Boyd Street Magazine October 2019

New Principals, Fresh Persepectives

High Hopes

Flagship Facility

New Library Opens Soon

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Paint the Town Pink

October 2019 • Issue 10 • Volume 18

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Features

OCTOBER CONTENTS 2019

ISSUE 10– VOLUME 18 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

Supporting Education

14 by Paige Uhr

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Arvest Bank launches 2019 We Love Teachers contest.

SENIOR EDITOR

Chip Minty

PHOTOGRAPHY

One Two Ten

Mark Doescher

22 by Paige Urh

Norman band finds rhythm through new name.

Normanite in the Spotlight:

31 Patrick and Kelly Grace

CONTRIBUTORS

50

Sharla Bardin | Stefanie Brickman Kaylee Campbell | Callie Collins Lindsay Cuomo | Kathy Hallren Joy Hampton | Shannon Hudzinski Chelsey Kraft | Chip Minty Bill Moakley | Chris Plank Christian Potts | Paige Uhr

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by Chelsey Kraft High school sweethearts serve as cochairs for the United Way campaign.

PUBLISHER Randy Laffoon

High Hopes

40

by Chip Minty

New Norman High, Norman North principals bring fresh perspectives.

Expanding Horizons

44 by Christian Potts

56

Norman’s flagship library nears completion.

Cheers & Beers

46 by Lindsay Cuomo

New scooter program helping Sooner fans to go the distance.

Building Community

Norman-based builder opens new active lifestyle plan in south Oklahoma City.

Still Growing

64

Norman realtor enjoys three decades in business.

Visit Norman

Service Spotlight:

by Chelsey Kraft

26

by Lindsay Cuomo

Boyd Street Teacher Features

36 Deputy Butch Turner

Little Bit of Munich

Service Spotlight:

by Joy Hampton

Das Boot Camp, Royal Bavaria to celebrate Octoberfest Norman style.

77 Checking Account?

On the Bright Side

81

by Kathy Hallren

How Much Should I Keep in My

96 by Lindsay Cuomo

by Bill Moakley

18

Justin Garrett

92 by Kaylee Campbell

Service Spotlight:

12 by Stefanie Brickman

72 by Callie Collins

Spotlights 10 Trey Amrein

Sooner Scooter

68 by Lindsay Cuomo

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.

Community benefit event returns to Legacy Park.

60 by Sharla Bardin

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine

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Paint the Town Pink Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

COMM U N I T Y

Service Spotlight:

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Animal Welfare Supervisor

Trey Amrein M

ake no mistake, Trey Amrein loves animals, but there’s one exception.

“I’m terrified of snakes,” admits Amrein, Norman’s Animal Welfare supervisor, freely. “Doesn’t matter if they’re venomous or not, I don’t like snakes.”

Early in his career with the Animal Welfare Division, Amrein was called out to deal with a snake in a Norman yard.

“I got my courage up,” Amrein said.

“I grabbed my snake bucket and my snake tongs and one of the officers came over and said, ‘that’s not going to work for you.’ I asked what he meant and turned and saw the snake. It was a 12-foot Burmese python.

“I got back in the truck and said, ‘I’m out.’”

Amrein is now 15 years into his career, having served the last three years as supervisor. He oversees a staff of five officers and six employees of the Norman Animal Welfare Center.

Amrein’s typical day in Norman, if such a day exists, finds him on patrol shifts with his officers, facing anything from animal welfare checks, responding to wildlife calls and ensuring Norman streets are clear of dead animals.

“I’m out on the street every single day working,” Amrein explained. “I also take care of a lot of stuff that takes place inside the shelter itself.”

Amrein said his office deals with a lot of animal welfare calls, and as cooler weather begins to move in, animals become more active. That will increase the number of animals at large.

“It’s kind of like humans,” Amrein said. “When it’s 100 degrees outside, we don’t want to get up and move. An-

10 | October 2019

imals are the same way.”

But, summer’s heat can still linger, which poses another safety risk.

“On hot days, leave your pets at home,” he said. “We see a lot of people who want to take their pets to town, and they’ve run into the grocery store and leave their pet in the car. I always suggest leaving your pets at home on any day over 80 degrees.”

Amrein is a believer in education over admonishment. Pets, he explained, are valued “family members” to most owners, and he believes the majority of pet owners make every effort to treat them well.

“Education goes a long, long way,” Amrein said. “We all work really hard for our money, and I hate to get into someone’s pocketbook if some simple education will fix the issue.”

Animal welfare officers are also trying to educate Norman residents on updated ordinances that have recently been passed, most notably tethering regulations.

In May, the Norman City Council passed an amendment which makes it unlawful for the owner of any dog or cat to keep their animal tethered to a pole.

“We’re here to help and give folks better options than tethering an animal outside,” Amrein said. “If you’re hav-

ing an issue, get in touch with us, and we’ll help with a solution.”

City residents can contact the animal welfare division with questions by visiting their web page at normanpd.normanok.gov/pd/animal-welfare, or on Facebook by searching Norman Animal Welfare.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: PAIGE UHR

Supporting Education

Arvest Bank Launches 2019 We Love Teachers Contest

A

rvest Bank has officially kicked off its annual We Love Teachers contest, a social awareness campaign to honor the hardworking educators in the bank’s four state region – Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

“Arvest is a strong supporter of education and this campaign is a way to show its appreciation for teachers.” said Rocky Williams, executive vice president for Arvest.

The fourth annual social awareness campaign will be driven through Arvest’s Facebook page and will run from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13. Initially, the contest began in Central Oklahoma but became so popular that the bank decided to expand to all locations. Any teacher, in primary education at state funded schools in counties served by Arvest, is eligible for nomination.

“Arvest had a lot of success with the campaign so we wanted to expand to all areas we operate in,” Williams said.

“We wanted to celebrate more teachers 14 | October 2019

because they are all making a difference in the communities they serve.”

Thousands of entries are received each year and Arvest will award 116 educators with a total of $58,000 in prizes. A committee will select at least one recipient from each county; however, there is a possibility that more than one teacher will be selected in any of the counties.

Last year, Arvest recognized multiple teachers in Cleveland County.

“We want to recognize outstanding teachers and reward them with a grant,” he said. “We know teachers take money out of their own pockets each year to purchase supplies for their classrooms and students. This is a way to help offset some of those costs.”

A committee will select recipients and, shortly after, they will begin working with principals at each school to schedule a time to present the awards.

The surprise presentations will start around Halloween and lead up to Thanksgiving week.

“We will surprise the teachers at school with balloons, a gift bag and a $500 gift,” Williams said. “It’s been a great experience, and we are excited to do it again this year.”

The nomination process is simple, and anyone can submit an entry. To enter an educator into the contest, visit the Arvest Facebook page and through the link provided, enter the teacher’s name, school name, location and a short description explaining why the teacher deserves to be a winner.

Williams specified that the description doesn’t need to be formal but rather a brief statement of why the teacher deserves to be honored through the campaign.

“You can say that you love Mrs. Smith because she takes care of our kids or ‘we love her because she’s done a great job with her classroom and students’.”

For more information about the We Love Teachers campaign, visit @ ArvestBank on Facebook.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

Service Spotlight: Justin Garrett

W

hen he started attending emergency medical technician school, Justin Garrett was instantly hooked. He then decided to attend paramedic school, finishing that training in fall 2013.

Garrett joined the Norman Fire Department in January 2015 as a paramedic and he currently works as the interim EMS Training Officer. While in paramedic school, Garrett had done some ride-alongs with the Norman Fire Department and saw an opportunity to begin a career with the department.

In his free time, the Moore native enjoys gardening, taking care of the yard and doing projects around the house. He also prioritizes spending time with his three children and wife, Jessica, who finished nursing school in December and now works for the Norman Regional Health System.

The couple met in paramedic school, and when he began working at the fire department, she was working full-time at EMSTAT.

“I had been working retail for 14 years prior to that … I wanted to get into the business of helping people,” Garrett explained.

With his daughter, Aislynn, turning 16 in November, Garrett said he’s been teaching her how to drive and joked that “a couple of years of my life went away at the beginning.” He added that, “She’s doing great.” He also has two sons, Liam, who is 10, and Ronan, who is 9.

As interim EMS training officer, Garrett oversees all three crews and manages their training, making sure they have completed all the necessary training and managing medical requirements for the department.

While Garrett misses running the EMS calls, he said he enjoys the training aspect of his role and appreciates being able to make an impact in the position.

In his time with the fire department, Garrett said he has been at several stations, allowing him to see all different sides of Norman, from the more rural Station 5 to the college campus calls of Station 3. Garrett wants the citizens of Norman to know that the fire department is keeping pace with the city as the population grows, expanding and adding training to include services like intermediate life support.

“To me you’re impacting the individuals who work at the Norman Fire Department. We can impact them, we can get better training for them, then they’re reaching out to even more citizens than when you’re running one call or two calls or 10 calls,” Garrett said. “To me it’s kind of like I have the ability to reach out to more citizens in this position than I would being on the truck.” – BSM

“We are adapting and growing with our city, so as things change and times change, so do we. We’re constantly evolving, we’re constantly getting new policies and practices, constantly training, so that we can provide the best service for the city of Norman,” Garrett said. “The city’s moving… we’re following right along with that.”

18 | October 2019

COMM U N I T Y

One Two Ten

BY: PAIGE UHR

Norman Band Finds Rhythm Through New Name

A

fter years of playing cover songs under different band names, One Two Ten, a young pop rock band based in Norman, eventually crafted their true identity. Today, the band is playing original music all over the metro area.

After a few years of playing covers together, the band decided to use their talents to produce original music.

One Two Ten started as a cover band under the name of Supersonic Love Club with members Andrew May, lead singer and keyboardist, Jon Edmund, drummer, and Spencer Christian, lead guitarist.

During the transition, the band added basest Evan Burgess and later Stinson Fuller, one of the guitarists. Along with the changes came their new name – One Two Ten. The name was inspired by May, whose uncle created a road trip game originally named One to Ten.

From the start, the band had a hard time creating a name that represented who they were individually and as a group. They went under several different names over the first year.

“Nothing ever fit but then we were up to play our biggest show, and we knew we needed to come up with something and stick with it,” Edmund said. “After using a band name generator online, Supersonic Love Club shot out first, and we went with it.”

Edmund jokes that it’s a great story to tell but at the heart of it, Supersonic Love Club was not a true reflection of the band – the name or the music.

22 | October 2019

“The band progressed further than just wanting to play covers,” May said.

“So, we started to work on our own music and develop our own sounds.”

May and his brother would play the game when taking a trip down to Austin with their uncle, who would have stacks of CDs that the May brothers would rate from one to ten. The game enhanced and expanded their musical knowledge, and they wanted to honor him through the band’s new name.

“When we started creating our original music, we wanted a name that was a little more personal to us,” May said. “The game we played with my uncle was an important step in developing our love for music and it just seemed to fit.”

In 2018, the band began playing its new original music around the Oklahoma City metro area and soon released its first album in April, titled The Good in Everybody. Since the release, the band has produced singles until their latest album dropped, Hurry Up & Wait, which became available in April 2019.

The band is currently working on new music and they hope to have it ready by early next year. In the meantime, One Two Ten is playing shows around the metro area.

Last month, the band played at The Opolis in Norman with Cavern Company and Josh Fudge. It played in the Paramount Room in Oklahoma City with Tribesmen and All For Me. It also appeared in Bad Granny’s Bazaar with Josh Fudge. They are looking forward to playing at the University of Oklahoma Fanfest on Oct. 19 and Nov. 9, on the north side of the stadium.

For more information about the band or its upcoming performances, check out One Two Ten’s website at onetwotenmusic.com. – BSM

COMM U N I T Y

Hailey Couch

I

t is very easy, in any profession, to lose focus on the small details, the day-to-day tasks, but for Hailey Couch, a kindergarten teacher at Madison Elementary School, the big picture is the most important part of her job.

“My students are the future, and the foundation of a successful education begins at the elementary level,” Couch said. “Teaching is more than a job to me. It’s who I am.”

With all the classroom demands, Couch says she can stay on track with the right mix of being direct, consistent, stern and loving, all at the same time.

“It’s a hard balance, but once you find it, it’s truly magical and life-changing,” she said.

Couch said she leans on those around her for support and insight, including fellow and former educators, her principal, Norman Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino, her students and her

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

dad, who she said is her biggest cheerleader.

“I learn so much from my littles every day. They keep me on my toes.”

But the real magic comes when she finds ways to truly engage her students, Couch said.

“I want to hook my students into every lesson. If they are really engaged, the undesired behaviors go away.”

She looks for inspiration globally, traveling to China to see what elementary schools are like there. She also welcomed a Chinese intern into her classroom.

“It was remarkable to see the similarities and differences,” Couch said.

“Having Miss Ma was a wonderful experience. Not only did I teach her, but I learned a great deal from her.”

honored in 2018 with the prestigious Milken Educator Award, given to outstanding elementary and secondary education professionals. She was also named this year’s Teacher of the Year at Madison Elementary School.

Couch is currently working to earn her master’s in administration at the University of Oklahoma, and she was

“I do not teach to be recognized, but it is always nice to be noticed,” Couch said. “I look up to all teachers at Madison. There are truly special teachers, and I love being a part of such a great school.” – BSM

meaningful ways.”

An opportunity to do that came when her students discovered a recurring problem and decided to come up with a creative solution. The result was quite the learning experience.

Several headphone adapters had broken off into the classroom iPads, and her students were worried about next year’s class. They decided to raise money for new headphone equipment by opening a snack shack and lemonade stand.

“I used this as an opportunity to incorporate literacy standards. They used math to come up with prices and to estimate how much money they needed.

They used measurements when creating the snacks. They took turns working the sale, counting money and providing change to customers.”

The project raised nearly $300, but Fleming saw success in even more areas.

“They learned how to work collaboratively, how the skills they have learned in

the classroom applied to real life, and that they could make a difference. I learned to be open to my student’s ideas.”

All of this might seem a little advanced for an early education classroom, but Fleming feels right at home.

“Children at this age are naturally curious. They see the world with a lens where opportunities are endless.”

Fleming was named Lincoln’s Teacher of the Year, an honor she said was very humbling.

“I was shocked. We have such wonderful teachers at Lincoln that go above and beyond every day. Every teacher in our building deserves the award.” – BSM

Teaching Norman Kara Fleming

W

hen Kara Fleming, a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, reflects on her years as student, she remembers learning the most through hands-on experiences connected to the real world.

“Learning was more about memorization,” Fleming said. “I had a few teachers that were more hands on a. They pushed me to think outside the box.”

Wanting to create a similar experience for her students, Fleming uses a method of instruction called guided inquiry instruction. Within this method, the students guide the questions.

“Guided inquiry is a very deep academic teaching approach,” Fleming said. “Children come up with questions to research.

They create a project of their choosing.”

Fleming is also working to incorporate technology into her classroom.

“Technology has a big impact on our society. (I want to) take advantage of the technology given to us and use it in

26 | October 2019

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COM M UNI T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

NORMANITES IN THE

SPOTLIGHT Patrick and Kelly Grace T

he United Way of Norman’s current campaign slogan is “Better Together.” This is a concept Patrick and Kelly Grace take to heart as they volunteer their time to a variety of causes to benefit the community they love.

“We don’t live in a vacuum, so when we looked at the place where we want to enjoy our community, we want to raise a family here, and we also want businesses to be successful here, all those work together,” Patrick said.

Kelly, a fourth-generation Norman native, and Patrick met as high school seniors. After graduating from Norman High School in 1996, Kelly attended the University of Oklahoma and earned a degree in accounting and finance, while Patrick headed to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a Division III school in Indiana where he majored in electrical engineering and played basketball.

After graduating, Patrick returned home, and he and Kelly married shortly after that in June 2000. Patrick began working at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and came up through the engineering department before being selected as the company’s CEO in 2016. He also earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA, both from OU. boydstreet.com

Kelly decided to take the accounting route in her career and has been with Eide Bailly since 2001. She was named a partner in May 2010.

As Norman natives who have family in the community, they knew it was where they wanted to raise their 5-year-old son, Jennings.

After being involved with the United Way in the past in various roles, the Graces are serving as co-chairs for this year’s United Way campaign. The campaign is the yearly fundraising effort by the United Way that encourages different organizations to come together and raise money for the nonprofit to benefit local community partners.

“I love being involved with the United Way, knowing all of the agencies and all of the different groups of people that are being touched with the funds,” Kelly said. “I also like knowing that the United Way goes above and beyond to make sure that the dollars raised for our community are going to the greatest needs in our community.”

There are lots of ways to get involved with the United Way, whether that is through volunteering for one of the agencies affiliated with the organization, serving on an Impact Council, donating on the United Way Day of Caring or attending fun events like Celebrity Sing, which is coming up

on Oct. 18 at Riverwind Casino.

For local businesses who would like to be involved, Kelly suggested holding a workplace campaign. She added that both hers and Patrick’s offices do campaigns that allow employees to give to the United Way through payroll deductions if they prefer that method. These campaigns can also feature fun fundraisers and agency speakers, who come in to let their teams know the impact and where their dollars are going.

Both Patrick and Kelly said that when it comes to the United Way, people may know someone who has been impacted by one of the many agencies. This may be a cause that can be clearly seen, such as helping those who are homeless, but the United Way also donates to many causes like aiding those who have been through a house fire or tornado or have a substance abuse problem, Kelly said.

“Sometimes people think that it’s not me, it’s them, it’s not us,” Patrick echoed. “I think that we’re a lot more entwined than people think … My father passed away two years ago, and he was a very severe alcoholic.

If it weren’t for United Way agencies and agencies like that, then he would BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 31

have not been around to see his grandson be born … It’s closer than people think and touches more people’s lives than people think. It impacts us personally a lot closer than I thought originally.”

While the United Way is the main volunteer focuses for the Graces right now, they have also served the community in a variety of roles. Patrick is currently on the board and Kelly is a past board chair for the Norman Chamber, and Patrick is also on the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) board. For them, involvement is key in helping to continue to make Norman a great place to live.

“You want to make this place the best place that it can be to live and work and play and raise a family,” Patrick said.

“There’s definitely an attitude that we can either sit and get what we get, or we can get involved and try to make a difference … I think we’re all in it together, and we’re all connected. At the end of the day you can use every cliché, but that’s just important.

“I moved to Norman when I was about 11 or 12 years old, and Norman just kind of formed who I am,” Patrick said. “I think it was a great community, great schools, great experience, great place, it was great for me. There’s also a little bit of a pay it forward opportunity, a responsibility to say, ‘Let’s keep it that way, and let’s provide for the next generation and do what we can’.” – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

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Service Spotlight:

Deputy Butch Turner

B

utch Turner has worked as a reserve deputy for the Cleveland County sheriff’s office for 34 years and says he’s enjoyed every minute.

During his long tenure, Turner has served under six different sheriffs, including Thomas Kennedy, John Walsh, DeWayne Beggs, Don Holyfield, Joe Lester and, now, Todd Gibson.

“Every one of them has been different,” Turner said. “I can say I’ve enjoyed most of them.”

Sheriff Gibson said the agency is fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Turner serving the people of Cleveland County.

“Butch is one of a kind,” Gibson said.

“He has a strong work ethic and gives generously of his time to the people of Cleveland County. There is no way to measure the value of what a man of his character and experience brings to us.

We are truly grateful for his service.”

Turner believes the sheriff’s office is

moving in a positive direction and respects Gibson and his leadership.

“I’m really beginning to appreciate that when he says things are going to change, it really happens,” Turner said of Gibson.

During his years with the sheriff’s office, Turner has worked many hours for the agency, but he has never worked for pay. While some reserve deputies work security jobs on the side, Turner wasn’t interested in that.

“It was my public service,” he said. “I never wanted to make money at it. I think if I hadn’t been so well paid where I was, I certainly would have been in law enforcement because I love it.”

Turner has worked in just about every area where a deputy can serve, but in his early days, he loved doing patrol and working on drug busts. Now that he is older, he works mostly in Judicial Services at the courthouse and he serves papers with the Civil Division.

Since he retired from the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked in a supervisory position at the National Center for Employee Training and Development, he has been able to serve more hours as a deputy. For Turner, he said the sheriff’s office is family.

Turner has seen many changes over the years, including advances in weapons and technology and a more diverse workforce, including more women in law enforcement. Throughout his career, Turner has encouraged many to apply for jobs either full-time or as a reserve deputy.

One of those reserves, Deputy Dave Lewis, recently retired with 28 years of service. Lewis credits Turner with convincing him to give the sheriff’s office a try.

Turner said he plans to retire soon, but for now, he’s helping out while a fellow deputy is on light duty following surgery.

“I’m going to spend a lot of time fishing when I retire,” he said.

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

36 | October 2019

38 | October 2019

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39

COMM U N I T Y

Hig h H o p e s

BY: CHIP MINTY

New Norman High, Norman North Principals Bring Fresh Perspectives

D

avid Jackson has been in the education business for three decades, which is long enough to recognize a finely tuned machine when he sees one. That’s what he found after moving from Tulsa Public Schools to take over the helm as principal of Norman High School.

Meanwhile, Kristi Gray was a local kid, who graduated from Little Axe High School, then from the University of Oklahoma in 1999. After school, the new teacher embarked on an educational odyssey ranging from suburban and rural districts to an urban high school in the heart of Oklahoma City. The students she’s worked with have run the entire socio-economic, ethnic and racial gamut, and as Norman North High School’s new principal, her focus isn’t only on academics.

She also preaches inclusion, family and safety.

Norman Public Schools promoted both of its high school principals to administrative roles earlier this year, creating openings for new leadership at the schools with a combined enrollment of about 4,500 students.

40 | October 2019

Jackson steps into his role at Norman High, where predecessor Scott Beck was named the 2019 High School Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Secondary Schools.

With a teaching and administrative background that is heavy in science and technology, Jackson is aware of changing state standards in science, and he says the faculty at Norman High are fully engaged in making that transition.

“The teachers are on that journey, and all I have to do is join in and be part of that journey,” said Jackson, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts in 1987 and his master’s from Oklahoma State University.

Norman has a tradition of excellence in education and Jackson says he wants every student to achieve their full potential.

“All I want to do is continue the cycle of improvement that Dr. Beck was on,” Jackson said. “The wonderful thing is there are a lot of things that are going on already.”

“Norman is a tremendous school district,” he said. “The culture and the tradition are rich, and there is great school spirit and the community supports the schools. It’s a place you want to be part of.”

He said he wants to support what is already in process, and he will spend this year looking for ways to maximize academic time in the classroom and to ensure every student is heard, feels safe, and that they feel at home in school.

Norman High is in great shape, Jackson says, and his job is to keep it that way.

“I’ve been in education for 30 years, and I’ve learned that wisdom is not messing up what has been going so well,” he said.

This fall, Gray is taking over the duties of former Norman North Principal Peter Liesenfeld, who is now the district’s chief technology officer.

After starting her career in 2000 as a math teacher and basketball coach at Norman’s Alcott Middle School,

Gray continued her education, earning a Ph.D. in curriculum instruction and supervision from the University of Phoenix. She has taken on administrative roles at districts in North Texas and eventually back in Oklahoma, including a stint as assistant principal at U.S Grant High School in south Oklahoma City.

Gray’s career returned her to Norman, where she served as assistant principal at Norman North in 2013, then she became director of Norman’s Gifted and Advanced Programs in 2014. She left that post this year to return to Norman North.

Her objectives as principle of the 22-year-old high school is to promote strong academics, strong relationships, a safe environment and an inclusive culture for students.

Gray wants to help bring students together, so everyone feels like they belong, no matter what organizations they’re in.

“I really love the mantra ‘We are North,’ because it really puts it out there,” Gray said. “No matter what program you’re in, we are all part of North.”

Gray has two children who are students at Norman North, a freshman and a senior. That gives her a huge advantage as an administrator, she says.

Because of that connection, she sees the school from the perspective of a parent, and she has friends who have students at North. Because she’s also parent, those parents are more comfortable sharing their thoughts, which broadens her perspective even more.

“Every parent wants a great education for their student, and every student wants to be safe and included,” she said.

Because of Gray’s broad background of experience in schools and districts with ranging diversities, she says her approach to education is not only on academics. Before children can learn, she says their basic needs must be in balance.

That means, they need enough to eat, they need basic clothing, and mental health is a consideration. It’s a wholistic approach to education that can require support for students and their families, she said.

Gray said she’s where she wants to be.

Her husband, Ryan, is a Norman High graduate, and when they decided to move back to Oklahoma from Texas, Norman was the place they wanted to live because of the quality of education in the community.

Norman Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino said both high schools are in good hands.

“We received a lot of interest in these positions from top-notch school administrators across the region,” he said. “We are excited for Kristi and David to lead our high schools and build upon their strong tradition of excellence. They will also have their excellent predecessors right here in Norman to provide support.” – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHRISTIAN POT TS

Expanding Horizons

Norman’s Flagship Library Nears Completion

L

ibrary service in Norman will get an upgrade this fall, when the new Norman Public Library Central opens as the flagship facility for the Pioneer Library System.

The library will open in the coming weeks at 103 W Acres St., bringing a state-of-the-art look and expanded space for residents of Norman and surrounding communities.

The building will feature 82,000 square feet of space, an increase from 55,000 over the current central library that opened in 1966 when Norman’s population was about 30,000. The new facility will feature meeting rooms, study rooms, a children’s programming room, a training lab and classroom, Friends of the Norman Library bookstore and a local history and genealogy space.

In all, the library will house a collection of about 270,000 items to better 44 | October 2019

serve the Norman community of about 120,000 residents.

Norman Forward, a quality-of-life initiative that Norman voters passed in 2015, made the newly constructed library and its new location possible. The Norman Public Library East, which opened in July 2018 at 3051 E Alameda St., was also funded through the initiative.

The new library has been a community project throughout, from the bond issue vote to a series of public meetings hosted by the architectural firm of the library project, Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle. Feedback from these meetings helped outline many of the functions and features the public wanted.

As with many of the Norman Forward projects, the new Norman Central library also features a public art installation. “Unbound,” located on the building’s southwest side, rises about 30 feet

above the ground, depicting pages of a book flying into the air. London-based artist Paul Cocksedge, who visited Norman for the dedication event in July, designed the piece.

“I believe it elegantly reminds us of how the pages of ‘Unbound’ represent the pages of a book,” said Lisa Wells, the library system’s executive director.

“It is highlighting our beginnings with paper and serving as an anchor to this 21st century library building.”

The Pioneer Library System operates 12 branch libraries in 10 communities, including branches in Moore, Oklahoma City, Noble and three in Norman.

To find out more about any of the library system’s programs and services, visit www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org or access the Pioneer Library System Connect App, available through the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.– BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Cheers & Beers Community Benefit Event Returns to Legacy Park

O

rganizers are hard at work preparing for the second annual Cheers & Beers Festival at Legacy Park and they are focused on making the Oct. 27 event even bigger and better. Despite the festival’s catchy new name, many of the inaugural event’s happenings will return including beer, wine and fun.

“We believe strongly in supporting local musicians,” Richardson explained.

“And that means supporting them financially too.”

“Since we are in our second year, there is a lot of excitement,” said Krysten Richardson, the @Legacy series committee co-chair and co-owner of BOLD Multimedia. “There will be even more breweries and wineries and more kids’ activities too.”

“For $25, you can enjoy 15 different tastes,” Richardson said. More than 20 vendors will be at the event to offer their craft libations.

Richardson said the festival is a bookend to the @Legacy Park free concert series that hosted local bands and musicians on select Thursdays throughout the summer. In addition to capping off the concert events, the Cheers & Beers acts as a fundraiser to support the series.

46 | October 2019

Cheers & Beers is free to attend. But for those who want to sample the host of brews and wines available, a ticket is required.

To keep attendees entertained, local favorite Banana Seat will kick off the event performing their high-energy tributes at noon, followed by indie-rock band Spinster at 2:30 p.m.

Given the event’s proximity to Halloween, families can take part in an all-ages costume contest for a chance to win prizes and enjoy food trucks, yard games, face painting, treats and a host of activities organized by local businesses.

“To participate in the costume contest, all you have to do is show up in costume and we will get you registered,” Richardson said. “Pets are welcome to enter too.”

Legacy Park is one of Norman’s newest parks, created to be a gathering space for those shopping and dining in the area and was designed with concerts and festivals in mind. Many organizations in the Norman community have contributed to the effort, sponsoring the concert series and the Cheers & Beers event, including Norman Regional Health System, BOLD Multimedia, Fowler, Nexus Productions, Yeaman Signature Health Clinic and Embassy Suites Hotels.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance or on the day of the event. The first 500 samplers will receive a commemorative beer mug. To learn more or buy a sampling ticket, visit the park’s Facebook page, @LegacyParkNorman. – BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

LEADER OF THE

Speed D 50 | October 2019

On and off the field, in life and in sport, Murray has led with not only his words but his actions.

Murray simply did what came naturally. He led.

“You always learn something being a young guy. Being called into (a leadership) role at a young age, a lot of people say it’s uncommon but I prayed for it,” Murray said. “Now, going into this year, I’m able to use those things to be more vocal, to better understand and identify when we’re in a certain position. I’ve learned a lot about what needs to be said and what needs to be done.”

“As a kid when they came into our life, it was so much work that I had to do to help my mom and dad. My parents couldn’t do it alone,” Murray remembered. “My sister and I had to grow up fast because they needed our help to take care of them and I feel like it helped us in the long run especially my sister and I because it helped us gain a lot and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Leadership was engrained in Murray from an early age and those life lessons helped to mold him into the man he is today.

A TRUE LIFESAVER

THE FAMILY EFFECT “My family is everything, they are my why,” Murray said. “They are why I keep going.

When times get tough, I sit back and think about them. That’s been the center for me.”

Murray grew up the son of a preacher in Missouri City, Texas. At the age of 10, his life changed when his family changed grew by three, pushing him into one of his first leadership positions.

Murray and his younger sister, Kimberly, welcomed Nya, who was six years old at the time, along with Leonard and James, two special needs boys who needed constant assistance. Neither Leonard nor James can speak or walk on their own.

“Our house was always the helpful house,” Murray said of his family home growing up. “They were supposed to stay for three days that turned into months. It was put on my parents’ heart by God to bring the kids in to our family. When your parents tell you that God has put it on their heart, you don’t question it.”

Murray took on the role of big brother and began helping out.

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“We had not planned to foster nor had we given any thought to adopting. But as time went on … we became this one big family that was five children instead of two,” said Kenneth’s mom, Dianne Murray. “Kenneth was a big man who could carry the boys up the stairs and help with baths. All the things that need to be done to oversee their care, he was there. He does it with joy not because he has to do it but because he wants to.”

Whether it is at home, in the locker room, or even in a potentially life-threatening situation, Murray has shown an uncanny ability to lead.

On a drive home from church on July 7, Murray was surprised after a car swerved in front of his and stopped in the middle of the road. The driver ran to assist a woman who was on the ground, bleeding from her head and another woman was frantically screaming trying to draw attention. Murray got out of his car and hurried to the scene.

He then noticed both women were deaf.

“She looked like she was dead to be honest,” Murray recalled at Big 12 Media Days this summer. “Immediately going through my head was to start CPR. So, I had my girlfriend call 911.”

Murray performed CPR for several minutes.

“We got her back, got her breathing. We got her to the point where she was blinking a little bit.”

Kenneth Murray Sr. told the OU Daily that he didn’t hear of his son’s heroic story until almost two weeks later.

“I’m wondering why he didn’t tell me,” Murray Sr. said. “That’s kind of the way he is. He just does things and keeps moving.

He’s not looking for any glory or anything of that nature.”

Photo by: Mark Doescher

A

leader is defined as a person who leads or commands a group. As the Oklahoma defense looks to forge a new identity under a new defensive coordinator with a new scheme, there has been one constant.

That constant is the intensity, drive, passion and most importantly the leadership of the junior linebacker and second year team captain, Kenneth Murray.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 51

His new inside linebacker coach Brian Odom was surprised that there was not a bigger deal made of the life-saving actions.

“When that happened, I asked him about it and he brushed it off like it was no big deal,” Odom said. “To me, you saved a person’s life, that is a big deal!

But, for some reason after he told me, it didn’t surprise me. That’s the kind of guy that he is.”

BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL

Murray led the Sooners in tackles last season, averaging 11.1 tackles per game, a mark that ranked him 13th in the country and second in the conference. Heading into his junior season, he was selected as the Big 12 pre-season Defensive Player of the Year.

Under new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, Murray is playing faster and freer. The new system has been an almost perfect mesh with Murray’s skill set and he can feel it on game days.

“Overall I just feel so prepared,” Murray said. “I feel like coach Odom put me in a position to play fast. Coach Grinch put us in a position to play fast.”

“He’s got a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism… and he wants to be coached,” Odom said. “He is hungry for knowledge and he wants to get better each and every time he steps foot on the field.”

Murray was again elected as a team captain for the second straight season.

While his leadership expands beyond the football field and the linebacker room, he has made a huge impact on the young core of linebackers. “(Kenneth Murray)’s really like my big brother,” fellow inside linebacker Deshaun White said.

“Being able to be there for him is something that I’ve enjoyed doing and I’m excited about where he is at. I’m excited to see him play. I’m excited to play with him. I know for sure when I get out there, he’s going to be one of those guys that has my back.”

The two have built a bond that has helped build a foundation for the defense but it all started with Murray’s leadership.

“I think Kenneth is one of those guys who is respected by every man in that locker room,” said Grinch. “I give him a

lot of credit in terms of his buy-in. From that standpoint, he has been a tremendous leader for us.”

BE THE FIFTH

The ultimate award for any linebacker in college football is the Butkus award, which was created in 1985. The Sooners have four Butkus awards. Brian Bosworth won the first two. Rocky Calmus captured it in 2001. Current Sooner Radio Network analyst and afternoon co-host of the Rush on SportsTalk 1400, Teddy Lehman won the award in 2003.

Murray respects the tradition and the history associated with the linebacker position at OU and wants to add his name to the list of some of the greatest Sooners of all-time. Murray has challenged himself to “Be the 5th.” His eye black and wrist tape have “Be the 5th” written on them and his social media feeds include the hashtag.

“That’s something me and coach Odom talked about as soon as he got here, the way that the inside backer position has been played in the past and the greats we had before,” Murray said. “I want to get me a Butkus.”

Murray has not been shy about asking for advice and insight from legends like Lehman and Lehman has been impressed with what he has seen so far this season.

“In years past, he’s been too flat and the guy cuts back inside him and goes for a gain,” Lehman said. “Now, he has a much better pursuit angle and is able to make the plays.”

More than anything, Lehman hammered home a point that is consistently connected to Murray, his work ethic and will to be the best.

“He’s got a ton of ability, maybe his best asset is that he wants to be great and he’s willing to put the work in to do it,” Lehman said. “He’s a sponge. As soon as Brian Odom came in and they started working together. He has been relentless in his pursuit to take any coaching he can and it has been a game changer for him. He looks fantastic and he’s only going to get better.”

Change has been constant for Murray during his football career.

Murray was projected to play outside linebacker at Oklahoma, after playing in the secondary a majority of his career. After being shifted inside, it took some time to adjust but he finally seems comfortable.

“It’s been unique… I don’t make any excuses.” Murray said. “I’m attacking everyday trying to get better. I can’t say it hasn’t been fun. I’ve been enjoying the process, trying to get better every day.”

They say change is inevitable, but one thing is for sure, the Sooners can count on Murray to provide leadership, on and off the gridiron. – BSM

S P O RT S

BY: MARK DOESCHER

2018 - 2019 CROSSTOWN CLASH TROPHY PRESENTATION NORMAN NORTH RETAINS THE BRYAN YOUNG MEMORIAL TROPHY

56 | October 2019

SP O RT S

2019 CROSSTOWN CLASH FOOTBALL

Photos by: Mark Doescher

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57

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Sooner Scooter

New Scooter Program Helping Sooner Fans to Go the Distance

S

ooner fans with mobility challenges won’t have to miss out on going to the game thanks to a new program offered by Tri-State Home Medical.

The Norman business has started a new game-day rental program where people with physical challenges can rent a power mobility scooter on a Friday and return it on the following Monday, giving them an opportunity to use the equipment to attend high school and college football games as well as other events.

Adam Barzellone, director of operations for Tri-State Home Medical, said another goal of the game-day rental program is to help people stay mobile and active.

Barzellone said the business also of-

60 | October 2019

fers other types of rental programs to help meet customer’s needs.

“The main drive is to get people aware of the technology that’s out there,” Barzellone said. “There’re so many things we can do for people.”

Tri-State Home Medical specializes in various medical supplies, wheelchair ramps, wheelchair, stairlifts, lift chairs and bath safety equipment.

The business started in 2004, and it also has a Tulsa location.

Barzellone said a highlight of working for Tri-State Home Medical is helping people maintain their quality of life at home and in their communities and offering them opportunities to use equipment that can help them stay active and mobile, comfortable and safe.

Laverne Darnell, of Tulsa, has rented from the company and said he’s impressed with their customer service and knowledge of the equipment.

Darnell, who has a physical disability and uses an electric wheelchair, is about to receive a three-wheeled mobility scooter.

Darnell said he gives Tri-State Home Medical a “five star” review for their expertise and the equipment options available.

“They’re there to help you out,” he said. “They’ve more than done that for me.”

For more information about Tri-State Home Medical, call 310-3331 or visit tristatemedok.com. – BSM

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A Clean Change Walden Cleaners Completes Headquarters Facility Remodel

P

erhaps Louis L’Amour said it best, “The only thing that never changes is that everything changes.”

In Norman’s business community, the Walden family may know that better than most. The family-owned Walden’s Cleaners has seen a lot of change over its 86-year history, and the business’ third generation of management has just completed another cycle of change, this time at the Highland Parkway location.

Open since 1978, the building recently underwent its first major renovation, including an updated customer service area and drive-thru. Tonny Walden credits both his wife, Sara, and Gary Cavins of Cavins Construction with updating the facility.

“Gary actually oversaw the entire project,” Walden said. “We had a very tight turnaround time and they got us back up and operating within two weeks. We’re absolutely happy with how it came out. They promised us they could do a great job and they over delivered.”

64 | October 2019

In addition to the customer service space, the Highland Parkway location houses Walden’s production facilities and business offices. It’s the go-to spot for customers seeking a quick service.

“We can do early-out there because the plant is there and we don’t have to transport any clothes,” Walden said. “Everything literally is done on site. We can do in by 11, out by 5.”

Walden’s also has a west Norman drop center on 36th Avenue NW, and a central Norman drop center on Flood Street, just east of Norman High School. The Flood location holds a lot of the Walden family’s history. Tonny Walden’s father, Fred, grew up in the house that still sits on the site. Their drop-off service got its start in that house.

“My grandmother used to hold bridge night at the house and friends would bring their clothing with them and ‘drop’ it off,” Walden said. “They’d then pick up back at the house the next week. That’s how it first became

a drop location. She wanted to work from home, and it kind of worked.

The house is still intact.”

Officially, Walden Cleaners traces its Norman roots back to 1933 when Jess Walden, Tonny Walden’s grandfather, bought out what was then Evans and Burt Cleaners, originally in the 100 block of North Porter Avenue.

Walden’s father would eventually run the company, including the relocation from Porter Avenue to Highland Parkway. Tonny and Sara Walden are the third generation to head the company, which now employs more than 50 people. Walden began working while in high school.

“I worked there forever,” he laughed.

“When I graduated from college in 2003, that’s when we fully came into the business. My parents were still active at that time. We took over more of the reigns in 2011 and 2012.”

Like much of Norman, Walden sees business increase when Sooner football gets going.

“Busy season is football season,” Walden said. “Basically, September through Christmas. It slows down a bit in January and February and comes back for graduation in March, April and May.” Among other customers, Walden has cleaned uniforms for The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band for more than 40 years.

Walden says he’s grateful for such business, but it’s the everyday customer that keeps the doors open.

“Our bread and butter is over-the-counter business,” he said.

“We’re a service industry, and we focus on service. We don’t get it right all the time, I’ll be honest, but at the end of day, we do what we do with care. Without our over-the-counter customers, we wouldn’t survive. That’s what kept us in business for so long.”

Walden has also worked to keep his cleaners equipped with the latest technology. The company barcodes garments and a new conveyor system auto assembles and bags all orders, as well as putting label on the outside of bags.

“We can text customers when their clothing is ready,” Walden said. “If we say it will be out on Wednesday and it gets done on Tuesday, we send them a notification that it’s done.”

“We’ve had a lot of changes,” Walden concluded about system upgrades that began in February. “It’s not always been smooth, but it’s been for the better to get us into the busy season.”

For more information about Walden Cleaners, their services and their history, visit waldencleaners.com. – BSM

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Building Community

Norman-Based Builder Opens New Active Lifestyle Plan in South Oklahoma City

I

n response to the success of its active adult communities, Landmark Fine Homes has started work on the company’s newest development, just beyond Norman’s northwest border, in south Oklahoma City.

Donna Thompson, director of marketing with the Norman-based builder, said this new community, called The Springs at Native Plains, will offer many of the same amenities that have made their three other metro communities so popular.

“Our active adult communities focus on lifestyle,” Thompson said.

Landmark’s goal is to cultivate community within their developments, incorporating community into every detail. From floor plans with spacious front porches to the neighborhood clubhouse and community garden, the architects, designers and contractors with Landmark want it to be easy for neighbors to stay active, both socially and physically.

“We host monthly social gatherings,” Thompson said. “We’ve had painting classes, cooking classes and potlucks.

The clubhouse will have a pool and fitness equipment and the newest development will have a pickle ball court

68 | October 2019

and a pond with a dock for fishing.”

The Springs at Native Plains, SW 164th Street between Western and Pennsylvania avenues, is the fourth development of its kind by Landmark. The company already has active adult communities established in Norman, Yukon and Edmond.

Perks like gated entrances and the fact that lawn maintenance is included in each homeowner’s HOA dues clearly has mass appeal.

“There are no age restrictions to live in one of our active adult communities,” Thompson said. “While the homes are perfect for empty-nesters, the amenities and designs also appeal to young professionals and families looking for a low maintenance home.”

Homes in the new south Oklahoma City neighborhood start at less than $250,000 and prospective homeowners can choose from eight, fully customizable floor plans.

“You can move around anything within the plan’s footprint to suit your needs,” Thompson said. “We had one homeowner get rid of a third bedroom for more entertaining space.”

Floor plans vary from 1,600 to 2,100 square feet and incorporate an open living, kitchen and dining area, with all of the style and design in any other Landmark home.

“The homes have all the same highend furnishings as in our million-dollar homes,” Thompson said.

Landmark Fine Homes got its start in 2000 when owners Dan and Amy Reeves took a leap of faith to leave their careers as an Oklahoma City police officer and schoolteacher to realize a dream.

Since then, they have built hundreds of homes for families in the Oklahoma City metro area, and they were named as the 2017 Builder of the Year. Amy Reeves was recently honored as a 2019 Women of Influence for her work in Cleveland County communities.

To learn more about Landmark Fine Homes and The Springs at Native Plains active adult community, visit www.landmarkfinehomes.com or call 400-8616. Lots are still available in the Norman active adult community, The Springs at Greenleaf Trails, on West Tecumseh Road.. – BSM

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Still Growing Norman Realtor Enjoys Three Decades in Business

S

allie Vawter, of Norman-based Vawter Real Estate, greets her clients with bubbly familiarity that speaks to her expertise. With almost 30 years of experience in the local housing market, she’s confident in what she says and does.

“I’ve seen it all, boom to bust and back again,” said Vawter. “Any realtor in the area does the same thing but we bring different skills to the table. We all sell and show the same real estate but not everyone can claim three decades of working through changes and technical aspects of these transactions.”

When Vawter started into realty in 1990, she wasn’t sure it was for her.

She went to work for Roger Carter and Bill Tucker at Preferred Realty before moving on to work with Gwen Holmes of ERA Real Estate and later at Don Cies Real Estate, before opening her own office.

“I had actually just purchased my first home as a new bride, and I wasn’t considering real estate. I moved from Tyler, Texas to be nearer to my husband’s family in Purcell, and it was hard to find a job,” she said.

Real estate seemed like it could be a fit, given her accounting background. “In fact, my husband said if I hated real

72 | October 2019

estate, I could just try something else.”

Vawter certainly didn’t hate it, and found that clients were looking for an advocate, someone to look out for the financial aspects of the most important purchases most will make.

“I love helping people accomplish one of the biggest decisions of their life when they buy or sell a home. I really enjoy the relationships and friendships that I have built through the years and the satisfaction of knowing someone trusts you,” said Vawter.

“It is one of my favorite compliments that I receive when my clients appreciate and value the knowledge and experience I can give to them. I cannot imagine myself doing anything different and look forward to continuing for many years to come.”

The span of changes Vawter has observed in her career parallel current technology. Gone are the days of pagers, printed listings and in-person-only signatures. Cell phones now streamline her day-to-day work life, with updated information online and electronic verification and signature methods. The busy realtor became a broker in 2003 when she opened her own real estate office, now with a team of 12 at 2332 N Interstate Dr.

“When I started in 1990, there was no MLS (Multiple Listing Service) online.

We could get published listings two to three times a week from the Norman Board of Realtors. Contracts were just two pages and there were no required home inspections. I was one of the first to get a cell phone, but it was heavy and permanently mounted in my car,” she recalled. “My first lockbox keys were actual long, metal keys that got stuck because of rust sometimes.

There was no electronic way to access a house through the internet.”

Vawter has adapted seamlessly to technology.

“I was blessed with a later-in-life daughter, who’s now 15 and a student at Norman North High School. I want to keep up with her so, of course, I’ve used that to my advantage with work as well. The vast majority of realtors have adjusted and do it all online now, but I have a special reason to really stay up-to-date,” she laughed.

Younger clientele often prefer to make their interested list and even buying decisions based on what they see online, especially with Google Earth making an in-person visit feel unnecessary at times. Millennials buy homes but their strategies are different from previous generations.

“I am a firm believer that you need to visit that property in person when possible and see who your neighbors are. Even if a client doesn’t really want to, I will go see it,” said Vawter. “After all, the one thing you mostly can’t change about a house is its location.”

Vawter’s clients recognize her acumen, which extends to the construction process. A testimonial points out, “In every room, she would look at facets of it and call those out to me.

The process wasn’t just about her knowledge of the market and her 30 years of experience but her ability to identify particular issues. She sees everything you don’t, and she helps you anticipate what to expect.”

Peace of mind through a big decision is part of what makes Vawter a popular local realtor.

“A really good realtor has to be a superior communicator. I have seen a lot of human situations and I’ve worked through different aspects that are more like a marriage and financial counselor. There’s just no substitute for the human aspect of things,” said Vawter.

“Real estate has a lot of moving parts and a lot of different roles: lending, home inspection, finances and to be good at real estate, you have to understand everyone’s role in it.

Through all the technology and all the changes, that human-to-human connection with a base of knowledge is what has contributed to my success.”

Find more information about Vawter Real Estate at www. vawterrealestate.com.– BSM

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How Much Should I Keep in my Checking Account?

There’s lots of talk in the world of personal finance about how to best manage a savings account. You might read up on financial experts who recommend keeping three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your savings account, or maybe you’ve seen a tip about socking away enough money to cover larger expenses. Either way, there’s lots of discussion about the ideal amount of money to keep in a savings account.

But, what about our checking accounts? Most of us use these accounts on a daily basis. Every swipe of a debit card, every bill we pay and every personal check we write takes money out of our checking account.

How much money should we be keeping in these super-convenient accounts? Well, let’s find out.

action. Pre-authorizations can reduce your available checking account balance by up to $100 per hold.

Once your transaction clears, the hold is released and the funds are available to you again. However, until then, the money is tied up. Keeping your checking account well-funded allows you to comfortably agree to pre-authorization holds without fearing an empty or overdrawn account

• Keeping liquid funds available. A robust checking account means access to cash is just an ATM transaction away. While most vendors accept various forms of payment, it’s helpful to know you have cash available if and when you need it.

CAN I BE KEEPING TOO MUCH MONEY IN MY CHECKING ACCOUNT?

WHAT’S YOUR MAGIC NUMBER? According to a 2019 NerdWallet survey, the average American checking account balance is approximately $2,900 but that number may not be right for you.

Everyone’s financial realities are different, and because of that, we have different answers to the question of how much money we should be keeping in our checking accounts. The general rule of thumb is to try to have one or two months’ of living expenses in it at all times. Some experts recommend adding 30 percent to this number as an extra cushion.

To determine your exact living expenses, track your spending over several months, including all bills and discretionary spending. Be sure to include seasonal and occasional expenses as well.

WHY KEEP THAT MUCH MONEY IN YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT? Your checking account is your transactional account. This is where you’ll draw the money for all of your spending throughout the month, so you’ll want to be sure you have enough funds to cover those expenses. But it goes deeper than that. Here are three reasons why you want to keep your checking account well-padded at all times: • Avoiding overdrafts. Even high-income earners can miscalculate their spending and end up with an overdrawn account. Why risk being charged overdraft fees for every transaction when you can easily avoid this mistake?

• Providing a cushion for pre-authorization holds. Some merchants, including those that operate gas stations, hotels, and car rentals, will place a pre-authorization hold on your debit card until you complete a transboydstreet.com

While it’s great to keep your checking account well-padded, taking it to the extreme is not recommended. Having an overstuffed checking account means you’re possibly missing out on the higher returns you can earn if you were to keep those same funds in a Money Market Account or in a Savings Certificate.

Once you’ve determined exactly how much money you should be keeping in your checking account, look into other options for the rest of your funds.

IF YOU DARE Now that you’ve got your checking account numbers all worked out and you’ve chosen a place to keep the rest of your money, you may want to consider an unconventional practice, which makes money management simpler: opening two separate checking accounts. Some financial experts, such as Kristen Euretig, founder and CEO of Brooklyn Plans, recommend using this approach to give you a separate place for keeping the funds you’ll need for bills and the money you’ll use each month for your discretionary spending.

Here’s how it works. Open a second checking account, and as soon as your monthly paycheck clears, transfer all the funds you need to pay your monthly bills into your second account. If you have any bills linked to your previous checking account, be sure to update the information before they are due. This way, you’ll be paying all of your bills from one account. Best of all, with two accounts, you’ll be able to tell exactly how much spending money you have left each month without doing mathematical gymnastics to determine how much of your money is still earmarked for bills. It’s budgeting made simple!

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BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Wine You CAN Drink T

he fastest growing segment of the wine market is in a can. And it’s pretty easy to understand why. The nonglass container and smaller serving sizes are clearly good for convenience. Canned wines are easy for around the pool, tailgating or for whenever you don’t want left over partial bottles. But we do get two main questions about wine in a can.

IS IT ANY GOOD, AND WHY IS IT THAT EXPENSIVE? First, let’s talk about the size of the can. Wine comes in three can sizes; 375ml, 250ml and 187ml. All three of these can sizes are more expensive than the standard 355ml “beer” can. The cans are also deceptively small because the material used is much thinner and lighter than glass bottles. Additionally, the 250ml and 187ml, must be packaged in multi-packs under federal regulations.

All the above tend to offset shipping cost due to weight.

NOW, ON TO THE MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION …

IS IT GOOD?

LI F EST Y L E

Early on, Coppola Wines released Sofia Blanc de Blanc in a 187ml can, which has been a success since it hit the shelf.

However, many of the first canned wines to make an appearance on the market were not names that were easily recognized. Some were very good. Oregon Wine Company, Sans and West, Wilder and others tended to be very sweet.

Recently, more popular name brands have released cans including Dark Horse, Butter Chardonnay and Prophecy. Other more recent entries in the category also include Clauren Ridge Synfully Sweet wines, Crafters Union Wines, Merf by David Merfeld Cabernet Savignon and Chardonay, Lila Wines and more, providing the package convenience with a selection of good wine for any budget.

At first, drinking wine out of a can seems a bit bizarre, but there are great choices out there and for a minimal investment, you can find one you like.

Drink wisely, Kathy

paint e t n

PINK

Honor or Remember a Loved One this October.

Purchase a pink (breast cancer) or white (cancer), personalized flag to be placed at Norman Regional Health System throughout October.

100% of your donation goes to assist cancer patient services or their post-treatment care.

To purchase your flag, text NRHFPink to 71777 or visit NRHFoundation.org

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BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Paint the Town Pink

white flag to represent other cancers to honor or memorialize their loved ones “We’ll be at events throughout the month with Paint the Town Pink buttons, garden flags and educational pieces as well,” Barnhart said.

Organizers will host a paint party, Rose’ & Roses, on Oct. 21, instructed by Tim Kenney and on Oct. 22, the foundation is asking Normanites to wear pink.

“Oct. 22 is our Pink Out Day,” Barnhart said. “So wherever you are or wherever you go, wear pink to show your support.”

They will also host a Tranquil Tuesday yoga event on Pink Out Day that is free and open to the public at 4:30 p.m. on OU’s South Oval.

Norman Regional Health Foundation is on a Mission to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

B

reast cancer is indiscriminate, touching the lives of many Normanites. According to Breastcancer.org, one in eight women will face a diagnosis during her lifetime. In the U.S., there will be an estimated 260,000 new cases diagnosed in women and an estimated 2,600 diagnosed in men in 2019 alone.

“It happens even if there is no family history of the disease,” shared Cindy Barghols, supervisor of Norman Regional’s Breast Care Center.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

Those statistics are more than just numbers; they are someone’s spouse, parent, sibling, someone’s friend and each October, in communities across the country, a pink light shines to remind us all of the importance of regular screenings, and for the need for cutting-edge research to find a cure.

“Breast health is all over media during the month of October, however, it’s something that every woman should have on her calendar once a year, every year,” encouraged Barghols. “Women are often busy taking care of others and tend to overlook their own health care so we just want to kindly nudge them to stay on track with all opportunities to take care of themselves.”

“Ignoring it or delaying your care is not boydstreet.com

going to make (a diagnosis) go away,” Barghols added. “Find it, report it, get it diagnosed and treat it. (Breast cancer) is a road bump – not a roadblock. An early diagnosis can be treated and will increase (the) chance of surviving the disease.”

In an effort to encourage and inform Normanites of the screenings and cancer care options available within the Norman Regional Health System, representatives with Norman Regional Health Foundation are planning an entire month of fun activities to share with the community.

“Last year, we started our Paint the Town Pink initiative for several reasons: to raise awareness for early screenings, to showcase the health system’s programs and services as well as to raise funds to support cancer patient care in the Norman Regional service area,” Erin Barnhart shared, the foundation’s executive director.

The focus in 2018 was centered internally and through social media but this year, the foundation is ready to increase the scale of Paint the Town Pink and reach out into all of Norman and the surrounding communities. Lights around town will go pink, at Legacy Park, along Main Street and at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Families can purchase a pink flag to represent breast cancer or

Amidst all the fun planned, Barnhart says the foundation wants the focus to be on cancer care and prevention.

“Our key focus is to let people know what is available to them,” she explained, including shining a light on cancer support groups, Norman Regional’s Resource Center and other services, many of which are supported by the efforts of the Norman Regional Health Foundation.

The funds raised from the Paint the Town Pink campaign will go into the foundation’s Cancer Care Fund to enhance the care within the health system, but not just for breast cancer patients.

The foundation recently purchased eight infusion chairs for the oncology clinic. These chairs offer comforts for patients receiving infusions, which for many patients can take hours. The foundation also funds the purchase of prostheses and bras for mastectomy patients and skin cream to help soothe the effects of radiation therapy.

“The cream is expensive but it is one product our healers recommend to help soothe the skin. Through the foundation’s funding, staff is able to distribute the cream free of charge to any patient,” Barnhart said.

To learn more about this year’s Paint the Town Pink campaign and how to get involved, visit NRHFoundation. org. You can also text NRHFPink to 71777 to make a donation. – BSM

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Axepress Yourself Andy Alligator’s Brings Axe Throwing Craze to Norman

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or people looking for new experiences, LumberAxe at Andy Alligator’s Fun Park & Water Park may just be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Axe throwing is an activity that has become popular on YouTube and on the East and West Coasts, and now axes are starting to fly at the Norman hot spot.

“We wanted to introduce axe throwing to Oklahoma. It’s become a craze and we’re excited to offer something different within the community,” said Kyle Allison, co-owner and general manager at Andy Alligator’s. “We’ve noticed a lot of repeat business since LumberAxe opened in March. Once people come and give it a try, they want to come back. It’s really popular.”

88 | October 2019

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, follow instructions and use common sense. Other than the shoes and the axes, no other equipment is required, and axes are provided. As with any activity, there are safety rules and procedures that go along with a target-based sport.

One supervising adult age 18 or older must be present for every four participants present under the age of 16.

A trained Andy Alligator’s “axe-pert” accompanies each group and teaches about axe throwing, including how to participate safely throughout the session. The “axe-pert” also walks players through games and competitions.

“You’re not just here to throw axes. It’s an experience. During the hour-and15-minute session, the axe-pert will have you playing different games like

tic-tac-toe and a Lumberaxe version of horse,” said Allison. “We love to have groups take pictures and video.”

Strength, technique and skill are the elements for success at axe throwing, Allison says. Sessions must be booked online at least 24 hours in advance and the venue’s website suggests booking one week in advance to choose your ideal time slot. Teams of up to 10 are paired together.

“Axe throwing is a great teambuilding activity,” Allison said. “It’s also somewhat physical. You definitely have to really throw the axes, not just toss them out there.”

Each 75-minute session costs $29.99 per participant. Visit www.andyalligators.com/lumberaxe for more information. – BSM

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Little Bit of Munich Das Boot Camp, Royal Bavaria to Celebrate Octoberfest Norman Style

F

or most Normanites, October is all about college football. But for Andy and Laura Gmeiner, owners of Norman’s traditional German eateries Das Boot Camp and Royal Bavaria, October is also about honoring more than 200 years of Bavarian tradition, Oktoberfest.

Born and raised in Munich, Germany, Chef Andy Gmeiner is one of only 67 certified Master Chefs in the United States, and he has made his home in Norman. Although he didn’t take ownership of Royal Bavaria until 2008, Andy Gmeiner has been involved with the dinner-only restaurant since it openned in 1994.

“He literally is the mastermind behind everything,” Laura Gmeiner said. “He is the chef, he wrote all the recipes, he even brews the beer.”

The couple opened Das Boot Camp in 2012 to provide people with a place to enjoy German food, football and family all in one spot, and not just at dinnertime.

On the other hand, Oktoberfest got its start in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration. Today, the Munich-based festival draws some six million visitors from around the globe, earning it the title of world’s largest folk festival, according to the event’s official website.

92 | October 2019

While others around the world may travel to Germany this time of year, most people in Norman prefer to stick closer to home during football season. Fortunately, the Gmeiners understand the Norman community’s October dilemma, so each year, they bring Octoberfest to Das Boot Camp at the corner of Main and Crawford in downtown Norman.

Not only can customers count on them to have the big game on the big screens, Das Boot Camp offers authentic Oktoberfest favorites, including rotisserie chicken, giant pretzels and, of course, beer.

“In Germany, people go to Oktoberfest to get the rotisserie chicken because it’s a spitfire rotisserie,” Laura Gmeiner said. “They don’t traditionally have that year-round. That’s an Oktoberfest special.”

Das Boot Camp’s rotisserie chicken is styled after the immensely popular dish served at the festival. The large pretzels are imported directly from Oktoberfest. And the signature Oktoberfest beer, well, that’s brewed by Royal Bavaria according to German purity laws, meaning that the flavor profiles are derived directly from natural ingredients.

Royal Bavaria’s Oktoberfest beer is an American-style Märzen with a long German history.

“I love our Oktoberfest because it’s an amber and you can get that nice, roasted-nut flavor on it, but it’s not bitter and you get a nice smooth finish,” Laura Gmeiner said. “It’s not too heavy and not too light — you can really taste the flavors in it.”

The Royal Bavaria restaurant, brewery and fenced-in beergarten is located on Sooner Road, just north of Norman, and it features free live music events on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Both restaurants are family-friendly, and patrons may even get a surprise visit from the Gmeiner’s daughters, who occasionally like to help their parents by ensuring that customers are enjoying themselves.

“If they’re here, they’ll come talk to tables and ask how they’re doing,” Laura Gmiener said. “Our youngest used to get dropped off here, and one day, I looked around and didn’t see her. She had plopped herself at a table with customers and was having a great old conversation with them. She just pulled a chair up and sat down.”

Because of their traditional German style, Das Boot Camp and Royal Bavaria’s commitment to serving good food, craft beer, live music, a cozy family atmosphere and football have made them a Norman staple. – BSM

TM

B U S I N E SS

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

On the Bright Side

T

here is a lot of science behind the workout options at one of Norman’s newest fitness studios.

Red Effect Infrared Fitness combines full spectrum infrared therapy with heart rate-based interval training and the desired result is what the franchise calls the Red Effect.

“The simplest way to explain it is that you get all of the good effects of sunlight without the bad,” said Jana Harrold, co-owner of the studio at 480 24th Ave NW. “The infrared increases the body’s temperature at a deeper level, providing a lot of good benefits: lower blood pressure, pain relief, detoxing, anti-aging and allows the body to recover faster.”

“Plus, it feels amazing,” Harrold added.

Harrold was introduced to infrared therapy from a family friend. Her husband, Brant, was dealing with lasting pain from an injury and its resulting surgeries.

96 | October 2019

“They suggested he try infrared. We had tried everything else, so we thought why not. It really made a difference.”

That is when Harrold discovered Red Effect Infrared Fitness. She said they were drawn to the concept because it combines exercise with infrared therapy.

“Plus, the red color scheme just fit Norman so well. We traveled to Michigan to try it out.”

With the Harrolds’ background in law enforcement, they liked the franchise’s multiple concepts, particularly the high-intensity interval training and kickboxing, both of which they offer at their studio.

“I just love that you can leave it all on the bag,” Harrold said of the kickboxing element.

Another draw was the personalized, group-oriented class structure.

“All you have to do is show up. Our trainers will tell you everything you need to do.”

Sessions rotate through a series of focused routines working on endurance, strength, stability and a combination of all three.

“We have everything all planned out for a full body workout and workouts will never be the same, so you won’t get bored,” Harrold said.

In addition to the infrared technologies, Red Effect uses a heart rate monitoring system to help track intensity levels, guiding the 60-minute workout in real time.

“With heart rate monitoring, you’re getting real time feedback on the progress of your workouts. You’ll know if you need to push a little harder to get that lasting burn and when to step it back for recovery,” Harrold said. “We focus our workouts on the upper three heart rate levels, but we also want people to take time to recover so they can push themselves and give an all-out effort when its time.”

Photos by: Mark Doescher

New Fitness Studio Amps Up Workout Results with Infrared Light

Recovery is a key component to the Red Effect program and their infrared, chromo-therapy saunas are meant to help with overall recovery.

“They increase circulation and reduce inflammation pain so you can get into the workout room and not be so sore the next day that you can’t enjoy your day-to day activities,” Harrold said.

She wants potential clients to know that Red Effect is for all fitness levels.

“Even though it’s a group exercise program, we personalize each workout for each person. We have a variety of equipment and alternative exercises to accommodate any injury or limitation a person might have.

Accessibility is important to the Harrolds. Normanites as young as 14 years old can work out with a parent present and 16 and 17-year-olds can work out in studio with a parent’s signed permission. Harrold said it was also important to her that she offer affordable memberships.

“We want to offer a price point that is accessible, to give people an affordable option for their workouts. We want the studio to be a positive encouraging place, where people enjoy coming to and look forward to working out.”

Monthly memberships include all-inclusive access to training classes and the saunas, but walk-in packages are available. To learn more about Red Effect Infrared Fitness, visit www.redeffectfitness.com/norman or stop in for a tour and a free class. – BSM

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