2021 Teacher of the Year
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Normanite in the Spotlight
Kent Carter
April 2021 • Issue 4 • Volume 20
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Features
APRIL CONTENTS 2021
ISSUE 4– VOLUME 20
Oklahoma’s 2021
16 Teacher of the Year
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher
MANAGING EDITOR
by Lindsay Cuomo Norman educator Jessica Eschbach named state’s top teacher.
Lindsay Cuomo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Doescher Josh Gateley - OU Athletics
Expanding Worldviews
CONTRIBUTORS
22 by Callie Collins
Le Monde International School offers tuition-free second language immersion option for middle school students.
Battle of the Creatives
28 by Rae Lynn Payton
Roxanne Avery | Callie Collins Lindsay Cuomo | Kathy Hallren Josh Helmer | Shannon Hudzinski Thomas Iscenko | Chelsey Kraft Bill Moakley | Rae Lynn Payton Chris Plank | Chat Williams
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Big Brothers Big Sisters sets the stage for success via lip syncing.
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In Memory of RANDY LAFFOON
Normanite in the Spotlight:
32 Kent Carter
by Chelsey Kraft #LoveLikeKent summarizes the legacy of Kent Carter.
Slugfest
38 by Chris Plank
Jocelyn Alo is taking her slugging and the Sooner softball team to new heights.
Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine
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Spotlights
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68 In Pursuit of Excellence
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88 by Roxanne Avery
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COMM U N I T Y
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Oklahoma’s 2021
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Photo by: Mark Doescher
Norman educator Jessica Eschbach named state’s top teacher
16 | April 2021
F
or the second time in 5 years, Norman’s Teacher of the Year was selected as Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year. Jessica Eschbach will serve the state in a new way starting in July as a representative and advocate for public education. Eschbach said she hopes to spend her time addressing the concerns of not only teachers but also for parents and all stakeholders of public education. “I am excited to have the opportunity to impact public education because I see the work teachers do every day,” she said. “I want to make my district and state proud and make things a little better if I can.” Despite already being named a site Teacher of the Year twice and currently holding the district’s honor, she said she never expect to be selected as Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year. “I never expected this but this is the biggest honor I could ask for. It stills feels like a dream.” Eschbach has worked at three different sites within the Norman district, as a classroom teacher, then a teacher librarian and now as an innovation coach. Those roles have given her different perspectives, specifically on the importance of equity. “I feel like I have become more aware of how different things can be for our children and, in this pandemic especially, how important equity is,” she shared. “I want all students to have the same opportunity for good, solid instruction and access to technology no matter where they live. I want that for every kid, just like I want that for my two kids.”
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Technology has been integral in classrooms but never more so than this academic school year. Eschbach said that instead of just another classroom tool, “technology has been our lifeline.” “Technology has allowed us to deliver quality education and make it easier to connect, but it’s more than that. Technology allows students to showcase their talents. So many students just thought they were bad at school but instead they just needed a new medium. Technology can boost kids up and encourage creativity beyond what we could have done before.” As an innovation coach, Eschbach is focused on helping teachers incorporate technology and other innovation teaching methods in their classrooms. She spends her days developing trainings and curriculum. “I work very closely with new teachers and teachers looking to change up their teaching style. It could be a day of meetings or I could be answering parent emails or helping librarians with a Star Wars escape room. There is no typical day but that is what is so appealing. You never get bored because you never stop moving, you never stop learning.” She will have to take a year sabbatical from the position, which she said is bitter sweet. “I hope I get to keep sneaking back to visit. They can’t get rid of me that easy.” Eschbach said she is proud to represent Norman. “Norman is a fantastic community with everyone’s involvement in our educational system. We are so proud of our schools in Norman and our kids.” – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 17
20 | April 2021
All images from pre-covid camps. Proper precautions in place for 2021 camps
COM M U N I T Y
BY: CALLIE COLLINS
Expanding Worldviews
Le Monde International School offers tuition-free second language immersion option for middle school students
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e Monde International School’s unique focus might be somewhat unexpected in central Oklahoma. Known for instruction in French and Spanish, the elementary school is expanding to offer middle school curriculum for the 20212022 school year. A new choice for parents of incoming middle school students will open for the 2021-2022 school year. Le Monde will now include seventh grade and eighth grade will be added to round out the full offering of junior high classes for the 20222023 school year. Sixth grade is already currently part of the school’s elementary-level offerings. The middle school is open for new enrollment and current elementary students can continue their education in the setting many have called a home away from home throughout childhood. “We see our students excel in our classrooms and in our community, through an enhanced awareness of the world we share,” said Lance Seeright, the school’s executive director. “There is a heavy language influence paired with service learning that gives children a different worldview.”
22 | April 2021
The school’s vision statement, to “educate students to understand, contribute to, and thrive in an interdependent world,” seems more relevant than ever with the global impact the pandemic has underscored. Many charter schools have a particular appeal or area of emphasis, and Le Monde’s ability to provide an immersive dual language environment sets it apart, along with a high standard of academic rigor. Middle school students will leave the school’s eighth-grade class having already earned their required foreign language credits, an undertaking that would ordinarily be completed in high school. New students do not need to speak another language or have previous language experience to join in middle school. Loida Salmond, president of the school’s board of education, said that staff have an important role in meeting students where they are. “That’s what we’re here for, to give them that opportunity,” explained Salmond. “As faculty and staff, our goal is to get to a more global worldview and foster the spirit of that vision statement.”
Currently, the school’s faculty includes teachers from eight countries, which lends both representation and the expertise of native speakers to students who will ultimately benefit from that unique perspective. “In many ways, we can offer more flexibility, with more individualized attention to (students’) needs, across a spectrum of income levels, with real-world applications, smaller classes and a single teacher through their time at school that move up with them for continuity, not starting over every year,” Salmond said. A familiar campus, consistent peer group and having the same teachers through three years of schooling can be especially comforting during adolescence. Unlike private schools, charter school admission is not based on special entrance requirements or the ability to pay. Charter schools are a tuition-free public school option parents can select for enrollment, which is open to all students. Testing requirements are also the same as those stipulated for public schools, with additional accountability to charter sponsors.
Both immersion and non-immersion pathways will be available, a fact that goes a long way to help reassure families that their student’s needs can be met in both English and a second language. Seeright estimates that about 80% of students come from English language households, while the remaining 20% speak another language at home. Hands-on learning and an individualized approach guide Le Monde’s learning methods. Oklahoma’s educational landscape has changed throughout the past year, with more choices than ever for families to consider. Enrollment at Le Monde has already increased by more than 100 students, with over 300 currently matriculated. Class sizes, however, remain relatively small: a ratio of 18 to 20 students per class.
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Second language acquisition opens doors through bilingualism, including future employment opportunities and the ability to adjust more easily to life in other places. The school is also a candidate for the international baccalaureate accreditation, a formal process that recognizes academic achievement standards and leadership. After-school activities and participation in community service opportunities, including Loveworks Leadership programs that have small business and leadership themes, are available at the school, too. Enrollment information sessions will be hosted this spring and parents and students can find more information at lemondenorman.org. – BSM
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 23
24 | April 2021
COMM U N I T Y
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
Battle of the Creatives I magine a world where every child has that consistent relationship that fosters encouragement, growth and unwavering support. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) spends each day striving to provide those needs for children across Norman. BBBS, the nation’s most experienced mentoring organization, has helped countless children overcome disadvantages in life and find success for over 110 years, 52 years in Norman.
“Our driving force is mentorship and helping kids see their fullest and greatest potential,” shared Jeff Moody, Norman’s area director.
28 | April 2021
BBBSOK in Norman hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise awareness and bring in the funding needed to support the program in the area. “I’m constantly dressing up in a goofy way or doing something crazy out of the box. I’m not afraid to do what it takes to get people to talk about us, whether it’s events or fundraisers,” Moody said. “I get to make a fool of myself every day for kids, and I’m passionate about it and love it so much. It’s the best job in the world.” The local organization’s Lip Sync Battle fundraiser kicked off on Feb. 1 to help raise funds for the local mentoring pro-
Big Brothers Big Sisters sets the stage for success via lip syncing
gram, giving Norman’s “Littles” every ounce of support and resources they can get to prepare for their futures. Individuals and teams set a fundraising goal. Once that goal is met, members must record and upload their music video to the site by May 11. Judging takes place the next day by celebrity judges: Stephanie O’Hara, Jennifer Baker and Mike Hosty, with special guest host and DJ, Jennifer Leigh. Entries are encouraged to include kids, dance moves, costumes and/or pets in their creative music video, “something fun and entertaining that raises money for such a valuable and important cause,” Moody explained. Other fundraisers include Elf Hot Chocolate deliveries, complete with customizations and appearances by “Buddy the Elf” himself, coming this November. Big Movie Night, on Sept. 10, is another fan favorite and the team goes all out. Past Big Movie Night events have featured movie parodies merging major movie themes such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars and the Sandlot with the group’s mission and goals. The team makes every effort to impress, using everything from real helicopters and live bears to make the productions engaging and exciting for all involved. Charcuterie for Big Night is another prominent event and will be happening on June 5. Tickets can soon be purchased on the BBBS Norman website and you can expect deliveries to be made in tuxedos and evening gowns to make the evening spectacular. What can the community do to help? Besides fundraising, Moody said that the two biggest needs right now are Little Sister applicants and Big Brother volunteers, especially Big Brothers of color. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and children ages 6 and up may qualify as a Little. The organization consists of two sides: the resource side, which is in charge of fundraising and recruiting and the programming side, which oversees the matching of volunteers with children and hosting events for them. Moody describes the programming side as the real MVPs. Highly-qualified match support specialists provide the utmost care to their matchmaking, setting the Bigs and Littles up for success. boydstreet.com
BBBS hosts one-on-one mentorships, with a minimum 1-year commitment from volunteers because anything less has proven through studies to be detrimental. Short relationships are not typical it seems. “Even when a child ages out of the program, that relationship 99% of the time continues to carry on,” Moody explained. Matches can expect monthly check-ins the first year with support, such as training, virtual events and access to a game store. “The number one thing needed to be a volunteer is to be consistent. Having this consistent mentor speaking with you and being with you and talking you through life helps these kids have a sense of future and recognize that potential,” he explained. “We call ourselves the ‘Defenders of Potential.’ A lot of kids have something missing in their life or don’t have parents around and need the extra support that we can give them to help them succeed. We are always l o o k i n g for more Bigs, more Littles and more sponsors.” Moody stressed that volunteers need not worry about having certain qualifications before signing up. “It sounds like an undertaking as you’re changing a kid’s life. You don’t have to be perfect to be a Big because it’s all about little moments,” he encouraged. “‘Little moments, big magic’ is our motto. Little sprinkles of small moments add up to be a big thing.” Some local establishments have established a partnership with BBBSOK in Norman to support those relationships. Ray’s BBQ and Color Me Mind Art Studio, for example, have special discounts for Bigs and Littles when they visit. More volunteer partnerships are always needed. Due to Covid-19, pairs have gotten creative and will eat together on the sidewalk or join in on virtual trivia through Zoom. Slowly, groups will be able to return to meeting in-person more often. Check out the organization’s new website, bbbsok.org/norman, and their Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest news and information about events and volunteer opportunities. – BSM
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COMM U N I T Y
NORMANITE IN THE K SPOTLIGHT
Kent Carter #LoveLikeKent 32 | April 2021
BY: CHELSEY KRAF T
ent Carter’s family isn’t sure who started the hashtag, but after he passed away on Feb. 5, his wife, Kelcie, and their children, Carrick, Claire and Grady, saw it on Facebook. It appeared in posts as people shared anecdotes about the impact Kent had on them. Those three words summarize Kent well – a man who showed up for others, loving them through both the good and the bad. “I was just very touched and overwhelmed by that because I felt that way about him, but I had no idea how many people felt that way,” Carrick shared. The Carters heard so many stories, like how Kent would stop by the hospital on his way home from work to visit someone. Kelcie said she’s received hundreds of cards, many of them starting with a “you don’t know me, but” type of message before going on to explain an interaction they had with Kent. “He did the small things,” Claire explained. “I’ve watched my parents spend their lives serving and loving people, and most of the time, it’s gone unnoticed by everyone except the people they serve. Pop showed me that life is about loving people and community.” A few adjectives used to describe Kent are friendly, gregarious, optimistic, curious, loyal, intentional, genuine and approachable. He was a dreamer, a learner and an agent for positivity. Most of all he was always there for those he cared about, believing his children were capable of anything and bragging on his wife. One of the many ways Kent made sure his family felt loved was through Valentine’s Day gifts. Claire said he’d show up on her front porch with a bouquet of flowers to mark the holiday. She was dreading Feb. 14 this year, but then her mom found a bag on his side of the bed with gifts he must have purchased months in advance, already labeled with the recipients’ names. The Carters are hosting a celebration of Kent’s life on April 10, the day after
his 70th birthday. In his honor, they have also established the Kent Carter Servant Leader Fund, designed to help others in servant and leadership roles. Contributions can be made at donate.occf.org with reference to “Kent Carter.” “The original thought was wanting for him to be able to continue to give,” Grady explained. “He was such a giver and gave a lot of his time in particular.” Kent and Kelcie both grew up in Hollis, Oklahoma, meeting in their church nursery as babies. The pair started dating when they were 25 years old and married on Jan. 1, 1979. Kent, whose family moved to Norman when he was 14, earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma before establishing a career in mortgage banking. After recognizing a need for the lending and realty sides of the business to connect, Kent founded the OWNOK Conference. He served as president of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association and the Center for Children and Families and was also a commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on Consumer Credit. The Carters were founding members of the Alameda Church of Christ, where Kent volunteered as a deacon and elder. Kent also led the Mighty Men Bible study, a group of neighborhood boys that included Grady. An avid gardener, Kent became a wonderful cook, creating dishes with ingredients from his garden like the breakfast staple of greens with eggs he made for Kelcie. He was also passionate about Toastmasters and Leadership Oklahoma, where he met friends like Jonathan Fowler and had the chance to further connect with ones he already knew, like Diana Hartley. Although there was a 31-year age difference, Fowler and Kent instantly clicked. The two of them, along with David Nimmo and Brandon Law, started a monthly breakfast club after their time in Leadership Oklahoma. Fowler said Kent became a friend and mentor he looked up to, not only because of his success in his career but also life. Kent spearheaded an effort to add a Leadership Oklahoma session in Norman, and Hartley said he never missed the opboydstreet.com
portunity to spread hospitality and make everyone feel welcome when the group was in town. “He’s the kind of person that once you meet him, he never forgets who you are and never forgets your name. Every time he sees you, he makes you feel like you are his best friend,” Hartley stated. Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, said Kent’s legacy lives on through his children, who mirror him in many ways. “What a beautiful legacy to leave, knowing that you’ve impacted people and your legacy is living on in the lives of your children,” Martin said. “I know that he’s looking down from heaven with a big smile on his face.” Kent was a lifelong learner, a trait that extended to his interest in people. One of Kelcie’s last conversations with her husband was about how his three nurses were from three different countries. “That captures him, even in the hospital,” Kelcie said. “He was very excited about meeting people and learning all about them.” Grady echoed this, sharing a story about dropping off a CPAP machine off when his dad was hospitalized due to COVID-19. He called Kent to say he’d forgotten distilled water, and one of Kent’s nurses answered instead. When she accidentally sat the phone down without hanging up, Grady listened to the pair chat for 20 minutes. “What made my dad comfortable and happy and full of joy was stories,” Grady explained. “He didn’t want to talk about him being sick. He wanted to hear about her and wanted to tell her stories. He wanted to share a moment.” #LoveLikeKent captures this man who was genuine when he asked how someone was doing, who wanted to hear about other’s lives, who loved without condition. “He loved everybody,” Carrick shared. “He saw everyone having unique value and being worthy of love.” – BSM
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 33
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BY: CHRIS PLANK ocked in… no two words better describe the mindset of the Oklahoma Sooner softball team and its talented slugger Jocelyn Alo. As the Sooners head towards the postseason, Alo has put together a phenomenal season forged in hard work and commitment even through the most challenging of times.
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“There is a new Jocelyn Alo,” Sooner head coach Patty Gasso said. “Her body is strong, she looks great, she is taking better care of her health. She has been locked in and on a mission. This is the best I’ve ever seen her and she’s not going to stop.” Not many would understand the need for anything to be new for the talented Sooner slugger based on her numbers and production in previous seasons. Alo tied the Sooner single-season home run mark with 30 home runs during her freshman season and has continued to be one of the most feared hitters in college softball. Her sophomore season was filled with challenges and COVID-19 cut the season short during what would have been her junior season. Despite struggles during the shortened season in 2020, Alo refocused during the latter stages of quarantine and has come back better than ever. “Last year was tough,” Alo confessed. “I felt like I didn’t end the season like I wanted. And honestly, during quarantine, I had no motivation to do anything. But once we started getting closer to coming back, I felt like it was time to lock in. Being back with the team really made me more motivated because seeing them over Zoom I was not motivated at all. I needed to be around them.” This season, Alo has already moved up to No. 2 on the career home run list for Sooner softball. She currently sits with the best career batting average in Sooner softball history and is in the Top 10 in career RBIs. But the Hawaii native made an impact on the sports world well before she even decided to make softball her full-time sport.
SLUG
In high school, the multi-sport commitment was anything but typical. While some student athletes might compete in basketball or even track and field, Alo made her presence felt on the mat. In fact, her prep accomplishments include a Hawaii High School Athletic Association wrestling title at 184 pounds as a Kahuku (Hawaii) sophomore in 2015. You read that correctly, one of the greatest home run hitters in college softball history was a high school wrestler who took home the state championship.
“My dad was a wrestler and he wanted me to wrestle to learn the mental toughness,” Alo said. “When you mess up it’s on yourself. You must be consistent with your emotions and not get too high or too low. But I just knew I had to focus on softball to get a degree and have a chance to play at the next level.”
Photos courtesy: Josh Gateley - OU Athletics
After winning the wrestling state championship, Alo had a singular focus on softball for the remainder of her high school career. After transferring to Campbell High School, she took home consecutive state titles in softball and was named the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Position Player of the Year to end her high school career. Attempts to pitch around Alo started well before she wore crimson and cream. During her senior year state tournament, Alo walked in 13 of her 17 plate appearances. Like her time with the Sabers, opposing pitchers have learned to be far more selective when pitching to Alo, who has the power to send one out whenever she swings a bat. “High school’s very different, they would just walk me and walk me and walk me,” she said. “Pitchers this year, they have film on you and know what you do and what your tendencies are. Freshman year, you come in and they don’t know who you are, they don’t know what you can do. For me it was just about adjusting to that, adjusting to how pitchers were pitching to me. It’s definitely different from being walked all the time.” Her love for softball has been in place from an incredibly young age. While her father had wanted Alo to compete as a wrestler, Alo always had visions of playing on the diamond. She started preparing for her place in the softball world when she was just 3 years old.
38 | April 2021
F E S T boydstreet.com
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39
“I started tee ball at 4 years old and actually what really got me into tee ball was that I wasn’t old enough to play when I was 3 and I was watching my sister play and I got jealous,” Alo remembered. “So, my dad would take me to the park and we’d hit 500 balls pick them up and hit 500 more balls. The dedication that young was really something fun because it was fun to me.” With her high school career in the rearview, Alo seemed destined to leave Hawaii and continue her softball career in the Pac 12. But things changed. “What’s crazy is I was actually committed to Cal my freshman year of high school,” Alo said. “As my years progressed, I just had a change of heart and my heart wasn’t with Berkley.” Sooner hitting coach JT Gasso had started to hear the buzz that the Hawaiian slugger might be available, so he did his research and decided that Alo needed to be a Sooner. “She was committed to Cal for a long time, and it was one of those things where you get a call that she is looking,” JT said. “The first thing I did was go to YouTube and put in Jocelyn Alo and the first thing that came up was her state championship wrestling video where she separated her opponents’ shoulder to win the State Championship and in my mind, I was sold. We had to get this girl. It was by chance that it happened, and it has ended up working out and everyone is happy that it did.” 40 | April 2021
In a wild twist of fate, Alo became a Sooner and she was willing to do whatever it took to get to Norman. “I de-committed from Cal and, right before my signing, Oklahoma had something open up,” Alo said. “But when I committed, I did so without a scholarship. My parents were going to have to pay for everything my freshman year, but things ended up working out and I got myself a scholarship and the rest has been history.” Family has always been the most important thing to Alo and the strength of the Alo family bond is magnified in the sacrifice her family was willing to make to ensure she could play at Oklahoma. Her family does everything they can to be there every step of the way. While the trips might be long and tiring, her father Levi and mother Andrea try to make every single game they can, and that means the world to her. “Girls in Oklahoma get to see their family all the time and I don’t … so when I do get to see them, I just want to enjoy every single minute even if it’s just me pointing to them when I’m on second base,” she said. “My family is very important to me and I wouldn’t be here without them.” The personal disappointment of her sophomore season and the obvious frustration of losing a season to a global pandemic are in the rearview. She has charged into her “super junior” campaign as focused and prepared as she has been since she stepped on campus.
“She’s waited for this. She would tell you she’s been hot and cold through the time she’s been here,” Patty Gasso said. “Her freshman year she set a record and the attitude was now I’ve got to hit 40 my sophomore year and 50 my junior year. She figured out that’s not the way to look at it. She has grown up and matured quite a bit. She’s on a whole other mission here this season.” JT Gasso has seen a renewed commitment at the plate. “What we’ve seen is how smart she is and how into the game she truly is... she’s next level. It’s been fun,” he said. “It’s fun to hear the conversations about the game and who they are facing and what they are going to do. She’s speaking her things into existence where she sees what she misses in one at-bat and be right on cue with her next at-bat before it happens. The maturity factor is there, and it’s been fun to see her grow.” Despite the frustration of not having softball during quarantine, Alo made a commitment to change her body and her approach during her time away from softball. Under the watchful eye of Sooner softball strength coach Dane Sommers, Alo recommitted herself in the weight room and took her preparations seriously. “He made me want to up my game more in the weight room,” Alo said of Sommers’ impact. “I lost a bit of weight… 20 pounds in quarantine… and I just changed my eating habits. I mean I still need my Chick-Fil-a; I still get that, but I just eat a lot better, a lot smarter… I’m just super locked into what I’m doing and what I want to do.” Alo also found herself motivated by the roster that Patty Gasso put together for 2021. With a standout freshman class entering the competition, Alo was not about to lose her spot. “Seeing the level of competition go up, honestly, I knew we had a good freshman class coming in and, to be honest, I wasn’t going to let a freshman or anyone take my spot,” Alo said. “That motivated me as well. I feel like I’ve upped my game and I’m super locked into what I’m doing. I wanted to be locked in even more than I’ve ever been, and I feel like that’s where I am.” “Jocy has been in a wonderful place,” Patty Gasso added. “Probably the most prepared and in shape I’ve seen her since she stepped on campus. She’s on a mission and I feel that. She’s been a good leader, putting in all the extra work. She’s in good health. She looks strong, feels good physically so I’m excited for her the rest of the season.” Jocelyn Alo has found a whole different level for her game this season. The expectations have always been high for the slugger, and sometimes the weight of those expectations can be overwhelming. But Alo has renewed her focus on being the best teammate, leader and overall contributor that she can be. “This whole lineup is locked in top to bottom. Our bench is loaded as well. It’s just crazy to see the amount of talent we have on this team,” Alo said. “Coach Gasso always says that iron sharpens iron and I truly believe this team is full of iron.” 42 | April 2021
The focus will always be on Alo, the prodigious home runs, the jaw-dropping power she puts up, the overall pursuit of history, but in the end, only one thing matters to Alo. One thing that has proven to be elusive during her first three seasons in Norman. Alo wants a National title. And while the talk and focus might be on the Hawaiian-born slugger, she knows that it is a total team effort to take home a National Championship. “I want to win a National Championship and I need my team to do that… it can’t just be on me.” – BSM
Congratulations Tigers on winning the 2021 Boys State Bowling Championship! Team members include: Malcom West, Roman Roberts, Carter Sewell, Brian Sanders, Bryce Hilton and Caleb Botsford.
S P O RT S
BY: JOSH HELMER
State Champions 48 | April 2021
K
elbie Washington sensed Bixby looking for a backdoor cut on the first possession of the second half. The Sooner signee sat in front, intercepted the pass and raced the other way, coast to coast, for a layup, splitting through three Bixby defenders like a bolt of lightning. That play set the tone for how the remainder of the 6A girls state championship game would go. Moments later, Washington picked a Spartans’ pocket at the top of the key at the Oral Roberts’ Mabee Center and zipped away for another layup. She added an and-one finish, driving to the baseline through contact. Washington and the Norman Tigers scored the first seven points after halftime. Florida commit Myka Perry then grabbed a steal and Euro-stepped her way to another transition basket, as Norman’s 21-17 halftime lead ballooned to 30-17. “Defend. That’s all Coach Neal said,” Washington recalled about the Tigers’ halftime message. “I think our offense was going really well. We got unlucky sometimes, but defending is what really changed us in the second half and why we blew away from Bixby.”
their best shot and we just have to compete,” said Kansas State commit Mikayla Parks. In addition to the COVID stoppage, the Norman Tigers also found themselves unfairly in the center of a national controversy after an announcer on the NFHS Network broadcast spewed racist comments about the team on a hot mic ahead of the Tigers’ state quarterfinal game against Midwest City. Coach Neal said the adversity this team faced is what he will remember most about this group. “Everything that we’ve went through this entire year, it’s well worth it and relief now for those girls, we accomplished the mission from the very beginning of the season,” Neal said. “Everything that took place last year whenever we weren’t able to participate. The looks on their faces not even having a chance to fight for a championship. Their personal highs and lows all the way. COVID hitting us. From last year to this moment right now, it was just an amazing run.” At one point in the state semifinal game against Union, it looked like their opponent and the emotional distraction might get the best of them. The Tigers trailed by as many as nine, with a score of 30-23 at the halftime break.
NHS head girls basketball coach Michael Neal explained what he saw as a key turning point in the second half of the championship game.
In true champions’ fashion, Norman rallied back. They used a 22-9 second-half scoring spurt that spanned from the third quarter into the start of the fourth to win 53-50.
“Experience, fire, passion, the heartbeat of our team… when things get tough, Kelbie knows, I’ve got to go and I’ve got to go right now,” he said. “We just follow her lead. I thought that was the turning point in the third quarter.”
“Our program is not just about basketball,” Washington said. “It’s us maturing as young women. I think that our coaches really helped us with that. It was brave of us to kneel. The biggest thing we talked about was sticking together. We have to do this as a team. No individuals… having a good support system for each other. If someone’s down, you pick them up. Stay together through anything that happens.”
Norman forced Bixby into 14 turnovers and a 1-of-10 shooting percentage from the three-point line. “That’s been our whole motto this year. Coach has instilled playing defense. That’s where we start, not really caring who gets the ball on offense and just working from defense first. That’s what we did out there,” said Texas Tech signee Chantae Embry. “We switch on everything. We knew that Bixby, coming in, they shoot a lot of threes. We did a good job getting out there and not letting them get any threes off.”
That resiliency had Neal beaming inside the Mabee Center after the trophy presentation. “That’s what it’s about in the playoffs, man. We play against the best teams in Oklahoma and if we’re not able to have some
Washington finished with 15 points in the championship game, sophomore Aaliyah Henderson joined her in double-digit scoring with 10 and Embry chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds. When it was all said and done, Norman topped Bixby, 48-37, to capture the Tigers’ sixth state title. Their other rings came in 1993, 1996, 1997, 2005 and 2019. The Tigers finished this season a perfect 19-0, winning 41-straight games starting back at the beginning of last season. Of course, this might have been a three-peat had COVID not resulted in the cancellation of last year’s state tournament. Finally given the opportunity to defend their 2019 title, Norman was motivated to at long last successfully complete its championship defense. “Our bus ride (there), we said this is what we need to do. We’re going to come out and finish. Every team is going to give us boydstreet.com
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49
mental fortitude and get past some of those things, then we don’t deserve to win,” he said. “I thought they found a way however it looked and we were challenged. I’m just proud, so proud.” Washington was selected as The Oklahoman’s 6A Girls State Tournament MVP after averaging 13.3 points per game in the Tigers’ wins over Midwest City, Union and Bixby. Embry joined her with first-team honors, averaging 10.7 points in the three games. “Last year, we weren’t able to play because of COVID. This year we were blessed and grateful to play. I think we came in with the mindset of being determined, working hard and that’s just what we did out there,” Embry said. “These are my best friends. Kelbie Washington, she’s been my best friend since fourth grade. This is like family to me, so sharing this with them is amazing.” Washington sang the same tune. “These are friends for life… winning with these girls is what’s the most important part about it,” Washington said. Though Embry transferred in her junior season, she and Washington played large roles in helping this senior class author an 82-18 record over the past four seasons. They are off to different destinations in Big 12 women’s basketball, but the returning Tigers aren’t ready to leave their championship perch.
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“Next season is going to be the same thing as this year,” Parks said. “We won’t really have a dominant big as we had with Chantae, but we’re going to be power guards. We’re going to be perfectly fine next year and we’re going to get another one.”– BSM
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Annual Rose Rock Music Festival Returns
56 | April 2021
T
he Rose Rock Music Festival is looking to bring back some normalcy with its 39th anniversary festivities. From April 30 to May 2, the Rose Rock Capital of the World will once again welcome the community to join in on their annual springtime celebration with all the fan-favorite staples like live music, car shows, a parade, carnival rides, wrestling, food vendors and more. Due to last year’s cancelation, organizers are aiming to put on an event that will become a highlight of the year. John Stokes, president of the Noble Chamber of Commerce, said they are working to bring everything back as usual but with necessary safety precautions. “Pretty much everything will be back to normal,” he shared. “We’re taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the public.” Rides and stations will be sanitized and activities and vendors will be spaced out to encourage social distancing, Stokes explained. Those who have a great ear for music will be happy to hear that the Rose Rock Music Festival will once again be promoting local, upcoming talent as one of their headliners during the threeday festival. “Like always, there will be a fair share of Rock and Country,” Stokes promised. “Most notably, a local band by the name of
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Edible Rode, they’re a talented group with a bright future ahead of them.” Edible Rode will be joined by a full lineup of local and regional talent. The annual festival kicks off on Friday evening and the parade will be held on Saturday morning. Festival-goers can also enjoy a crafters market, flashy cars, wrestling and a bustling food court serving up Oklahoma dishes like onion burgers, Indian tacos, barbeque and cinnamon rolls. The carnival will be open through Sunday afternoon with a variety of rides for all ages. For more information about the festival and a schedule of performers and activities, check out their Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest news and updates. –BSM
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57
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Rebranding Norman Youth Baseball
Norman United is transforming local youth baseball in enduring ways
L
ocal little leaguers can find a combination of support, training and success in the baseball program at Norman United Baseball Academy. The academy’s primary mission is to provide youth with an optimal learning experience, with influence from both Norman North and Norman High staff that prepares students for secondary play, regardless of their school district. Norman North High School baseball coach Brian Aylor shared that youth baseball in Norman has struggled for years to align to consistent standards, often causing many families to leave for other youth baseball opportunities in the surrounding metro area.
Aylor and Dolejsi then came up with the idea to create Norman United out of a love for their community and for the sport. “We wanted to finally try to unite all kids in Norman no matter where they go to school. Our goal was to get them playing baseball together under the same system and learning from high school coaches. We rebranded NYBA to take the organization to another level that would directly and vertically align with the high school coaches,” he explained. They incorporated both high schools’ colors, green and orange, in their design in an effort to represent both schools and unify the teams.
The Norman Youth Baseball Association (NYBA) approached Aylor and assistant coach Brad Dolejsi about working together to strengthen Norman’s youth baseball program.
After 17 years in the community, Coach Aylor describes the movement as a city-wide effort that is something much bigger than their own programs.
“They were a really great group of people that have done a lot for baseball in Norman and wanted to work together to find a way to help kids want to stay and play in Norman,” Aylor said.
“Myself, Coach Dolejsi, Coach Cody Merrell of Norman High and all of the coaches just want to give back and work together to train these kids and prepare them for what it will take to get them ready to be a high school baseball player, no matter where they go to school,” he shared.
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“We coach everyone. Individuals needing a team and already-established teams are welcome. There are no tryouts,” shared Aylor. The goal is to unite and unify the kids in the Norman area in order to give young athletes a better youth baseball experience. The academy opened a little over a year ago, in the fall season before the pandemic hit. “COVID has caused some struggles,” Aylor said. “We had to shut down for a while. We did what we needed to keep kids safe, including working in small groups, using masks, sanitizing and temperature checks. It’s a tough balancing act.” Now, with their first year under their belt, the feedback has been greatly rewarding. The group is also working with the Ball Clubs of Norman, which has recently renovated their fields under support from Norman Forward. Kids will now have a comprehensive program within their own city area, Aylor said. Players can participate in clinics and receive instruction on core components of the game from both high schools’ coaching staff. Free coaching clinics are also available for coaches to provide them with training that aligns with the organization’s philosophies.
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“I think one of the coolest things is hearing from people that are witnessing these teams grow and succeed. It’s really neat to see people loving this system we designed and succeeding because of it. It’s humbling in a lot of ways, seeing families understand the vision of what we’re trying to get across, aligning themselves with these high school programs for the greater good and for everyone involved is great,” he said. For more information on Norman United Baseball Academy and the clinics available, check out normanunited.com. – BSM
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 63
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In Pursuit of Excellence
Norman Regional receives advanced certification by Joint Commission in Perinatal Care
A
n effort nearly two years in the making, Norman Regional Health System is now certified in Perinatal Care. As the first program in the state to receive this accolade, Norman Regional’s departments within the Maternal Child Service Line underwent a lengthy certification process to become a Perinatal Center of Excellence. “We are so honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Annette Troxell, director of Women’s & Children’s Services. “It’s a big deal for our community and our healers. Patients are comparing hospitals, they are reading and listening and they want to know that we are practicing at the highest level of competence and that our care is evidence based. I believe this certification shows that we are.” The Joint Commission that awards the certification looks at core measurements that are data driven and also conducts an 48-hour survey to interview patients, nurses and doctors. “It was a grueling 48 hours but it was worth it. Patient outcomes are worth every extra hour,” said Tonya Faires, a nurse manager and perinatal care certification team coordinator. “They gave us great suggestions for future plans because our work won’t stop here. The certification is on going. Each year, we have to make sure we are still meeting those requirements and moving forward with sustainable interventions that benefit our patients and their families.” “It takes a tremendous amount of work in quality improvement, best practice implementation and measurement to achieve this certification,” said President and CEO Richie Splitt. “This positive result shows our healers’ commitment to do everything in their power to ensure the health and safety of mothers and newborns.” Perinatal care encompasses several departments including obstetrics emergency care, labor and delivery, neonatal care and the women’s and children’s units and is comprised of roughly 200 nurses plus dozens of doctors, specialists and staff. Troxell pointed to improved communication between departments as
68 | April 2021
a key benefit resulting from the certification efforts. “We have worked to improve patient care and create a mindset of continuously pursuing excellence across all disciplines, even with our office staff because care often starts there,” she said. Faires said a key piece in that process has been the newly established perinatal quality council, formed by Susie Graves, the former director of patient care services. The council consisted of the chief positions from all of the perinatal departments, a resource that proved to be vital during the pandemic. “With all of our leadership meeting at the same table working through situations, it was a valuable resource to already have in place since information was changing so rapidly,” Faires said. “I can’t imagine going through something so significant without having that in place.” The department originally began certification efforts in May 2019 and continued to work towards the voluntary advanced certification even in amid the pandemic. In fact, the collective pursuit of excellence has inspired individual staff successes as well. “As we have started this journey, it gave us the opportunity to look at every area of our practice and it has ignited a passion within our nurses individually,” Troxell shared. “In the past year, we have had seven nurses earn national certifications, now we have over 30 in total. “Our administration has created an environment where excellence is expected and they value each healer because of that. It makes it a great place to work.” Tonya agreed that the certification has been “a true team effort” and has an long list of names she said were major contributors to the achievement. “Everyone played an integral part in its success and will play a part in its continued success.” – BSM
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BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI | PRESIDENT/CEO OU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Spring Clean Your Finances
S
pring is a great time of year to clear your house of accumulated junk and make it sparkle. Why not do the same for your finances? Junk can accumulate there, too. In fact, some of your money matters may need a good wipe down this season. It is especially true this year, when many Americans are still recovering from the financial fallout of COVID-19, or maybe wondering how to use the latest round of stimulus checks. Whatever your current situation, a thorough spring-cleaning for your finances is a responsible move this time of year.
Here are some ways to spring clean your finances:
SWEEP OUT YOUR BUDGET It’s time to shake out the dust in your budget! Review your monthly spending and find ways to cut back. Have you been overdoing the takeout food this year? Buying up more shoes than you can possibly wear? Pare down your budget until it’s looking neat and trim.
FRESHEN UP YOUR W-4 Tax season is prime time for revisiting the withholdings on your W-4. If you received an especially large refund this year, you may want to adjust the amount you withhold. The IRS’s tax withholding estimator can be a useful tool to help you determine the perfect number.
DEEP CLEAN YOUR ACCOUNTS If you’ve switched from one bank or credit union to another, you may have dormant accounts that are still open and may be charging you fees. Or, perhaps they’re holding onto money you’ve forgotten you have! And don’t forget about the 401(k) you may have from an old job. Now may be the time to transfer those funds to your current 401(k). This spring, do a Marie Kondo on your finances and get rid of any accounts you don’t need any longer. A minimalist approach to your finances will make it easier to manage your accounts. It will also give your savings a greater chance at growth, and help you avoid fees for unused accounts.
TOSS OUT YOUR DEBT Get ready to kick that debt for good! If you’ve been stuck on the debt cycle for too long, make this spring the season you create a plan to break free. First, trim your budget or consider a side hustle for earning some pocket money, designating these extra funds for your debts. Next, choose a popular debt-busting approach, such as the avalanche method, in which you pay off debts in order from highest interest rate to lowest, or the snowball method, where you start with the smallest debt and then move up your list as each is paid off. Once you’ve chosen your approach, 74 | April 2021
maximize payments to the first debt on your list, making sure not to neglect the minimum monthly payments on your other debts. Before you know it, that debt will be gone!
DUST OFF YOUR SAVING HABITS Have you been remembering to pay yourself first? Get into the habit of maximizing your savings this spring with a tangible financial goal. You can also make savings an itemized line in your budget. This way, you’ll have funds set aside for this purpose, instead of savings only happening if there’s money left over at the end of the month. Finally, automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Never forget to pay yourself first again!
MAKE YOUR INVESTMENTS SPARKLE Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re just getting your feet wet, it’s time for a spring cleaning of your investments! Check if your allocation strategy is still serving you well, whether you need to adjust your diversification and if your retirement accounts are on track for your estimated retirement timeline.
MAKE YOUR STIMULUS COUNT Don’t let your stimulus payment and tax refund blow through your checking account. Instead create a spending plan for the funds that includes paying down debt, allocating some of the money for long-term and short-term savings and possibly investing another portion of the payment. Don’t feel guilty about using the rest of your stimulus check to splurge on a purchase or experience you’ve been wanting for a while now. The money is being distributed with the hopes that it will help stimulate the economy, and the best way to do that is to spend — just don’t go overboard. Spring is the perfect time to give your finances a thorough cleaning. Follow our tips to make your money matters shine!
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BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS
Cheers for Chardonnay
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pring is well underway and summer is inching ever closer. White wine and warm weather go hand in hand, and despite a plethora of wine and seltzer choices, chardonnay remains very popular. Chardonnay is a white grape, currently the second most planted white grape on this planet. Chardonnay is very adaptable and takes on characteristics from the climate where the vines are planted. The vines are abundant producers, and wineries can start producing chardonnay much more quickly than other wines. Several factors affect how the chardonnay that ends up in the bottle and ultimately in your glass tastes including terrior (where it comes from), production method and chemistry. Vintners are always looking for “new” ways to produce the finished product. The old oak barrel and the ubiquitous stainless steel tank remain the mainstays of fermentation. Additional processes such as malolactic fermentation change the acidity of the wine, resulting in a buttery flavor and mouth feel. Wine may be aged in oak to mellow the acidity or exposed to oak for subtle flavor changes or enhancements.
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More recently, wine is put through a centrifuge so some alcohol can be removed to reduce calories and alcohol content. Chemistry is not talked about as much but is used to keep large production wines in the same taste profile. A variety of wine from different sources or small amounts of other varietals can be blended as allowed by regional regulations. Choosing among all the chardonnays is where your local wine merchant comes in. Chardonnay typically has the most choices to offer of any white wine in the retail setting. Some have names that guide you to the taste, for instance, like Butter or Butterkissed, but in most cases, the staff of the local liquor store can guide you to a choice best to suit your taste. So jump into spring with a great glass of chardonnay. Keep safe, Kathy
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Training for All Ages
our years ago, Youth Performance open morning hours to adults who want to improve fitness and performance, opening the facilities’ age range to up to 85 years old. Strength and conditioning professionals that incorporate a properly designed and supervised training program can help young athletes train, compete and reduce the likelihood of injury. Most importantly, they can provide the young athlete with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle into their adult years. The LTAD model is an excellent representation of developing and training youth from early childhood into adulthood. It also provides useful information on how to design programs that have proper progressions for their age and skill level, as well as realistic progressions to maximize performance level as athletes get older and more competitive.
LI F EST Y L E
on skill, speed and strength • Periodization can be incorporated slowly • Focus may shift to only two sports
STAGE 4: TRAIN TO COMPETE (MALES 16 – 23 AND FEMALES 15 – 21)
• Participate in highly structured activities with the focus shifting to performance • Start specializing in one sport • Begin training year-round and at a high level of intensity with proper progressions and adequate rest • Develop high-level competition by modeling high-level practices
STAGE 1: FUNDAMENTALS (MALES 6 – 9 AND FEMALES 6 – 8)
STAGE 5: TRAIN TO WIN (MALES 19 AND OVER AND FEMALES 18 AND OVER)
STAGE 2: LEARN TO TRAIN (MALES 9 – 12 AND FEMALES 8 – 11)
STAGE 6: ACTIVE FOR LIFE (ALL AGES)
• Participate in less-structured activity with a focus on physical literacy • Encourage physical activity classes in school • Focus on multiple sports that include running, jumping, kicking and other activities that challenge balance, coordination and speed • Low to moderate structure and focus on technical competency • Maintain multiple sports plus unstructured play • Learn proper bodyweight training • Balance practice time and actual game time
STAGE 3: TRAIN TO TRAIN (MALES 12 – 16 AND FEMALES 11 – 15)
• Moderate structure with focus on technical skills and secondary focus on performance outcomes • Aerobic training becomes a little more important, but the focus is still
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• Very skilled athletes and very high dedication • These athletes are working with highly-qualified coaches • Training is highly specialized with periodization making sure the athlete is getting proper training, recovery, tapering and peaking at perfect time • Maintain lifelong physical activity participation • Participate in familiar sports or activities • Avoid going from an active childhood to a sedentary adult lifestyle • Participate in less-intense recreational activities • Pursue a career or volunteer coaching in fitness or sport related activities AGE Chat Williams, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CSPS*D, FNSCA chat@youthperformance.net • www.youthperformance.net • 701-3416
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Warmer weather means more frequent outings and more chances to get lost! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification. Mention this ad for $5 off of Microchip implant. Exp. 4/30/21
B U S I N E SS
BY: ROXANNE AVERY
Just the Right Size
Brown’s Shoe Fit Company focused on fit and comfort
88 | April 2021
finding the right size is crucial for customers when buying a new pair of shoes. “I have people whose feet hurt all the time and sometimes the solution is as simple as finding the correct size,” Woodin said. A computer foot scanner is also used at Brown’s to provide detailed information such as how a person stands, walks and carries their weight. “It gives us another tool in getting the correct fit for our customers.” Brown’s offers a wide variety of shoes with a focus this year on their signature “trend”: comfort and quality.
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ith the weather warming up, it’s time to get outside in a new pair of kicks. Recently voted as “Best Shoe Store” in Norman in the Reader’s Choice Awards sponsored by the Norman Transcript, their specialty is healthy and comfortable footwear for the entire family. Centered on customer service, Steve Woodin, owner of Brown’s, says he is focused on offering customers a unique custom shopping experience. “We’re very old school,” said Woodin. “Our employees are trained to answer questions and help customers figure stuff out. We know the activities our shoes are designed for and we help people with their specific needs.” For example, for a customer planning a trip to Hawaii, volcanic rock will chew up the soles of shoes which requires the need for a better sole, “as opposed to the customer just buying something cute,” Woodin explained. Woodin has lived in Norman for 22 years and opened Brown’s in 1998. As a third generation in the shoe business, he knows how to get a good fit. “We still use the old school Brannock measuring device,” Woodin said.
“Hardly anyone bought dress shoes last year because of the trend toward casual,” Woodin said. “We are less focused on what is cute and know what didn’t perform or sell well and are making room for what did.” The number one seller last year was walking shoes. “We sold more athletic shoes and HOKA, a soft cushion shoe with minimal weight. That shoe is great for walking, hiking and running. People are getting rid of their old heavy athletic shoes that weigh them down and are opting for the new extra light brands.” A visit to Brown’s Shoe Fit Company is much like it’s always been. Brown’s is still here doing the same things they’ve always done, helping Normanites find the right shoes. Birkenstock, Hey Dude, Mephisto, Brooks, Keen and Taos are just a few of the popular brands in stock. In addition to shoes, Brown’s offers sunglasses, hats, belts and an assortment of unique gadgets and gear. They also have unique antiques woven among the store’s inventory. Brown’s is located at 2427 W Main St and you can browse popular styles at normanshoe.com. –BSM
Designed in 1927, the foot-measuring device remains the international standard for the footwear industry. “People don’t think about it, but our feet change throughout life. I’m not the same size as I was in my 20s. I’ve gone up a size, just like I’m not the same pant size. It’s not something we look forward to, but it’s part of life.” Not only does our shoe size change but because our bodies are not symmetrical, one foot is bigger than the other. “Take your wedding or other ring off and put it on your other hand and you’ll see your hands are not the same size,” Woodin said. The same applies to your feet. Measuring and boydstreet.com
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B U S I N E SS
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Photo by: Mark Doescher
What’s Eating Norman
Tavola Pizzeria
94 | April 2021
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elf-proclaimed foodies, Sherise and Adam Oxsen combined their love of Norman with their passion for good food when they opened Tavola Pizzeria near Tecumseh and 36th Ave NW. “My wife and I both grew up here in Norman,” Adam shared. “We love this city and thought opening Tavola was a cool way to put deeper roots here and to serve the community by offering really good premium food.” The Italian-inspired menu at Tavola is crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients elevated by an oldworld culinary methodology. The foundation of any pizza is the dough and, rather than starting from the typical packet of yeast, their dough begins with a wild yeast starter that originated in Oxsen’s home kitchen. “This is something quite different,” Adam said. “We are doing bread making the way it was done for most of human history.” The process is lengthy but that is what builds complexity in the bread’s texture and flavor, Adam said. “We use a starter, which in Italian they call it lievito madre, or the rising mother. Each day we feed that starter and take from it to start our dough. Then we add organic flour, water and salt to make the dough each night. That dough keeps growing, expanding and developing nuance, texture and flavor. It really is a beyond 24-hour process.” When researching menu options for their concept, Adam and Sherise looked to their heroes in pizza making for inspiration: Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana, Anthony Falco author of the book “Pizza Czar” and Franco Pepe, a world-renowned Italian chef. Their lineup of artisan pizzas start with the organic, naturally-leavened, hand-stretched pizza dough and are topped with authentic Italian ingredients such as heirloom tomatoes, prosciutto, spicy coppa and Parmigiano Reggiano. They also have bruschetta and crisp croutons prepared from their made-in-house Italian bread and they round out their menu with a selection of salads. A finely crafted menu was not the Oxsen’s only goal when they opened Tavola but to also create a dining experience that is special for all their customers. “We knew we want to make old-world, rustic style breads and Italian-inspired pizzas and do it at a level you would get at a nice, sit-down Italian restaurant but in an upscale, fast-casual format,” he said. The accessibility of a fast, casual establishment was important to the Oxsen’s because of the special mo-
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ments that happen during a shared meal. The words “Veniti a Tavola”, or come to the table, greet diners as they order and it speaks to the restaurant’s vision. “That is what we think is beautiful about the table. Food brings people together,” Adam shared. “You can come in and sit with your family at this big table and get a half dozen pizzas and hang out for a couple of hours. Or you can order online, pick up some good food curbside, go home and watch some Mandolorian.” Bread enthusiasts will be excited to know that they offer a bread subscription with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly pickup options. “We have local customers who are from France and Great Britain who love having bread that reminds them of the European breads they grew up on,” Adam said. Tavola Pizzeria is located at 3408 36th Ave NW. For now, that is their only location, but Adam hopes to expand and “one day down the road open other locations in the metro.” Visit tavolapizzeria.com to learn more about their concept, leavening process and menu. – BSM
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S ERV I C E S P OT L I G H T
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BY: BILL MOAKLEY
Service Spotlight: Major Chad Vincent
alk about baptism by fire. Or, in the case of newly minted Norman Police Major Chad Vincent, baptism by heavy snowfall. As he was transitioning into his new rank and new responsibilities as supervisor of the department’s Operations Bureau in February, Vincent and the officers he is now managing barely got to shake hands before record snowfall slammed into Oklahoma and blanketed Norman and the rest of the state during two weeks of historic cold temperatures. “That first week I got to watch and serve alongside men and women who rescued more than 500 people that were stranded in a blizzard,” Vincent said. “The entire department rallied together. We had officers that were shopping for groceries for an elderly lady. She didn’t know how she was going to eat. We had officers who, without any prompting, were doing things like that to serve the community.” Vincent moved to Norman to start college after finishing high school in Tulsa. He joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard and then earned a finance degree in 2000. He also got married that same year. With a degree in hand, he and his wife, Carrie, moved to Washington for a job he accepted at the Pentagon as a budget analyst.
98 | April 2021
“We realized that we enjoyed the Norman community and really just kind of missed that environment, so after about six months of living in the big city, we packed up and came right back to Norman,” Vincent remembered. Arriving back in Oklahoma, Vincent took a job as an accountant at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City. During his year at Gaillardia, he often joked about needing a job with a company car. That “company car” would come in the form of a police cruiser when he joined the Norman force in 2002. “It’s just been a fantastic experience ever since I got here,” Vincent said of his now 19 years with NPD. “It’s really been a privilege to lead some outstanding and very talented and passionate police officers along the way.” In addition to leading officers, Vincent also led the effort to establish Norman’s School Resource Officers program, initially with a force of one, himself. “The first year was just me as lieutenant,” Vincent recalled. “That was kind of the build year. The next year, we are able to bring on five officers, and the third year we were able to add three more. Eight is what we’re at now.” Vincent is proud to have seen the program grow and its work with Norman’s
young people, describing the SROs as mentors to the student with whom they interact. “I believe our school resource officers truly set the standard across the country for what an SRO program should look like,” Vincent said. “Students are the most important asset to our entire community. These are the people that are going to be leading our city and cities across the country, in the next generation. It’s incredibly important. “They’re with students through troubles and challenges and good times. They get to share in the celebrations just as much as they do the challenging times.” Looking ahead, Vincent is excited about his latest opportunity to lead. In his role as the head of operations, he’ll oversee Norman’s three patrol bureaus, uniform support division functions, including traffic and parking, community outreach, homelessness initiatives and the school resource officers program. “For the first time in 19 years, I really get the chance to zoom out and see and hear the stories of what our police officers are doing out in our community from across the entire operation spectrum,” Vincent said. “It’s a privilege for me and an honor to watch how we serve.” – BSM This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.
Stories of Surviving a Crisis Meet Our Friend
Juan Hidalgo Owner of Hidalgo’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
During the COVID-19 crisis, an FFB lender helped Juan secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan to keep Hidalgo’s doors open and support his employees and customers.
“When I saw the money in my bank for the PPP program, the relief was so good I didn’t know what to do. I told my wife, ‘We should be able to make it.’”
Meet Juan and explore other stories at
ffbfriend.com
