Boyd Street Magazine February 2023

Norman - East

801 12th Ave. NE Norman, OK 73071 (405) 579-7000

Norman - Hwy 9 4925 SE 44th St. Norman, OK 73072 (405) 579-7000

Norman - Northwest 570 24th Ave. NW Norman, OK 73069 (405) 579-7000

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As you and your family look forward to the new year, make plans, and set intentions, there’s no better time to consider your financial goals. Let our banking experts guide you to the right services, tools, and resources to help you make the best decisions for your family. Our banking team members are honored to serve our neighbors in the Norman community. Scan the QR code to learn how we'll make your life a little easier.

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PART 1: COMMUNITY PROJECT

Cooperatives are businesses created by like-minded people to address a common unmet need.

Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, but they all hold to the seven Cooperative Principles and core values of selfhelp, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. This is what makes the cooperative difference.

ASSIGNMENT: Imagine you are granted $500 to create a project benefitting your community. How would you utilize the funds? Create a project proposal outlining your project using the sample template as a basis.

PART 2: COMMUNITY PROJECT PROMOTION

An event, fundraiser, or community initiative will only succeed if people know and care about it.

ASSIGNMENT: Create a promotional video for your community project*. (Max: 2 min/2 MB)

*Find tips for creating your video at www.okcoop.org/ YouthTour

Scan here to learn more and apply!

PART 3: LETTER TO A LEADER

Oklahoma Youth Tour allows students to see the government working up close. During our day on Capitol Hill, we walk the halls of Congress, visit with members of the Oklahoma federal delegation, and tour the U.S. Capitol. Being an informed and active constituent is an important civic duty.

ASSIGNMENT: Write a professional letter to an elected official about an issue important to you. This could be the issue surrounding your community project or an unrelated issue.

*Find examples of elected officials and ways to contact them at www.okcoop.org/ YouthTour

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.

Normanites can attend a prom again for a good cause, which will in turn help create a brighter future for Norman’s students. Bridges of Norman will host its 10th annual Prom 2.0 fundraiser in support of at-risk youth on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the University of Oklahoma’s Molly Shi Boren Ballroom.

Bridges of Norman hosts just one fundraiser each year and the upcoming event promises to be a fun party with a purpose - to offset student expenses such as “college application fees, school fees and even daily use items like shower curtains and other necessities” said Stacy Bruce, executive director of Bridges of Norman.

“All funds raised go to support students. Every dollar is an investment in helping our students move forward,” Bruce explained.

Initially started through the Norman Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Norman, the Chamber’s leadership program for adults, Bridges staff now coordinates the event each year.

This year’s prom theme is Myths and Legends. While themed dress is optional, attendees are encouraged to dress as the decade they originally attended prom. A prom queen and king will be crowned at the event based on individual fundraising totals.

Attendees can expect a night of lively dancing with the featured band Replay. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance at bridgesnorman.org/2023bridges-prom/ or at the door.

Past events have raised more than $50,000. Main sponsors include Armstrong Bank and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, in addition to many other community supporters.

“Buying a $50 ticket, coming and supporting prom or donating to a candidate for prom king or queen may not seem like much but it makes an enormous difference in helping our students graduate high school,” said Bruce. “It is the most fun party of the year. You can come any way you want to, and you will have a great time.”

The non-profit’s mission is “to empower high school students in family crisis to pursue education without

obstacles.” Bridges seeks to set students up for success despite adverse circumstances beyond their control through planned intervention, including residential and non-residential services.

“Since COVID, our expenses have drastically increased and the need has, too,” said Bruce. “Capacity for apartments is 20 and right now we’re at 18 with applications pending.”

Bridges also helps students with groceries and other bills, obtaining employment and life skills.

Bridges started in recognition of a community need that school counselors brought to light in the ‘90s. At that time, students could not attend school due to an oversight in state law that required the presence of a parent or guardian for enrollment. The issue created a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty due to limited job options for children who could not continue at school due to the unusual loophole.

The law has since changed, and a task force recommendation led to the eventual founding of the program. Participants in Bridges are not involved with Oklahoma Human Services as foster children and their parents or guardians do not relinquish custody. Instead, alternate housing contributes to their ability to be successful, meet short- and long-term goals, maintain program requirements such as school attendance and grade point average, and have a plan for next steps after graduation.

Recent expansion to the Moore school district will provide housing for students in Moore through a series of tiny homes, and outreach services at Norman’s high schools have formalized into The Spot, a place to learn life skills, host study sessions, and make progress toward graduation for designated participants. From finance basics and time management to daily tasks like cooking and laundry, students learn how to transition into adult life through classes and mentorship at The Spot.– BSM

Monthy non-profit story presented by: Norman Stamp & Seal

COFFEE FESTIVAL RETURNS

BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS

Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity in Norman wants to help our community find common ground at their second annual coffee festival. The whole family is invited to enjoy a unique blend of culture and commerce for a cause.

The second annual Common Grounds Coffee Festival will be held Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. Admission to the event is $10 per person, which includes access to over 40 vendors with coffee-related brews and concoctions, artists, musicians and everything from books and story times to a student-led, on-location news reporting.

“Coffee is very communal,” President and CEO of Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity, Randy Gardner said. “It’s a conversation piece. That’s what we want this to be about. We want to bring people together to have conversations in the community about what we do to make the place that we live, work and play a better place for all of us.”

Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 30 years of service in south central Oklahoma. They will have surprises at the event to commemorate this milestone including live demonstrations and scavenger hunts to learn more about Habitat and coffee. Completion of scavenger hunt activities can earn up to 5 free raffle tickets into one of several raffles.

In addition to coffee roasters, other things attendees can expect to see at the festival include local authors, a selection of coffee related adult beverages, a maker-lab presentation from the Pioneer Library System, Not Your Average Joe’s VW Van Photo Booth, Loveworks student businesses and more coffee culture products and services.

Participating vendors are offering buy one get one codes on the purchase of tickets to the coffee festival for their customers. Last year, the event brought in over 1,000 attendees. This year, they hope to bring in over 1,500 attendees. Proceeds from the event will go toward Habitat’s mission of building affordable homes.

“We want people to thrive, not just survive,” Gardner said. “We’re there to get families into their first home and that’s vital because homeownership we know is critical to the success of the family. We know that generational wealth is built through homeownership. We know that the prospects of kids going to college or other advanced education opportunities goes up, the prospects for family success goes up when they’re in a healthy thriving environment. Weknow that they build stronger long-term relationships because they’re in an established neighborhood, and we also know that they are more civically engaged.”

Habitat not only builds homes, but also helps families purchase their first home through affordable, no interest mortgages; helps revitalize homes in the underserved community; and makes home modifications to accommodate individuals with a disability.

“Recently we did a home repair for a woman who had lost hope that her circumstances would get any better. Cracked walls, unstable flooring, non-functioning appliances and water heater on its last leg, she was in a situation that no one should be in,” Gardner said.

They were able to help make the critical repairs to her home. She attended a board meeting shortly afterwards and had trouble holding back the tears as she thanked Habitat for what they had done, he said.

During a Spring Break mission trip to assist Habitat, Ohio State University students were able to build a ramp for a wheelchair-bound youth in Norman. After learning he had received months of treatment at the hospital adjacent to the Ohio State University Campus, they provided him with university memorabilia.

“He thought it was the greatest thing in the world that not only was he getting his ramp, but he was getting a ramp built by students from the university he loved. He would tell you he was their biggest fan.” said Gardner.

Extending the impact, the young man’s school bus driver also noticed the new ramp and reached out to Habitat to request assistance in building a ramp for his wife who also had accessibility issues.

“Events like (the Coffee Festival) provide us with the opportunity to grow awareness and the resources to change lives. We can get them out of a situation that is not allowing them to thrive,” Gardner said.

For more information about Habitat and the Common Ground Coffee Festival, visit roserockhabitat.org.– BSM

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

JOHN KOONS

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

John Koons has worn a variety of hats throughout his life, from Santa Claus to The Cat in the Hat to long-time OG&E employee and so many more. Regardless of whether on a volunteer basis or in his full-time job, volunteerism has been a constant focus for Koons.

An OG&E employee since 1972, Koons started working as a community relations coordinator in 1997. It was his “dream job.” Although he was hoping for a position in Oklahoma City, he applied for the role based in Norman. Koons worked with Cleveland, Garvin and McClain Counties until 2021 and quickly connected with the people and programs in the area.

As community relations coordinator, Koons taught local students through Junior Achievement and JA in a Day. According to Junior Achievement of Oklahoma’s website, the program offers lessons “in financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship.” He especially fostered a partnership at Madison Elementary, where he would often read to students as The Cat in the Hat or visit as Santa Claus. Koons has also been Santa for various other organizations and at OG&E events.

Koons is now a community outreach coordinator for OG&E, a role he assumed after the company centralized outreach efforts. With that change, he is now based in OKC instead of Norman and oversees volunteerism for the whole company.

“It about killed me when they told me I wasn’t going to have Norman anymore because I’ve come to love the people in Norman. I miss the people very much,” Koons shared.

A lifelong resident of Oklahoma City, Koons is an active volunteer for various groups. He has attended St. Paul’s Cathedral his entire life, and he dedicates much of his time to helping out at the church in various capacities like Sunday school teacher and camp counselor. Koons credits his late parents, Rollin and Harriet Koons, for instilling the importance of helping others. His mom and another woman started the Mobile Meals program at St. Paul’s, just one way volunteerism was modeled for Koons growing up.

“Serving people is what it’s all about,” Koons explained. “My parents volunteered a lot when I was a kid, so I learned it from them.”

Currently, Koons serves on the board for the Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, adding that he loves the arts and in his free time enjoys going to OKC Philharmonic and Lyric Theatre shows. Past involvement includes being on the boards of The Virtue Center, Norman Public School Foundation, American

Red Cross, Transition House, Norman Community Foundation and Neighbor for Neighbor, just to name some of his involvement.

Most recently, he spent six years on the United Way of Norman Board of Directors and has spent two years on the United Way of Canadian County Advisory Board. When the United Way started its 110% Club, encouraging donors to give 10% more than the year before, Koons was the first member.

In December, Koons was honored with the United Way of Norman’s 2022 Kathey Hopper Drummond Award from the United Way of Norman. According to the United Way’s website, the award is presented “to a person who has demonstrated leadership, compassion and dedication to making our community a better place.”

The recognition was announced during the wrapup event for the latest United Way campaign. While watching the video in which other people were talking about the recipient, Koons admitted it took him a while to realize they were talking about him since they had not said a name yet. It was not until Darren Wilson, president/CEO of United Way of Norman, shared a story about the first time he met Koons that it clicked, and Koons said all he could do then was cry.

Koons, who turned 70 in July, celebrated his 50th anniversary with OG&E in August. He started in the company’s mailroom, delivering mail not only at the main building but also to other locations around town.

“It was great for me because I love people and I love talking to people,” Koons shared. “You can imagine me going through visiting and delivering mail, and that’s how it started for me at OG&E.”

While working, Koons returned to college and earned a degree in business from Southern Nazarene University. He later earned a Master of Arts in educational and community renewal from the University of Oklahoma, a degree that encapsulates the focus of his career.

OG&E has a volunteer program where every employee gets 16 hours of volunteer time a year, Koons’ current focus is finding and coordinating volunteer opportunities.

“Volunteerism is such an important part of our business,” Koons explained. “One of the core values at OG&E is we give our time and energy to better the communities where we live and work. I do a lot of volunteer work, but a lot of it is because I’m blessed to work for a company that allows us to do it.”– BSM

“I always try to go above and beyond in what I do.”

SPUD WEEK 2023

SPUD Week, an annual tradition at Norman North High School, is all about fun, service and philanthropy. Students plan and take part in a variety of activities, with the goal to raise money for local families and non-profit organizations in the Norman community. This year, more than 400 students served on various committees to inspire fellow Timberwolves to give back.

“It was so inspiring seeing all the hard work put in and see what we can do when we come together,” said Cal Smith, one of two students that served as co-chairs for the 2023 campaign. “There is always a place for everyone during SPUD and some way you can help.”

New this year, students from both Norman High and Norman North came together for Crosstown for a Cause to host a bubble soccer game. Students donned inflatable torso bubbles as fans cheered for their respective schools and funds raised from the unique competition benefited both schools’ annual philanthropy week efforts.

Smith worked alongside Jamal Jackson leading the Norman North student body to their goal of raising over $200,000. This year, the effort raised $212,553.47, which ranks in the top 5 for money raised in SPUD’s 22-year history. Smith and Jackson are also happy to report students served 2412 hours volunteering in the Norman community.

“There are so many great organizations in our community,” Jackson shared. “Serving Norman is at the base level of what we want to do through SPUD - to give back to our community.”

This year’s fundraising effort will benefit Meals on Wheels of Norman, Sunhive Collective, a new non-profit that provides education and enrichment opportunities for young adults with disabilities, Skye Spears, an Eisenhower Elementary educator that recently discovered she has a mass in her brain, and Julie Courange, a 9-year-old Roosevelt student in need of a heart transplant.

Sheridan Sherrer served as co-chair of the SPUD Ambassadors committee - a group tasked with raising typically one-third of the financial goal. Sherrer said the personal connection with the recipients is what motivates her.

“I think SPUD is what makes Norman North so great,” Sherrer shared. “I feel like it builds a special culture at our school, helping local people, right in our community. Every year, the individual recipients always mean so much to me. When you meet a person and hear about their circumstance, it really speaks to me. That is what makes me love SPUD so much.”

SPUD Week, which stands for students performing unselfish deeds, started in 2001. In total, the effort has raised more than $2.7 million.– BSM

HITTING ON SIXTEEN

After 16 years in operation, Riverwind Casino is close to wrapping up its first major remodel. The five-phase construction project will modernize the casino with new technology, new games and a new look, both inside and out.

“This is our first large-scale remodel which speaks to how well built and maintained our establishment has been,” said Heather Rudd, project manager at Riverwind. “But it was time for a refresh.”

Construction began over a year ago and is expected to be completed in early summer, bringing about even more entertainment opportunities. Rudd said they “are well into phase four of the project.”

“What we have done so far looks great,” Rudd shared.

The casino’s theater, Showplace Theatre, is currently home to a temporary non-smoking gaming area. Rudd said the remodel will include a new permanent non-smoking gaming area so Showplace Theatre can resume hosting live entertainment very soon.

“Because of COVID and then the construction, we haven’t had indoor concerts in a few years,” Rudd shared. “We are hoping to kick off our concerts again shortly after construction is complete.”

Another notable change will be a raised casino floor which will allow for better integrated technology and make moving and installing new games easier, Rudd explained. Once construction is complete, there will

be just over 2,900 electronic games available including several brand-new ones.

Despite all the changes, Rudd assured Normanites that the most popular games will remain.

“We definitely know which ones our patrons love the most and those will stay,” she said.

The exterior is also getting an upgrade in the form of a new LED video board and updated lighting.

“Riverwind is pretty well known for our bright dancing waves, and we are excited to update and modernize that too,” Rudd said. “The new signage will be a big focal point and keep the community informed about concerts, specials and all the important stuff going on.”

Plans were laid out in phases to keep the gaming experience open for patrons during construction, however, visitors still might find that their favorite games may have moved or been temporarily taken off location. Rudd promised that these inconveniences will be worth it.

“Our patrons have been so patient with us, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them when all of the remodel is complete,” she said.

In the meantime, Rudd encourages Normanites to be on the lookout for signage to find their favorite games and for guidance on how to access restaurants and other casino amenities. You can also find construction updates on social media. – BSM

Riverwind Casino Nearing Completion of its First Major Remodel

Sooner Softball senior Kinzie Hansen faced something last season she had not dealt with in her career. While rolling through the early part of the season and putting up her typical numbers, Hansen suffered a serious injury and, despite her best efforts, she just could not get back into her usual gameplay.

Now, healthy and happy, Hansen is ready to recapture her swagger.

“She’s got her face back,” Head Sooner Softball coach Patty Gasso said of Hansen during fall ball. “You can see in her body language and her facial expressions that she’s feeling much better. We figured out a few things, but rest was important too. She’s so pumped to get back into it and be back to the player that she was.”

The player that Hansen “was” and “is” would best be described as a problem for opponents and one of the best catchers in college softball. With unquestioned power at the plate, she brims with confidence, enthusiasm and unbridled energy.

During her first two seasons, Hansen had put together incredible numbers, even with the 2020 season cut short due to the pandemic. Hansen had 92 career runs batted in after her freshman and sophomore campaigns and had a career average of .430.

The talented catcher was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2021 Big 12 Tournament and was on the Women’s College World Series All-Tournament team after helping lead the Sooners to the National Championship.

But that confidence and enthusiasm were shaken in 2022 when Hansen suffered a serious injury. Before the injury, Hansen was her typical dominating self. Through the first 15 games, Hansen was hitting .456 with four home runs and 11 runs batted in and was in the midst of an 8-game hitting streak. But, on March 9, Hansen was injured and missed four straight games in Hawaii.

That knee injury cost Hansen more than just the fourgame series on the island. She did not start another game until later in the month, but it wasn’t just the missed games that took its toll, she just could not find her swing.

“It was very difficult,” Hansen said. “Most of those things come naturally to me. I can go suit up and go hit and be fine and then last year I go out and suit up and I hit .200. I wasn’t present for myself, and it was difficult.”

Hansen hit just .150 the rest of the season after the incredible start and the challenging injury. It was a rough and unique time for the typical domination that Hansen had shown at the plate.

“I’ve had knee problems for a while and that was a moment where something happened in Hawaii,” Hansen said. “It was hard going through the pain, but the mental side of it was difficult and not a lot of people talk about that challenge. At the end of the year, I came out of it and that’s when it really matters, so the timing was pretty good.”

As the postseason started, Hansen started to look more like her typical self. In the Championship clinching win over Texas, Hansen had her first multiple-hit game since March and hit a 3-run home run that all but sealed the program’s sixth National Championship. Hansen had that look back. There was a light at the end of the tunnel heading into the off-season.

“Working through it, I wasn’t going to give up. I knew that,” Hansen said. “I’ve never been one to give up. I kept going and I kept working. Even though it hurt, I hit extra.”

The Norco, California product enters her fourth season healthy and still has another year of eligibility available. Patty Gasso has confidence that Hansen is ready for a breakout season.

“Any time I’ve had an athlete, and that includes Lauren Chamberlain, Jocelyn Alo and others, when they did not have a very good year and they are elite players, once they get out of that down year, they explode the rest of the way,” Gasso said. “I think Hansen is in that space right now. I think she is about to explode offensively like she did when she got here. If we can keep her injury free, if we can keep her healthy, I think she is going to go crazy.”

As Hansen prepares for the 2023 season, there is a relatively new role that she has been charged with - team leader. During her previous three seasons, Hansen shared the catching position with three-time captain Lynnsie Elam. Now, Hansen is an established star who is counted on to lead and provide mentorship to younger players. Hansen has always been a vocal presence in the dugout and on the field, but now she has learned how to use it better.

“She has grown maturity and leadership wise. She has a good voice on the team,” Gasso said. “She would tell you it used to be more barking orders. Now she’s changed her tone and is getting a lot more response and respect from that.”

Through the process of getting healthy this offseason, Hansen started to also embrace and understand the importance of rest. With as many as four different catchers who could play at any time, the catching depth is as solid as the Sooners have had in many years.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Hansen joked. “We have four catchers at practice. It’s really awesome to see. I’ve been teaching Jocelyn Erickson a lot of stuff I know and things to help her.”

Photos by: Mark Doescher

GUESS WHO’S BACK

While serving as a leader and mentor, Hansen also embraces the competition.

“It pushes me to not be complacent,” Hansen added. “I don’t take anything for granted. It’s another factor to keep pushing me to get better and better and better.”

The Sooners feature a roster with eight newcomers and four talented portal additions. As competitive as practice is, the Sooners seem primed to have another championship run behind one of the most talented rosters in college softball. A healthy Hansen is a major cog in the Sooner engine.

“Everybody makes it fun. The team chemistry is so fun to be around,” Hansen said. “There is no pressure in it. We have so much depth that everything is competitive… you could lose your spot in the lineup, your spot on the field. It’s so competitive, but nobody acts

like it. Everyone has so much fun with each other so it’s impossible to not have fun with this team.”

Kinzie Hansen is healthy, happy and ready to roll. Her freshman season was cut short because of COVID, and injuries cost her a lot of her effectiveness during her junior season. During her only full, healthy season in a Sooner uniform, Hansen had career highs with a .438 batting average, 24 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Now, Hansen is ready for the challenge of bouncing back.

“I’m like a horse chomping at the bit… at the gate, ready to run. That’s how I feel right now,” Hansen said. “I’m going into this season knowing that I can do anything I put my mind to. That’s really it… this past summer, I went into it thinking I’m going to play hard and see what happens. I’m going into it with joy in my heart.”– BSM

GOING FOR

Grace Lyons Photos by: Mark Doescher

BY: CHRIS PLANK

In 2022, the Oklahoma Sooner softball team won the National Championship. In fact, the season was so impressive many have labeled the 2022 Sooner softball team as the greatest in the history of college softball.

The dominant season included Oklahoma’s 10th straight Big 12 Championship, a 59-3 record, 41 run-rule victories, 33 shutouts, eight no-hitters, pitching and defense that held opponents to one run or fewer 49 times, home runs hit in 56 of 62 games, and of course the National Championship in back-to-back seasons and the fourth title for the program in the last six seasons!

Now… how do you possibly follow that up? How can you possibly match the success that was seemingly unparalleled in 2022? Hall of Fame head coach Patty Gasso met the challenge by bringing in one of the best high school recruiting classes in the country and adding to an already talented roster with four impressive transfer portal additions.

The Sooners are not only positioned to compete for a championship again this season, but they are also the hands-down favorite.

BUILDING THE LINEUP

The star power surrounding the 2022 Oklahoma Sooners was impressive and led by home run queen Jocelyn Alo. Alo was one of five firstteam All-Americans in the Sooners lineup last season.

During her final season with the Sooners, Alo became the sport’s new career home run queen (122) and the first player in history to hit 30 home runs and bat .500 in the same season, finishing with a .512 average. But it is more than just the graduation of the NCAA all-time home run leader that the Sooners will miss in 2023. Three-time captain Lynnsie Elam, starting 3rd baseman Janna Johns along with starting 1st baseman Taylon Snow and the pitching star of the Women’s College World Series Hope Trautwein all graduated.

But of those five first-team All-Americans from the 2022 squad, four return including all-world pitcher Jordy Bahl, Grace Lyons, Tiare Jennings and Jayda Coleman.

‘“I feel good, a lot of healthy bodies coming back,” Gasso said. “Grace Lyons was voted the captain and she’s healthy and back and ready to go. Jordy Bahl has been feeling really good, Kinzie Hansen’s knee seems better, and she seems back to her old form.

“We are deep at every position. We have power; we have a little more speed; we have that finesse slapper; bunter with athletes like Jayda Coleman; Quincee Lilio, Rylie Boone and the freshman Avery Hodge can slap it through a hole, lay down a bunt and beat it out, or hit it over the fence which makes for really dangerous athletes.”

Depth with a mix of experience, power and speed, the Sooners will have the ability to execute it at the plate.

“The depth of this lineup is a little bit more salty than last year,” Gasso said. “Our team knows that, and they know that anybody from one through nine in this lineup can change the game in one swing. It’s potent and no one should feel they need to do too much because they see it throughout the lineup, and they know anybody can do it.”

Of the nine Sooners from the Championship Series Starting lineup, six return for the Sooners in ‘23. Included among those returning is dynam-

ic leadoff hitter and do-everything centerfielder Jayda Coleman and record-setting second baseman Tiare Jennings. Jennings set the WCWS record with 15 runs batted in and five home runs during last year’s Championship run, amassing 56 home runs and 179 career runs batted in during her first two seasons. But its more than just the dynamic duo at the top of the lineup that has Gasso excited about the season. “It’s a different group, it’s exciting,” Gasso said. “We have eight newcomers, and we have 20 on our team so almost half our team is newcomers. They’ve jived really well and their power, strength and athleticism is really showing.”

THE TRANSFER PORTAL

The “new” for Oklahoma softball does not mean new to college softball. In addition to adding one of the top recruiting classes in the country, the Sooners added four standout players from the transfer portal. The impressive high school class includes left-handed pitcher Kierston Deal, who is the top overall player in the country, according to Extra Inning Softball. Jocelyn Erickson will provide the Sooners with a powerful lefthanded bat and has the potential to play a major role in 2023. Avery Hodge and SJ Geurin will likely have specialized roles for the Sooners. But most of the talk about the newcomers is center around the portal additions - Texas A&M catcher/infielder Haley Lee, Michigan pitcher Alex Storako and Arizona State infielders Cydney Sanders and Alynah Torres. The biggest names in the portal chose Oklahoma because they want a shot to win a championship.

“The Portal is something we don’t try to live off of,” Gasso said. “It’s funny knowing how people have looked at it and painting us as Oklahoma becoming a juggernaut and taking all the best players in the portal. Am I supposed to go to the portal and get not the best players? It doesn’t make sense how some people view it.

“If I’m going to the portal, I’m going after the best and people don’t like that because you’re getting too good. What does that even mean? I keep my head down and keep grinding and doing what we do. The experience and the ability of these four portal players have been really good.”

Alynah Torres was an All-Pac 12 pick as a junior last season when she hit .339 with 16 home runs, 14 doubles and 40 RBIs. During her three seasons with the Sun Devils, the Glendale, Arizona product made 131 starts, hitting .326 with 37 home runs and 105 RBIs. Torres has been locked in a battle with fellow Pac12 transfer Alyssa Brito at 3rd base. Torres could still factor into the starting lineup in the outfield or as the designated player.

Torres’ teammate at ASU Cydney Sanders made her mark on the Sooner Nation with her impressive performance during the fall. Sanders won the Battle Series Championship and seemed to establish herself as the starting 1st baseman for the Sooners. At Arizona State, Sanders was an NFCA first-team All-American and lead the team in home runs (21), RBIs (63) and slugging percentage (.952).

And then there is Hayley Lee - the two-time All-American who led Texas A&M in batting average (.405), home runs (15), and RBIs (45) in 2022. In 2021, she set program records in home runs (25) and slugging percentage (.955). Only OU’s Jocelyn Alo and Tiare Jennings hit more home runs than Lee that season. “Each of these players brings a different kind of personality,” Gasso said. “Haley Lee has been a big surprise. She is one of the most wonderful athletes I’ve ever been around. Just real and honest. I’ve been happy with these portal kids. They fit into this culture quickly.”

PORTAL PITCHING HELP

The final portal addition for the Sooners may end up being one of the most important. After the injury to Jordy Bahl last season, Hope Trautwein stepped in and helped pitch the Sooners to a National Championship. Even with a healthy Jordy Bahl returning, the loss of Trautwein to graduation was a big one. So, the Sooners hit up Big 10 country and brough Alex Storako to Norman.

Storako was an NFCA All-American and unanimous Big Ten Pitcher of the Year in 2021 when she was 25-8 with a 1.71 ERA and 300 strikeouts. In 2021, she set a Michigan single-game record with 22 strikeouts in a victory over Michigan State and led the nation with 12.9 strikeouts per seven innings. Despite struggling in the Battle Series, Storako will play a major role in providing experience and depth to an already talented and elite pitching staff.

“I feel really good about our staff,” Gasso said. “Alex is going to be fantastic and a healthy Jordy Bahl obviously. Nicole May really got better, in my mind, this fall. We’ve got these two lefty freshmen that can get us some outs as well. I’m really excited about putting them all together. I think it’s going to be really good.”

ALWAYS BE COMPETING

The key word for the Sooners in 2023 will be competition, on a game-to-game basis but also in practice and preparation. There will be constant competition for spots in the starting lineup. The Sooners have depth at every position and a hungry, talented and driven roster that is ready to compete.

The Sooners have a potent lineup from top to bottom and are in a situation where experience is replacing experience.

“It’s been a very smooth process,” Gasso said. “I thought the team last year was really tight and very well meshed. This team this year is telling me that it is even tighter. They get along, they hang out, they have so many different personalities and they really embrace each other. I’m proud of our players for being good humans and embracing all kinds of different personalities, no judgements, no secrets, they aren’t getting into their cliques. They do it like adults and it’s wonderful to see.”

Most importantly as they prepare for a potential Championship run, the Sooners are having fun.

“This team is just so much fun to be around. It’s obviously serious on the field, but it’s always a joyous time,” Sooner catcher Kinzie Hansen added. “The team chemistry is so fun to be around.”

With the Championship Mindset developing and the Sooners ready to start the 2023 season, the depth has also allowed Gasso to be more creative in her approach. The Hall of Fame head coach is completely aware of

the power and potential of the lineup, but she is also constantly planning ways to make the Sooners better.

“I’m going to create roles... think the libero in volleyball, the defensive player... I’ll have some of that,” Gasso added. “We’ll have matchups offensively off the bench. And I’m really excited about the two lefties in the bullpen who create really good lefty-on-lefty matchups. There are a lot more opportunities for substitutions and creativity. Every player is going to have a different role with the ability to break into the lineup. There are some young players that are waiting, and I know they are ready.

“There is a lot to be excited about beyond just in this moment and in this season, but also in the future. You’re going to see some of these young players ready to take over the reins and continue our tradition of winning.”

The historic run for Sooner softball could find another level in 2023. Oklahoma has finished its season in Oklahoma City at the Women’s College World Series in 10 of the last 11 seasons. They’ve won five of the six National Championships during that 11-year span and have finished runner-up twice. This season, the Sooners will look to become just the second threepeat champion in college softball history and the first since the UCLA run from 1988-1990. Back-to-back-to-back… and the roster may be even more impressive in 2024. Look out college softball, the Sooner softball dynasty does not look to be going anywhere anytime soon. – BSM

Tiarre Jennings

Family Legacies

Beyond the battle to determine winners, losers and champions on the court, sports are about the camaraderie teammates build with one another and their coaching staff. Often the word family gets used to describe that feeling among teammates. But for a pair of coaches and athletes at both Norman High and Norman North, it really is family on the basketball court.

Sophomore guard Keeley Parks plays for her dad, Norman High head girls basketball coach Frankie Parks. Senior forward Maddox Hamilton gets the chance to play for his dad, assistant Norman North boys basketball coach Rory Hamilton.

“I’ve had him coaching me my whole life,” Keeley said of playing for her father with the Tigers. “We’ve definitely had our ups and downs, but I really enjoy it.”

It’s similar for Maddox Hamilton at North.

“It’s been great. It does come with some caution,” Maddox said. “I’ve always got to be one of the hardest workers on the team. I can’t miss practice. I’ve got to know every play. I’ve got to be a leader. Stuff like that.

“Overall, it’s really good. He’s always been a great mentor to me in the game, so it’s really nice to have him around.”

While it’s special having the opportunity to share these moments as parent and child, one thing they all

touched on is there are some inherent challenges playing for a parent.

“I told him when I took the job a couple of years ago, ‘being a coach’s kid is really difficult,’” Rory Hamilton said. “You have to work that much harder. You have to have thick skin because people are always going to question ‘is that kid playing because he’s a coach’s kid or is he playing because he deserves to be out there?’

“There’s never any doubt in my mind because I see it every single day in practice. He’s earned everything that’s been given to him, and that makes me really proud as a father.”

Frankie echoed some of those thoughts that Rory shared.

“It’s pretty cool for me,” he said. “I’m a dad of three girls and so I’ve had an opportunity to coach all three of them along the way. As a parent, you learn how to parent your kids and I’ve learned how to coach my kids. I’ve definitely gained some knowledge over the last several years as it applies to coaching all three.

“I’ve learned how to be tougher when need be and I’ve learned how to back off when need be. Obviously, it’s always a bit of a challenge coaching your kids. But, I think Keeley has done a great job in understanding when I’m being dad and when I’m being coach. She’s always responded really well either way.”

Sophomore guard Keeley Parks and her dad, Frankie Parks, Norman High girls basketball head coach

Senior forward Maddox Hamilton and his dad, Rory Hamilton, Norman North boys basketball assistant coach

Still, it’s definitely more fun than it is a challenge.

“I’ve enjoyed it immensely and I think the reason why I enjoy it so much is because anybody that watches Maddox’s play knows he lays it on the line every single night and he gives you all that he has every single day in practice,” Rory shared. “He does a lot of the little things and a lot of the grunt work that wins big games. He’s the epitome of what you’d want as a coach’s kid.”

At Norman High, Keeley has unfortunately been working her way back from another injury. After missing most of last season with an ACL tear, Keeley suffered an injury to her middle finger in the first game of the Tournament of Champions at the end of December.

She’s expected to return in early to mid-February where hopefully she and the Tigers can author an endof-season push. In the meantime, she has been using the time away from the court to watch and learn how her game can continue to grow.

Frankie likes the growth he’s seen in Keeley so far this year before the injury, so it will be important to add her back to the Tigers’ rotation for the end-of-season run.

“Prior to the injury, she was having a good season really across the board from a sense of being able to score the ball, being able to defend, just being a consummate teammate,” Frankie said. “I think she’s really

BY: JOSH HELMER

grown this year considering that she missed all of last year due to the injury. She’s definitely making some good strides. As dad, I’m pretty proud of her and, as coach, I’m certainly pretty ecstatic that she’s been having a good season.”

Despite the injury, Keeley has been enjoying the ride with her teammates.

“We’ve had a lot of wins, tough wins. It’s really fun,” Keeley said. “We all get along super well, that makes me want to be there.”

Maddox and the Timberwolves are likewise hoping for a surge to close this 2022-23 high school hoops season. A series of close losses against great teams has Maddox and North confident that can be the case.

“I think we’ve been able to compete with any team that’s on our schedule,” he said. “Every game has been one or two-possession games. We’re just hoping that the second half of the season we can start learning how to finish.”

“This is a great group of guys, really happy that I can spend my last year with them.”

There are high expectations for all involved for the rest of the season, but hopefully, everyone enjoys the ride with family, too.– BSM

ELEVATING CANCER CARE

OU Health and Norman Regional recently announced a partnership to bring a new cancer care facility to Norman Regional’s HealthPlex campus.

At the announcement press conference OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. highlighted the impact this partnership will have on surrounding communities and to the state of Oklahoma.

“We all know the incredible care provided at Norman Regional, one of the great community hospitals in the country. (This partnership) shows what role OU can play in the resources provided by the health sciences center and the research scientist there developing cures for things like cancer,” he said.

President and CEO of OU Health Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, echoed Harroz’s sentiments.

“This is an exciting day for our two health systems as we join together to offer high-quality, research-driven cancer care to people in Norman and across southern Oklahoma,” said Lofgren. “We are pleased to welcome Norman’s excellent oncologists to the OU Health team and to partner with them to provide National Cancer Institute-level care that is driven by research. This is a natural evolution for the long-standing relationship of our health systems.”

Located near I-35 and Tecumseh Road, the planned 50,000-square-foot facility will be named OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional. The state-of-art facility will combine the full spectrum of

medical oncology and radiation oncology services under one roof on the newly modernized campus. It will include two advanced linear accelerators that provide a more targeted and precise radiation therapy treatment, as well as advanced diagnostic imaging services to improve detection and monitoring of treatment results.

“We are excited to extend the reach of Stephenson Cancer Center and bring these opportunities to patients in Norman and surrounding communities,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. “This partnership represents Stephenson Cancer Center’s first opportunity to begin expanding into a statewide network for the residents of Oklahoma, which is the charge that the Oklahoma Legislature has given us. Stephenson Cancer Center is the state’s most comprehensive oncology practice, and we rank No. 1 among all cancer centers in the nation for the number of people participating in NCI-sponsored clinical trials. That means scientific breakthroughs are more readily translated into new treatment options that bring new hope to patients fighting cancer.”

The facility is scheduled for completion in 2025. Beginning in January 2023, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center will assume operations and management of Norman Regional’s existing medical oncology services at the Porter Medical Oncology Clinic. In 2025, with the opening of the new facility, Stephenson will

OU Health and Norman Regional Partner to Bring a State-of-the-Art Cancer Center to Norman

begin providing radiation oncology services in partnership with Norman Regional. This provides patients access to a larger range of expertise.

“Norman Regional has a long history of excellence in cancer care. Partnering with Stephenson Cancer Center will elevate those services in a variety of ways and allow patients to receive convenient care closer to their homes,” said Richie Splitt, president and CEO of Norman Regional Health System.

In addition to cancer treatments, patients in Norman will have access to other services offered through a National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, including clinical trials studying drugs for many types

and stages of cancer. Phase I clinical trials, in which humans receive a drug for the first time, will continue to be offered only at Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City. However, with the opening of the new facility, patients can enroll in Phase II and III clinical trials and receive their care in Norman.

Norman Regional also will offer patients an expanded range of supportive care services through Stephenson Cancer Center. This includes counseling services specific to cancer patients, nutritional services to support the body through cancer treatment, palliative care to manage cancer-related symptoms, cancer rehabilitation to recover function and more.

– BSM

Drs. Kristin Thorp, MD, Namali Pierson, MD, Shari Jones, MD, PhD, and Shannon Haenel, DO.

ROYAL TREATMENT

Norman Native Opens Mobile Pet Grooming Business

When looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective hardships and challenges we faced tend to rise to the forefront but, for Normanite Walker Reed, the pandemic inspired an entrepreneurial idea.

Like many businesses, the veterinary office that Reed worked for as a technician adapted their services, mainly by allowing customers to wait in their cars instead of packed waiting rooms. It was during this time that customers expressed an additional need.

“During COVID, we were working curbside and people were asking for groomers that will come to you,” Reed explained. “They didn’t want to have to load up their dog for various reasons. For older people or people with older dogs or dogs with medical needs, it is a lot easier to simply bring the groomer to your house.”

In late 2022, he opened WJR Royal K-9 Mobile Grooming, LLC and has had positive feedback from the Norman community. Reed’s success has been in large part because of his focus.

“I put quality over quantity because, for me, it is all about the dog’s comfort,” he said. “Your dog is an extension of your family.”

Reed’s experience provides a perspective few in his field have. Reed grew up in Norman and graduated from Norman North High School. He then went on to

play college football and pursue a degree in animal science at Oklahoma State University. Reed uses his background in animal science, particularly his studies in animal behavior, to alleviate common stressors like long wait times by providing top-quality, compassionate pet grooming services right in front of the dog’s home.

“I use my vet experience to do things the right way,” he said. “If I see something of concern like a growth, hot spot or possible ear infection, I can let the owner know there might be something to look into.”

His services include a full groom, sanitation groom, basic bath, ear cleaning, teeth brushing and more. But, most importantly, he wants to elevate the pet grooming experience.

“The whole grooming experience is supposed to be a fun and happy time for your pet,” he said.

If your pet has anxiety surrounding grooming, Reed has some tips to help! If your dog is prescribed anxiety medication, make sure to give them their recommended dosage before their appointment. Owners can also help their pet relax by giving them a gentle brushing beforehand.

To learn more about WJR Royal K-9 Mobile Grooming, follow Reed on Facebook @WJRRoyalK9MobileGrooming) or Instagram (@Wjr_royal-k9) or call or text 405-833-2117.– BSM

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: DEPUTY ROBERT BENJAMIN

Transport deputies at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department do a little bit of everything and according to transport deputy Robert Benjamin, the job is a pretty good gig. His job description includes handling warrants and picking up detainees who are outside of Cleveland County and need to be brought back.

“We place a hold on those people, pick them up and bring them here,” Benjamin explained.

Deputies also carrying out writs, a written order issued by a court, ordering someone to do (or stop doing) something.

“We go to prisons as well as jail facilities to pick people up and bring them to the jail so they can have their court hearings. Most of the time they are just trying to get their stuff taken care of and that’s what I get to help them do. I like that about my job,” he said.

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department also has a federal contract to move individuals from federal custody to the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City so they can attend court hearings.

Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do when he graduated from Moore High School, Benjamin says he “kind of fell” into a sheriff’s department job.

“After graduation, I went into the military and then found out the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department was hiring so I gave it a shot. I absolutely fell in love with it,” Benjamin said. “I try to be fair with everybody. I would say I’ve got a pretty good heart, which reflects on everybody around me.”

After getting his start in Oklahoma County, Benjamin has worked at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department for over two years. Benjamin said what he likes the most about his job is that everyone treats each other like family.

“Here in Cleveland County, everybody knows everybody. I think it’s pretty cool,” Benjamin said. “The sheriff and undersheriff call us by our first names because it’s so much more personal.”

For anyone thinking about a career with the sheriff’s office, Benjamin says they should definitely try it out.

“You’ll come into open arms,” he said. “There are people throughout our agency with experience in a little bit of everything.”

In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys golfing, playing softball and taking his three-year-old daughter out to do all her activities.– BSM

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

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CREDIT CARD FRAUD AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

With the advent of online commerce, credit and debit card fraud has exploded. In fact, according to data collected by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were 230,937 reports of credit card fraud filed in the first two quarters of 2022.

Unfortunately, credit card fraud can go unnoticed until it causes serious damage. Here, we’ve outlined what you need to know about credit and debit card fraud, how to protect yourself and what to do if you’re targeted.

WHAT IS CREDIT CARD FRAUD?

Credit and debit card fraud occurs when a scammer gains access to a victim’s card information and goes on to empty their accounts, commit identity theft and more. Card fraud can be pulled off in several ways:

• Card skimming involves a scammer tampering with an ATM or payment terminal. The machine reads the victim’s card information and transmits this information to the scammer.

• Brute force attacks occur when a scammer employs an auto-dialer to access the card numbers issued within the target’s bank identification number (BIN). The scammer can perform an infinite number of guesses until they land on the card’s expiration date, security code and other numbers.

• Online phishing is implemented through insecure links embedded in emails or online ads, or through bogus surveys, solicitations, job offers, dating profiles and the like. The scammer uses these means to gain access to the victim’s credit or debit card information.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to protect yourself from credit or debit card fraud. Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Monitor your accounts. Check your checking account and credit card statements frequently so you can spot the first signs of fraud.

• Sign up for alerts. Many issuers will send you texts or emails when new charges post to your account or card-not-present transactions take place. These alerts can help you spot credit card fraud more easily.

• Use strong, unique passwords across all your accounts. It’s also a good idea to change your passwords approximately every six months.

• Choose zero liability. If possible, choose a card with zero liability protection so you won’t be held accountable for any fraudulent charges made on your card.

• Shop with caution. Only shop reputable sites and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders. To confirm a site’s security, look for the padlock icon and the “s” after the “http” in the URL. Avoid storing your credit card information in online shopping accounts. Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are updated and choose a VPN (virtual private network) when using public Wi-Fi.

• Keep your cards close. Keep your card tucked into your wallet or purse. If you use a cardholder on your phone case, keep your phone in a safe place and make sure the card numbers are not easily visible. It’s also a good idea to put your card away right after completing a purchase.

IF YOU’RE TARGETED

If you believe your credit or debit card has been frauded, take immediate steps to mitigate the damage. First, let the credit card company know about the fraud. Similarly, if your debit card has been frauded, let your bank know as soon as possible. Your old card will be canceled, and you’ll be issued a replacement card immediately. You may also want to consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts as well to prevent the scammer from taking out a loan or opening another account in your name.

WILL I BE LIABLE FOR THE FRAUD?

Taking immediate action upon the event of fraud is critical to your recovery. Under federal law, credit card holders are only liable for up to $50 in fraudulent charges. Debit card holders, on the other hand, only enjoy the same cap on their liability if they report the fraud within two days. Upon failure to do so, they may be held accountable for up to $500 if the fraud is reported within 60 days of occurrence. If they miss this deadline as well, they will be liable to cover the entire fraudulent charge to their account.

The good news is most credit and debit cards issued through major payment networks, like Visa and MasterCard, offer zero liability policies and other consumer protections. Read the fine print in your card agreement carefully to familiarize yourself with your responsibilities.

Credit and debit card fraud can devastate a victim’s financial health and leave them with huge bills to pay. Follow the tips outlined here to stay safe.

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Corks, Closures & Cans

Corks have been the go-to closures for wine bottles for hundreds of years. French wine makers started using cork in the 1700s, replacing oil soaked rag plugs. Corks created a better seal, and was the first step in trying to defeat fraud.

Winemakers could burn the seal of the winery on the cork before it was inserted, then apply a wax or foil capsule to the bottle. Purchasers could then examine the cork when presented with the wine to assure the goods were from the specific winery they desired, which is why a sommelier presents the cork.

Corks can help detect the possible presence of taint. Wine that is spoiled is often referred to as corked, but while the cause of the spoilage may not be the cork, the defect can be detected by smelling the cork.

Of all the closures, corks are also the most environmentally friendly for a variety of reasons including its biodegradable properties. Also, cork trees are not harmed by harvesting, and protect endangered species in the Iberian Peninsula.

Australian wine makers were among the first to adopt the Stelvin Cap, commonly referred to as a screw top. These caps have a plastic liner to seal the bottle under the cap. Industry claims are that there is less loss to taint, and less leakage with these caps. But in my opinion, screw caps actually leak more often and spoilage rates seem to be about equal. One thing is for sure, they are easier to get off the bottle.

Other closures include glass caps, crown caps and plastic corks. Glass caps are found on more expensive wines, and have the attraction of being re-useable. The bottle and cap can be used for infusions after the wine is consumed. Most consumers find crown caps to look cheap in appearance and a bottle opener is necessary. Plastic corks can be the most difficult to remove and seem to be losing their appeal in the industry.

Regardless of the closure, your local wine merchant can advise you on the content and quality of the wine within the bottle.

Kathy

What’s Eating Norman

The Standard

Mini Chocolate La Baguette

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

Your neighborhood beer garden” - That’s how The Standard’s website describes one of Norman’s newest restaurants, which offers craft beer and food in a family-friendly environment.

Located at 315 E. Gray in the former Norman Body Works building, The Standard is operated by the Community Through Beer Group, whose other concepts include Oklahoma City’s Social Capital and The Joinery and Edmond’s The Patriarch and 1884.

The highlight of The Standard’s menu is buttermilk fried chicken, but the location also serves burgers, chicken tenders, wings, fried catfish, salads, ice cream and more. Additionally, The Standard features an extensive craft beer menu.

“What goes better together than fried chicken and beer? I wanted to pair those together,” said Grant Clements, Community Through Beer’s culinary director.

In Community Through Beer’s other restaurants, there are usually more alcohol sales than food sales.

At The Standard, so far food has sold more than alcohol, and Clements said “we think we have a good hit on our hands for food.”

When he was testing recipes for the fried chicken, Clements went through about 25 different batches before landing on the recipe.

“I went through everything from pre-poached chicken to different brines to gluten free, so many different batches of chicken,” Clements explained. “What we have now is Southern fried chicken, and it’s hard to beat. It’s uber crunchy and very tender.”

Menu items are made with house-made batters, and the various chickens are placed in different brines or different marinades to provide different flavors, Clements said. Additionally, the chicken is customizable

when it comes to seasonings and sauce, like garlic parmesan or Buffalo, just to name a couple. In partnership with The Standard’s chef, Robert Cote, Clements has created fun specials. Clements and Cote offer different wing sauces each week, and a couple of special menu items have included a chili cheese coney and a Cheez-It crusted mac and cheese during the University of Oklahoma’s football bowl game week.

“There’s not a menu item I haven’t been proud of,” Clements shared. “Every one of them I really love.”

The Norman location opened in late October, and Clements said the staff has heard positive reviews that people have loved the food and loved being in the space. So far people have loved The Standard’s vibe, which, Clements said can be whatever you want it to be.

It is a spot to come in and have beers with friends or a spot to sit down and have a great dinner with a group of any size. There is also a game chest, and on days where the weather is nice, the patio doors will be open to add an indoor-outdoor experience.

“That’s the cool thing about the spot, you can kind of create your own vibe and create your own atmosphere,” Clements explained. “Once it gets warmer, I’m sure everybody’s going to want to come here. We’re going to be that spot in Norman I think, so we are very hopeful.”

The Standard opens at 10:30 a.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. on weekdays, closing at 10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 p.m. on Thursday and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. More information about The Standard can be found at ctbokc.com, on Facebook (The Standard - Norman, Okla) or on Instagram (@ thestandard_norman).

Chocolate Bomb Baguette