTS COME WITH

Wisdom.

When you’re in the business of supporting others, you learn a lot about people. You recognize needs more easily and the solutions that work. You gain insight into hardship, teamwork, and success. And you understand how to truly be there for another. For more than a century, our Armstrong Bank family has been serving up financial guidance to the neighbors and communities we serve—along with our accounts. Wisdom helps us do so much more for you.