Boyd Street July 2019 by SportsTalkMedia

Helping Kids

CAB Coaches Luncheon

Summer Fun

Norman’s Favorite Patios

New Softball Stadium

Jewel on Jenkins

July 2019 • Issue 7 • Volume 18

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Features

JULY CONTENTS 2019

ISSUE 7– VOLUME 18 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

14 by Kaylee Campbell

OU Coaches Luncheon

Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR

OU Coach Riley and assistants talk football, help kids.

Lindsay Cuomo

SENIOR EDITOR

17 by Sharla Bardin

Connecting Generations

Chip Minty

PHOTOGRAPHY

School program pairs pre-k students with senior citizens.

32 by Lindsay Cuomo

Resident Tourist

Mayor Breea Clark inspires initiative encouraging residents to tour our town.

The director of student-athlete experience at OU shares her love for helping young people reach their full potential.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Tennis Anyone?

Norman’s new indoor tennis courts ready for action.

52 by Chris Plank

by Chelsey Kraft

48 by Austin Chandler

CONTRIBUTORS

Tracie Gray - tracie@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com Jess Haralson - jess@sportstalk1400.com PUBLISHER Randy Laffoon

Normanite in the Spotlight: Teresa Turner

Mark Doescher

Jewel on Jenkins

Sooner softball success driving push for new stadium.

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

56 by Chris Plank

The Odd Couple

SportsTalk’s Rowland, Perry celebrate 15 years of fun, friendship.

10 Lieutenant Stacey Clement

62 by Jeff Provine

Building a Legacy

Rich Oklahoma history sealed in downtown landmark.

Plato’s Closet Norman

Shoppers find style at Norman resale shop.

78 by Roxanne Avery

Community Vision

36 by Lindsay Cuomo

Boyd Street Teacher Features

Love Nest

New wedding venue opens at Terra Verde in east Norman.

/boydstreetmagazine

by Paige Uhr

Service Spotlight:

by Joy Hampton

67 by Shannon Hudzinski

Browns Shoe Fit sponsors third annual photo contest.

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Service Spotlight:

Where Your Shoes Take You

28 Capt. Ronny Davenport

84 by Paige Uhr

Visit Norman

44 Judge Steven Stice

First Liberty Bank opens new location in Norman.

80 by Chelsey Kraft

by Bill Moakley

12 by Stefanie Brickman

74 by Lindsay Cuomo

Service Spotlight:

@boydstreet

Saving on Your Summer Vacation

71 by Kathy Hallren

Wine Regions & Labels

73 by Lindsay Cuomo

A Mission of Relief

Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

COMM U N I T Y

Service Spotlight:

Lieutenant Stacey Clement

orman Police Lieutenant Stacey Clement has always known she wanted to be a police officer. Even before she could spell, Clement took pencil to paper to express her desire to work in law enforcement. “I had a wallet where I drew a badge and misspelled detective,” Clement said. “It said ‘dective.’ I was young enough to not know how to spell, so it’s been a long time.” A graduate of Choctaw High School and Oklahoma Christian University, Clement’s path was not a direct route to becoming a police officer. Fresh out of college, she spent a number of years working in the banking industry, assisting homeowners whose loans were in distress and bankruptcy. She also worked assisting the homeless and mentally ill population in Central Oklahoma with a nonprofit organization. Clement joined the NPD in 2002, with her first assignment as an overnight patrol officer. “I will say that’s been the most fun part of my career,” Clement said. “It was al-

ways exciting. There were always fights going on. Chasing people and people always running. It was what we would consider the real crime. There was always some sort of chaos going on.” Chaos would eventually give way to the need for order that comes with being a detective. She also served as a recruitment and training officer, and patrol supervisor. Her current role as an investigations supervisor began three years ago. Clement says two important personality traits jump out as crucial to being successful as a detective. “The ability to listen and to pay attention to detail,” she said. “Sometimes being quiet will give you more information than having a lot to say; being a really good listener, allowing people to be uncomfortable enough that they want to talk to you. “And making that place in the interview room safe enough for someone to tell you what is sometimes the worst thing they’ve ever done is crucial,” Clement added. “It’s difficult for people to give up information when they

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

feel it’s not going to work out that well for them. If you can sympathize with people, even with the worse crime you can think of, if you can relay your sympathy to a person, they’re more likely to tell you what happened.” A mother of two, Clement enjoys hiking and camping with her family, as well as a good stress relieving run. Looking back on her 17 years of law enforcement work, Clement said the first homicide case she worked as a young detective is the case that most sticks with her. It was a case with two suspects, one of them a convicted murderer on parole from Texas, who had no connection to the victim. “We really had to develop these suspects from nothing,” Clement said. “I was the primary detective on the case, but it took our entire team to locate those two, interview and get confessions. They’re serving life without parole in the case. That will stick with me forever.” Not a bad way for a ‘dective’ to begin a career.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: KAYLEE CAMPBELL

OU Coach Riley and Assistants Talk Football, Help Kids

ommunity Action Board (CAB) of Norman is marking its 30th anniversary, and the organization is celebrating in the best way it knows how, by doing even more for foster kids in Cleveland County.

lot of our costs for the year. It’s very important that we keep this going because it allows us to help out kids in need, when they’re in a tough spot.”

The organization’s annual signature event, the OU Coaches Luncheon, will give attendees a sneak peek into the upcoming football season and help a worthy cause at the same time. OU football head coach Lincoln Riley, along with a selection of his assistant coaches, will talk about the team and the upcoming season. “It’s your first look at the team before they get into fall ball,” said Loida Salmond, the event chair. “We feel very blessed that coach Riley takes time out of his very busy schedule to help out the community like this. He sees how important it is.” Along with the presentation from OU’s coaches, the luncheon will also feature a live auction, a silent auction, a raffle and lunch catered by Mama Rojas. “This is our biggest fundraiser for the year,” Salmond said. “It helps offset a 14 | July 2019

“When children are in a situation where they need to be taken out of their home, they just grab a few things and that’s it,” Salmond said. But with Luggage with Love, “they’ll get a bag with clothes (and other essentials) to help get them started. We are filling in those gaps where DHS may not be able to, or where the foster parent can’t.” Last year, because of generous donations and the funds raised through the luncheon, CAB was able to fill 1,613 requests from foster children in the Norman area, grant 704 Secret Santa wishes and donate 116 beds and 83 duffle bags, Salmond said.

The proceeds from the OU Coaches Luncheon are used to provide for CAB projects throughout the year, including Secret Santa, backpack donations, providing for needs such as medicine, food, clothing and even activity enrollment, as well as a new program called Luggage with Love. Luggage with Love is many foster children’s first contact with CAB’s work.

CAB’s efforts help provide normalcy and stability for children in foster care, Salmond said, and the organization depends on the community’s generosity to provide for the children. CAB’s OU Coaches Luncheon will be July 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 3801 Journey Parkway in Norman. Sponsorships and other donation options are available through the organization’s website at www.cabok.org. – BSM

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COM M UNI T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Connecting Generations

A student and resident at Grace Living Center in Jenks work on an activity together. A similar program will be offered in Norman.

School Program Pairs Pre-K Students with Senior Citizens

orman Public Schools is starting a new program that gives pre-kindergartners the chance to hang out, have fun and learn from a new group of grandparents. Starting in August, two extended-day pre-kindergarten classes will be offered at Grace Living Center in Norman at 4554 W Main St. The partnership between Norman Public Schools and the center will give kids the opportunity to experience daily interactions with the center’s residents through an intergenerational education program, school officials said.

Ann Rosales, director of early childhood, said an intergenerational program has been a goal for the district, and she believes the new program can “enrich students’ and residents’ lives.” Residents at the center, known as ‘grandmas and grandpas,’ will serve as reading buddies and participate in activities such as music, movement, sing-a-longs, dramatic play, shared studies and ice cream socials. Students will be supervised at all times, and a Grace Living Center emboydstreet.com

ployee will serve as a liaison during the interactions with residents.

their peers who lack similar experiences,” Migliorino said.

Grace Living Center also will offer two newly constructed classrooms and a playground specifically built for the program. Norman Public Schools is providing the teachers, teacher’s assistants and curriculum for the program and furniture for the classrooms, Rosales said.

Don Greiner, president of Grace Living Centers, said the program also will help enrich the lives of the center’s residents.

Forty students will be involved in the program this school year. Rosales said officials with Grace Living Center discussed the idea of a partnership last spring with Norman school representatives. District officials also visited a similar program in Jenks and were impressed with the program. Nick Migliorino, Norman Public Schools superintendent, said officials are excited about the meaningful connections that can take place between the children and senior citizens. “We believe daily interactions with older adults can enhance children’s social and emotional development, and students who have participated in intergenerational programs are also prone to feel more comfortable around those with disabilities than

“It will bring such energy and joy to our residents, while providing powerful life lessons to the students. We are social beings, called to live in a community, and the community formed between children and our elders in our intergenerational partnerships is as special as it gets,” Greiner said. Rosales said she believes the program can strengthen bonds between generations. The partnership gives residents the chance to experience the joy and consistency of regular interactions with children, while giving children the opportunity to develop relationships and learn more about empathy and social skills from the seniors. “It’s really a win-win for all involved,” Rosales said. “The community has been very supportive,” she said. “They have really seen the value for both parties.” – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 17

COMM U N I T Y

BY: TEGAN BURKHARD

Summer Fun

Evening Breezes are Sweetest at Norman’s Favorite Patios

njoy warm summer nights at the nearest outdoor patio for a dose of delicious entrees, refreshing cocktails and relaxing atmospheres. Norman restaurants offer a collection of unique outdoor dining areas that are perfect for the season. – BSM

The Porch Bar & Restaurant 311 W Boyd St, 310-2257, www.theporchnorman.com

For a unique overhead view of the University of Oklahoma campus, down a refreshing pint on the Porch Bar & Restaurant’s rooftop patio. Between summer activities, stop by for a chips and queso break, or camp out all day to feast on apple turnovers, bacon burgers and cuban sandwiches. Opened by former OU football player Ryan Broyles, guests can celebrate their favorite team with sports-themed entrees like The Trick Play, a plant-based burger topped with caramelized onions and creole mustard. Melt away summer stresses with a Malibu Sunset or Dragonberry Mojito.

20 | July 2019

The Mont

1300 Classen Blvd, 329-3330, www.themont.com

Sit under an umbrellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shade while sipping on a classic Sooner Swirl at the Mont. Even out-of-town visitors flock to the Mont for this ultimate summer patio cool-down. While savoring a frozen drink or two this summer, be sure to dive into an order of loaded pulled pork and black bean nachos or split spicy fried green beans with the table for a late-night snack. By day, guests are sure to enjoy the cozy patio surrounded with lush greenery, and by night, bright bulbs keep the outdoor space beautifully lit.

Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club 4 Ransom Dr, 325-6716, www.theougolfclub.com

Greens, golf and great patios comprise the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club. Guests can jump start their morning with the classic Clubhouse Breakfast served on the patio overlooking the ninth fairway and green, or they can wait until lunchtime to refuel with a Sooner Philly sandwich or a Big City Red hotdog. Between holes, rest up at the Heatly House, a smaller patio serving up mouthwatering sandwiches, rich milkshakes and cold drinks. Then, stay awhile at the Clubhouse Grill and Patio.

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 21

Pub W

3720 W Robinson St, 701-5844, www.pubdub.com

On your next outing, head to Pub W and enjoy made-from-scratch entrees and a gated patio overlooking Brookhaven Village. Signature seasonal cocktails like the Pub Toddy pair smoothly with shareables like spicy chicken nachos and small plates like squashpuppies. On the weekends, gather on the patio for a sunny brunch, complete with chicken fried filet mignon and eggs or crispy tamales. During the week, enjoy tasty treats like a chicken and brie sandwich, or keep it light with a grilled shrimp quinoa bowl, stuffed with cremini mushroom, spinach, tomato and zucchini.

Service Station Bar & Grill

502 S Webster Ave, 364-2139, www.theservicestationrestaurant.com

Pull up a chair outside of the Service Station Bar & Grill and escape the bustle of Campus Corner. At the Service Station, guests can fight off the heat with cold beer and house wines while treating themselves to Luxury Line favorites like Certified Angus Beef filets. Operating out of a former Conoco service station, dinners can choose from a variety of motor-themed menu options. Start with an order of Lugnuts (aka fried okra) or Hubcaps (aka fried mushrooms) and fill up with a Grand Prix grilled chicken sandwich or a Rolls Royce mushroom sauce burger.

Redrock Canyon Grill

1820 Legacy Park Dr, 701-5501, www.redrockcanyongrill.com

Wow out-of-town guests and special someones with a luxurious patio experience at Redrock Canyon Grill in Norman. With a glass of wine in hand, kick back to watch dancing water fountains at the nearby Legacy Park. Come in for social hour, and share discounted calamari, millionaire’s shrimp and iron skillet cornbread. In the evenings, cut into oak-grilled Cajun trout at a patio table overlooking a cozy fireplace and live music, or bite into delicacies like short-smoked north coast salmon and Persimmon Hill meatloaf.

Louie’s Grill & Bar

3750 W Robinson St, 360-4386, www.louiesgrillandbar.com

Normanites can devote an entire afternoon or evening at the Brookhaven Village’s Louie’s Grill and Bar patio. Take advantage of landscaped views while sipping on Louie’s Spiked Lemonada or the Ultimate Margarita and fill up with poblano chicken tacos and sweet chili boneless wings or stick with beer-battered cod and juicy burgers. On the weekend, indulge in a platter of chicken and waffles, or savor sweet nutty nana waffles topped with honey butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar and sliced bananas. No matter the meal, opt into patio seating for the ultimate summer treat. 22 | July 2019

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

2050 24th Ave NW Ste 101, 561-1067, www.baddaddysburgerbar.com

Located in University Town Center, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar offers respite in patio form. Sit outdoors in the heart of summer, and refresh with custom burgers paired with special housemade sauces. Try the fried pickles dipped in avocado, chipotle or traditional ranch and load a burger, such as the Sam I Am burger, topped with rosemary ham, an over-easy fried egg and pesto, or polish off a Pittsburger, complete with shoestring fries, spicy garlic ketchup, tomato, red onion and lettuce. While basking in the sunshine at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, keep the strawberry lemonades, handspun cookies & cream shakes and whiskey smashes coming for ultimate hydration.

Royal Bavaria

3401 S Sooner Rd, Moore, 799-7666, www.royal-bavaria.com

Indulge in German favorites with house brews inside Royal Bavaria’s onsite beergarten. Trees cast plenty of shade, and local musicians entertain the crowd on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Select one of five standard German beers created in the onsite brewery, or give the seasonal Citrus Blonde lager a try. On Thursdays, sample a myriad of buffet options, or focus on one main entree like the breaded Jagerschnitzel pork loin teeming with creamy mushroom bacon gravy.

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: PAIGE UHR

Service Spotlight: Capt. Ronny Davenport

aptain Ronny Davenport is a well-respected and dedicated fireman for the city of Norman. Through his unwavering commitment to Station 7 and his team, Davenport sets a high standard for the Norman Fire Department.

difficult. You have to start at the bottom in the field no matter your background or what you bring to the table.”

However, firefighting was not Davenport’s first line of work. After graduating from Westmoore High School in 1992, he tried college for a while, then took a few automotive courses. Shortly after that, Davenport realized he didn’t need professional classes to learn what he was already capable of doing and began working at a car dealership in Oklahoma City.

Although it was an adjustment, Davenport quickly adapted to his new role and made the best of it. He arrived at every shift an hour early and he began his day by checking all of the equipment. He was also responsible for making grocery runs, cooking, putting up the dishes and raising the flag every morning.

A couple of years later, he transitioned to the aircraft field, where he spent the next six years. He was soon in a supervisor role with an expansive knowledge base of painting, airbrush work, bodywork and the overall building and operations of machines. But, in October 1999, Davenport found himself back at the bottom of the totem pole when he joined the Norman Fire Department and, as a recruit, he had a long way to go before moving up the department ladder. “Coming from a supervisor role was 28 | July 2019

Not surprisingly, Davenport’s dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2001, he advanced to relief driver and then to driver engineer in 2006. Qualifying to make driver engineer was not an easy task, but after months of studying, he qualified on his first try. Davenport says there’s a lot of competition for the four driver positions, so he was both surprised and relieved that he made it. In his driver role, Davenport took on more responsibility and was in charge

of the truck room and station at large. Other than the captain, he was the goto while on shift. Five years later, Davenport tested for captain, but he didn’t have enough seniority points. The next year, however, he was selected for the rank. As captain, Davenport oversees everything at Station 7. Unlike other stations in Norman, Station 7 is specialized, housing more equipment, such as ropes, boats and a trailer used for trench or confined-space rescues. Davenport’s overall resourcefulness from his automotive and aircraft days has been helpful when working with the special equipment. Although there will always be others who may have more training or skill than him on a piece of equipment, he wants to know the ins and outs of it, too, he says. “I’ve always wanted to say I can do the job. I’ve always been like that.” – BSM This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Resident Tourists

Norman’s Inaugural Tourist for a Day

ayor Breea Clark and VisitNorman invite Normanites to be a tourist for a day this July. On July 27, officials and local venues are planning a fun-filled day to encourage Norman residents to get out and enjoy all our community has to offer. Local attractions such as museums, retail districts and restaurants will be highlighted and many will offer discounts and other incentives. Some of the venues participating are the Switzer Center, which will be open special hours just for this event, The Sooner Shop, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Andy Alligator’s Fun & Water Parks, Sooner Bowling Center, Soon-

32 | July 2019

er Theatre, Westwood Family Aquatic Center, Campus Corner and more. “There will be something for everyone so get out and do something you haven’t done before,”Clark encouraged. “You can start your day with a round of golf at Westwood, have fun all day exploring all our city has to offer and end it with a free concert at Legacy Park.” Clark traveled pretty far to get the idea for this day of close-to-home fun. While in Norway with her father, she took note of a similar event hosted by one of the cities she visited. The whole day was dedicated to connecting with the local community.

“When you become involved in city government, you see the world in a whole new way. I am very interested in what other cities do, how they run things, plan things. I was inspired by this idea of a Tourist for a Day. That day their museums were free, even public transportation was free.” She saw the potential to bring the idea home to Norman. “Far too often, the busyness of everyday life can cause residents to overlook the entertainment and attractions in their own hometown. Norman has so much to offer, and the goal of this initiative is to connect Normanites by encouraging them to be tourists in

their own town,” Clark said. “It has been exciting to see the variety of organizations, institutions and businesses jump on board, and I am confident Tourist for a Day will be a fun event for all involved.” Tourism is the state’s third largest industry and injects $258 million in travel spending, $74 million in payroll and $10.7 million in annual tax receipts into the Norman community, according to the figures provided by the Oklahoma Travel and Recreation Department based on research conducted by Dean & Runyon Associates. “What better way to share all the great things to do and see in Norman than through its own citizens? Serving as tourists in our own city and as ambassadors to potential travelers is an exciting prospect for us,” Dan Schemm, executive director for VisitNorman, said. “When she first mentioned this to me, I could not say yes quickly enough. Having Norman’s own tell the city’s story firsthand is influential and carries so much weight.”

Businesses interested in participating should contact Schemm by email at dan@visitnorman.com or by phone at 366-8095 or the City of Norman’s retail marketing coordinator, Sara Kaplan by email at sara.kaplan@normanok. gov for more information about how to be included. Normanites wanting to be a part of the festivities can stay up to date at the Tourist for a Day Facebook page or

visit www.visitnorman.com/events/ tourist-for-a-day. To access the day’s promotions, Normanties will need utilize the VisitNorman app, available at the Apple App Store and on Google Play. The app will have a full lineup of participating organizations to help you plan your day. Then as you have fun playing tourist, snap some photos and share on social media with the hashtag, #T4DNorman. – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

Dr. Martha Griffith

s a painfully shy child growing up in Arkansas, Martha Griffith found her voice in music. “The quote from Hans Christian Andersen, “Where words fail, music speaks,” perfectly states how music impacted and changed my life,” Griffith said.

Griffith’s experience is not unique, however, which is something she has learned over her two and half decades of teaching.

“I discovered I’m not the only person who experienced crippling shyness or a dark cloud by another name,” she said. “In the learning environment, we all encounter obstacles. These are smaller clouds which easily dissipate with time and practice.

“My job is to provide a means for all students to soar as people - and musicians. Not only is my room a safe place when dealing with life’s issues, it is also a room where everyone respects each other and welcomes mistakes.”

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the high demands of teaching, Griffith says that she finds joy in the daily success and growth she sees in her students.

“There are so many students throughout my years of teaching that have touched my life, but I will never forget this one student,” she said. “He was a special needs kiddo and dealt with the teasing and ridicule that can go along with middle school, only on an enhanced level. I will never forget the smile on his face when he played the jingle bells for our winter concert. He was the center of attention, and it was for his musical abilities and not because of his disability. I will never forget that smile.” Griffith has a passion for learning, a passion that brought her to Norman.

“I moved to Norman in 1997 (thinking) I would leave after receiving my Ph.D. From the moment I arrived in Norman,

I felt a connection. Twenty-one years later, I now consider Norman my forever home.”

During her time at OU, she helped start the Norman New Horizons Band, an international program for adults aged 50 and above who want to learn to improve their instrumental skills. This year, she was honored as the Longfellow Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. “The most touching element of this experience is the knowledge that my colleagues thought enough about me and my role as an educator to nominate me. It is an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” – BSM

Teaching Norman

Elizabeth Hoggatt

espite the notion of summers off, teaching often requires an extra level of commitment, beyond the typical 8-hour workday. For teachers like Elizabeth Hoggatt, an English teacher at Norman High, a teacher’s chosen career path often means early mornings, working lunches and after-hours tasks.

them,” Hoggatt said. “I work hard to create a classroom where civil discourse and open communication, as well as empathy, become the most important values present.”

“A typical day begins with me working with students (during) a study period called Stretch each morning,” Hoggatt shared. “During lunch most days, I work with students in my classroom while I quickly eat. I stay after school each day to prepare my room and various materials for the next day’s activities.”

“I want my instructional practice and strategies to evolve and grow based on what my students need. It is really important to me that I am not stagnant,” Hoggatt shared. “Outside of the classroom, I hope that I am a leader in my profession, both at my school and on a larger scale.”

It is her passion for youth, Hoggatt said, that keeps her going each day.

A hope that was realized as she was named Norman High’s Teacher of the Year and extended when she was named District Teacher of the Year.

“One of my roles as a teacher is to help students understand their worth… and to grow and think critically in order to discover more of the world around 36 | July 2019

To accomplish these weighty goals, Hoggatt said she must keep learning herself.

“I am a product of this district and I have been inspired by the innovative

and passionate educators around me. I am proud to represent NPS and the incredible work that happens within our district.” Important work that wouldn’t be possible without the Norman community, Hoggatt said. “I want to say thank you to Norman. I could not do my job without the community’s support.” – BSM

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COM M UNI T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Teresa Turner

rom her full-time job to her community involvement, Teresa Turner enjoys helping young people and giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through her role with the University of Oklahoma athletics department, she does this as the director for the student-athlete experience. In the community, she is involved in her church, on the boards for the Norman Regional Health Foundation and Sooners Helping Sooners, Inc., and she works with organizations like Family Expectations and Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA). Whenever possible, Turner also enjoys auditioning for extra roles in commercials and movies. Turner grew up in South Carolina before her family moved to Oklahoma, where she completed her junior and senior years at Norman High School. She then went on to play basketball at OU and was one of the first two black female student-athletes to earn a scholarship with the team. “I was just honored and thankful to be in the right place at the right time,” Turner said. “My head coach from high school came here as an assistant coach for OU that year, so it was just a great opportunity to be in that situation to have my college paid for. My brother (Clifford Ray) had played here before me, so we had that connection, and I felt really fortunate to have that opportunity.” While at OU, Turner met a fellow boydstreet.com

student-athlete and football player named Richard in class. The two married following their college graduation and have three children, Chelsea, Steven and Mariah. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Turner went on to complete a master’s degree in education guidance and counseling. Turner came to the OU athletics department from the OU College of Arts and Sciences, initially working in an academic advising role for football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. She spent more than 20 years as an advisor for various teams before taking over the newly created director of student-athlete experience position in 2015. Working in athletics, Turner has seen the growth of women’s athletics, firsthand. She recalled that she and her teammates used to be excited when the men’s and women’s basketball teams played doubleheaders because that meant fans who were coming to watch the men play would catch at least some of their game. She said it has been unbelievable to watch both the fan support and caliber of play for OU women’s basketball grow over the years. “It’s a whole different world, and it’s wonderful that women’s sports in general now receive lots of attention,” Turner said. “There are so many younger students coming to these events really watching these college level players, and it’s motivating for those who want to come to this level to play, and it gives them some goals

to reach for. It’s wonderful to be able to see how much we’ve progressed over the years.” In her current role, Turner works with student-athletes from all sports and with student-athletes who are coming back to OU to finish their degrees. Student-athlete development primarily focuses on preparing them for life after sports by providing career preparation, leadership training and opportunities, orientation programming for incoming students and internship and mentorship opportunities along with an annual career event. Having been a student-athlete herself, Turner said it is easier for her to connect. She added that she finds fulfillment in being able to assist students as they work to reach goals they have set, and she enjoys being a resource for them as they navigate their time at OU. Once they leave the university, it is rewarding for Turner to hear that the work she did had an impact on them and that they are thankful for her. “I’ve had students write letters to me and write emails and thank you cards that are just unbelievably touching and thoughtful and appreciative,” Turner said. “It means more than anything when a student comes back and says they appreciate your help and that you didn’t give up on them and you were there when they had questions. Those kinds of things are what motivates you even more to be here and to be working with these students.”– BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 41

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: JOY HAMPTON

Service Spotlight:

Judge Steven Stice C leveland County Special Judge Steven Stice grew up as an Air Force kid, moving around the country until his family settled in Norman and made it their home. Stice looked up to his dad as a real-life hero who was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base and was deployed around the world. Growing up here from fifth grade on, Stice graduated from Norman High in 1987, and got his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University before returning home to study law at the University of Oklahoma. Out of law school, he went to work for the Talley and Perrine Law Firm. “They had the indigent defense contract for Cleveland County at the time,” Stice said. “Because of that, I was able to experience a wide range of criminal defense work early in my legal career. It was an area of work that I really enjoyed.” In 2010, Cleveland County District Judge Bill Hetherington was appointed to the Court of Civil Appeals, and Hetherington’s county position was filled by Judge Rod Ring. That left a special judge position open, so Stice applied and was appointed. He believes his years working criminal cases prepared him for his years on the bench. “Handling primarily a criminal docket for 16 years when I was in private practice, I think I have a different per44 | July 2019

spective on the people that come before me,” he said. Stice hears a criminal docket, all of the juvenile delinquent docket, some small claims and all of the domestic violence misdemeanors. “All of my work is meaningful, but some of the most meaningful is the juvenile docket,” he said. “If you can break the cycle with a child at an early age, we’ll reap the benefits for generations.” Often, the judge is the person who knows the least about a defendant. The defense and prosecution often resolve the case with a plea agreement. Stice said he isn’t bound to accept a plea agreement, however, and tries to learn about both the defendant and the victims before ruling. “To effectively make changes and help people, you have to recognize the person outside of the crime,” he said. “Do they have mental health issues? Is there drug addiction? Not to say that there shouldn’t be consequences, but if we want to rehabilitate and make changes in the criminal behavior, we have to recognize the root cause.” In looking at how to protect society and break the cycle of crime, Stice looks beyond the sentence and asks himself, what happens next. He considers whether the person might lose their home or their children, and he tries to determine if they are likely to stay in addiction.

Society might be better served by having the defendant take parenting classes, get a job, go through drug treatment, get an education or have an interlock device on the vehicle rather than just locking them up for 60 days. Sentences can be punitive, he said, but they can also help people. “It’s a tightrope we walk as a judge between accountability and rehabilitation,” Stice said. “You have to look at what is best for our community while also holding people accountable for their actions.” Working in Cleveland County with a mix that includes OU brings another aspect into play, he said. “We see a ton of OU students being in a college town,” Stice said. “In today’s world, one slipup can be devastating to a college kid, so you have to be proportionate to what happens. We’ve all been stupid in college.” Stice is adamant that any successes he’s generated from the bench are part of a team effort that includes other judges, the district attorney, defense attorneys, juvenile probation officers, jail staff and court clerks. “Everyone in this building touches these cases,” he said. Sheriff Todd Gibson said Stice helps keep people moving through the justice system smoothly so that no one spends more time than needed in the jail. This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

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COMM U N I T Y

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Tenni s A nyone?

Norman’s New Indoor Tennis Courts Ready for Action

or decades, the sport of tennis has offered a fun way to get outside to take advantage of a sunny day. The sport, first played in the 1860s, has been a fixture in not just American culture but worldwide since its inception. Even the most casual tennis observers have heard of the greats, such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

new indoor courts in September 2018. The project finished this May and was recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition to the center’s outdoor courts and youth courts, these new indoor courts are sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

In Norman, players can now enjoy the game rain or shine at the Westwood Tennis Center’s two new indoor courts. The courts have LED lights, and the building is LEED-certified, said James Briggs, a project manager for the Norman Department of Parks and Recreation, who worked on the new addition. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a third-party certification that a building is designed with sustainability in mind. As a part of the Norman Forward Initiative that voters approved in 2015, city officials broke ground on the two 48 | July 2019

In 1969, it opened with only two courts and now it has plenty of room for everyone, rain or shine. The center is not just a staple of the Norman community. It’s also a national center, used by players from all over the world, including China, Poland and Bulgaria. In 2007, the USTA recognized the Westwood Tennis Center as a National Outstanding Facility. Many facilities target a specific demographic – amateur, youth, senior, professional, etc. – but the Norman center is available to all ages and interest levels.

Norman hosts a lot of USTA-sanctioned tournaments, so the city’s new courts are a little bigger than non-sanctioned courts, Briggs said. Since it was founded, the Westwood Tennis Center has continued to evolve.

“We’ve got 13 outdoor courts,” said Briggs. “Plus, our youth courts.” The new addition of the indoor courts is the center’s latest upgrade, ensuring that Norman and Westwood remain a favorite destination for tennis players of all ages and skill levels. – BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

Jewel on Jenkins

Sooner Softball Success Driving Push for New Stadium

ollege softball is in the midst of unparalleled growth. From attendance and TV ratings to revenue, the popularity gains are unlike any other sport, and in Oklahoma, the sport is flourishing. Ratings from the ESPN broadcasts of the 2019 Women’s College World Series were up 15 percent from last season, with Oklahoma City and Tulsa as two of the highest-rated markets. The first-ever Bedlam battle in the WCWS was the most watched WCWS game in the history of the Friday night winners bracket games. “People love the fast pace,” Sooner hitting coach JT Gasso said. “The field is condensed and there is a lot of action. It’s only seven innings, so it’s constantly moving. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say, ‘I watched it one time and I fell in love.’ I think more people are feeling that, and it’s cool to think it’s going to keep growing.” Game two of the WCWS Championship Series between Oklahoma and UCLA had almost two million viewers and ended up as the most watched

52 | July 2019

game of the tournament, eighth highest rated of all time. Despite the first game of the series being so lopsided, the total viewers of that Monday night game doubled that of the normal Monday Night Baseball broadcast on ESPN in the same time slot.

Sooner Associate Athletic Director Kenny Mossman has been with the Sooner softball program since he stepped on campus in 2001. The growth and popularity has been exciting, Mossman said. “TV is undeniable, what ESPN has done to promote the sport has had a very measurable outcome,” Mossman said. “I think it was a sport that was confined to the West Coast. It’s a national game now. Teams from all over the country are fielding outstanding teams and building programs.”

As the sport has increased in popularity, the Oklahoma Sooner Softball program has contributed to the sport’s success. The Sooners have been consistently selling out games. The regional and super regional contests sold out in minutes. The highest-attended sessions during the Women’s College World Series were all games that included Oklahoma, and, during the season, the Sooners had four consecutive sold-out road games. Attendance has been so strong that the Sooners have outgrown Marita Hynes Field. In June of 2018, OU announced plans for a new $22 million softball facility. The new softball home will be on the northwest corner of Jenkins Avenue and Imhoff Road, a half mile south of the current facility. “Look across the country, just like college football and seemingly every sport, it has been an arms race of who can have the best facilities. You look at college softball and more and more universities are investing,” JT Gasso said. “People love coming to our games. To put up even more seating and more space, it’s going to separate us from everyone else.

will feature a 10,000-square-foot indoor facility with several team spaces, including a training room, locker room and a classroom. ‘Many people think of a seating bowl and a playing field and let’s go”, Mossman said, “but there’s more to it. The plan includes one of the best hitting facilities in the country. Meanwhile, plans are evolving as additional needs arise.” “There is definitely a different momentum for our project, now. Our fundraising numbers have taken a definite turn in a good direction and some substantial gifts have come in for this project,” Mossman said. But there’s still work to be done. In the case of the “Jewel on Jenkins,” it may require a little more patience than your typical five-inning, run-rule win. “We are trying to run a department as fiscally responsible as we can, so it takes some time to pull those resources together. Donors have really stepped up to help us out. We need to attract some more substantial gifts, but I like the way it’s trending. We’re feeling very good about it.” Kids are going to come here, and they never are going to want to leave. Fans are going to want to keep coming. We’re so excited and grateful to be in the position that we’re in.” Sooner softball diehard Allen Moody from Ft. Worth, Texas has dubbed OU’s new stadium as the “Jewel on Jenkins.” In terms of fan amenities, plans include three concessions stands, six restrooms and increased capacity of more than 3,000. It also

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The popularity of college softball continues to grow, and Sooner softball has been a major player in the success of the sport on a national stage. Along with the vision and foundation laid by head coach Patty Gasso and the investment being made into the new stadium, the Sooner program is positioned for sustained success. – BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

The Odd Couple

Listen daily from 6-9am on SportsTalk 1400am and 99.3fm, online at sportstalk1400.com or on the app.

SportsTalk’s Rowland, Perry Celebrate 15 years of Fun, Friendship

ometimes, opposites attract. Husbands and wives, business partners and best friends. Most everyone has seen examples. Who could forget the story about Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, the New York bachelors who had nothing in common but the apartment they shared? They showed how diversity of nature and background can be the strongest seal of a true friendship. Every morning on The SportsTalk Network, listeners enjoy another version of The Odd Couple when T-Row in the Morning hits the air at 6 a.m. every weekday. As opposites, Toby Rowland and TJ Perry have coexisted and entertained for 15 years, winning the hearts of a statewide following with a colorful mix of opinions on sports, pop culture and everyday life.

THE BEGINNING Long before Toby Rowland was the Voice of the Sooners, he was working to find the best opportunity for his career and his family. “I was hired to call Norman High School football games back in the early 2000s,” Rowland said. “I had done Southern Nazarene University games for several years and had just started full time at KWTV, so I took the gig to keep my toe in the play-by-play field,” Rowland said, explaining his introduction to the Sports Talk Network. “It was fun. My 56 | July 2019

late uncle, Billy Nichols, would drive down from his government job every Friday night to keep stats for me in the Norman High booth.” TJ Perry was working as an unpaid intern at KREF and was doing everything he could to get his foot in the door. Even if it meant working overnights, Perry was willing to do whatever it took. And, everything changed in January 2004 when the TRow in the Morning show was born. “That’s the day I became a full-time employee,” Perry said. “I remember being so nervous, because in the previous two years, I mostly did evenings and overnights. There was no automation.” “I didn’t have a ton of experience producing the live shows. Starting that show, I don’t think we even called each other before that first day. I don’t think I spoke to Toby before we started. It was Toby’s show, and I was the producer, but it quickly became evident I was going to be an integral part.” The two quickly hit it off, and the perception that the duo worked well together became more than just an idea. It was quickly becoming a reality. Like most fledgling endeavors, there were pitfalls and potholes to avoid, including the grinding schedule that Rowland was putting in.

“I was completely opposite of what Toby was. We were the same age but at dramatically different points in our lives,” Perry said. “I was single with no kids, partying, having a good time. He was laid back, easy going with a couple of kids and had been married for a while. He was a professional and I was not. His hours were so crazy at News 9, and he was responsible for so much.” For Rowland, the challenge of trying to juggle his family along with a TV career could be overwhelming at times. “Anybody in morning radio will tell you that the hardest part is that stinkin’ alarm clock,” Rowland said. “It’s just so dad gum early. It’s so much easier now that it used to be, but there were several years when I would finish the late news at KWTV and get home around midnight, maybe get up with a baby for a middle of the night feeding and then head to the radio station at 5 a.m. It was nuts.” “There were mornings when I would actually take a quick nap during commercial breaks, no joke. I’d pitch to break, lay my head on the table, and TJ would wake me up when we were coming out of the break.” The challenge of the difficult schedule finally boiled over in one of the only true arguments the pair ever had on the air. “Getting that schedule to work was a

challenge,” Perry said. “He wanted to talk on the air about it… I told him I don’t think you want to. So, when I went off on him, he got upset with me and stormed out of the show.” “I literally went and got in my car and left in the middle of the show,” Rowland said. “I drove to 7-Eleven, calmed down, then came back and walked in like nothing had happened.” The two ended up finishing the show, a very early sign of just how well they could handle adverse situations. Despite the challenges of being in much different places in life and living drastically different schedules, the two found common ground that helped build the show’s foundation.

THE EXTENDED FAMILY Rowland and his wife, Jenni, have been married 24 years. They have three kids: Trevor, Peyton and Chloe. Perry is married to Norman police officer Katie Perry, and they have an 8-year old son, Bronx. But the two radio personalities also have a family of listeners, and some of their closest kin are Lumber Lady, Sean, Kurt,

Taco, Shaq Daddy and Bob from Cement. Lumber Lady, a.k.a. Patsy Shelley, has been a consistent part of the show since day one. “When they talk about their personal stuff, like going and getting snow cones or going to the store, you say to yourself…man I’ve been treated just like that,” Shelley said. “People identify with them because they’re living life like the rest of us.”

ter have spent holidays with the Perry’s and they even babysit Rowland’s youngest daughter, Chloe. For King and Keeley, the connection between listeners off the air is also something they see has developed over the years. For instance, Taco, otherwise known as Tom Collins, supplies King’s softball team with jerseys. Shelly and her family are great people, King says.

For consistent contributors like Sean King, it is the ownership listeners are given that resonates the most.

“You get to know people off the air. You become friends and it wouldn’t be possible without TJ and Toby.”

“They have personalized the show,” King said. “We’re all in this together.”

CLASSIC MOMENTS

Kurt Keeley is someone who has been weighing in on everything from the NFL to Sooner sports for the better part of 15 years. “It is as good of a show as there is in the market. I listen to it every day,” Keeley said. “Whether getting your golfers for your majors or your horse for one of the Triple Crown races, you know everybody. You know people’s voices.” But that connection goes beyond just onthe-air interaction. Shelly and her daugh-

With any radio show, you have moments that will last forever and debates that you never truly forget or, in some cases, debates that never truly end. Maybe it’s the consistent argument that Keeley has with TJ about the popularity of the NFL compared to Major League Baseball or maybe even the faded memory of a sleep deprived Toby flipping over a table during an early-morning debate. Perhaps no listener has left more of an impact than Miss Effie.

“Miss Effie was a huge part of the show in the beginning,” Perry said. “She was in her 80s when we started and she recently passed away. She called into the show, even in her 90s. She was with it, had great sports takes and opinions and she wasn’t shy about sharing those opinions.” “Miss Effie was a sports radio superstar,” Rowland said. “She never pulled any punches and stole the show every time she called in. Nothing made me happier as a host than when her name popped up on the call-in screen.” And take over the show is exactly what Miss Effie did one morning.

“One day, Miss Effie was breaking down OU football, and Toby said Miss Effie should just come in and co-host the show,” Perry remembered. “Next thing I know, this community van pulls up, and these nurses help this woman off. She walked in, didn’t say a word, walked down the hall into the studio, put a headset on and started talking into the mic. They went on for about an hour. It wasn’t until one of the people with her said that’s enough for today. She dropped her headphones mid segment, walked by me, gave a hug, then

jumped on the bus and they pulled away. It was truly one of the most amazing moments for the show.”

THE FUN CONTINUES

“They’ve done a great job and have really hit a good mark in this market,” King said. “Go back through the time here, everything has always worked out for better regardless of what was going on, TJ’s illness, Toby with the Thunder and eventually the Sooners. When TJ got sick, Toby keeping everyone updated. Everyone was pulling for Toby to be the next Voice of the Sooners when Senior stepped down. It has always been like family.” TJ missed almost eight weeks of the show in early 2012, battling a mysterious illness. The listeners were there, waiting to help in any way possible.

“I think we realized early that we’re not the hot-take, warrior-type hosts. We talk about our kids, our families, the ups and downs of our favorite teams. We laugh at each other a lot,” Rowland said. “Neither one of us is afraid of being made fun of. We’re just an open book, good days and bad. We’ve taken a journey together the last 15 years. We’ve had career triumphs

and failures, births of children, my sons have gone from pre-k to college. We’ve invited them into that process. I’d like to think we’re a pretty wholesome sports radio show, with a large dash of stupidity.” “They have a great chemistry,” Keeley added. “They are best friends. I don’t know if they even hang out much outside the show, but it seems like they do. They are different but they connect so well.” The combination of Toby and TJ has been a success for many reasons, but one of the most important reasons is that they don’t take themselves too seriously on air. But they are serious about making the show entertaining. They are fun, energetic, relatable and, in the end, it feels just like family.

“They are common down to earth guys,” Shelley said. “When you see them anywhere, they are no different than they are when on the radio. They don’t sound different. They don’t act different. They are just completely grounded.” Listen each morning to the T-Row in the Morning Show on SportsTalk 1400 am and 99.3 fm or on sportstalk1400.com – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: JEFF PROVINE

Building a Legacy

Rich Oklahoma History Sealed in Downtown Landmark

t 128 East Main, a bold federal-style building stands with its bright red brick and clean white trim. It is a stunning building, especially considering it was built in 1894, when Norman itself was only five years old.

Along with the date of construction, a cryptic “C.L.L.Co.” is inscribed along the building’s roofline. While the building may be overlooked today, it’s history as the home of the Carey Lombard Lumber Company is a major part of Norman’s early day construction. The company began in 1881 when William P. Carey set up business in Wichita, Kan. Railroads were being laid through the southern plains, and Carey made his fortune supplying their lumber. He managed mobile lumberyards that would follow the railroad construction. As towns sprang up along the railroad, Carey was in the right place to supply all the wood pioneers needed. In 1889, Oklahoma’s first land run presented a new business opportunity for the entrepreneur. Some 62,000 residents would come into what had been known as Indian Territory’s Unassigned Lands, and they would need massive amounts of lumber. While much of the first train to Oklahoma City carried land-hungry settlers, several cars were loaded with Carey lumber to be sold by his trusted agent, A.D. Acres. Business in Oklahoma City boomed, and Acres looked to expand further, moving a portion of the company south to Norman. John Womack’s Norman-An Early History: 1820-1900 features a letter from Carey to Acres, showing his senior’s hesitance in expanding too fast while rival lumberyards were starting up. 62 | July 2019

“You will not build any expensive place… You will put up rough structures, easily taken down – just enough to keep goods dry.” Acres must have assured Carey that Norman was the place to be, since Acres served as an early mayor and pushed the company to contribute $1,000 to the bond that would help found the University of Oklahoma. In fact, Acres Street is his namesake. With Acres at the helm in the Norman region, the Carey Lombard Lumber Company bought out rivals in town and established an expansive lumberyard on Tonhawa Street, where the Crucible Art Foundry and Gallery stands today. Carey’s warning against setting up an expensive place became moot, and the impressive building on Main Street stood tall, notably the first building with a concrete sidewalk in front of it. It served the lumber company until 1909, when it was sold and converted into a hardware store. OG&E came into the building in 1925 with a lease of the first floor for sales of new electrical appliances. Laws restricting utilities from selling appliances closed the store, but the offices stayed on until the 1960s. OG&E came back as owner in 1987, 10 years after the C.L.L.Co. building had received its certification as a historic structure. Just as the building bearing its name changed dramatically in the 1980s, so did Carey Lumber. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1981 with an event in Oklahoma City’s Skirvin Hotel. Amid the Oklahoma Oil Bust, Carey Lumber closed its doors in 1986, along with thousands of other businesses across the state. Yet the

name “Carey” lives on, even beyond its old offices in Norman. One of Oklahoma City’s most fascinating neighborhoods is the Carey Place Historic District, two blocks south of Oklahoma City University. The neighborhood consists of nearly 40 houses built in the 1930s along an unusually long and narrow lane. They are mostly built with brick, stone and stucco in a mission and Spanish Colonial style architecture. The infamous Hatchet House gave rise to a legend that still lives in the neighborhood. A young girl playing on the swings at nearby Gatewood Elementary School was murdered by a homicidal man driven to insanity by axes emblazoned on the home’s shutters. Her neighbors were so distraught that they had not been unable to help the girl that they renamed the street in her honor. But, the truth of the matter is that the street was named for William Carey, who bought the land that had originally been designated as a railroad spur, and he used the land to develop a neighborhood of custom homes, just as the Oklahoma City Oil Field flourished in the 1930s. His own house, built after Carey moved the corporate headquarters to Oklahoma City, is at the top of the street. The supposedly notorious Hatchet House was built by Jesse Woolf, the developer who used his professional emblem, an axe, as decoration. While urban legends can be entertaining, the actual history of our local landmarks can be far more fascinating. Today, the C.L.L.Co. building stands boldly on Main Street as it has for 125 years, housing numerous Norman businesses, only hinting at its rich past. – BSM

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Saving on Your Summer Vacation The 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 all of 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 well 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 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! boydstreet.com

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. BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 67

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Wine Regions & Labels

ordeaux, Cote-de-Rhone and Loire Valley are regions that evoke romantic visions of France and sipping wine, but then comes the reality of shopping for those wines, a process that can be overwhelming for some. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s you, I would like to offer some approaches to broaden your wine horizons and help you find the wine you like best. First, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start with labels. French and Italian wines have, in the past, been labeled by the region of origin, rather than the predominate grape in the wine. However, New World wines, including in the U.S., Australian and South American, are defined by grape varietal and the regulations that required a specific minimum of that variety.

A customer came with me with a photo of a wine she had enjoyed in another state (always a great idea). Knowing that the particular wine is not distributed in Oklahoma, I set out to find something similar. Sommeliers often do this for restaurants. They seek out wine from adjacent vineyards, (i.e. similar terroire), and then look for a wine that is reminiscent. This can be a challenging task since many factors impact a final product. Large production wines attempt to maintain consistency from year to year by blending and oth-

LI F EST Y L E

er techniques. Smaller vineyards rely on the winemaker to choose when to harvest, which grapes to use from a particular block and when to use a blend. So when hunting for the elusive comparative wine, it is important to have as much information from the original bottle as possible as you research the vineyards and winemakers working in that area. Your local liquor store operators can be a very helpful resource. On a lighter note for summer, low calorie and low sugar wines have become very popular, but another easy way to lighten the calorie load is to add a little club soda to your wine. In this warmer weather, a little ice is not too bad either. Happy Summer, Kathy

H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

A Mission of Relief Local Surgeon Treats Patients in Norman and Beyond

rowing up in Oklahoma, watching her father care for animals as a veterinarian, Dr. Emily Benham always knew that she wanted to work in the medical field. Building off that interest in science and a motivation to make a difference, Benham went to medical school at the University of Oklahoma, where she prepared to be a surgeon. “I was drawn to the immediate impact a surgeon can provide and the fast pace of the surgical room,” Benham remembered. She traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbus, Ohio for general surgery training and a fellowship but her passion to make a difference would eventually take her even farther. For a decade now, Benham has participated in surgical outreaches in Central and South America, where she has traveled to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and, most recently, El Salvador. “I was fortunate enough to grow up where I always had food on the table and could go to the doctor when I needed to,” Benham shared. But, on these outreach missions, she has been witness to a different reality. This past spring, as part of a program called Surgical Outreach for the Americas (SOFA), Benham spent a week workboydstreet.com

ing with a team of medical professionals, providing services for the treatment of hernias, a surgical specialty of hers.

ing to be able to provide some relief. It was really inspiring and I am so lucky to be a part of it.”

“We did more than 60 surgeries in one week,” she said. “The range of patients we saw was anywhere from young children all the way to the elderly. Most of the patients we saw were day laborers. They work hard to provide for their families but a hernia can really limit the amount of physical work they can do. (The surgery) can make a huge difference.”

The program also allows Benham to offer educational opportunities to medical professionals in the area so that the work can continue after the week-long outreach is complete. She is also getting involved in helping to open a third SOFA site.

A lack of hospitals and resources in the area often means this very treatable condition is left untreated and worsens, further affecting their ability to work and quality of life. “There are not as many hospitals and travel can be difficult to access treatment,” Benham said. “We saw everything from very small, reasonable hernias to very large hernias which we don’t see very often in the United States.” “I connected a lot with the fisherman who came in,” she added. “They were out on the water in the morning and then they came in to see me in the afternoon. They were so grateful. They are working so hard to provide for their families and they are dealing with something that can be fixed. It is amaz-

When Benham isn’t traveling the world, she spends her time helping patients in the Norman community. She joined the surgical team at Norman Regional about a year ago. In addition to treating hernias, she specializes in general and bariatric surgery. “I really love doing bariatric surgery to help people live a healthier and longer life,” Benham said. “I also treat people with serious heartburn. Heartburn is extremely common in the US but it can be very severe, even causing pre-cancerous growth.” She also enjoys cooking, running and cycling. To learn more about Dr. Benham and the treatment options she is involved in, visit www.normanregional. com/doctors/. For more information on SOFA, visit www.surgicaloutreach.org. –

BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 73

B U S I N E SS

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO COM M UNI TY

Plato’s Closet Norman

Shoppers Find Style at Local Resale Shop “I told the former owner, if she ever wanted to sell the store, that I was interested. She took me up on my offer. I talked with my family. And my oldest daughter and I decided to buy the store.”

74 | July 2019

“We buy all seasons, all day, every day,” Houghton said. Whether shopping for a coat in the middle of summer for a cool-climate trip or a swimsuit in the dead of winter for a holiday cruise, Plato’s is likely to have it. Chappell said they work to offer their customers a personalized shopping experience, one that meets their needs, at really great prices.

As the owners of Plato’s Closet, 1282 N Interstate Drive in Norman, Lauren Houghton and Pam Chappell spend their days sorting, organizing and crafting a unique inventory of clothing. How they got started two years ago is a case of intrigue. Chappell was working in a salon next door and saw people going in and out all day, carrying bags. She decided to find out what was going on and ended up buying the business with her oldest daughter.

fers an affordable way for customers to keep their closets freshly stocked, whether it’s by clearing out unworn items or adding in something new.

Chappell found out that Plato’s Closet is a resale shop that pays cash on the spot for name-brand, on-trend clothing, shoes and accessories, which of-

Plato’s buys and sells a wide variety of women’s and men’s clothing inlcluding plus sizes up to 6X. The store is organized by color, category and size to help shoppers easily find what they’re looking for. Customers can

Photo by: Mark Doescher

lothing can give confidence, comfort, add flare or help blend in. While some people put careful thought into what they wear, others take the easy road. But no matter what wardrobe decisions people make, there is a universal truth that everyone can relate to: we want to feel good.

browse through designer handbags, jewelry, shoes, athletic wear, dresses and casual wear, priced at up to 50 to 70 percent off original retail. They even let shoppers snag the store’s hottest finds on Instagram and Facebook. They pair outfits with fun shoes and accessories for creative inspiration and, when a customer sees something they like, they can simply comment and, the store will hold it. “It takes a lot of time to post and go through all of the comments, but it’s important to us that our customers find what they’re looking for,” Houghton said. Selling at Plato’s is easy too. No appointment is needed and all that is required is a valid state issued ID. Walk in with unwanted clothes and walk out with cash in hand. “We’ll go through your items and offer you cash on the spot,” Houghton said. Savy shoppers can sign up for their rewards program to earn coupons, frequent shopper discounts, special promotions and more. The store also provides updates on clearance. Just text PCNorman to 578-277. Plato’s Closet Norman is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.platosclosetnorman.com. – BSM

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B U S I N E SS

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Community Vision

First Liberty Bank Opens New Location in Norman

irst Liberty Bank opened its first location in Oklahoma City at the former Jackie Cooper BMW Dealership at 9601 N. May Avenue in The Village with a trailer, four employees and a vision.

ligan, president of the bank’s newest location at 3500 24th Avenue in Norman. “As a local community bank, we strive to do two things; provide

The bank was founded in 2006 by Joey Root, president & CEO, along with Norman residents Barry Switzer, Hunter Miller and Toby Keith. Root had watched as another bank he worked for grew away from its community roots and realized his experience as a community banker is where he wanted to stay. Root hired his executive management team: Sandy Bracken, chief financial officer, Tammy Boatman, chief credit officer, and Tammie Garrison, executive vice president of Treasury Services, all still serving as a part of the executive management team today. Executive vice president Scott Hughes was hired as chief lending officer in 2015. “We are honored to be a part of the Norman community,” said Noah Mil78 | July 2019

charitable organizations with our money and our time.” Since the initial capital was raised, First Liberty Bank has grown to over $40 million in equity and $440 million in assets with 70 employees and two locations. “We have deep ties to Norman with Coach Switzer, Hunter Miller and Toby Keith as founders and supporters of the bank, so when we were looking to expand into a new community, Norman was the obvious choice,” Milligan said.

the best financial services to companies and individuals in the communities we serve and give back to these communities by supporting civic and

Both locations offer a wide range of commercial depository products and lending options for your business as well as personal checking, savings and mortgage lending. “Whether it is a personal checking account, a mortgage for your home or a commercial loan for your business, we are here to help,” said Milligan. For more information, go to myfirstliberty.com or call 561-0300. – BSM

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FO O D

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

Where Your Shoes Take You

Browns Shoe Fit Sponsors Third Annual Photo Contest

ur shoes take us to a lot of places and this summer Brown’s Shoe Fit customers have a chance to get a little more back in return. Those who share pictures of their summer adventures from the vantage point of their shoes could win a free pair from the Norman store. The idea for the contest came to owner Steve Woodin after having so many conversations with people who were looking for a pair of shoes for a specific trip or outing. Woodin and his employees help customers pick out the right shoes to fit the climate of where they’re headed or activities they’ll be doing. But they usually don’t get to hear an update after the trip. “It’s rare that we hear those after stories, so we thought this picture contest would kind of tie in to us,” Woodin said. “We thought that would tie

80 | July 2019

it all together and be a fun way to give away a pair of shoes at the end to whoever can turn in a cool, fun, weird, unique picture.” Woodin said the picture can be from anywhere, whether it’s a nearby trip to Lake Thunderbird, a vacation out of the country or camping in the mountains. They just want to see fun pictures that stand out. “It doesn’t have to be elaborate,” Woodin said. “It can be just a picture of your foot up in the air with a cool background, just someplace fun, a cool picture with a pair of shoes.” This marks the third year of the “Where Your Shoes Take You” contest, and people can enter by posting a picture of their shoes on the store’s Facebook page, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. Norman, OK, with the hashtags #BrownsShoeFitNorman and #Shoe-

Selfie. The contest will run throughout July and August, with a winner announced at the end of each month. Brown’s Shoe Fit, located at 2427 W Main St., has been in Norman for more than 50 years, with Woodin as the owner for the past 20 years. Woodin said the store is an old-fashioned family shoe store that carries a variety of lines to fit people of all ages, but most specifically the needs of Norman residents. “Instead of being great and huge at one thing, we try to do a little bit of everything,” Woodin said. “We’ve got baby shoes, kid’s shoes, men’s, women’s, we try to get all age categories. We’ve got the hot brands, but we’ve got shoes for people that need more stability and need a little help. We just try have a little bit of everything.” – BSM

FO O D

BY: PAIGE UHR

Love Nest

New Wedding Venue Opens at Terra Verde in East Norman

estled down a secluded drive in east Norman is a newly developed event venue, lending itself to more than 60 acres of vast greens and unmatched views. As an extension of Terra Verde Discovery School, The Nest at Terra Verde was created to enhance not only the lives of its students but the community at large.

As a multipurpose event venue at 1000 36th Ave. SE, The Nest serves guests and students in many capacities. For the Terra Verde community, this facility is a convenient and large space to host sporting events, assemblies and fundraisers. The space was design to be a warm and welcoming environment, which parallels with the school’s mission, according to event director Tarasina Compagni. However, Compagni and headmaster Eric Snyder envisioned more than a space limited to the faculty and students. The facility is available for a variety events, such as weddings, conferences, corporate parties, concerts and sports. For outdoor events, The Nest can accommodate up to 1,500 guests on its west lawn. And, the 25,000-square-foot auditorium 84 | July 2019

has the capacity to seat up to 400 people, making The Nest one of the few options in Norman for events that large. “The Nest is a place you can call home, and that’s what we want it to feel like,” Compagni said. “We can accommodate any number of people, and it will still have the same atmosphere.” The expansive space has high vaulted ceilings, fresh white walls, an outpouring of natural light, an outdoor terrace with fire pits and amenities. Other features include a commercial-grade kitchen, portable and stationary wet bars, a stage and a retractable projection screen and fully integrated audio. “We created this with a vision of it being a transformative space, which can be chic and modern, rustic or classically elegant.” Compagni said there are more additions in the works – an outdoor kitchen for more relaxed, cookout style events, as well as an intimate wedding ceremony space that overlooks the scenic fields and pond. “This ceremony area will provide a

serene ambiance that will serve any bride and groom wanting a romantic outdoor space.” For weddings specifically, The Nest can accommodate the bridal party in an elegant loft suite that is fitted with a balcony, wet bar, television, couches and a bathroom for all of the bride’s preparation needs. Likewise, there is a VIP lounge that doubles as a groomsmen area. “We thought of everything possible to make this space magical,” Compagni said. The Nest also has a guest house onsite, which includes four bedrooms, a kitchen and a back patio. Compagni describes the space as a place for the bridal party to stay the night before the wedding or out of town guests to stay the night of. “There are so many features of The Nest that make it a special event venue for any event,” Compagni said. The Nest is competitively priced and available for booking. More information is available by contacting Compagni at thenestevents@yahoo.com or 889-9565. – BSM

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