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OU Defensive Coordinator Zac Alley
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LEGAL AID SERVICES OF OKLAHOMA
Nonprofit helps meet vulnerable Oklahomans’ legal needs without charge
Accessing quality legal consultation, assistance and representation is often dependent on the ability to pay. One local nonprofit, however, seeks to offer an alternative for those most in need.
Attorneys at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma work to fulfill their mission to be “a partner in the community making equal justice for all a reality.”
Unlike traditional law firms, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma handles only civil matters; criminal cases do not fall within its purview.
“Housing matters, including tenant assistance with evictions, holding landlords accountable, mortgage foreclosures and family law make up a lot of what we do,” said Holly Lantagne, managing attorney for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma’s Norman office.
Other civil cases, such as elder law, employment issues, consumer matters, public benefits disputes, education, disability and mental health issues, may also be eligible for Legal Aid’s assistance.
“Having legal intervention is sometimes life-changing for individuals and families.” said Lantagne. “We are often a last resort when people have reached the lowest point in their life. There’s often so much that can be done, depending on the circumstances.
“We also help many survivors of domestic violence. Seeing clients escape those abusive relationships to establish new homes where they and their children can live better together, survive in safety and thrive is extremely rewarding.”
When Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma cannot assist those seeking help, referrals are often made to other nonprofits or social services.
“I always suggest people reach out sooner rather than later, so we have more possibilities of helping
“One of the things I love about my job is we can give people back some of their humanness, pride and self-worth.” Holly Lantagne
them rather than the situation being a complete crisis,” advised Lantagne. “Even if we can’t assist, we may be able to give advice on how people can advocate for themselves. There might be things that can be done that they don’t expect.”
Legal help is available regardless of income for anyone age 60 or older, while others may qualify based on income eligibility. Court fees and other costs remain the client’s responsibility.
Statewide, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma assisted with 14,528 cases in 2022, resulting in monetary recoveries exceeding $2 million.
Initially started in the 1960s and formalized by Congress in the 1970s, civil assistance was seen as a way to help relieve poverty and fulfill the Sixth Amendment’s right to legal counsel.
Currently, government funding accounts for about 30% of operating funds, including allocations from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General, in addition to Title III of the Older Americans Act, which coordinates grants to state agencies for community-based services for senior citizens.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is a United Way partner and coordinated and private donations make up a significant portion of funding. For more information, visit legalaidok.org.– BSM
Monthy non-profit story presented by: Norman Stamp & Seal 110 S University Blvd • normanstampandseal.com
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We’re known as ‘your personal builder’ because we listen carefully to your needs and lifestyle. Our hands-on approach as a family owned business allows us to carefully control quality and costs. Our pride shows in every detail.
Visit our new furnished model home at 2007 Turtle Creek Way Norman OK 73071 in the Hallbrooke neighborhood.
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DRIVING INNOVATION
Boyd Street Ventures (BSV), a venture capital firm based in Norman with close ties to the University of Oklahoma, launched its first fund in March of 2022. So far, BSV has raised nearly $25 million and aims to secure an additional $25 million before the fund closes on Dec. 31.
James Spann, an OU alumnus and BSV’s founder and general partner, was inspired to launch a venture capital firm in Norman while observing that promising startups within the OU ecosystem were struggling to reach the market.
“As I was sitting in board and committee meetings, I thought to myself that we need to get these solutions into the marketplace,” Spann said. “Roughly 50 percent of Oklahoma graduates leave the state, and I began thinking about how we can create opportunities to keep our talent here. If we can give our students an opportunity to build wealth here, they can reinvest that into a cycle of economic wealth in our community.”
After studying the venture capital landscape for three years, Spann retired from corporate life in 2019 and dedicated himself full-time to building the firm. He partnered with Jeff Moore, who serves as co-founder and strategic advisor. They officially founded the firm in 2021.
As the first venture capital firm in Norman – and one of the few in Oklahoma – Boyd Street Ventures officially opened its doors on Campus Corner in the same building where Spann once worked as a student at OU.
“Our initial intent was to focus on academic areas where OU is particularly strong – healthcare, financial technology, aerospace, energy and climate,” Spann said. “Healthcare is 18% and growing of our GPD (gross domestic product). From a macro perspective, there are a lot of opportunities in that industry.”
BSV has already invested in 16 companies, 10 of which are based in Oklahoma and all of which have ties to Oklahoma.
“Their growth means jobs and economic growth for Norman, Cleveland County and Oklahoma, and healthy returns for our investors – including individuals and institutions from Oklahoma,” Spann said.
“This means that we’re able to recirculate the investments in our fund into the community.
“But the key to creating wealth is to not only help companies grow initially, but to be able to write additional checks so they can scale.”
To that end, Spann and his team are currently heavily engaged in raising another $25 million for their Fund I by the end of the year. Most of the additional funds raised will be used to make strategic “follow-on” investments in portfolio companies.
“This is a great time to invest in Fund I, as new investors will get all the rights and benefits of an early investor,” Spann said. “That’s the advantage of coming in now.”
Boyd Street Ventures founder James Spann with Tribes Gallery owner Leslie Pate.
Boyd Street Ventures Raises $25 Million, Targets $25 Million More by Year-End
BSV provides its portfolio companies with more than capital.
“We’re unique in that we have a Venture Studio that walks side-by-side with our portfolio companies to help them avoid costly mistakes, get to market sooner and scale faster and more profitably,” Spann explained.
Spann and his team provide invaluable services to its portfolio companies, according to Mitchell Berenson, CEO and president of IV Ensure. His Guthrie-based company is part of Boyd Street Ventures’ investment portfolio.
“Boyd Street Ventures is actively engaged in meaningful ways to help our business,” he shared. “They obviously want to generate money for their investors, but they also really care about helping people. They are the real deal.”
Berenson, who attended the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for graduate school and worked in healthcare as an epidemiologist, devel-
oped a device to improve health outcomes for patients requiring IV therapy treatments at home. IV Ensure completed clinical trials at University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine.
“Our device reduces hospitalizations greater than 65%,” Berenson said. “Case managers are able to engage with patients in real time. Patients have said that makes all the difference, knowing they are connected to somebody else.
“This device, we believe, could save the State of Oklahoma $80 million a year in healthcare expenses.”
In April, BSV announced a strategic partnership with the Norman Economic Development Coalition resulting in the creation of the Cleveland County Centurions Growth Fund, a $2 million fund aimed at investing in and providing guidance to Cleveland County startups.
For more information on Boyd Street Ventures, visit boydstreetventures.com. – BSM
A portion of the sales of Tribes Gallery artwork is donated to the Boyd Street Endowment Fund to support minority- and female-owner entrepreneurs.
BUMP, SEC, SPIKE
2024 Sooner Volleyball
As the University of Oklahoma volleyball team embarks on its second season under head coach Aaron Mansfield, a foundation for success is becoming more apparent. With an energetic roster filled with speed, talent and fearless playmakers, the Sooners are on an upward trajectory.
Mansfield’s leadership and vision have helped mold a competitive team, setting the stage for a strong push as the Sooners prepare to compete in the powerhouse SEC.
“We’re in our second year as a new staff and we have a lot of new faces,” Mansfield said. “Last year was about establishing a culture and a style of volleyball that was pretty progressive.”
With depth in every position and a determined squad, Oklahoma volleyball is poised for an exciting season filled with growth to take on new challenges.
“The biggest thing that has changed is that there is a genuine and authentic belief that we can be competitive this year and I’m not sure we really had that last year,” Mansfield said. “The vibe and the energy that this group has is not manufactured, it’s authentic.”
Mansfield rebuilt the Oklahoma Sooner roster with seven newcomers and a solid core of returning talent led by sophomore Alexis Shelton and super setter Payton Chamberlain.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Mansfield said. “To see where we were last fall and how much better we got in the spring is exciting. The level in the gym has really improved.”
Like every program that represents Sooner Athletics, the Mansfield-led Sooner team will be challenged in the SEC. The excitement surrounding the transition to a new conference has been remarkable and the challenge for women’s volleyball is equal to the upgrade in every sport across the board.
The Sooners will face Arkansas and the two-time defending National Champion Texas Longhorns this season. OU will face Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, Texas A&M and Auburn at home and see Kentucky, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Mississippi State on the road. Nine of Oklahoma’s 14 opponents advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 - Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Texas.
“It’s deeper than the Big 12,” Mansfield said of the SEC. “The SEC had more teams in the NCAA Tournament than any other conference last year and Kentucky won a National Championship three years ago. There’s not going to be any easy games. Joe Castiglione talks about the excitement of going to the SEC and being ready for it and we definitely are.”
But before OU could get into SEC play, the Sooners faced an early season slate dotted with road trips. Oklahoma volleyball was seven matches into the season before their first home match of the 2024 campaign. The Sooners played its entire non-conference schedule away from the friendly confines of McCasland Field House.
“Definitely a unique non-conference for us,” Mansfield said of the unique schedule. “Next year we, for sure, would like to host one if not two weekends but it’s been really good for our group. We’ve got a lot of new faces on our team this year and traveling can be a really good opportunity for them to get to know each other better and play in different environments.”
Two key standouts help to make the OU volleyball team a must-see this season. Junior Alexis Shelton returns after leading the Sooners in kills and attacks last season despite missing the last two matches with an injury. The outside hitter from North Carolina has consistently registered 20 kills per match this season and is on an upward trend as the Sooners head toward the heart of SEC play.
“She’s a human highlight reel,” Mansfield said of Shelton. “The first thing that jumps out is her athleticism. She hits the ball extremely hard. She’s one of the premiere points scorers in the SEC and nationally. She just really competes outwardly… She has a lot of fire and energy and a competitive spirit, and our team really feeds off of it.”
Meanwhile, Sooner setter Payton Chamberlain has established herself as one of the best in the SEC. After transferring from Wyoming in 2022, Chamberlain has been one of the most consistent performers in setting the table for the Oklahoma offensive attack.
“She is the most gifted setter I’ve coached, and I’ve been able to coach some All-Americans,” Mansfield said of Chamberlain. “Her ability to run an offense and her volleyball IQ is really high. We wouldn’t want anyone else running our offense. She has done an incredible job and has developed as a leader. And she’s playing through pain with an aggravated knee but she’s a warrior. She’s been incredible for us.”
As the roster gels under the watchful eye of Mansfield and his staff, the sport of volleyball continues to grow at a rapid pace nationally. USA Volleyball member-
BY: CHRIS PLANK
ship increased by almost 10% over the last 20 years and the growth was reflected at all levels of play.
Volleyball is the No. 1 team participatory sport in high school and college for girls, and boys high school volleyball numbers have increased by 40% since 2017, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in the country.
“From a grassroots standpoint, the participation in youth and high school is as high as it’s ever been and continues to grow,” Mansfield said. “There is a lot of really cool opportunities for female volleyball players beyond college. Last year, we didn’t win a lot of matches, and we still set a single-season attendance record at McCasland. There is a high interest from the community in volleyball and throughout the country and we want to ride that wave of momentum.”
With his progressive approach and the aggressive nature of Sooner volleyball, Mansfield and company are hoping to capitalize on this growth and build Norman into the center of the college volleyball world.
“We’re hoping to put a product on the court where we win a lot of volleyball matches and entertain the crowd,” Mansfield said. “McCasland Fieldhouse was rocking last year, and we love and appreciate the community that comes out and supports us and we need more of that and hopefully we’re going to win some more matches this year.” – BSM
Photo by: Mark Doescher
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As the Sooners celebrated a season-opening win over Temple, firstyear co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley was presented with a new addition to his trophy case. After his defense shut down the Owls, Alley received the game ball from his mentor and boss Brent Venables.
“I want to give a game ball to a guy who was making his debut tonight,” Sooner head coach Brent Venables said. “Under 200 yards, six turnovers, nine tackles for loss… four out of 13 on 3rd downs…”
The roar of the celebration from the Sooners drowned out any other words as Alley was tossed the game ball. Oklahoma’s players lifted him in the air to crowd-surf during the team’s postgame celebration.
“It was pretty cool,” Alley said. “I got lifted off the ground afterward and got thrown up about seven times, about flipped on my head.”
“At first, he didn’t want to go up in the air, but we didn’t care,” Dolby said. “We threw him up anyway.”
For Alley, this moment has been many years in the making on a non-traditional route to becoming a defensive coordinator at a Blue Blood program like Oklahoma. Alley has helped launch a new identity for Sooners football in 2024 to be a team led by its defense.
A UNIQUE APPROACH
Many times, a successful head coach or coordinator has playing experience at the collegiate level, but not Zac Alley who essentially majored in football while attending Clemson. After a successful high school career at Charlotte Country Day in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alley started as a freshman student coach at Clemson in 2011.
Shortly after Venables arrived at Clemson in 2012, Alley went right into Venables’ office to introduce himself.
“He probably thought I was a player,” Alley said.
But Alley was a student assistant eager to learn more about the craft of coaching and he offered to do whatever Venables needed, even if the task was arranging chairs in the meeting room.
Venables, in his new role as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, essentially lived in the film room for up to nine hours a day and Alley was right there beside him. He picked Venables’ mind and grew fond of his defensive scheme, while the new defensive coordinator gained trust for Alley’s ability to break down the game.
His time at Clemson started with him shuffling chairs, making copies and assisting the graduate assistants, but Venables recognized Alley’s potential. Over time he piled on more and more responsibilities as the young assistant’s ability to process the game quickly was evident early.
Alley was even given a headset, a rarity for a student assistant to have.
Alley eventually transitioned from a student assistant to a graduate assistant under Venables at Clemson. In those four seasons as a graduate assistant, Alley worked primarily with the defensive tackles and linebackers. Clemson posted a 55-4 (.932) record (tied with Alabama for the nation’s best during that span) and won four Atlantic Coast Conference titles and two national championships (2016 and 2018).
Alley took his first full-time coaching job as the inside linebacker coach for Boise State in 2019 and eventually added special teams responsibilities. In 2020, Football Scoop named Alley its Special Teams Coordinator of the Year.
His stock was rising, and it was rising fast.
BY: CHRIS PLANK
Photo by: Mark Doescher
OU Defensive Coordinator Zac Alley
Terry Bowden started as a head coach in college football at the age of 26 at Salem University. After spending a couple of seasons with the Clemson Tigers as an analyst, Bowden knew other head coaching opportunities would open, and he knew he wanted to run what Brent Venables was running defensively.
When Bowden was hired at Louisiana Monroe, one name kept popping up to take over as his defensive coordinator, Zac Alley.
“I wanted someone smart and he’s very smart, confident and competitive,” Bowden said of Alley. “I told him he had to be a coordinator and that this was a chance for him to show what he was able to do.
“I brought him to ULM, and we hadn’t won a game the year before. In our first year, we won four games, and he ran our defense.”
A member of 247Sports’ “30 Under 30” list, Alley was the youngest defensive coordinator in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision when he took over at ULM in spring of 2021 at the age of 27. Under his direction, the Warhawks improved in virtually every defensive statistical category from the previous season, including going from No. 125 in rushing defense before his arrival to No. 69.
Alley moved on to Jacksonville State in 2022, and in his first season, he presided over a stingy defense
that helped the Gamecocks amass a 9-2 record and a 5-0 league mark en route to the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship. In 2023, Alley’s defense allowed just 21.2 points per game and was in the top 10 nationally in turnovers gained.
OKLAHOMA BOUND
When Venables left Clemson to become Oklahoma’s head coach in 2021, Alley was excited that Venables had the chance to coach his former team.
“Coach V’s not somebody that jumps at every opportunity. He’s going to do things for the right reason, all the time,” Alley said. “That’s just how he is as a man.
“Being here for a long time, he knows the people, the community, all those things. I was just really excited for him, happy to see him get a chance to be a head coach, because he’s really good at it.”
Would the next step for Alley be a reunion with his mentor? Alley had proven he could coordinate a defense on his own. While it may be viewed as the “Venables defense,” Alley’s success gave him the confidence that he could make it at Oklahoma.
“We were a really good team last year on defense where I was,” Alley said. “Getting to come into a situation (here) where they’ve turned things around and take over and enjoy the process of getting better, it
gave me great perspective and appreciation for the opportunity here at Oklahoma.”
Alley had proven himself and the time was right; Venables was ready for the young Padawan to prove that he was ready to be a Jedi.
“This was the right time for us, continuing to grow as a defense and as a program to get a guy with some fresh ideas… a new face as we move into the SEC,” Venables said.
Venables described Alley as “a guy that will show up with his hair on fire” with a lot of energy, who works well with people.
“He’s a great teammate and he’s tough as all get out,” Venables said. “Really understands how to take advantage of the players that you have on your roster and build things around that group.”
“It was a dream come true,” Alley said of the opportunity to join the Sooners. “Oklahoma is one of the greatest historic programs in the country. The opportunity to come and have a chance to be a part of that legacy is amazing. And then to do it with somebody who I basically owe my career to over the years… I’m so appreciative of that. It’s fun to have it come back full circle.”
IMMEDIATE BUY-IN
As he has at all his stops along the way, Zac Alley has made an immediate impact with his knowledge, passion and energy.
“Zac is great… he’s a reincarnation of Coach Brent Venables,” Sooner cornerback Dez Malone said. “When I hear him talk, I think it’s BV talking, they sound so similar. He’s great, I love the defense he runs, and he also has energy. I think he was a great hire.”
But don’t try to tell Sooner co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai that Alley sounds like Venables.
“Zac sounds like Zac... he’s a funny dude,” Valai said. “On the outside, he’s got jokes. He’s hilarious. He’s down to earth... That’s a good perspective to have.”
The infectious personality of Zac Alley also carried over to the linebackers. Preseason All-American Danny Stutsman has thrived under Alley’s guidance, and it’s been a two-way street of respect.
“When Coach V is yelling at you, chewing you out and not really giving you an explanation, you can go to Coach Alley and he’ll really break it down,” Stutsman said. “He’s always behind the ‘why’ and not so much the ‘how.’ He really understands and relates to us.”
“I love Danny,” Alley said. “He’s so funny. Brings a great light-hearted spirit to the room... Keeps it light then you get on the field and he’s just an absolute alpha.”
THE FUTURE
In the second game of the season, the Oklahoma offense struggled. Houston had dominated the time of possession and with the game on the line, the defense was called upon to save the day.
“I look at them and say we have another opportunity to go out there and get another sack... to get another stop,” Alley said. “We think that all the time on our side of the ball, you give me one blade of grass, we’re going to defend it. I think that’s the mindset I have for them, doesn’t matter the situation, doesn’t matter when it happens.”
In the end, a Gracen Halton safety secured the win, adding to the new identity for the Sooners. This is a team that will be led by its defense and Zac Alley is embracing it.
“He’s been the best defensive coordinator in the country for 20-plus years, so he just sees the game slow for him,” Alley said of Venables. “He can see it all before it happens, so just the opportunity to have him on the headset and talking to me the whole time. That’s always a benefit, no doubt about it.
In recent years, Oklahoma football has been known for its high-powered, high-scoring offenses. But the tenured foundation of Oklahoma football has been built on names like Selmon, Calmus, Williams, Lehman and McCoy. Alley looks to solidify that foundation working alongside not only the biggest influence in his coaching career but one of the architects of many of the great Sooner defenses.
“We still got film from Rufus (Alexander) going out there and smoking guys at linebacker,” Alley said. “Coach V has an opportunity to make a defensive stalwart out of Oklahoma. I think that’s what he wants to do, and we believe we’re working towards that at Oklahoma.”
Despite his unique path, Alley’s qualifications are unquestioned. In a short amount of time, he has proven himself worthy of this opportunity. While some say he feels like a mini-BV on the sidelines, Alley is all about one thing - winning.
“I know everybody says I sound like him, I don’t know if I agree with that, but hey, I love him to death and I’m so appreciative of him,” Alley said. “ He just makes everybody around him better. He’s just one of those guys who you love because he holds you to a stan-
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
Pulling weeds this summer served as a moment of inspiration and reflection for Jayke Flaggert.
Flaggert and other young leaders attending an international conference in Australia were performing acts of community service by removing weeds and tree limbs in neighborhoods.
The work directly impacted the neighbors in that moment and “reaffirmed the importance of service in the capacity of leadership,” he said. “Anyone can serve, anywhere. Sometimes it’s 9,000 miles from home or in your backyard.”
The experience was one of many moments that left a lasting impression on Flaggert, an entrepreneur, University of Oklahoma graduate and community volunteer.
The 24-year-old was one of two individuals chosen to represent the United States at the prestigious Australia National Leadership Forum in Canberra, Australia. The program brings together young leaders from across Australia and the Pacific to explore and expand their leadership through the lens of values, compassion and connection.
The experience provides participants with the chance to interact with global leaders, including Australia’s prime minister and opposition leaders, and to speak with members of parliament about critical leadership issues. Flaggert said the “invaluable opportunity” gave him the chance to gain more insight into global issues and grow as a leader.
Flaggert said another takeaway from the experience was how beliefs and perspective influence a leader.
“To be a good leader, you have to know what your faith and values are. You cannot be an effective lead-
er and servant without being able to identify personally what that means to you,” he said.
Flaggert is eager to incorporate the insight he gained into his work and community service.
Flaggert started Flaggert & Associates in August of 2020 when he was a student at OU.
The business is a strategic communications and planning firm that partners with political candidates, communities, companies and nonprofits. He serves as the only employee but works with contractors on different projects.
Flaggert also is involved on City of Norman initiatives and committees including AIM Norman Steering Committee, which is working on the city’s Area & Infrastructure Master Plan, and the ONE Norman Visioning Process Steering Committee.
ONE Norman is an initiative of the Norman Economic Development Coalition and is a coalition of residents, community activists, businesses, community organizations and elected and appointed leaders working on a shared vision and long-range plans for the community.
Flaggert said he enjoys being part of discussions that are focused on Norman’s future and listening to perspectives and ideas from a diverse group of people about the community’s long-term goals, growth, partnerships and progress.
“Norman is, in my opinion, one of the most innovative cities I’ve ever been in,” he said. “The city and individuals who live here truly do care about each other and the community.” – BSM
Norman entrepreneur gains global insight, inspiration while attending Australia forum
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TIGERS WIN 2024 CROSSTOWN CLASH
Photos by: Mark Doescher
Mitchell’s next trip to Antwerp is in late October and they will be drawing for their 77th Antwerp Diamond winner. Each time they travel to Antwerp or host an Antwerp event in their store, one person wins up to $5000 toward their diamond!
Expert Advice from Mitchell’s Jewelry
Newt Mitchell and daughter Cloie Manek select diamonds in the diamond rooms of Antwerp, Belgium.
Mitchell has been traveling to Antwerp since 2005.
Newt Mitchell has been doing business in Norman, Oklahoma since 1981, beginning with Norman Coin, a small storefront located on Main Street in Downtown Norman. However, he saw a need in the Norman community for more jewelers and began selling fine jewelry. Norman Coin became Norman Coin and Jewelry.
In 2004, the business became Mitchell’s Jewelry and soon expanded to a larger stand-alone building located on Main Street and 24th Avenue. For years, the family has been a part of helping the Norman community celebrate life’s biggest moments.
“We are serving generations,” Gina Mitchell, co-owner, said. “We have kids who come in here to buy their wedding set whose parents bought their wedding set here. People bring in their grandmother’s heirloom wedding ring and are interested in how it can be repurposed.”
So, what is the secret to buying the right diamond? Going to a trusted jeweler is a great place to start.
Here are few tips from the experts at Mitchell’s Jewelry:
FIND YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
When a customer comes into the store looking to buy a wedding set, for example, Gina says they encourage their customers to explore and find a few favorite pieces.
From there, they can get an idea of the customer’s style by asking what aspects of each piece they like such as the shape of the diamond, the setting, the metal choice and how ornate or simple the design.
Mitchell’s can also take unique design elements and use it to create something completely new that fits the customer’s ideal vision. They can even select diamonds or gems for a custom creation. Their diamonds are sourced from Antwerp, Belgium in the diamond district, and the family visits multiple times per year to assure they get the best quality product.
BY: VICTORIA STEPHENS
“My goal has always been to have a small-town feel, but with big city choices,” Gina said.
UNDERSTAND THE 4 CS
Terms like cut, color, clarity and carat can be intimidating to most buyers. Before making the purchase, sit down with the trusted jeweler and look at all the details to assure you have the right fit. The cut refers to the light, sparkle and brightness, how light reflects from the diamond. Diamond color ranges from colorless to various light and vivid colors depending on its chemical makeup. Most diamonds are white or pale yellow. The clarity refers to whether or not the diamond has inclusions or blemishes. Carat is a measurement of the diamond’s weight.
CREATE A WISH LIST
Mitchell’s offers customers the opportunity to create a list of their favorite pieces that they can share with their partner to assure they get exactly what they want, but still get to enjoy the element of surprise that makes gifting fun and personal. Customers can also create a wish list online by visiting mitchells-jewelry. com, and even complete purchases on in-stock inventory via their website for pickup or delivery.
CONSIDER FINANCING OPTIONS TO FIT YOUR BUDGET
Mitchell’s offers financing through Wells Fargo, instore layaway with three payments and Sezzle buynow-pay-later options available on their website.
Mitchell’s Jewelry is open Monday through Saturday. They offer engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, children’s jewelry, a full-service repair center and more.-BSM
SUSTAINABLE SAVINGS
NPS Uses Innovative Approach to Funding and Environmental Stewardship
School funding has been a hot-button issue both locally and nationally in recent years. School districts have limited control over the funds they receive, making the application of those funds paramount. Justin Milner, Norman Public Schools’ chief operating officer and associate superintendent, said the district is “always looking for ways to improve and be good stewards of the dollars given to us.”
“In the school business, we have limited opportunities for cost reduction that doesn’t impact the classroom,” Milner explained. “But we are never satisfied with the status quo, we want to be mindful of our responsibilities fiscally and environmentally.”
The district launched an initiative to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce energy use, including adopting renewable energy.
In partnership with Cenergistic and under the guidance of Sarah Chan, the district’s energy specialist, NPS has made significant strides to reduce energy consumption.
“We replaced all lights with LED across the district by taking advantage of $312,000 worth of OG&E rebates for a projected yearly savings of $264,000,” confirmed Carrie Burkhart, the district’s chief information officer. “Our electricity use reduction across the district from April to June (of this year) paid for the electricity use at Adams Elementary for an entire calendar year.”
After installing solar panels at Norman North High School, the district was able to reduce its energy bill for summer classes at the school to zero during both June and July, and contributed 41,400 kilowatt-hours of power to the grid.
Chan, a former teacher at Irving Middle School, started the Students for Solar club in 2018 with fellow educator Laura Vaughn. Students researched and advocated for the use of renewable energy in their school and the Norman community, helping to get solar panels installed at the school in 2023 through a pilot program with OG&E.
“School funding and climate change seem overwhelming, but we can make an impact. We have choices, options and action we can take,” Chan said.
“Students get excited about wanting to do something good for their community and help their school save money.”
At the district level, Chan has encouraged energy setback tasks during school breaks. Schools are encouraged to unplug appliances, cover windows and turn off all lights.
In the spring, the district hosted a competition to see which school site could achieve the highest energy setback. The winner, Eisenhower Elementary, with 97.8% participation, received a traveling trophy.
“We saw a 17.5% increase in energy conservation compared to March 2023,” Burkhart said.
The district also utilizes building automated systems, reducing energy consumption from April to June by 429,299 kilowatt-hours compared to the same period in 2023.
According to an analysis by Cenergistic, an environmental consultant based in Dallas, NPS’s efforts have decreased CO2 emissions by 942 metric tons, equivalent to the exhaust emissions of an average vehicle driven 2,338,076 miles or the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by 119 homes in a year.
“It is really great to be in a district and in a position to impact decisions that will impact students for years to come. It’s not just about today but also many years down the road, long after we retire,” Chan said. – BSM
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
Savings
By
the Numbers
Energy setback tasks results in 17.5% more energy conservation during spring break 2024. Building automated systems reduced energy consumption by 12% in June.
To date, the solar panels at Norman North have produced roughly 132,000 kilowatt-hours of power, which is equivalent to the same CO2 emission impact as planting 4,232 trees.
THE US IS THE MOST SCAMMED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
You’ve been frauded! It’s a disaster, and the longer you wait to act, the worse it will get.
What do you do now?
It’s a crucial question, and we’ve got answers! Here’s what to do if you’ve fallen victim to fraud:
IMMEDIATE STEPS
As soon as you discover the fraud, take these steps:
• Document the fraud. Collect all relevant info, including emails, receipts, account statements and any other documentation that can serve as evidence.
• Contact your financial institutions. Notify your credit union or bank, credit card companies and any other financial institutions about the fraud. They can freeze your accounts, issue new cards and help prevent further unauthorized transactions.
• Change passwords. Immediately change passwords for any online accounts that may have been compromised.
REPORTING FRAUD TO THE AUTHORITIES
Here are the key organizations to contact:
1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the primary agency for reporting fraud in the United States. You can file a complaint online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
2. Local law enforcement. File a report with your local police department. Provide them with all the evidence you have collected.
3. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). For online fraud, report to the IC3, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. File a complaint here.
4. State consumer protection offices Many states have consumer protection offices that handle fraud complaints.
5. Credit reporting agencies. Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
SPECIALIZED REPORTING FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF FRAUD
Depending on the type of fraud, you may need to report to additional specialized agencies:
1. Identity Theft: Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
2. Securities Fraud: If you’re a victim of investment fraud, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at SEC.gov.
3. Tax Fraud: For tax-related identity theft or fraud, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at IRS. gov or at 1-800-908-4490.
4. Mail Fraud: If fraud was conducted using the U.S. Postal Service, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at USPIS.gov.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FUTURE FRAUD
Monitor your checking account statements, credit bills and credit reports regularly for sketchy activity. Also, use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. Never share personal information with an unverified contact. Finally, keep yourself educated about scams.
Stay safe!
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Norman Opens New Emergency Communications Center EQUIPPED TO SERVE
The City of Norman recently unveiled a state-ofthe-art Emergency Communications & Operations Center (ECOC), designed to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities. The new facility houses dispatchers for the Norman Police Department, Norman Fire Department, Little Axe Fire Department and EMSSTAT.
“They take in a large number of calls on a weekly basis and they needed the room to do that more adequately,” said Sarah Schettler, the department’s public information officer.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the new center allows dispatchers to better serve the community. The expanded space has also enabled the department to increase the number of 911 dispatchers. Amenities include areas for decompression, such as an outdoor space for breaks and meals.
Norman’s ECOC will provide traffic management during major events in Norman. The structure itself was structured as a hardened facility which means it can handle whatever kind of weather Oklahoma has to offer.
“The ECOC is a technology-rich facility that will greatly enhance the city’s ability to provide critical services to our community,” said Brent Barbour, Norman Police Department major and project manager. “This facility will also help propel us into new and innovative opportunities to enhance emergency services as well
as the ways we plan, prepare and respond together to save lives, create stability, and protect property during emergencies.”
The ECOC was first approved by citizens in 2014, but the dream finally became a reality 10 years later. Carolyn Glover, now the communications supervisor for the Norman Communication Center, has been with the city since 1984.
“In 1988, they merged the fire and police dispatch, and I remember having a minimum staffing of two people in the dispatch center,” said Glover.
Having experienced every transition, Glover expressed her excitement about the opportunity to serve the community from the new center. Before the ECOC, Glover and other dispatchers were operating out of the Norman Police Department’s basement. The basement was remodeled in 2000 to create more room for the communications center.
“In the beginning, it was lovely, but we quickly outgrew it,” said Glover. “We were in desperate need of the ECOC because there was no room for growth.”
After four decades of service, Glover is eager to begin working in the new facility.
“It took 40 years to get to a place like this, and I’m thankful I stuck around because it has been so worth it,” she said – BSM
Wine Regions & Labels
Bordeaux, 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 that’s you, I would like to offer some approaches to broaden your wine horizons and help you find the wine you like best.
First, let’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 other 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
BY: LINDSAY CUOMO
BUILDING A COMMUNITY, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME
New Program at Norman Regional Empowers Parents to Boost Baby Brain Growth
Norman Regional Hospital recently unveiled a new program designed to equip parents with tools and resources to maximize their baby’s brain development from birth.
The program, called Build a Brain, Build a Life, Build a Community®, emphasizes the importance of the role parents and caregivers play in fostering healthy brain development during a child’s first three years.
“Parents are baby’s first teachers,” Ariel Anglin explained. “We want to equip parents and caregivers from the very beginning so they can feel confident and play an active role right away. When the owner of the program, Quint Studer, presented the idea to us, we thought it was a great way to serve our families.”
The complimentary program includes an informational video and a resource bag to help parents understand “the importance of talk and interaction to fuel healthy brain development,” according to buildabrainnow.com. Families can also sign up for email updates on important developmental milestones including social/emotional, cognitive, language/communication and physical development milestones.
“With the knowledge that 85 percent of a baby’s brain is being built in their first three years, we should be teaching parents — who are their child’s first teacher — how important their role is in early brain development,” said Richie Splitt, president and CEO of Norman Regional Hospital. “Build a Brain is built on decades of clinical research and studies, and we’re so pleased to be offering this to new parents in our
Jamie Barnes-Polski, nurse manager for the Women’s and Children’s Unit, said the program, which also fosters family bonding, has been well received by both families and hospital staff.
“Moms and babies are learning together,” Barnes-Polski shared. “Things are always changing in healthcare and with best practices, so we want families to have everything they need to feel equipped to care for their babies.
“This program is right in line with our new mission statement to provide personalized healthcare with compassion and excellence. It doesn’t get more personal than this.”
The first family to experience the Build a Brain program was the Hopkins family. Kylie and Shane Hopkins welcomed their second son at Norman Regional. Shane expressed his gratitude for the hospital’s efforts to promote brain development.
“I think it’s great the hospital is trying to get that information out there,” Shane Hopkins said. “I think it’s going to be very helpful those first few years, stuff we’ve tried to do with Krew already… talking to him a lot, reading books to him every night.”
Norman Regional is seeking sponsors for the new program and organizations interested should reach out to Anglin by email at aanglin@nrh-ok.com. For more information about the Build a Brain program, visit buildabrainnow.com.– BSM
community right here at Norman Regional.”
The Norman Economic Development Coalition is proud to support the 2024 National Weather Festival- an event attended by thousands of visitors annually. NEDC is committed to enhancing weather and radar initiatives in Norman by targeting corporate entities, aerospace partnerships, and by collaborating with partner organizations like the National Weather Center to expand opportunities and contribute to our overall regional prosperity.
The National Weather Festival is a family event with fun educational activities for all ages. There will be lots to see, including helicopters, emergency vehicles, hourly weather balloon launches, and drone demonstration by our research partners.
Saturday, October 26th
10AM-2PM | National Weather Center
BREAKFAST WITH THE DIRECTOR
TWISTERS Director to Speak at National Weather Festival Breakfast
As part of this year’s National Weather Festival, festivities will include a special breakfast with the Norman Chamber on Oct. 25. Twisters Director Lee Isaac Chung will join attendees for a fireside chat to discuss the film and his experience growing up in Tornado Alley.
“We look forward to a rich exchange with someone who grew up in Tornado Alley and has brought that experience to theater and TV screens across the globe,” said Dr. Berrien Moore, dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. “From the cutting-edge science at the National Severe Storms Laboratory to the life-saving broadcasts from Oklahoma news stations, the National Weather Festival showcases the weather enterprise in our state and is a fun event for the whole family.”
A son of Korean immigrants, Chung grew up on a small farm in rural Arkansas and then attended Yale University before abandoning plans for medical school to earn an MFA in film studies at the University of Utah. He has directed several films and episodes of The Mandalorian and Skeleton Crew. Chung currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
The breakfast is free to attend, but registration is required. To learn more, visit normanchamber.com. – BSM
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
DEPUTY MARY MCLAIN
Cleveland County has a mental health professional working behind the scenes who is passionate about making the community safer. As the re-engagement coordinator for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Mary McLain focuses on mental health services at the detention center and assists inmates with mental health and substance abuse issues.
McLain earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from East Central University and later received a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. She completed an additional 36 hours of graduate work in substance abuse treatment and is now a licensed alcohol, drug and mental health counselor.
In an advisory role, McLain trains deputies and detention officers at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Academy. She also collaborates with the county jail’s mental and physical health providers.
“I’ve worked in the Norman community and know a lot of our inmates from outpatient mental health facilities,” McLain explained. “They use my insight to collaborate and provide the best possible care for those incarcerated.”
McLain teaches basic police officer academy training in mental health through Moore-Norman Technology Center and serves as a crisis intervention team co-occurring disorders trainer across Oklahoma.
“I went through the reserve academy earlier this year so I could be a commissioned law enforcement deputy,” McLain said. “I’m also a licensed mental health professional and there’s not many of us like that.
“I’m looking forward to all the different ways we can expand and use both areas of my training to benefit the people of Cleveland County.”
For example, a new partnership between the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and Red Rock Behavioral Health Center is also in the works. The Sheriff’s Office was awarded a mental health grant administered by the District Attorney’s Office. The grant will fund a Red Rock case manager to help inmates prepare for release.
“Reducing the return rate is our biggest goal for the inmates. When they leave, we don’t want them to come back,” McLain said. “Handing them a brochure with a list of resources isn’t working.
“I’m hopeful this partnership with Red Rock will be even more successful.”
The partnership will focus on connecting inmates with essential resources like housing, food and clothing. The relationship built between the case manager and inmates will provide them with the support they need to succeed after release.
“If inmates can get the help they need, they’re not going to be out there committing crimes,” she said. “It not only helps those when they get out; it makes our community safer.”– BSM
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