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Normanites in the Spotlight:
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June 2022 • Issue 6 • Volume 21
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Features
JUNE CONTENTS 2022
ISSUE 6– VOLUME 21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher
MANAGING EDITOR
Jazz in June
20 by Rae Lynn Payton
Lindsay Cuomo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Local nonprofit revives live jazz and blues for the community in a familyfriendly atmosphere, free of charge.
Mark Doescher Jay Kim
CONTRIBUTORS
Celebration of Excellence
24 byLindsay Cuomo
District celebrates educators and staff at annual celebration.
Mendi Brandon | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Josh Helmer Shannon Hudzinski | Chelsey Kraft Rae Lynn Payton | Chris Plank
20
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com
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Normanites in the Spotlight:
30 David and Denise Gore
by Chelsey Kraft Former Norman Public Schools employees keep giving back to their community.
Grace On Fire
34 by Chris Plank
The best shortstop in the nation guides the Sooners on and off the field.
34
Champions
40 by Josh Hemler
Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission. Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.
Spotlights 15 Community Calendar What’s Happening
Norman North boys’ golf wins first state title.
Staff
61 As a Collective
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40
Norman North boys’ soccer wins seventh state title.
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48 by Staff
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Cover photo by: Mark Doescher & Jay Kim
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COM M U N I T Y
Jazz in June
Local nonprofit revives live jazz and blues for the community
N
orman’s famed Jazz in June returns for its best year yet, beginning Thursday, June 16 and running through Saturday, June 18. The 3-day festival will feature world-renowned artists and musicians, marking its 39th year serving the Norman community. Attendees can expect to see all live performances in Andrews Park, with access to some of Norman’s best food trucks and breweries in the area. “We think people will enjoy three nights rather than one at Andrews Park, picnicking on the grass under the trees,” shared Norman Hammon, executive director of Jazz in June. “Expect to sit back, relax and have a great evening.” Previously shared between Andrews Park and Brookhaven, this year’s festival will solely reside in Andrew’s Park, often referred to as the “heart of Norman.” A break in tradition was necessary to meet the growing festival’s needs. “We like to think of Jazz in June as a gift of love each year, not only to the city of Norman but to the 40% of our audience that comes from elsewhere,” Harmon said. Another featured treat at this year’s festival will be a pilot program partnership with 405 Brewing. “We will have a special summer brew that reflects the festival’s vibe. It will also be released at local liquor stores and grocery stores this June,” explained Kate Bierman, president of the board for Jazz in June.
20 | June 2022
The special release of this unique brew will be a test run for next year’s 40th celebration. Visitors are encouraged to submit feedback as the festival prepares for next year’s events. Concert-goers can also expect to see a beer garden this year, with a variety of vendors available. “We are so thankful to the city of Norman and the community for being so receptive of the changes made to our long-running festival,” said Bierman. “We are looking forward to working with the city and area breweries and vendors to make future years of the festivals at Andrews Park just as wonderful.” All concerts are professionally recorded with permission, post-produced by Gossett Productions, and shared by KGOU Radio on holidays such as the 4th of July, reaching an estimated 97,000 people. Additionally, it’s offered to National Public Radio at no cost, extending its reach even further. “We took advantage of a collaboration project grant,” Harmon explained. “We wanted to reach people who couldn’t physically come to the event and also to support public radio. It has turned out to be wonderful. Even when in-person numbers went down during the pandemic, radio numbers were strong.” “Jazz in June has a multitude of positive effects not the least of which is the incredible talent and variety of jazz and blues that we bring to Norman,” continued
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON Harmon. “There aren’t many jazz festivals, and we are one of the few that are purely jazz and blues and we are proud of that. Jazz is an American musical art form, created by Americans and it is something we believe everyone should be celebrating.” Jazz in June boosts Norman’s community in a variety of ways, including contributing a $2 to $3 million dollar economic impact, as the 3rd largest festival in Norman. THIS YEAR’S LINEUP INCLUDES:
THURSDAY, JUNE 16 7:30 opener - US Army Jazz Ambassadors, a classic big band that has been performing since 1969. The highly sought after group tours all 50 states, as well as the world, playing everything from standards to contemporary music. 9:15 headliner - singer and guitarist, JW Jones, a Canadian Blues guitarist who has twice won the international blues challenge in Memphis Tennessee, is a top 10 billboard artist, and a Juno Award Nominee, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 7:30 opener - Nth Power, a super positive and funky trio that spreads love through their music. Their singer, Nick Cassarino, has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma and Allison Krauss. Their drummer, Nikki Glaspie, was Beyonce’s world tour drummer and has performed with Jay-Z, Kanye West and more. 9:15 headliner - Marquis Hill and the Blacktet. Marquis is a winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Award and has been featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 7:30 opener - Mark Lettieri, a 4-time Grammy-winning guitarist who’s played with Erykah Badu, Nelly, The Jacksons, Snarky Puppy, David Crosby, as well as many others. 9:15pm festival headliner - Ghost-Note, a powerhouse conglomeration of some of the top musicians in the business. The drummer, Spit Searight, is a 6-time Grammy Winner, former drummer for Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake, and currently on tour with Toto. The bassist is the legendary MonoNeon, who was Prince’s last bass player before he passed away. “We are so proud of the quality that we are bringing to Norman,” shared Eric Walschap, program director of Jazz in June. “The best in the business is coming to Norman with artists that headline the largest jazz festivals in the world, such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Montreal, Newport, and Java Jazz. These tickets would normally cost hundreds of dollars and ours is completely free. “You can walk up and stand just feet away from multiple Grammy winners.” The competition is steep, and bands are booked 18 boydstreet.com
months in advance with a 4-5% acceptance rate, but they are always on the lookout for amazing Oklahoma talent. “It is difficult, but once on stage, you’re in the company of some of the best musicians on the planet,” Walschap said. Next year’s lineup has yet to be released, but the wait will be well worth it. The upcoming 40th year celebration is promising to be spectacular and unlike any previous year’s festival. Jazz in June originated in 1984 and began as a single jazz performance. Thomas Carey, an African American music professor at the University of Oklahoma and founder of the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company, wanted more people to be able to experience jazz in the community. Together, with Rachel Jacquemain, executive director of the Norman Arts and Humanities Council at the time, a joint project was created, forming the foundation of what would become Jazz in June. Some of the donors that help make Jazz in June possible include the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma Arts Council, Norman Arts Council, Schwartz Family Foundation and Kirkpatrick Foundation of Oklahoma City, Arnall Family Foundation, Armstrong Bank, Hudiburg Subaru, Embassy Suites Hotel, RV General Stores and many more. “We are very fortunate to have the support we do, including the Jazz in June campaign that families and small businesses contribute to,” said Harmon. In lieu of paper programs, environmentally friendly access to all information can be obtained through the festival’s new app, located and available for download on their website. The app will have all necessary information in one place, including the scheduled lineup, vendors and maps, with new content expected closer to date. Visit jazzinjune.org to see the amazing lineup of artists, download the app, donate and learn more about their mission.– BSM
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District celebrates educators and staff at annual celebration
E
ach year, Norman Public Schools sets aside a special night to honor the innovative achievements of teachers and staff. Among the many prestigious honors awarded at the annual banquet is the District Teacher of the Year.
each other learn something new, is amazing,” he said.
This year, Dr. Rob Bradshaw received the honor to represent educators in the district both as an advocate within the district and at the state level as a contender for State Teacher of the Year.
“My first year teaching at Longfellow, I took the students to a competition. I love watching that energy,” he said. “They knew they did good and to see the look of joy on their face was so rewarding, even more than any of the accomplishments that I ever experienced as a student.”
Bradshaw is the orchestra teacher at Longfellow Middle School, but he also wears many other hats including as a board member for both the NPS Visiting Artist Program and the NPS Orchestra Advisory Board and is the artistic director of Scissortail Productions, a Norman-based nonprofit arts organization. He started the ScissortailNEXT program which provides local K-12 students with opportunities to perform alongside concert artists.
Bradshaw said his favorite moments are when his students get the chance to show off their skills, especially at competitions and during the All-City concert.
Bradshaw is the child of an educator. His mom taught at Kennedy Elementary. He also gives credit to the district’s strings program that helped him find his passion. “I would not be doing what I do if it weren’t for NPS,” he shared. “Programs like the strings program light a spark for kids, helping them find their passion and what the future might hold for them. That is what public school is all about.”
Bradshaw has been a public school teacher for five years. Previously, he taught at the University of Oklahoma and Mid-America Christian University before joining NPS. He said he intended to continue pursuing a career as a college professor, but a friend encouraged him to give public education a try.
Bradshaw said he is honored to represent Norman educators.
“The amount of kids and different life experiences I see in a day, to get to see their eyes light up when they see
“I stand on the shoulders of giants.”– BSM
24 | June 2022
“I want everyone to know that the teachers in Norman are some of the best, most prepared and innovated educators I have ever met,” he said. “I see the things teachers do every day and it amazes me.
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
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or David and Denise Gore, giving back to their longtime home of Norman is important to them, whether that’s through their extensive education careers, their church or other areas they value. Both are from small communities in Southwest Oklahoma, with David growing up in Tipton and Denise in Cyril. After high school, David attended the University of Oklahoma, while Denise went to Oklahoma State University. The couple met while working at Norman Public Schools, where David started right after graduating college in 1969 and Denise came in 1976 after a couple of years in another community. There were two couples who decided David and Denise should be together, and as Denise said, “they began to push us together, and it finally took and we started dating.” Overall, David spent 38 years working for NPS, while Denise was in the district for 35 years and in education for 37 years overall. David started as a math teacher and coach before working in three different administrative
30 | June 2022
positions, including as the district athletic director for eight years. Denise started as a second-grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary, then later split her time between Cleveland and Jackson Elementary as the gifted and talented teacher. Eventually, she returned to a Cleveland classroom and finished her career teaching fourth then third grade. In addition to their education backgrounds, the Gores also share a love of sports, even though they are often cheering for different teams as a result of attending rival universities. An avid fan, Denise is a season ticket holder for both OSU football and baseball. “We are obviously a divided house, and we don’t have a problem with that,” Denise explained. “We have some friends who cannot believe we can do this. They say to David, ‘I can’t believe you have OSU stuff in your house,’ and he gets that more than I do because obviously we’re in Norman. He supports me going to my games, and I support him going to his.”
BY: CHELSEY KRAF T
NORMANITES IN THE SPOTLIGHT D avi d & Denise Go re
“I kid that both of our kiddos went to Oklahoma State, so now you know who’s in charge at our house,” David said. David has applied that love of sports as an official and clock operator. For about 40 years, David worked as a baseball umpire in the old Big Eight Conference and has been involved with football for 35 years. Although he’s not on the field anymore, David teaches and evaluates young football officials and also works as a clock operator for the Big 12 Conference. In the winter, David can be found inside Lloyd Noble Center at the scorer’s table during both OU men’s and women’s basketball games. “I’ve always had teaching as part of my DNA, not only in the classroom but with the officiating part of it too,” David reflected. The Gores love spending time with their friends and family, which includes two children - Melissa and Darren. Melissa, her husband Kevin and their three children live in Waco, Texas, while Darren is in Houston. Additionally, the Gores are active in McFarlin United Methodist Church, where they are longtime members. David has been an usher for almost the whole time since he came to OU, is a volunteer with the food pantry and has “served on almost every committee that there is at the church.” Denise has also served on a few committees, is a greeter and is active in a Bible study group. She’s also a wedding coordinator, coordinating between the bride and family and the church. Outside of church, the Gores are involved in the community in other ways too. Recently, Denise retired from being an election worker and still volunteers at The Christmas Store of Cleveland County. She enjoys connecting with others through book clubs, the retired teachers luncheon at Cleveland Elementary and the Cleveland/McClain County OSU Alumni Association group, for which she is the secretary. Since 1995, David has been a member of the Norman Kiwanis Club and was the president in 2002. “We thoroughly enjoy Norman,” David shared. “We’ve been heavily involved, and we’ll continue to be as long as we’re able. Our church is important to us, and the community is important to us. We’re both retired, and our definition of retirement is to continue to contribute, continue to work, but doing things that we enjoy doing.”– BSM boydstreet.com
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34 | June 2022
GRA
ON F
G
BY: CHRIS PLANK
race Lyons is the best shortstop in college softball, but the story of
what makes her special is grounded in something well beyond what happens on the dirt.
As the Sooner Softball team begins postseason play, Lyons is currently in the midst of a career year. “I feel super free and it just kind of goes to all the work that I put in the last three years,” Lyons said. “It’s interesting because you think of success when you’re doing something different or focusing hard on one little thing, but I feel completely free… and it’s just a confidence in my mindset. But it’s also just a demeanor that whatever they’re going to give me I’m going to give my best swing.” Grace is one of 10 finalists for the National Player of the Year and has surpassed her career highs in batting average, home runs and runs batted in throughout a single season. “It’s been really cool just to feel that loose freedom at the plate that I really haven’t felt before,” she added. “It’s exciting to see how the whole team continues to use that because our offense is on a climb right now. It’s really exciting to see everyone stepping up and thriving in their role.” Head coach Patty Gasso said that Lyons has helped solidify the Sooner lineup. “Offensively she’s gone to a whole another level, and she’s become one of our big power hitters now, which is [great],” Gasso said. “She’s really plugged herself in there and done a fantastic job.” While the offensive numbers are skyrocketing, the spectacular nature of her defensive ability maintains. Her smooth fielding and effortless nature throughout her career have caught the eye of many. It even caught the eye of Superbowl Champion and star Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes who tweeted during the Big 12 Championship game. “Shortstop for OU Softball is nasty,” Mahomes posted, followed by a few fire emojis. For her defensive prowess, the Sooner was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team all-league selection.
CE
FIRE boydstreet.com
“She’s the best shortstop in softball. I just know that Grace Lyons, right now, has the mindset I wish that every player could have,” Gasso said. “That is, ‘I am confident. I believe in what I’m doing. I am not fearful and have zero anxiety.’ She’s focused on the result, and very much process oriented. She could walk away from a game not feeling too high or too low, and she just has a wonderful neutral balance about what she’s doing.” The faith that Gasso has in Grace is nothing new. During her freshman season in 2019, she joined a team that had won two national championships in the previous three seasons, with a star-studded roster including household names like Sydney Romero, Caleigh Clifton, Shay Knighten, among others. Gasso made sure the true freshman knew that from day one she was her shortstop. “It was a big responsibility to take, and initially yes, it is kind of overwhelming,” said Grace, who out of high school turned down scholarship offers from the likes of softball powers Arizona, Alabama, Florida and UCLA to attend OU. “But how Coach [Gasso] runs our program is once you step foot on campus and you’re creating these relationships, that freshman nature is gone. “I remember hitting a home run against Notre Dame at night, and it was just this really cool feeling that, OK, I’m part of this program and I’m BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 35
contributing, but this sisterhood that we’re a part of is something that I want to keep living and breathing and contributing to.” Her parents, John and Erin, are regulars at OU softball games. John is a former college athlete having played hockey at Air Force and was a decorated pilot in the Air Force. While the balance is a little bit more challenging since her younger brother Max is playing collegiate golf, the couple rarely misses a Sooner Softball series. “We just love watching her compete,” Her father John Lyons said. “The key for Grace is she’s always kept things from getting too high or too low. There is a humility about her that I’m super proud of because she doesn’t really care about the successes or failures, she has learned to take it all in stride, do the best she can and that comes from her focus which is her faith and playing for the Lord and knowing that is the most important.” Grace’s faith is at the forefront of everything she does. Much like the Sooner Softball program, she has a foundation built on faith. Before the 2022 season, she started her own brand (BATL), which stands for “Boast About the Lord.” Her brand website consists of connecting her passion for faith and softball while getting people to support her mission by buying merchandise, attending clinics and praying. Not only does Lyons have the BATL brand but she has also launched, “The Players Conference,” which is a gathering for other college athletes to talk about their faith. 36 | June 2022
“I’m proud of the woman she has become,” John added. “We are proud of what she has done on the field, but we’re prouder of how she has spread her wings and become independent and really become a responsible young woman ready to take on the world.” Grace has taken one of her biggest challenges and turned it into a positive. When she was five years old, it was determined that she would need to have a pacemaker installed. “Erin called and I was briefing for a flight in Germany,” John recalled. “They had found a heartbeat issue after Grace had a random illness. We found out she had a rhythm issue. Life evolved and she needed to have a pacemaker when she was five. You get a reality check when they cart her off for surgery every 5-6 years to replace the batteries. But I know how effective they are and how capable technology is, and she knows the warning signs and takes care of herself.” “I’ve had it my whole life, honestly my entire sports career I’ve been used to it,” Grace said, who has a degree in biomedical engineering. “I never want anything to be an excuse or to get any special treatment. I always want to be under the radar. It’s a cool part of my story I’ve embraced in college. I’m still able to do this with this robot piece inside me. It’s been awesome to watch my passions line up with what I want to do in the future. It’s been really cool to be able to share my story and get
after it and not let that affect me in how I play.” Grace Lyons has a lot of options post-college. She could work anywhere with her biomedical engineering degree. She has a deep-rooted passion for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. And she could also find herself in ministry or playing softball professionally. Looking back, her path toward softball started on the baseball diamond. “I started in baseball. The skill and style are different. It was cool I could bring that to softball,” Grace said of her start playing baseball. “There are different traits that come with it. I was coached by some awesome coaches. It is unique and I love having it as part of my story.” The move to softball did not come without some challenges. The first time she reached base, she was leading off second base and the umpire had to tell her what to do. It was certainly an embarrassing moment, but she learned quickly. “It’s similar but different and softball is fast,” Grace explained. “You’ve got to be smooth and fast, but you can make it look good at the same time. Growing up with super athletic guys helped. I had to work to stay with them.” But the most important thing to Grace Lyons isn’t the player of the year honors or the wins or even the de-
boydstreet.com
grees. If it sounds like a broken record, it shouldn’t because it is the truth. At the core of everything, Grace Lyons is about her faith. “It’s the reason why I play, the reason I live… the reason for all my relationships and my purpose,” she said. “In high school, I realized there was more to learn. It skyrocketed when I realized I could influence people around me. My word has been consistent… words, actions, play. It’s a huge aspect of softball for me. My talents, I can’t do them myself, it all comes from God.” Grace Lyons is a gift. And no, you did not read that wrong. Yes, Lyons is gifted athletically and, on the field, as smooth as any player we will ever see in college softball, but she is a gift that gives back in everything that she does. Grace Lyons is a gift to the University of Oklahoma, to college softball and to young girls and women looking for a role model. “The biggest impact I hope to have is that people can see Jesus shining through me,” she said. “I want to live a consistent life in my faith and also in my sport. While I may not have all the answers, I want to be a resource for teammates to learn about and talk about Jesus whenever they want to. When people see me, I want them to see Jesus.”-BSM
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 37
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HI GH S CH O O L S P ORTS
Champions
Norman North boys’ golf wins first state title
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or the first time in program history, Norman North climbed to the mountaintop to capture the 2022 Class 6A Boys’ State Championship. Four of Norman North’s five golfers shot final rounds in the 70s as the Timberwolves made a back-nine surge to jump in front and then find themselves in a playoff with perennial power Edmond North. The two teams entered the playoff at Jimmie Austin Golf Club knotted up at 923 strokes apiece. First-year Norman North head boys’ golf coach Ryan Rainer had just the right message for his team before the playoff got underway. “He told us, ‘Job’s not done. We’ve still got more work,’” North golfer Leyton Kyle said. “He just got us together and told us this is ours to take.” Rainer knew this group had the chance they’d fought for all season. “I told them I thought it was their time and they had the unique chance to do something none of us that played at North have ever done before,” Rainer said. “This is your time to go earn it.” Then, Kyle and his teammates delivered. Kyle was the first of North’s golfers to birdie the par-5 18th hole in the playoff. Then, the Timberwolves’ Mack Moore and Jake Hopper sent in beautiful approach shots of their own to set up birdie tries, which they both converted. “Leighton’s putt started it off,” Rainer said. “That downhill, semi-slider, burying that center cup and then watching Mack and Jake throw darts was pretty cool.” “There was a lot of nerves watching all the people putt. Edmond North makes one more putt and it’s a little bit different ball game,” Rainer added. “Jake making his and Mack making it right on top of that, we knew at
40 | June 2022
that point we had it. Then once the green cleared and we had our moment to huddle up… it became very real at that point.” After carding a final-round 82, Moore was ecstatic to be able to help deliver a championship celebration with his birdie in the playoff. “I was excited because I like competition,” Moore said. “I didn’t play that great throughout the tournament, so it felt good to help my team.” The mentality of embracing the playoff and having a belief from the beginning of the season helped the Timberwolves accomplish something the program hadn’t before. “I thought it was definitely doable from straight out the gun,” Josh Stuart said. “We worked hard. A lot of other teams had strong players, but I feel like we had the most consistency. The coaching staff really helped with that. We did a lot of pressure drills, tons of pressure drills. I think those pressure drills really helped in that situation.” The Timberwolves made sure not to watch any scoreboard along the way. “We didn’t look at the scoreboard a single time the entire tournament. We knew it wasn’t going to change how we played,” Kyle said. “We just played our game.” Still, while North didn’t actively check its status on the scoreboard, the buzz along the course during the back nine holes was palpable. “As we were coming down the stretch on the last nine holes, you could tell,” Stuart said. “People finished early because we were like the last group. There were two groups behind me, and people were passing me to go watch the leading two groups, so I knew it was kind of getting close.”
BY: JOSH HELMER Admittedly, North never saw itself as the favorites, even with the tournament at Jimmie Austin, one of its home courses. “I don’t think we ever really saw ourselves as favorites,” Kyle said. “Until Edmond North loses, they’re always the favorites. We just knew that we had a job to do and that’s all we were focused on: hitting one shot at a time.” “Even though we had a bunch of success this year, winning six of eight tournaments before state… until someone does beat Edmond North, they’re going to be the perennial favorite,” Rainer added. “You’ve got to go out and take it from them.” That’s precisely what the Timberwolves did. They went out and took it from Edmond North in a playoff. With the win, North earned its seventh of the season. It was the Timberwolves’ approach after those previous six wins that helped North notch a seventh and the program’s first state title. “Our mantra this whole year is, when we’ve won, we’d get back in the van and say, ‘Alright, we’re going to celebrate this, but tomorrow morning we’re zero-for-zero,’” Rainer said. “We’ve got more work to do. This win is great, we’ve achieved something, but it doesn’t matter starting tomorrow morning. They all bought in.” “We were very confident,” Kyle said. “It just felt like it was going to set up from the beginning of the year because we had some continuity from last year to this year and it was going to get played at our home course. Throughout the year, it just kind of felt like it was meant to be.” – BSM
HI GH S CH O O L S P ORTS
Soccer Champs
Norman North boys’ soccer wins seventh state title
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ith the second half dwindling down, Norman North senior Gabe Angle had complete trust that Miguel Madrigal would deliver the pass he was looking for into the box. “Oh, I had full trust in Miguel. I know what he’s capable of,” Angle said. “I saw Miguel dribbling up on the right side and I know that he can play very well-placed through balls. I knew he was looking for it, so I ran into the box. When I saw him cross it, I jumped, and I headed it. I figured with two minutes left I might as well go for it and see how it works out.” That ended up being the game’s lone goal with 2:16 remaining to propel Norman North to a 1-0 win over Mustang in the Class 6A Boys’ Soccer State Championship. The championship is the Timberwolves’ seventh title all-time. “Man, it feels great. Those boys worked so hard,” Norman North head boys soccer coach Khalil Benalioulhaj said. “It’s always nice ending the season on a win. “It’s not the most talented team that wins state championships. It’s not the most hardworking team that wins the state championship every year. Ultimately, it’s the teams that are most aligned, most unified on the field, that are committed to the same common goal. We had that group this year.” Angle’s game-winning goal was like the game-winning goal he scored with 27:07 remaining versus this
44 | June 2022
same Broncos team on April 22 in a district championship-clinching win. The only difference was the goalie’s decision in both instances. “He scored the same goal on the backside with a header where the goalie probably made a poor decision,” Benalioulhaj said. “The difference this time was the last time when we scored, the goalie decided to come out, but then at the last minute decided not to and got caught in no-man’s land. This time, I think he had a little déjà vu and was like, ‘Okay, I’m just going to stay in the goal.’ But it was probably one he should’ve gotten out and grabbed. “(Gabe) went between two defenders and there was a third one in there as well and he was the only guy for us in there. I was actually advocating for Miguel not to hit it into the box but talked a little bit too late to him. He went ahead and hit it in, and Gabe made a huge play.” After Angle delivered once more, the celebration in the moment was only topped by the celebration a short pair of minutes later once the crown had been cinched. “We were all excited. It was a great way to end our senior year,” Angle said about what he’ll remember about this title-clincher. After three straight losses to begin the season, some might have questioned what this team’s ceiling would wind up being. The Timberwolves proved their championship mettle, finishing 13-6 overall and winning each of their final 10 contests.
BY: JOSH HELMER “The amount of work we put in as a team, we worked so hard during preseason and throughout the season,” Angle said. “We got off to a rough start, but once we got together and picked it back up, we were playing well. We really grew close as a team. We became brothers this season.” Norman North won with some impressive defense and goalkeeping along the way. The Timberwolves didn’t allow a single goal throughout their postseason run or in any of their final six games. “Carson Newmark, Miguel Madrigal, Nick Dionisio on the back line did fantastic but across the board defensively, it was a team effort,” Benalioulhaj said. “Our pressure really helped us this year, really proud of the boys for not giving up any goals.” Over the course of its postseason run, North toppled Edmond Memorial, 3-0, Norman High, 2-0, Jenks in overtime, 1-0, and Mustang in the final, 1-0. In the process, these T-Wolves ensured their status among the program’s past title-winning groups. “They’re going to be special to a lot of (future players),” Benalioulhaj said. “They’re going to be a part of the legacy at Norman North going forward. They’ll be able to claim that they’re a part of this program, not just that they went to Norman North, but they have one of the seven championships for Norman North.” – BSM
Get ready for some
Summer Fun
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Women’s Leadership Lunch Friday, June 3 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jennie Baranczyk, OU Women’s Basketball Coach
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CMY
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NormanNEXT Summerfest Saturday, June 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Family Fun at Calypso Cove Marina Thursday After Hours June 9, 5-7 p.m. Landers Chevrolet Business After Hours Tuesday, June 21, 5-7 p.m. BancFirst Business Before Hours Wednesday, June 29 8-9:15 a.m. DM Wealth Management Please register for all events at www.normanchamber.com/ chambercalendar
COM M U N I T Y
CUPS OF JOE
The perfect cup of coffee is always in season. Whether you prefer cold brew, a hot latte or a handcrafted espresso beverage, a visit to a local coffee shop can make your day. Next time you’re ready for a nice cup of coffee or tea, try one of these cafes around the corner.
48 | June 2022
Beanstalk Coffee & Sno The Shops at Cascade • 3408 36th NW Ave Monday- Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.• beanstalkcoffeeandsno.com
Enjoy artisanal espresso, with signature drinks like a honey lavender latte, a silverfox latte with homemade vanilla, a steamboat featuring Dutch chocolate and white chocolate or a golden goose latte featuring hazelnut, vanilla, brown sugar and half and half. A special drink menu changes with the seasons, too.
roll round out a list of more than 100 syrups. Beanstalk Sno Favorites include a combination of flavors, including coffee-based blends like Cappuccino and Cream. Other fun flavors, like Beanstalk Rainbow with banana, blueberry and cherry, and Salty Frog, made of fresh squeezed limes and salt, add whimsy for all ages.
This summer’s standout treat is a full menu of snow cones. Exotic flavors like banana daiquiri, chirimoya, dill pickle, guava, orchid cream vanilla and rock and
Food choices include breakfast and lunch charcuterie boxes and fresh-baked items from Buttercream Bakery, La Baguette and Sconed are also available.
Not Your Average Joe
1001 Elm Ave • Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2p.m. nyaj.coffee/norman-menu The coffee shop every Normanite should know about, Not Your Average Joe is actually a 501 (c) (3) that makes job opportunities possible for people of all abilities. Its mission “to inspire our community by including a dults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the creation of exceptional coffee in an encouraging atmosphere” speaks to the nonprofit’s purpose. Espresso beverages like Dragon’s Breath Mocha, a dark chocolate and chile-infused drink with orange and cayenne, and The Drink that Must Not be Named, with butter rum and a dash of magic, could be your next favorite. Horchata lattes and turtle lattes set themselves apart from the menu full of cortados, cubanos and cappuccinos. Sherpa chais and tea lattes offer an array of flavors. Smoothies, fruit-flavored refreshers, frozen lemonades, frappes and Red Bull cream sodas are excellent options to chill out with during blistering summer days. boydstreet.com
Burritos, scones, quiche and muffins are on the breakfast menu, with vegan choices. Lunch includes soup, salad and sandwiches, including a new take on Elvis’s own favorite: peanut butter, bacon, banana, made in Oklahoma honey and jam served on blueberry bread. The Dr. Pepper ice cream is a must-try! The cafe has four other locations: Midtown, at Homeland on May, at Homeland on Lincoln and in Broken Arrow. Its inclusive focus is intended to help change outcomes, as more than 80% of adults with developmental challenges are unemployed or underemployed after high school. Currently, the cafe employs 42 adults with special needs and an average of seven to 12 people with intellectual disabilities apply each time a new location opens. All donations are tax-deductible. Support youth in our community with coffee and treats that uplift in more ways than one. BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49
StellaNova
1415 W Main St • Monday- Thursday, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. stellanova.com StellaNova’s four locations, with one cafe in Norman and three in Oklahoma City, are recognized for their variety of espresso beverages. Flavored syrups like English toffee, Nutella and rose can be added to lattes and cappuccinos. Cold foam and a variety of milks, like almond, coconut, oat and soy, make beverages more customizable. Nitro cold brew and iced coffee are sure to please this summer and beyond. Brewed coffee and tea lattes are also on the menu, along with tea frappes, lemonade and other non-coffee choices. Bakery items like spinach pastries, cronuts and lemon loaf are perfect for on-the-go dining but lunch salads, sandwiches and wraps are also available.
Press & Plow
2596 W Tecumseh Rd #114 • Monday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. pressandplow.com Press & Plow describes itself as “a purveyor of fine wine, spirits, coffee and provisions.” Its illustrative beverage menu shows the ratio of milk to espresso, coffee, flavorings and garnishes. A picture-perfect affogato, with steamed milk, espresso and ice cream, just might be the pick of the summer. Other seasonal drinks are sure to be announced. The establishment’s name is also a nod to its alcohol offerings. Sparkling, red and white wines are available, along with an impressive selection of signature cocktails. The Hemingway, for example, features silver tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime and agave. The Watermelon Tango sounds perfect for hot afternoons, made 50 | June 2022
with watermelon cubes, sliced jalapeno and sparkling wine. The best of both worlds comes together with Irish coffee. Brunch seems like the perfect place to share both beloved beverages, along with favorites like pancakes and waffles. Fancier options like avocado toast, croque madame and the Press & Plow Breakfast plate with a choice of eggs, meat and potato or toast options might be your new go-to for a weekend or even a weekday morning out given the venue’s unique schedule. Tacos, salads and sandwich choices also make for ideal lunch options.
Dutch Bros Coffee 1230 W Main St • Sunday-Thursday, 5 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5 a.m.-11 p.m. dutchbros.com
New to Norman since January 2022, the franchise famous for its fun atmosphere has set up shop with its distinctive blue exterior and outdoor picnic tables. Originally founded in Oregon in 1992, Dutch Bros has steadily gained popularity as its “broristas” emphasize its casual ambience. With more than 500 locations in 13 states, Dutch Bros retains its personable qualities with menu items like muffin tops, blended Dutch freezes and the Rebel Energy Drink, with flavors such as Shark Attack, Electric Berry and Aftershock for a different caffeine punch. So-
das and smoothies make up part of its vast menu. The variety of cold beverages available throughout the year will make its drive-thru a popular spot this summer. Dutch Bros drinks like the Cocomo, a coconut mocha, Double Torture, an extra double shot of vanilla mocha, and the 9-1-1, a six-shot Irish creme breve, are known by devotees throughout the country. The franchise is locally operated, with designated Give Back Days in support of local non-profits, including Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
La Baguette Norman
2100 W Main St • Monday- Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch served weekdays until 11 a.m. and on weekends until 2 p.m. • www.labaguette.com Known for its European baked goods, La Baguette also serves a robust menu of espresso beverages and teas. Lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos are included but drinks like Caramello and Almond Joy make for memorable additions. Iced teas, Italian sodas and apple cider are excellent non-coffee options. Brunch features eggs benedict, creme brulee french toast, pancakes, sandwiches and more. Lunch and dinner entrees like chicken crepes, pasta and quiche are tasty options. Stop in for a coffee and pastry or out-of-the-ordinary meal.
boydstreet.com
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 51
Safety Starts with Training
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GRILLIN’ & CH I L L I N’
FOOD • FUN • SUN Signature Pool & Patio • JR’s BBQ • Nelson Landscaping • Mosquito Joe • International Pantry • Marcums Nursery • Christmas Expressions
Signature Pool & Patio
2431 W Main St, Norman• signaturepp.com• 405.795.6444 Did you know you can get pool toys, pool floats, mosquito misters, Swig drinkware, wireless speakers and more at Signature Pool and Patio? Signature is Norman’s premier pool service, water testing experts, patio, spa & pool accessory destination. Entertainment goes hand in hand with your backyard oasis. Enhance your retreat with Adirondack chairs and a Dimension One Spa from Signature. Then, let Signature help you finish it off with a Primo Grill or the ultimate outdoor kitchen Bull Grill. Find all the fun accessories for your best outdoor life! boydstreet.com
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 55
J.R.’s BBQ Supply Company 401 S. Broadway Ave, Suite C, Moore • jrsbbqsupplyco.com • 405.237.3099 JR’s offers the best in BBQ supplies including the popular Green Mountain Grill Smokers and the Pit Boss Griddles, plus a full line of products from the Green Mountain Grill Family. Green Mountain grills are the best of the best but are not the highest in price.
JR’s has all the accessories you need including pellets, rubs and sauces, everything a BBQ expert needs.
Pit Boss Griddles are fitted with an all-new proprietary non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface, delivering an unrivaled user-friendly cooking experience that is ready to use straight out of the box. They are a dream to clean, and the exclusive surface protects the griddle from scratches and rust, keeping your unit looking better for longer.
Nelson Landscaping NelsonLandscapingOK.com • 405.202.4120 Nelson Landscaping started small in 1995 but has grown over the years into one of the largest landscaping design and build companies in the Greater Oklahoma City metro area. Their team includes a full staff of landscape, irrigation, outdoor living and pool professionals as well as project managers, landscape designers and office staff who all work to provide the best possible customer experience. They believe growth and success come from how they treat their clients.
Mosquito Joe 7801 N. Robinson Ave, Suite D4, Oklahoma City • okcmetro.mosquitojoe.com • 405.445.4024
If you live in the OKC Metro area, then you know that the mosquitoes, ticks and fleas here are no joke! Mosquito Joe provides solutions for residential and commercial properties. Their technicians visit your property to deliver convenient and effective barrier treatments to rid your outdoor areas of pests, keeping you and your family itch-free for weeks! You can enjoy the outdoors once again. There are no contracts, and they guarantee their treatments.
56 | June 2022
International Pantry 1618 W Lindsey St, Norman • 405.360.0765 • Intlpantry.com Growing up in East Texas, John Henry, known nationally and internationally for his culinary expertise, has wonderful memories of summer picnics, county fairs & great barbeque. East Texas flavor is what he had in mind when he created his award-winning barbeque sauces, spices & rubs. John Henry personally handled the presidential inaugural dinner for President George H.W. Bush and accompanied the president to Beijing, China to prepare his barbecue. Try the international pantry’s HUGE selection of John Henry rubs! You will not be disappointed!
Marcums Nursery Three metro locations - 169 N Main Ave, Goldsby, 405.288.2368; 2121 SW 119th, Oklahoma City, 405.691.9100; 17550 S Sooner Rd, Norman, 405.447.3100 • marcumsnursery.com Marcum’s Nursery started as a modest tomato growing operation in a backyard greenhouse and has grown to become one of Oklahoma’s premier independent garden centers, tree farms and landscape service companies. Founded in 1975 by Cherie and Bill Marcum, it has always been a priority to deliver quality merchandise and service at a reasonable price. This mission, along with Bill and Cherie Marcum’s work ethic and customer focus, is the force that continues to drive Marcum’s Nursery today. Marcum’s has all you need to beautify your backyard!
Christmas Expressions 2214 W Lindsey St, Norman • Facebook.com/christmasexpressionsgift • 405.360.5211
Christmas Expressions is your summer outdoor entertaining headquarters. From seasonal cups, plates, napkins and serving dishes to placemats, table decor and tailgating supplies, they have it all as well as unique gifts and personalization. They are the experts for Greek sorority gifts with gift wrapping and delivery included. Visit them for your next summer event!
boydstreet.com
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57
Our team at Ortho Central helps you turn setbacks into comebacks. The Ortho Central team includes five orthopedic surgeons, two sports medicine physicians, bone health experts, and physical therapists. Our physicians are James Bond, MD; Ted Boehm, MD; Brian Clowers, MD; Richard Kirkpatrick, MD, Zakary Knutson, MD, Dr. Jeremiah Maupin MD and Dr. Aaron Smathers, MD.
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H EA LT H
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
As a C ol l ective
Health system focuses on retention, patient care through diversity and inclusion efforts
I
t is easy to hire but it is hard to keep,” shared Adrian Francisco, co-chair of the Inclusion and Diversity Council with Norman Regional Health System.
This is a critical point for an industry that ranks among the fastest growing. The healthcare industry is projected to add more new jobs in the next 10 years than any other occupational group, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Francisco and a team of medical professionals formed the Inclusion and Diversity Council within the health system in 2020 with the belief that diversity and inclusion would result in better patient care through representation as well as diverse attitudes, practices and knowledge. “There is a noble purpose in being a regional health system,” he shared. “In 2020, we had all kinds of staffing challenges, but we knew it was important to make sure we are sustainable. “As we work as a collective, we know that diversity is about the people. Inclusion is our active effort to bring together everyone to provide the best care for our patients. Every year, we sign our handbook to refresh our commitment to how we treat each other and our patients. boydstreet.com
CLINICAL AND NON-CLINICAL HIRING EVENTS: • Tuesday, June 7 at Norman Regional Hospital Education Center, 4-6 p.m. • Thursday, June 23, virtually, find a link at normanregional. com/careers, 4-6 p.m. • Tuesday, July 5 at Norman Regional Moore Conference Center, 4-6 p.m. • Tuesday, August 2 at Norman Regional Moore Conference Center, 4-6 p.m.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 61
We want to make sure we are all valuing the person in front of us.” The council is comprised of representatives from many of the health system’s departments and they encourage staff to shine a light on areas that could be improved and offer solutions. Since its inception, the council has worked to cultivate community partnerships and mentoring programs and created initiatives to ensure staff feels seen and supported as well as seek to improve hiring practices for underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, veterans and members of the LBBTQ+ community, Francisco said. “It has been great to see our efforts grow in such a short time,” he said. “We are listening to staff and employing their ideas.” Francisco recognizes that, for some, diversity and inclusion are controversial issues. “The council started at a time when there was a lot of social unrest, but it grew into a group that wanted to be engrained throughout the system,” he explained. “The second we start talking about diversity and inclusion, people make it political, but we need to make it about the people.” The council has helped start various programs including recognizing cultural holidays and celebrations and has even incorporated the initiative in the hospital cafeteria serving recipes from staff members. Everything from patient intake paperwork to hiring practices has
62 | June 2022
Adrian Francisco, co-chair of the Inclusion and Diversity Council
been impacted, Francisco said.
Looking into the future, the council would like to create employee resource groups, hire a dedicated professional to lead the effort, develop additional trainings and increase connections in the community. The health system is hosting several hiring events throughout the summer as well as virtual hiring events. For more information, visit normanregional.com/careers. – BSM
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S ERV I C E S P OT L I G H T
BY: MENDI BRANDON
Service Spotlight: Major Mark Teachman
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ajor Mark Teachman, of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), began his law enforcement career in 1988 with the University of Oklahoma Police Department (OUPD). As a child, Teachman had dreams of being a pilot as well as being involved in law enforcement. Over the years, he was able to live out both of those dreams. Graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree emphasizing law enforcement administration, Teachman also completed primary flight training at the University of Oklahoma Flight School. “I was a broke college student graduating college and looking for a career,” Teachman said. “I knew flying airplanes was something I could not afford to keep doing, so a friend of mine talked me into applying at OUPD in Norman.” At OUPD, Teachman spent time learning basic police skills, giving him a foundation for writing organized detailed reports, which is an essential skill for all law enforcement professionals. “When you had a captain reviewing your reports who would red line sentence structure, grammatical errors as well as spelling errors you learned real quick how to write good reports,” Teachman said. Teachman now realizes how much this captain prepared him for his next chapter. After two years at OUPD, Teachman would go on to work at the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) in 1990. Teachman says growing up in a small town did not prepare him for what the real world had to show him working in Oklahoma City. His first eight years with OCPD were spent as a patrol officer serving in the Will Rogers Division and later the Santa Fe Division. In April 1995, as a member of the Emergency Response Team, Teachman was called to assist at the scene of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. “Working at the sight of the bombing was something that will stay with me forever,” he shared. “It has made an impact on the lives of not just myself, but of my co-workers, fire personnel, EMS personnel and those in the community who responded to support us.” In July 1999, his dream of becoming a pilot came true. Teachman learned he was chosen as a member of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Air Sup-
port Unit. Obtaining his commercial helicopter rating, Teachman would serve as OCPD helicopter pilot for 14 years. During this time, Teachman assisted in missing person searches for children and adults, as well as pursuits for OCPD and other agencies around the state. After nearly 31 years of service with OCPD, Teachman retired in May 2021. “After I retired, Sheriff Chris Amason approached me about working for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office,” Teachman said. “He spoke to me about his vision for bringing the Sheriff’s department into a new innovative era, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Teachman says he is excited about the future of the CCSO and the vision Sheriff Amason has for this office. Serving as major over the Operations/Administration Division, Teachman oversees a wide range of operations within the agency including investigations, dispatch, records, school resource, civil and property custody. He says he enjoys this role because every day he comes to work there are different challenges than the day before, no two days are ever the same. Outside of law enforcement, Teachman is a husband, father and grandfather. “I am married with three kids, one bonus daughter and one grandson,” he shared. “My wife, Kim, is also in law enforcement as an investigations supervisor with OCPD. We love traveling, spending quality time with our kids, and hanging out with our friends at the lake.” This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.
66 | June 2022
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BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI | PRESIDENT/CEO OU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Saving on Your Summer Vacation
T
he ocean is calling – and so is the open road. Your dream vacation awaits! But first, you need to work out the financial details. How are you going to pay for your getaway? How much can you realistically spend? Where is the money for your vacation going to come from? Ideally, a plump vacation fund that’s fed throughout the year is the way to go. Unfortunately, though, we often don’t think about how to pay for vacation until it’s a few weeks away. To make things even worse, according to LearnVest, an alarming 74% of Americans go into debt to pay for a vacation. Don’t become part of that statistic! Be proactive in planning your vacation by saving up for it in advance. Forgo some luxuries in the months or weeks leading up to your vacation and save the extra cash for your getaway. Consider running a yard sale featuring your forgotten treasures and use the profits to fund your trip. Skip your weekly dinner out for a while and put the money in your vacation budget. Now it’s time to plan your vacation! When you’ve got the money saved up, create a realistic vacation budget. These six vacation saving tips will help you plan the perfect getaway while staying within your budget.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING Be a savvy shopper. There is an ideal window for buying everything and booking airline flights is no exception. Flight prices generally fluctuate until departure day, but experts say the sweet spot is 54 days before your travel date. If you don’t want to be busy checking prices all day, sign up for emails from a savings alert site. Let them know which dates and locations you’re interested in, and they’ll let you know when a flight goes on sale so you can book your discounted tickets before they’re sold out.
CLEAR YOUR CACHE Hotel and airline sites use cookies to determine what you’re shopping for. They’ll see which days you’re searching and raise their prices accordingly. Beat the system by clearing your cache before every new search so they can’t read into your browser history. You might see as much as a 50% drop in prices when searching with an empty cache!
SWEET-TALK YOUR WAY TO SAVINGS 72 | June 2022
Just because your hotel room is pre-booked, it doesn’t mean you can’t save. Don’t be shy about asking for an upgrade at check-in. About 78% of hotel guests who request an upgrade at the front desk actually receive one. Some face-to-face schmoozing can go a long way! Also, by 6 p.m., most hotels know which rooms will be filled for the night. If you check in later in the day, you’ll have a better chance at getting the keys to the room with the incredible view – even with your economy-class price tag.
NEVER PAY FULL PRICE You can score a deluxe vacation without the deluxe price tag – all it takes is a little research. Check sites like coupondivas.com, entertainment.com and Groupon.com for amazing deals and deep discounts for local eateries and entertainment centers. You can also find cheaper tickets to nearby amusement parks by looking for sellers on Craigslist. Also, if you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to look up restaurants with “Kids Eat Free” promotions.
FREEBIE FUN Challenge yourself to enjoy one day of your vacation without spending any money at all. Search local sites and blogs for write-ups about fantastic free things to do nearby. You might find a charming family farm, a gorgeous waterway, a fun splash pad for the kids or a scenic hiking trail. Or just spend the day at the closest beach! Don’t eat out on this day either. Many hotels include a continental breakfast – take full advantage. For lunch, you can picnic on sandwiches. Dinner can be something effortless and delicious that you brought from home or pick up at a local supermarket. Consider packing a travel grill or panini maker for easy meals. You can heat up some hot dogs or burger patties, or bring some baguettes and an assortment of sliced cheeses for fresh paninis. Round off the meal with some pre-sliced veggies. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have without spending a penny!
SAVE YOUR MEGA EVENT FOR THE LAST DAY The taste of dessert is what lingers after the meal is through. End your vacation on a sweet note by saving your most exciting event for your last day away.
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L I FEST Y L E
BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS
Refresh Summer with Sauvignon Blanc
S
ummer is here and it’s time for white wine. Whether you are ready to expand your wine knowledge beyond Chardonnay or you want to take a hiatus from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc is a good place to start. The name Sauvignon evolved from the French word sauvage (wild) and blanc for white. The grape probably originated in the Bordeaux region and migrated north to the Loire Valley where it was extensively cultivated. Cuttings came to America in the 1880s, and became popular when Robert Mondavi marketed it as Fumé Blanc. As the grape was cultivated in various regions of the world, it took on slightly different characteristics. Cold climate grapes tend to be zesty with high acidity (think green pepper and green grass with tropical fruit notes). While warm climate grapes tend to produce notes of grapefruit and peach. In the Loire Valley, wine produced in the area of Sancerre became very popular in early 20th century Paris bistros and is still a popular, affordable option in France. Unfortunately, it tends to be pricey in the U.S.
76 | June 2022
Puilly-Fumé and Cheverny are also made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is generally blended with Chardonnay and Semillion for a white Bordeaux blend. Although Sauvignon Blanc is not generally oak aged, some white Bordeaux blends are. However, Sauvignon Blanc should generally be drunk young. Sauternes is a French sweet dessert wine made from Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine to drink with lighter fare, such as roasted vegetables, white fish, pasta salad or sushi and is a great wine to serve on the patio to compliment lighter meals. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is now available in cans, making it a convenient choice for the poolside. Enjoy, Kathy
T HE DI N E G U I DE
the DINE guide
80 | June 2022
Legends Restaurant & Catering
The Meating Place
Legends has served the Norman community and
Located on Main St, just East of the railroad tracks,
the University of Oklahoma for over 50 years.
The Meating Place’s permanent location serves
Legends is a stunning, intimate, casually up-scale
delicious high-quality barbecue, local beer, craft
family-owned restaurant that is perfect for business
cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Join them for trivia
meetings, gatherings, romantic dinners or casual
night or stop by their food truck when you see it out
meals. Private dining rooms and catering available.
and about around town.
1313 W Lindsey St. • 405.329.8888
121 E Main St. • 405.857.7431
The Turn Grill @ Westwood Golf Course
405 Burger Bar
Located at the Westwood Golf Course on the SE
Do you like big buns and real meat on your burgers?
corner of NW 24th and Robinson, The Turn Grill
Then 405 Burger Bar is the place for you and your
offers a good meal at an affordable price to keep
family. Featuring an extensive burger menu, full bar
your energy up for your next round. Check out their
and multiple TVs to catch the game, all just a short
Launch & Lunch special including $2 range tokens
walk from OU’s stadium, 405 Burger Bar is perfect
and Happy Hours every weekday.
for both pre and post-game celebrations.
2400 Westport Dr • 405.360.7600
1429 George Ave • 405.500.6750
Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian
Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails
Gaberino’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant
Scratch’s menu is crafted entirely from scratch
located on Ed Noble Parkway. They feature
and features smokehouse bacon, pan-seared fish,
homestyle recipes made from scratch, with gluten-
farm-fresh veggies and slow-roasted meats. They
free, vegetarian, vegan and low-carb options.
have a plethora of custom cocktails that will leave
Gaberino’s provides in-house dining, patio dining,
you wanting more. Come taste the difference a true
delivery, online and takeout services.
fresh, from Scratch experience can make.
400 Ed Noble Parkway • 405.310.2229
132 W Main St • 405.801.2900
Spare Time Sports Grill
The Mont
Spare Time Sports Grill is inside Sooner Bowl and
You won’t find a better spot for lunch, dinner,
features delicious food beyond what you’d expect at
or drinks than The Mont’s famous patio. Enjoy
a bowling alley. Great burgers, salads, sandwiches
enticing entrees, burgers, Mexican delicacies and a
and appetizers enhance the bowling experience or
world-famous swirl. Is it your birthday? The Mont
provide a great lunch or dinner spot. Carry out or
is the perfect place for your big birthday blowout
dine-in available.
party with all of your friends.
550 24th Ave NW • 405.360.3634
1300 Classen Blvd • 405.329.3330
Service Station
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
The Service Station has been Norman’s favorite
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar specializes in preparing
neighborhood restaurant for 43 years. Stop by and
simple foods - such as the quintessential hamburger
try one of their famous burgers, sandwiches, salads,
- with a culinary passion to satisfy restaurant-goers’
steaks or seafood and grab a drink from their full
cravings like never before. The bar features an
bar. Enjoy a nice meal on the patio, inside the
ever-rotating selection of regional draft beers and
historic dining room or grab your food to go.
cocktails that are well beyond ordinary.
502 S Webster Ave • 405.364.2139
2050 24th Ave NW Ste 101 • 405.561.1067
Interurban
Penny Hill Deli Bar & Char
Interurban is a casual and fun concept featuring a
100% fresh meat. Handcrafted sandwiches. All-
wide variety of menu items catering to families, busy
natural ingredients. That’s what customers will
business professionals and baby boomers of all ages.
find when visiting Penny Hill Deli. Voted Norman’s
Their commitment to customers back in 1976 is the
favorite Deli for 14 years, the menu extends far
same today: good, fresh, quality food; reasonable
beyond normal deli offerings, with a full bar and
prices and friendly and attentive service.
multiple grilled entrees to entice all patrons.
1150 Ed Noble Dr. • 405.307.9200
1150 W Lindsey St. • 405.366.8767
Mr. Sushi
Thai Thai Asian Bistro
Mr. Sushi believes in quality and consistency, using
Thai Thai is a family-run restaurant serving
only the freshest ingredients to prepare and present
delicious, authentic Thai food in Norman for over
every dish with care. From Yellowtail Sashimi
a decade. Everything on their menu is made fresh
to their creative Captain Crunch Roll, there is
daily. Join them for dine in at their location on 24th
something on the menu for everyone. Dine-in, take-
Avenue NE near Tecumseh or take home a meal for
out and delivery options are available.
you or the entire family.
1204 N Interstate Dr. Ste 130. • 405.310.6669
3522 24th Ave NW Ste 100 • 405.310.2026
Want to be included in our monthly Dine guide?
Call 405.321.1400 or contact us at sportstalk1400am@gmail.com for more information on how you can be included every month!
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