Boyd Street April 2019

Event Celebrates Native Son

Frontier Days Festival

Grinch Launches New Era

Speed D

Normanite in the Spotight

Mayor-Elect Breea Clark

April 2019 • Issue 4 • Volume 18

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Features

APRIL CONTENTS 2019

ISSUE 4– VOLUME 18 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

14 by Chip Minty

Chickasaw Rancher

Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR

Native son recognized by first annual Frontier Days Celebration.

Lindsay Cuomo

SENIOR EDITOR

18 by Heide Brandes

Assisting Abused Children

Chip Minty

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher Madelaine E. Base

Mary Abbott House is a local solution to statewide problem.

CONTRIBUTORS

30 by Lindsay Cuomo

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Heide Brandes | Stefanie Brickman Kaylee Campbell | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Joy Hampton Josh Helmer | Shannon Hudzinski Chelsey Kraft | Chip Minty Chris Plank | Anna Roberts Emily Robinson | Paige Uhr

Operation School Bell 5K

A new event to help children.

35

Breea Clark

Normanite in the Spotlight:

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

by Chelsey Kraft

Norman’s mayor-elect talks about what led her to a life of leadership.

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

44 by Roxanne Avery

Spreading the Word

Victory Church expands to Newcastle, just in time for Easter.

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

48 by Josh Helmer

State Champs

Norman High wins state championship in Crosstown Clash.

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.

52 by Chris Plank

Home Grown Sooner Sooner senior pays dues, takes leadership role.

Spotlights

58 by Chris Plank

Sooner Defense, Sooner Speed

Grinch launches new era at first spring practice.

10 Gary Schmidt

62 by Emily Robinson

66 by Kaylee Campbell

Rose Rock Festival

Noble event promises music, fun for all ages .

Service Spotlight:

Norman’s “Kindness Teacher”

Boyd Street Teacher Features

40 Deputy Kevin Smetter

Despite “terrible climate,” seasoned landscaper grows on.

88

by Anna Roberts

CycleBar indoor cycling boutique to offer brief escape.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Are P2P Payment Systems Safe

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Wine, Grapes & the Environment

79 by Lindsay Cuomo

Creative concoctions can make for a tasty burger.

boydstreet.com

by Joy Hampton

77 by Kathy Hallren

92 by Sharla Bardin

Service Spotlight:

71 by Shannon Hudzinski

Ride Away

by Chelsey Kraft

26

by Lindsay Cuomo

School counselor shines light on challenging profession.

Spring Planting

Visit Norman

22

Robert Betts

Spartan Pool & Patio grows through pool-family bond.

84

by Chip Minty

by Paige Uhr

12 by Stefanie Brickman

A Continuing Legacy

74 by Kaylee Campbell

Service Spotlight:

@boydstreet

Cancer Care, Close to Home

Cover photo by: Madelaine E. Base

COMM U N I T Y

BY: PAIGE UHR

Service Spotlight:

Gary Schmidt A

s a young adult, Gary Schmidt was unsure of what his future would hold. He was interested in computers and data processing but serving as a police officer didn’t cross his mind until he was visiting family in Oklahoma on a weekend break from college.

in white-collar crimes and the bogus check division until he was hired as a patrol officer in 1995 by the Bethany Police Department.

Schmidt participated in the ride-along program with an Oklahoma City police officer, and that is when he decided police work was the field for him.

A year later, Schmidt found a crime analyst job opening at the Norman Police Department. The position was responsible for managing the department’s computer network and manage crime data collected to enhance the quality of policing in Norman.

manages most of the law enforcement technology within the department, and he oversees computer system applications and databases.

“I wanted to bring my law enforcement experience and my computer network and information experience together to make a difference.”

Additionally, he conducts digital forensic examinations to support criminal cases, which include the analysis of information extracted from cell phones and computers. When possible, Schmidt enjoys working patrol, too.

“I finally found my passion,” he said.

In 1993, Schmidt was selected as an intern for the Norman Police Department where he identified problems by analyzing data from existing information in the computerized data system.

“I was able to identify possible solutions to enhance the quality of life of Norman citizens,” Schmidt said.

Once Schmidt completed the internship, he graduated from OSU-OKC with an associate degree in police science, and he then completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Oklahoma. After graduation, he worked in the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office, assisting 10 | April 2019

With the internet emerging and personal computers becoming more mainstream, Schmidt recognized firsthand that criminals were utilizing technology to commit crimes. In response, he attended the first computer forensics training class for law enforcement officers in Oklahoma.

Today, Schmidt is assigned to the planning and logistics division, where he

“Technology is constantly changing, and public safety must also adapt to be successful in the future.”

“My passion is to bridge the gap between technology and public safety,” he says. “My goal every day is to be a difference maker in our community by creating efficient systems, identifying clear workflow processes and creating tools to help first responders keep the community safe.” – BSM

Untitled-1 1

3/14/19 11:07 AM

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHIP MINTY

Chickasaw Rancher Native Son Recognized by First Annual Frontier Days Celebration

T

here are many early-day Normanites, dating back to the days when this land was a patch of prairie amid the Unassigned Lands. Abner Norman may be the best known. After all, the railroad surveyor ended up naming the town, and a statue of him now stands outside City Hall.

However, the greatest of early-day Normanites may have been overlooked and largely ignored by popular accounts. His name is Montford Johnson, and yes, there’s a family connection between him and the well-known Montford Inn, a stately bed and breakfast that has stood in central Norman for more than a quarter century.

Johnson’s great, great granddaughter, Phyllis Murray, owns the Montford with her son, William.

Oklahoma historians and western history buffs know Montford Johnson as the Chickasaw Rancher. He rose to prominence after the Civil War as a renown horseman. He worked as a Chisholm Trail cowboy in the 1870s and eventually became an enterprising cattleman, who built a ranching empire south of Norman that sprawled as far west as the Texas border and south to the Arbuckle Mountains.

Next month, his Native American and western legacy will be remembered through the first annual Norman Native American Frontier Days, a threeday celebration of Norman’s heritage, said organizer Joe Carter.

Events will be held May 3 through 5, and will consist of a parade, a pow wow, a Native American flute demonstration, a car show, a rodeo and a trail ride. The parade, the pow wow, the flute demonstration and the car show will be held along W. Lindsey Street on May 4.

14 | April 2019

The rodeo will be held on May 3 and 4 at the Norman Round-Up Club, 516 60th Avenue NE. Starting at 8 p.m. both days, the rodeo will include bronc riding, barrel racing, roping and bull riding.

The trail ride on May 5 at Lake Thunderbird Trails in Little River State Park will offer guided and ride-on-your own options as well as an obstacle challenge, food trucks and live music.

Each of the events will carry a theme that looks back 140 years to Montford Johnson’s time in history, Carter said.

“Montford is an interesting character from Norman’s past, and the committee organizing the event is fascinated with him,” Carter said.

“Montford was a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and in our opinion, the greatest horseman and cattleman ever to live in this area,” said Carter, an equine veterinarian. “He brilliantly made his fortune after the Civil War with his horse and cattleman skills.”

During the Civil War, which ran from 1860 to 1864, local ranchers turned their cows out into the Arbuckle Mountains, Carter said. During those years, the cattle became wild. After the war, they were so wild that ranchers couldn’t gather them.

Johnson made them a deal. He would go gather their cows and bring them back, but there was a stipulation. He would only return the branded cattle to the rightful owners. In return for his services, he would keep the unbranded cattle. It was a good deal for Johnson.

“Do the math,” Carter said. “For every cow he returned, he had four years of café crops. In today’s terms, he instantly became a millionaire.”

“We felt Montford Johnson was worthy of an event that celebrated Norman’s Native American and horse history,” Carter said.

Carter, who serves as Norman’s Ward 2 city councilman, wanted the event to benefit the Lindsey Street business district, which has struggled in recent years because of major construction, so most of the events will be held on W Lindsey between Berry Road and Interstate 35.

Carter said he and his committee envision the frontier days as a multicultural event that celebrates the era through the eyes of someone who lived at that time, and Johnson was that person.

Johnson believed in multiculturalism, Carter said. On his ranch, he employed freed slaves, Mexicans and Native Americans.

“He didn’t see people for the color of their skin, but for the quality of their work,” said Carter, who owns Oklahoma Equine Hospital, located south of Norman on land that used to be part of the Johnson Ranch.

The frontier days event is an amalgamation that members of the local horse community have envisioned for a while, Carter said. It was inspired by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which has turned into a significant community event, accounting for $475 million in annual economic impact.

“We wondered if Norman could develop something similar to Houston, which would become a local economic engine,” Carter said. “We thought, ‘why not.’ Let’s do it.”

For more information about all the events, go to www.facebook.com/ NNAFD2019. – BSM

N

RMAN NATIVE

AMERICAN

F R O N T RID E RT H• D A Y S

MAY 3 -5 , 2019

CELEBRATING NORMAN’S NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY & NORMAN’S HORSE HERITAGE

DAYS OF MONTFORD THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MONTFORD T. JOHNSON “THE CHICKASAW RANCHER”

POW WOW

GRAND ENTRY WITH COLOR GUARD; MULTICULTURAL AND TINY TOT COMPETITION SATURDAY, MAY 4 HOMELAND GROCERY PARKING LOT LINDSEY STREET 12 PM FOR INFO CONTACT ASHLEY WARRIOR (405) 501-9289 mcmahan.ashley@yahoo.com or TAYLOR CHIARIELLO (405) 820-0783 chiariello@ou.edu

PARADE SATURDAY MAY 4TH 10AM LINDSEY STREET BETWEEN 24TH & BERRY RD FOR MORE INFO CONTACT LORI THROWER (405) 596 9380 lthrower5@gmail.com

N A T I V E F L UT E D E MO SATURDAY MAY 4TH 11 AM LEGENDS RESTAURANT 1313 W. LINDSEY ST CONDUCTED BY KELLY HANEY FORMER CHIEF SEMINOLE NATION

CAR SHOW SATURDAY MAY 4TH 12PM HOMELAND GROCERY PARKING LOT LINDSEY STREET FOR MORE INFO CONTACT JERI SIEBER (405) 464-1129 jerisieber@hotmail.com

RODEO FRIDAY MAY 3RD & SATURDAY MAY 4TH 7PM NORMAN ROUND UP CLUB ARENA 519 NE 60TH ST NORMAN, OK FOR MORE INFO CONTACT TERESA ELAM (405) 234-0518 telam127@yahoo.com OR normanroundupclub.com

TRAIL RIDE SUNDAY MAY 5TH LAKE THUNDERBIRD TRAILS LITTLE RIVER STATE PARK EAST HIGHWAY 9 NORMAN OK FOR MORE INFO CONTACT CINDY KERR (405) 412-3630 cindy@kerrteam.com or JOE NOBLE DVM (405) 550-3798 nobledvm@gmail.com

NETWORK with us this summer!

Just because the school year is winding down, doesn’t mean we are!

Meet. Mingle. Network. Eat. Drink. Laugh.

Build Your Brand. Come-and-Go.

APRIL 4 – TAH: Salon Audace 16 – BAH: First United Bank 24 – BBH: True Sky Credit Union JULY (No Thursday After Hours) 16 – BAH: Reynolds Ford 24 – BBH: Norman Library

MAY 2 – TAH: CFCU 14 – BAH: Fowler Toyota 22 – BBH: NRHS

JUNE 6 – TAH: Landers Chevrolet 18 – BAH: BancFirst 26 – BBH: DM Wealth AUGUST 1 – TAH: Krittenbrink 20 – BAH: LifeSpring 28 – BBH: Landmark Homes

For more information about all of our events, visit our online event calendar at normanchamber.com.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: COM HEIDEMBRANDES UNI T Y

Assisting Abused Children I

Mary Abbott House is a Local Solution to Statewide Problem

n 2018, 80,578 reports of child abuse and neglect were made in Oklahoma, according to the Department of Human Services’ state summary.

The number of children involved was 138,061 and 36,604 referrals were accepted as investigations. In the same period, 15,951 child victims were confirmed, but that number is likely to be much higher.

Child abuse and neglect remain serious problems in Oklahoma. Although the 2018 numbers may seem sobering, the number of youth suffering abuse and neglect could be even higher.

What isn’t as prevalent, however, is the knowledge of what the signs of abuse and neglect are. That’s something the Mary Abbott Children’s House in Norman wants to change.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in addition to adding new resources at the center, Mary Abbott Children’s House will host events to bring the dangers of abuse to the public eye.

18 | April 2019

A SAFE PLACE TO TALK The Mary Abbott Children’s House was founded in 1996 and was named after Mary Abbott, the first physician in Norman to provide sexual abuse exams. The house, located in an old Victorian home in Norman, is a welcoming and warm place for children to talk about their experiences.

When a forensic interview is necessary, the child and the interviewer are put into a child-friendly room for the open-ended, child-led interview process. Because the interview is recorded, the child won’t have to relive the experience over and over. No leading questions are asked, and the child sets the tone for the interview.

“We serve children ages 3 to 17,” said Paige Uhr, director of community engagement. “The interviewer cannot assume anything or ask leading questions. We have markers and paper and Play-Doh to help the child when they are talking about their experiences.”

Abbott House provides the forensic interviews at the request of law enforcement or an active DHS child protective services investigation. They also conduct medical assessments on children who are believed to have been the victim of sexual or physical abuse or neglect. But the services go even further.

Each child is given a trauma-informed family advocate that walks him or her through the process, helps the child prepare for the interview and helps with referrals, if necessary.

“It’s a warming and welcoming atmosphere,” Uhr said. “The child doesn’t have to go to the police station or keep telling the same story.”

In addition to the forensic services, one of the biggest missions for Abbott House is to increase the public’s awareness of child abuse. Mary Abbott Children’s House offers various educational presentations on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the issue of child abuse.

Presentations are offered to civic groups, church groups, community organizations or any interested parties.

“We have a training called Safety in Action, which was created to help raise awareness about child abuse and neglect,” Uhr said. “In 2019, we had 1,300 participants. The goal of the program this year is to reach even more.

We want to get out to the rural areas that may not have services like Abbott House. We want to double the number of people we reach.”

In 2018, Abbott House served 497 children, and Uhr said that number is expected to increase this year. One of the reasons is due to a streamlining of services at the center. In April, DHS will move six professionals on site at Abbott House to join the one forensic analyst and the two law enforcement detectives that are already there.

“This should streamline the communication process more efficiently,” Uhr said. “We are really looking forward to that. Child abuse and neglect remain a big problem in our state. I don’t think the community is fully aware of the issues or the amount of abuse and neglect that’s out there.”

boydstreet.com

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH During the month of April, The Abbott House will once again decorate trees with blue ribbons and decorate its lawn with blue pinwheels to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In addition, the center will host Serve Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.

“This is a day when we invite all the community and family members out to serve, which could include deep cleaning, landscaping, painting and tasks like that,” said Uhr. “It’s another way to raise awareness for what we do.”

In October, Abbott House hosts its largest fundraiser of the year, the Coaches Lunch.

to look for or how to report abuse.

That’s what we want to change.”

“Our budget is a little over $700,000, and much of that comes from city, state and federal grants,” Uhr said. “We would like to diversify and increase our funding, so we’d love to see increased attendance at our Coaches’ Lunch.

For more information about Safety in Action or to download informational handouts or schedule an awareness training, visit safetyinaction.org.

If you suspect abuse or neglect, the Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-522-3511.

Education and awareness are how we can fight against abuse and neglect. So many people don’t know what signs

“You only have to suspect abuse, not have proof. So, if you think something is off, call the hotline,” Uhr said. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 19

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

Service Spotlight: Robert Betts He also reviews plans for sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and any other kind of fire protection that is required by codes.

Betts attended the School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology at Oklahoma State University before spending two years at a fire protection company in Fort Wayne, Ind. Betts, who grew up in Schaumburg, Ill., outside of Chicago, came upon his future career by accident.

Initially, he was interested in radio broadcasting, and while working on his general education courses at a two-year college, he was program manager and later station manager for the campus’ close-circuit radio station.

However, he started to lose interest in the field and happened to take a course on how a building comes apart in a fire. The next semester, he 22 | April 2019

took a couple of courses on hazardous materials, and he said it “just kind of snowballed from there.”

When Betts left his first interview for the fire protection engineer position in Norman, he said he thought there was no way they were going to hire him.

“For the interview, I went out and ran over to JC Penney at the Sooner Mall and got a new sport coat,” Betts said. “The next morning (after the interview), I started hearing this funny noise as I was swinging my arms back and forth. I realized I left the price tag on… so I left thinking there was no way I got that job.”

Despite the price tag, Betts received a second interview and later received an offer for the position. During the interview process, Betts and his wife, Ruthie, who is also an OSU graduate, found out they were expecting their first child.

“I had the choice of two jobs, and I was really conflicted as to which one to take,” Betts said. “I asked my wife what she thought, and she said, ‘well with a new baby on the way, I real-

ly don’t like the idea of you running into burning buildings.’ I thought that was a pretty good compromise … I’ll take the desk job where she knows I’m safe, and I’ll be home every day at 5 o’clock.”

“It worked out really well.”

Ruthie is originally from Vinita, Okla., so having family nearby was another plus of moving back to the state. The couple has two children, a daughter named Molly and a son, Mikey. Betts said his family can be found most weekends at sporting events. Molly plays soccer and Mikey swims.

When it comes to his job, Betts said there’s no typical day, and he gets the chance to talk to different people in the community.

“I like to get out in the public and go into the different buildings and the different businesses and hear the stories of the people that own those businesses,” Betts said. “I just like to hear how they got into the business, and they’ll be more than happy to tell you.” – BSM This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

F

or the last 16 years, Robert Betts has worked as the fire protection engineer for the Norman Fire Department, and is responsible for reviewing new construction plans submitted to the City of Norman.

COMM U N I T Y

Catherine Buckley

A

t a time when art programs are not always making the cut within public school budgets, Catherine Buckley, the music teacher and this year’s Teacher of the Year at Monroe Elementary, is working to enhance the musical opportunities available to the students at her school.

“By the time I got to high school, I realized how big of a role music played in my life and really wanted to be a band director to give kids that same opportunity,” Buckley said. “After observing a few of the Norman elementary music teachers while I was in college, my eyes really lit up when I saw how much fun and how important a strong elementary music classroom is.”

As an elementary music teacher, Buckley works to create a diverse musical foundation for her students, one that she hopes will continue to grow long past the time they have together at Monroe.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

“My goal is to help create lifelong musicians,” Buckley said.

Buckley has an extensive collection of instruments for students to explore.

“I focus on building a solid foundation with melody, rhythm and movement, and incorporate tons of instruments,” she shared. “Through various grants, Monroe is fortunate to have guitars, ukuleles, keyboards and drums, just to name a few. My kids love learning how to play their favorite songs and it has been so rewarding watching them grow as independent musicians.”

She often starts her days early, working two days a week with a special program called Manyawi. In Manyawi, fourth and fifth grade students explore music, instruments and movement from every corner of the world. Students learn about and are inspired by musical cultures they may never be exposed to outside of her classroom.

“One of the highlights of the group is the African style marimbas that we use for just about every performance,” Buckley said.

Buckley says she also enjoys collaborating with other music education professionals within the Norman district and beyond. – BSM

Teaching Norman Rose Fletcher

E

ducating a child is about more than just academic work. Teachers spend their days influencing the leaders of the next generation, knowing that the challenges children overcome today pave the way for success in the future.

Rosita Fletcher, a moderate special education teacher at Adams Elementary, utilizes all of the assets at her disposal to help her students expand their horizons and give them strength in doing so.

“I want to create a world where there are fewer obstacles for them to overcome,” Fletcher explained. “We spend time with academic work every day, but we also make time to work on social skills, emotional regulation, life skills and job skills.

“I love seeing my students come out of their comfort zones, try new things and see their confidence grow. My goal for my students is for them to be as independent as possible and for those skills

26 | April 2019

to carry on with them for their whole life.”

To create an environment to facilitate these lofty goals, she looks beyond the walls of her school and out into the Norman community for help.

“I like to incorporate the community as much as possible,” she said. “We have weekly modified lessons at Bart Conner, monthly ZUMBA at Norman High and participate in Special Olympics.”

For Fletcher, her work is very personal which is why she continues to look for more ways to incorporate the community within her classroom and to encourage a dialogue about acceptance and equal treatment for individuals with disabilities.

“I have a unique perspective growing up with a sibling with disabilities that allows me to see firsthand the challenges that these individuals face,” she shared.

“My choice to become a special educa-

tion teacher was largely influenced by my brother who has developmental disabilities. He challenges and inspires me daily to be the best teacher I can be.”

For her efforts, Fletcher was named as Adam’s Teacher of the Year this year, an honor she says is very humbling.

“It is reassuring to see that all the good things that we do in our class do not go unnoticed.” – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO COM M UNI TY

Operation School Bell 5K

M

A New Event to Help Children

ay Fair has a storied history in Norman, but its time has come to an end. For nearly four decades, the women of the Assistance League of Norman have organized what they called “their gift to the city.”

make-your-own snack mix bar and a live DJ, runners can participate in the 5K or they can join a shorter fun run.

“We want to focus on who we can best serve in our community,” Travis said.

May Fair was a community building endeavor that promoted the arts. However, as the Assistance League assembled a community advisory council to assess the chapter’s financial health and strategic plan, they realized some things might need to give.

The May Fair tradition will not fade away completely, however. The Assistance League will continue to hold its annual 5K run, but the event will be rebranded from the May Fair 5K to the Operation School Bell 5K. As in the past, the April 13 race will start at Andrews Park, and registration begins at 7 a.m.

In addition to the event’s famous 30 | April 2019

“Schools report back with such positive results. Once a child has been in School Bell, their attendance goes up, their confidence goes up, and they have better educational outcomes.

“We had a kindergarten boy come to shop in December. He came in shorts, no coat and the only shoes he had were flip flops. He was so proud of the new shoes he got that he showed everyone in the school… even the janitor.”

To better address their goal to help transform lives, the organization has decided to focus more of its energy on their Operation School Bell program.

“May Fair never made any money, but it wasn’t intended to,” said Judy Travis, marketing and communications representative for the chapter.

“Over the years, interest has waned and the need for more funds for Operation School Bell has increased.”

than just these tangible items, said 5K chairwoman Jan Dewbre.

To ensure the program’s continued success, the Assistance League hopes its newly branded 5K event will keep drawing large crowds.

Operation School Bell is a program that provides new clothing to disadvantaged students in Norman and Little Axe public schools.

“There are currently 8,000 children within the districts that qualify for Operation School Bell, and this year, we served 2,200, so we know we have more room to cover,” Travis said.

Students can shop for new clothing, such as jeans, shirts, underwear and coats in a retail-like environment, but Operation School Bell offers more

“The 5K goes through town, and the fun run will stay within the park,” Dewbre said. “We have gotten lots of participation from schools, and we’re hoping for more. We have a trophy for the school with the most participation.”

Registration for the 5K ranges from $20 to $40 and participation in the fun run costs $25. Sign up today at assistanceleague.org/Norman/OSB5K. Community sponsors include Hey Day Entertainment, First United Bank, Landers Chevrolet, Raising Cane’s, Republic Bank & Trust, OEC, Ideal Homes and Bob & Lea Johnston. – BSM

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COM M UNI T Y

BY: CHELSEY KRAFT

NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Breea Clark

W

hen Breea Clark sees a need for leadership, her instinct is to step up and meet that need.

She inquired about the PTA when her son began kindergarten at Reagan Elementary School. The principal suggested Clark spearhead the group, so she did.

Later, when she suggested reviving the citywide PTA Council to help Norman’s school advocacy effort, Clark received the same response.

“Well, you do it.”

So, she did.

Running for mayor of the City of Norman is just the latest example of her willingness to serve.

“I’ve told my leadership story a lot, and there is very much a constant theme,” said Clark, who was elected mayor on Feb. 12 and will assume the position on July 2.

boydstreet.com

“I have a habit of stepping up because somebody’s got to do it, and I’ve never waited for someone else to take care of it. I’ve always jumped in when something needs to be started or fixed.”

When current mayor Lynne Miller told Clark she was not seeking re-election, Clark recognized another opportunity for her to serve the community.

Clark married her high-school sweetheart, Kevin, and last Thanksgiving, they began to talk about her running for mayor. They love Norman, and it was a decision they thought was right, Clark said.

“I wanted to make sure that Norman would continue to have strong leadership in what I think is a very important time in our community, and the community agreed with me, so that was really nice,” Clark said.

Clark moved from Wichita, Kan. to Norman in 2005 to attend law school

at the University of Oklahoma.

Clark started her family while in law school, which resulted in a different social experience than many of her classmates.

Her oldest son, Jordan, is about to turn 12, and her youngest, Ryatt, is 5. After completing law school, Clark was ready to shift her focus to community involvement.

She started looking online, and in the newspaper, and one of the first events she found was a walk and talk with the mayor, who was Cindy Rosenthal at the time.

Clark placed her oldest son in the jogging stroller, and the two of them headed to the event. Clark said she was excited to meet the mayor and “totally dominated her attention for that entire event.”

The pair had an instant connection, and when Clark told Rosenthal she wanted to get involved, she recomBOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 35

mended applying for boards and commissions.

“The only opening at the time was for the Tree Board,” Clark said. “If you know anything about Kansas, it’s a giant prairie, so that was a learning experience for me. But I got to be involved and meet city staff, figure out how things work and contribute in that way.”

Clark has been involved in Norman’s city government ever since, later serving on the Library Board and the Norman Forward Sales Tax Citizens Financial Oversight Board, before being elected in 2016 to the City Council Ward 6 seat.

Clark also applies her leadership experiences and uses these community connections in her job as director of the JC Penney Leadership Program at OU’s the Price College of Business.

She also teaches a workshop on active citizenship through the Price Passport to Success program.

“I learned a lot from them,” Clark said of the OU business students. “Working with this kind of leadership in young people really gives me hope for the future. I know not many of them will stay in Oklahoma, but the ones that do are really going to make a difference in this state, which is exactly what we need right now.”

Prior to moving into her current role about a year ago, Clark worked more than 10 years with academic integrity programs in the Provost’s Office.

A key focus of Clark’s mayoral campaign was building relationships, and she wants to work on bringing the community back together and erasing the divide she sees that has formed around issues. Additionally, she wants to strengthen relationships with the business communities, and she is a supporter of green initiatives and inclusivity. She also recognizes the unique character of Norman as a city and a rural community.

“I think one of our greatest draws in Norman is this amazing small town feel with big city kind of attributes,” Clark said. “I did tell Oklahoma City mayor (David) Holt at a recent event that there are three big cities in Oklahoma, not two, and I’m ready to share the table with them.”

As a transplant to Norman, Clark said it’s the connections she made with the community that led her to choose Norman as her home, including her relationship with Rosenthal, who encouraged her to get involved in city government.

“When people, especially women, recognize the leadership capabilities and potential in other women, it really does make a difference,” Clark said. “I was able to serve on the first majority-female city council in the history of Norman.” – BSM

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Service Spotlight:

Deputy Kevin Smetter T he profound impact of losing a friend to a drug overdose shortly after graduating from high school propelled Deputy Kevin Smetter to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Since 2010, Smetter has worked for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s office, serving first in the courthouse security division and now as a civil deputy.

“I took the security of our judges, county officials and the public very seriously,” he said.

A little over a year ago, when Sheriff Todd Gibson came on the job and restructured the agency, Smetter moved to the civil division.

“Deputy Smetter is an asset to the agency, and I believed he had what we needed in our civil division,” Gibson said. “Serving civil papers to people in an emotionally charged environment requires someone with the experience and skill to de-escalate conflict in a variety of situations. Deputy Smetter has that talent.”

Smetter is one of two deputies who 40 | April 2019

regularly serve civil papers, including court ordered evictions — also known as lockouts — countywide. His military background, plus his years at a sheriff’s office in Colorado and with the Norman Police Department made him well qualified for the job as a civil deputy.

Unlike the courthouse, civil deputies are out in all types of weather and all types of conditions.

“The majority of the houses I walk into are not well taken care of,” Smetter said. “It can be dangerous because you don’t know who you’re dealing with.

We try to run background checks and warrant checks (to assess the danger).”

In a recent lockout, pictures of an AK 47 on the wall were concerning, he said, but the papers were served safely.

“We also serve victim protection orders that may involve kickouts or weapons surrender,” Smetter said. “It’s an emotional roller coaster for them. You have to be understanding. They can be combative, especially if you’re asking them to leave their residence.”

Smetter said when there is a high element of danger, he and fellow civil deputy, Gary Flippen, will partner up for added safety.

“We de-escalate those encounters through various techniques,” Smetter said. “You have to be able to talk on their level. Victim protection orders, unlike the lockouts, cross all boundaries and all social economic areas.”

Smetter said justice is supposed to be nondiscriminating, and that’s a practice he tries to carry into his daily encounters with people.

“You have to be fair and help people understand they will have due process,” he said.

Smetter sees his assignment as a civil deputy as just one more learning opportunity along a very fulfilling career in law enforcement.

“I can honestly say I have done more and seen more than the average person will see in their lifetime,” he said.

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

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

Spreading the Word Victory Church Expands to Newcastle, Just in Time for Easter

“Yep, we’re on our way to Newcastle, America,” Porter laughs.

Serving as an executive pastor and Newcastle’s lead pastor of Victory Family Church, Porter is a busy man.

Ever since the church purchased a building in Newcastle, he has been leading the process of turning it into Victory’s first off-campus location at 112 NE 2nd St, in Newcastle.

Porter said they completely gutted the former church, taking it down to the studs, and, in some cases, they have even ripped those out, along with the electricity and everything else.

Now, they’re in the process of putting it all back together, just in time for Easter, Porter said.

44 | April 2019

“There will be two live-teaching services every Sunday, one at 9:15 a.m. and the other at 11 a.m. There will be various kids and youth activities on Wednesday evenings, ranging from newborns to high school seniors.

There are also small groups all week for college kids and adults.”

Victory Family Church has experienced tremendous growth over the last six years, when they purchased their current location at 4343 N Flood Ave. The expansion to Newcastle was an easy decision after a study was conducted to determine where people were driving from to attend church.

“We discovered there were a lot of people coming from the Tri-City area, Blanchard, Tuttle and Newcastle.

As one of our most popular areas, it made sense to put a campus here,” Porter said. “I live here and have a

heart for this area. My kids have gone to school here for five years.”

One of the most popular features of Victory Family Church is that it is focused on a small church feel.

“In Norman, we are a very large church but maintain the feeling of a small church,” Porter said. “That’s our goal.”

“We don’t want anyone to feel like we are coming to town and taking people to our church,” Porter said.

“Our people are already there. “ The seating capacity will be 260, and although the building is 6,000 square feet, there’s not much room for parking.

“Actually, we have zero parking,” Porter said. “But our church is by the post office, City Hall and a bank, who have given us permission to park

Photos by: Mark Doescher

P

astor Matt Porter and his church family are expanding, and you are invited to be part of it.

there since their businesses are closed on Sunday.”

Traditionally, churches are open on just Sunday mornings, but one of the goals of Victory is to allow outside groups to use it as well.

In May, Victory will host a luncheon for senior boys and a week-long football camp.

“We are doing our best to be a part of this community,” Porter said. “This is going to be a gorgeous building. We do not just want it to be vacant all week.”

Growing up in the small town of Craig, Okla., Porter always knew he wanted to be in ministry. Going immediately from high school to student ministry, Porter has been a pastor for the last 22 years, including six years as a student pastor in Chickasha.

“It’s where I married my lovely bride, Julie,” Porter said. “We then went to a church in downtown Oklahoma City, then Westmore Community Church,

boydstreet.com

where I worked for nine years. I’ve spent my entire adult career working in a church.”

The Porters will both be working full time at the new campus in Newcastle where Julie will be a lead worship pastor as well as a part-time youth, parttime kids and part-time social media director.

Ministries at Victory include children, youth, missions, young adults, Leadership College and the Victory Family School. More information is available at victoryfamily.church. Or, follow Victory Family Church on social media via Facebook or Twitter. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 45

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S P O RT S

BY: JOSH HELMER COM M UNI TY

State Champs

Norman High Wins State Championship in Crosstown Clash

Combining the perfect blend of youth and experience, the Tigers served up a 6A girls basketball state championship, knocking off rival Norman North 44-31 in a Crosstown Clash unlike many others.

“It was amazing,” senior guard Turner Mattingly said. “It was the best 48 | April 2019

feeling. Some tears were coming out, everybody was smiling, and everyone was so happy, not just the people on the court, but in the student section, the administrators and the teachers. You could tell they were so happy for us and for Norman High basketball.”

Sophomore post Kendra Gillispie shined on the brightest stage throughout the Tigers’ run to the title. She finished with a game-high 16 points and 15 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive glass.

It was a matter of mental attitude that elevated her game, she said.

“I think it was just a mindset of going into state and knowing that I’m one of the best players in the state tournament,” Gillispie said.

Gillispie, a move-in from Westmoore, was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. She scored a season-high 29 points against Sand Springs in the Tigers’ quarterfinal win and 14 points with 10 rebounds in the semifinal victory over Edmond Santa Fe.

Photos by: Perry Spencer & The Oklahoman

T

heir pregame warm ups had “NHS Tigers vs. all y’all” printed on the front. Once the final buzzer sounded from the Mabee Center in Tulsa, it turned out that Norman High was better than “all y’all” this season.

A starting five that featured four talented underclassmen – freshmen Mikayla Parks and Myka Perry and sophomores Kendra Gillispie and Kelbie Washington – demonstrated a poise well beyond their years.

out of a slow start to the season. The Tigers lost their first two games to open the year against Deer Creek and Moore and stumbled out to a 7-5 record. As leaders often do, Mattingly took the good from the bad.

“Those girls started playing better and better throughout the playoffs and came together and were clicking,” said NHS head coach Michael Neal.

“We lost those games and it wasn’t good but that woke us all up, “Mattingly said. “We knew that we had all the potential to grow throughout the season. It showed that we needed to lose to learn how to win. It helped us build on our weaknesses and strengthen all of those. That made us a stronger team.”

Deadlocked at 17 apiece at halftime in the title game, Norman High outscored Norman North 27-14 in the second half and closed the game on a 10-0 run.

But, Neal said, it was the leadership of the team’s five seniors – Mattingly, Nyah Henderson, Kamiyah Lyons, Christina Shadid and Tayshia Twitty – that helped guide the Tigers to the top.

“We wouldn’t even come close to winning without our seniors. They provide so much of the little things.

They propelled us to get this championship,” Neal said.

They also helped dig Norman High

boydstreet.com

Norman responded by winning 16 of its final 18 games, including five straight elimination games in the postseason after falling to PC West in regionals. NHS beat Sand Springs, 5952, and Edmond Santa Fe, 55-48, in the state tournament before beating Norman North for the title.

“There were a lot of ups and downs, times where we didn’t play as a team, but I feel like at the end of the day we

all had the same goal. We wanted to win state and we knew we could do it.

So, that’s what we did,” Washington said. “It’s truly a blessing, especially when we’re a pretty young team. It’s amazing to think about the future, what we can improve on, what we can do to keep winning.”

It was the first time in history that a Crosstown Clash game settled a state championship in any sport.

“Honestly, who would’ve gone at the beginning of the season and said Norman High and Norman North are going to be in the championship? It’s just crazy to think that actually happened. That’s never happened before,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly said she heard plenty say they wish the game had been moved to OU’s Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

“I think literally all of Norman would have been there if it would have been moved to Lloyd Noble. Our last high school game, we got to play against all of our friends. It was weird, but it was awesome.”

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49

When all was said and done, the Tigers brought home their fifth championship, the first since 2005.

OU women’s head basketball coach Sherri Coale was the coach of the Tigers for their first two state titles in 1993 and 1996, and she was in attendance for this triumph.

“That moment was pretty surreal for me,” Coale said. “The city of Norman was playing on the state’s highest pedestal. It was a pretty cool thing to witness.

And Michael Neal, a former Oklahoma Sooner himself, is the coach there and did a tremendous job. They’ve got a young team. They’ll be back and have an opportunity to pursue that again.”

For now, Neal just wants everybody to savor this one.

“We don’t want to look too far into the future. We’re going to enjoy this right now and have fun with it.” – BSM

50 | April 2019

S P O RT S

K

BY: CHRIS PLANK

ind, caring, committed, selfless, and focused. Those are just a few of the adjectives that best describe Oklahoma Sooner senior outfielder Raegan Rogers. The Blanchard product has been the prototypical teammate and has developed into an integral part of the Sooner attack, working hard to earn more hardware in her final season with the Sooners.

Rogers has played a key role in the success of the University of Oklahoma softball team, serving mostly as a pinch runner in her first two seasons, totaling 10 stolen bases. As her role increased her junior season, Rogers started 10 games and posted career bests in hits, runs batted in and even hit her first career home run. As her senior season began, Rogers found herself in the opening day starting lineup and made an early statement launching three home runs during the Sooners’ first six games.

“It’s really about always wanting more,”

Sooner Senior Pays Dues, Takes Leadership Role Rogers said. “Your attitude is going to get you more success. No matter what’s going on, you always want to work harder.

You just grind and find ways to not only improve yourself but to help your team.”

52 | February 2019

“My earliest memory was actually a little ironic,” Ronnie Rogers said. “She was 4 years old and playing t-ball on a team of boys. At the second practice, she got hit in the face with a baseball and decided she didn’t want any part of playing…

Luckily, she would change her mind the next year and ended up being the best player on a little team from Bridge Creek full of boys.”

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Home Grown Sooner

Rogers has grown up on the ball field, despite a tumultuous start in her first-ever season. Her parents, who have been there from the very beginning, shared their first memories of their daughter’s introduction to the sport.

“She was one of the two girls on a team of mostly boys,” said her mother, Jennifer Hoppe. “Raegan was placed in the pitcher position, and you would often hear the coaches say, ‘just throw it to Raegan.’ Softball has always been her first love, but she also played basketball, cheered and did gymnastics.”

Rogers continued to focus on softball, and she continued to improve and catch the eyes of college recruiters. Along with an all-state career as an outfielder at Bridge Creek High School, Rogers spent her summers playing for GameTime Stars Gold out of Oklahoma City under Rusty Fisher.

In two straight seasons, her squads finished in a tie for 17th at the 16 and under Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship. She was the target of many different colleges and made her decision early, a decision she eventually changed.

“The summer of my freshman year of

boydstreet.com

high school, I committed to Arkansas,” Rogers said. “But I started developing and hitting more home runs. Then the summer before my senior year, I decided Arkansas wasn’t the place I needed to go. They weren’t recruiting pitching, and they were going to make a coaching change, so I decommitted and got in contact with coach Patty Gasso. It’s so nice to be so close to home. You grew up watching Oklahoma because you’re from Oklahoma. To actually come here and represent your home state, it has been awesome.”

The results on the field have paid off in a big way. Rogers has already won two National Championships, three Big 12 titles and made three straight trips to the Women’s College World Series. While the success at Oklahoma was special to the entire family, it was something her father had always envisioned.

“It is really special. Every little girl that plays softball dreams of playing

on that field. I can vividly remember Reagan’s homeruns on that field in travel ball and thinking then that a few short years from now, she could possibly have an opportunity to do that same thing on the biggest stage,” Ronnie said. “Winning those first two titles was nothing short of amazing, especially their freshman year as no one expected them to win.

“I am hoping for a bookend performance this year, hopefully with Raegan making a bigger contribution. But regardless of how it ends or the opportunity she gets, she will always put the team first.”

Raegan is the oldest of seven kids and being the big sister is a big deal to everybody.

“My kids literally grew up at the ball park,” Hoppe said. “Because of this, I think that makes it even more special to be able to see her succeed at something they have grown up watching

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 53

her dedicate so much time and hard work to. They look up to Raegan and have so much respect for her.”

Rogers is living her dream and it makes it even more special that she’s able to do it so close to her home town of Blanchard and Bridge Creek High School.

“It has been fun, I have a lot of siblings that play sports and look up to me,” Raegan said. “Getting to go out and have fun and show them how to go about life, it’s been fun to be a role model for them. My family never misses a home game.

Being able to have my family close is really awesome, especially in college softball. It really takes a toll on you.”

“It’s been so awesome to literally watch her dream play out.

How many people can say that about their kids?” Hoppe said. “I stood in lines with Raegan waiting for autographs when she was a kid, and now, I’m watching girls stand in line to get her autograph. I don’t think it gets much cooler than that!”

Part of the foundation of Patty Gasso’s program is helping girls become powerful, strong and independent woman.

Committed to be the best she can be on and off the field, Rogers is setting an example for more than just her younger siblings. She’s also setting a high bar for other student athletes who will come to compete at OU. Hard work and dedication pay off and having the right attitude and focus can make all the difference.

And, for the Sooner senior, the best is yet to come.– BSM

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S P O RT S

BY: CHRIS PLANK

Sooner Defense, Sooner Speed Grinch Launches New Era at First Spring Practice

A

s he left his first practice with the University of Oklahoma, new cornerbacks coach Roy Manning couldn’t control his excitement. He popped out his phone, jumped on social media and declared his excitement for the whole world to see.

“Speed D is back in full effect baby. I saw strength. I saw some effort. I saw some physicality and I, for sure, saw some take-aways.”

Manning could barely temper his excitement as the clock inched closer toward midnight.

58 | April 2019

“Compete, iron sharpens iron and make yourself better. Taking a step in the right direction and we got that done today. I’m fired up today. Speed D is back, in full effect.”

The new era of the Oklahoma Sooner defense is underway.

At Washington State, Manning and Alex Grinch, along with Brian Odom, were key pieces in helping elevate the Cougars’ defense. Now, Grinch was calling with an opportunity for the crew to get back together and do it again and Manning was ready for the challenge.

“He’s a close comrade of mine, and with him being here, it’s an opportunity to get to work together again,” Manning said. “Naturally, in this business, you want to stick with your guys, but it’s not always up to us.”

Grinch was officially named the Sooners new defensive coordinator on Jan. 7. Shortly after that announcement, came the news that Manning would be the cornerbacks coach and that Odom, a former Sooner, would be joining the staff as well.

Odom started his collegiate playing career as a running back for the Sooners after a decorated high school career in Ada. Much like Manning, Odom was excited to reunite with his influential fellow coaches, but he also was excited to return to the University of Oklahoma.

“Growing up in this state, you are one or the other and we were an OU family,” Odom said. “Having an opportunity to play was a great honor. There is no doubt being able to come back as an employee is a bigger deal to me.

“To be able to raise my kids in Oklahoma and have them experience this environment and get to help this program win, that’s why I come to work.”

The defensive philosophy the new Sooner coaches have implemented has been proven to be successful at the highest level of college football. The “Speed D” philosophy emphasizes running to the ball, forcing turnovers and playing with maximum effort.

“Today’s offenses are built on space and speed. You have to combat that with speed of your own,” Grinch said. “It’s a

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downhill approach. We work into gaps in our front, and speed is our calling card. With speed on defense, it affords you the opportunity to run a multiplicity of coverages and fronts.”

for Alex, too, right now, and the rest of our guys. Let’s get a feel for where we’re at, and then we’ll know which direction to take and what we need to do to build it from there.”

Jumping off the synergy of the new coaching staff, the hope is to take the success they had at Washington State and move it to OU. The Sooner defense has been much maligned over the last few seasons, finishing 114th in total defense last year.

But the players seem to be already buying into Grinch’s style of coaching.

Riley’s excitement is understandable because of the success Grinch has had running a defense that complements a high-powered offensive attack. Grinch worked under Washington State head coach Mike Leach and with the help of Manning and Odom, he crafted a dramatic turnaround from a statistical perspective.

“He’s a good dude, we all love him,” said sophomore defensive lineman Ronnie Perkins. “He’s tough sometimes, but we understand that’s coaching. We can see his vision. He’s real clear about what he wants and what he expects.”

Despite the fact that it was Grinch’s first time running a defense, he performed as a seasoned veteran. Before his arrival, the Cougars ranked No. 99 nationally in total defense (442.3 yards per game), 127th in pass defense (296.6 yards per game) and 127th in turnovers gained (8). In 2017, his last season in Pullman, the Cougars were ranked 16th in total defense (323.3), ninth in passing defense (170.9) and ninth in turnovers gained (27).

The excitement for third-year head coach Lincoln Riley is high as well.

“I’ve compared it to—you’re playing a card game and all your cards are lying face down. Eventually you’re going to pull those cards up and see what you got under there,” Riley said. “That is the anticipation for me, and I think a little bit

The straight-forward attitude and brutal honesty of Grinch was what stood out most to Washington State coach Leach.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 59

“He’d face it head on,” Leach said. “He was intense and demanding. He would just try to elevate things. He wasn’t a finger pointer. He wasn’t a guy that tried to make excuses.”

While the success of the past is encouraging, it’s still the past. Nothing is guaranteed, but the excitement and energy the new staff members provide is more than just lip service.

“It’s more than just wanting to be good.

It’s wanting to be good and then cultivating avenues to be good… you’ve either got it, or you don’t,” Manning said. “If you want to be average, if you’re OK with just being OK, then you’re probably not going to want to be in the same room as Alex Grinch, because he wants to be the best.”

As fans get a better feel for the new Sooner defense, the mindset is a very simple one.

level, that ability to mentally focus starts now. There are no days off… no lets’ feel this out. We have to attack.”

“The one thing we want people to see from those 11 guys on the field is relentless physicality play in and play out,” Odom said. “Eye-popping in the speed at which they play and the athleticism, running to the ball with 11 guys attacking. We want to be able to hang our hat on the fact that there’s nobody that will play with more effort than we do.”

As Grinch huddled up his defense before one of his first spring practices as the Sooner defensive coordinator, his focus was passion.

In the eyes of the new staff, the time to change is now.

“They have to get ready now,” Odom added. “You can’t just get ready in camp. Those games and that endurance

“Your tempo is not predicated on them,” he said. “Your tempo it’s not predicated on how you feel. Your tempo is not predicated on the drill. There is one speed and it’s your max speed, every single snap. “ Welcome to the era of the “Speed D,” welcome to the new energy of the Sooner defense. – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: EMILY ROBINSON

Rose Rock Festival

Noble Event Promises Music, Fun for All Ages

O

klahoma’s Spring festival season will soon be in full swing with mild temperatures, flowers blooming and spring rains painting the landscape a lush green.

This is the time of year for Noble’s annual Rose Rock Music Festival, held from May 3-5, where live music, food and art add up to a remarkable way to spend a weekend.

The annual free event is full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy, and it takes place on Main Street in the community known as the rose rock capital. Brian Houck, the event’s entertainment coordinator since 2012, says this will be the best festival yet.

In keeping with tradition, the festival will have a parade, along with many other activities, and this year’s parade theme will be Neon and Graffiti.

62 | April 2019

Local children decide the theme each year, Houck said.

Other favorites like carnival games, food trucks, craft booths and rides like the stomach-dropping Zepher, will be back this year. In addition to live music, crowds can enjoy professional wrestling shows, which Houck says are “quite entertaining.”

Festival-goers also can show off their own talent during this year’s Lip Sync Battle, which will take place on Sunday. Also this year, the Cornhole Cornament, Houck says, is sure to attract skilled cornhole players from far and wide to take part in this specially sanctioned competition.

The Rose Rock Jail is another new attraction. Festival goers can nominate friends and family to “go to jail.” But, it’s all in good fun and will act as a fundraiser for Noble Now, a not for profit organization developed by the Noble Chamber of Commerce to assist with community betterment projects.

Meanwhile, a music festival wouldn’t be complete without a top-notch musical line up, and Houck is excited about all of the live music scheduled for the weekend, including the Sunday headliner, Monte Montgomery.

“He was rated the number one acoustic guitarist in the world by Acoustic Guitar Magazine,” Houck said. “This event is going to be a ton of fun.”

Other music during the weekend will include country, blues, rock, classical and retro pop. A full lineup of performances and activities as well as more information about the upcoming festival can be found on the Rose Rock Music Festival’s Facebook page or Instagram account, @roserockmusicfestival.– BSM

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BY: KAYLEE CAMPBELL COM M UNI T Y

A Continuing Legacy B

Spartan Pool & Patio Grows Through Pool-Family Bond

efore taking over the family business, step-brothers Jordan Demeter and Sam Stroud grew up in Norman, building pools with Don Demeter, their grandfather, a former professional baseball player and founder of Pools by Spartan. They cherished the time they spent together.

“Grandma would wake up early and cook us this incredible breakfast. We’d spend the day with my grandpa working, and then we’d get an Icee on the way home,” Demeter said. “That was it for Sam and I, it was just spending all day with Grandpa. He’s a really warm and kind person, someone you want to be with all day long.”

“He made it so much fun,” Stroud said.

“He overpaid us for what we did; we always got to go eat somewhere fun, little hole-in-the-wall diners. We had these rose-colored glasses.”

When their grandfather retired in 2007, the Spartan brothers took over. Today, the business is known as Spartan Pool & Patio and includes the former

66 | April 2019

Thompson Pool & Patio retail location at 1400 24th Ave. SW. “We had a great relationship with (Thompson Pool & Patio). For about 10 years, we passed business back and forth. We just assumed that someone in the Thompson family would be there,” Demeter said. “When they approached us last year and said we were their first choice to buy the business, it meant the world to us. We were extremely humbled and grateful that they came to us first.”

With expansion as a plan yet to come to fruition for the Spartan team, the opportunity to grow came at the right time, and in the right place.

“We wanted to expand to have retail as an option for our customers in the future. We had already told ourselves that we wouldn’t open a business in Norman out of respect for the Thompson family. We didn’t want to compete with them.”

The two Norman-based pool families go way back. Mike Thompson and Don Demeter knew each other, and Thomp-

son helped get the Spartan brothers started when they decided to break into the service side of the pool business.

“We told [Mike Thompson] we wanted to do service work, and he took us into the back warehouse, gave us some equipment we needed to get started, for free, introduced us to their store manager — Zach, his nephew — and told them to give us a crash course in service work,” Demeter said. “If it weren’t for the Thompson family, [Spartan Pools & Patio] wouldn’t look like it does now.”

“We take very seriously what they’ve spent so much time building,” Stroud said. “What we hope is that we’re just able to serve people in a more complete way; a complete backyard service, that’s the goal.”

“We want to be a place that is synonymous with Norman,” Demeter said.

“We grew up here and we’ve lived here our whole lives. We’re really invested in this Norman community. We’re thrilled to have (the retail) space, so people can come in and talk to us.”– BSM

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Are P2P Payment Systems Safe?

P2P payment services, like Venmo, Zelle and Square’s Cash App, are aiming to make cash obsolete – and some would contend they’re succeeding! Just a few quick swipes, and you can transfer funds to a friend, pay for an item you bought online or collect money that’s owed to you.

Convenient as they are, P2P payment systems have unfortunately become a breeding ground for scams and hacks.

From compromised accounts to fraudulent transactions, using a P2P service opens you to some risk of losing your money to a scammer.

privacy issues that have been brought to the attention of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

In short, every Venmo transaction you make is up for public scrutiny. No one can access the payment amounts, but anyone who is interested can track the restaurants where you like to eat, the clothing stores you most frequent and check out when you last filled your gas tank. Creepiness factor aside, all that information going public makes Venmo users super-vulnerable to scammers and identity thieves.

There are lots of ways using a P2P payment system can put you at risk, but the following two vulnerabilities are most common:

Venmo allows you to tweak your privacy settings to keep your information from going public, but most people are unaware of the issue and/or neglect to take this measure.

Recently, the FTC ruled that Venmo must make this detail clearer to users. Venmo has since created a popup tutorial for all new users demonstrating how to adjust your privacy settings to keep your transactions from going public. If you choose to use Venmo, check your settings to be sure your money habits aren’t being broadcast for the world to see.

1. The bogus buyer

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Read on to learn how to better protect yourself from a P2P payment scam.

HOW DO P2P PAYMENT SCAMS HAPPEN?

In most cash-transfer apps, when you receive a payment, the money goes into your P2P system balance and stays there until you transfer it to an external account or use it to pay for another transaction. This transfer usually takes one to three business days to clear. Crooked scammers are taking advantage of that “float” in the transfer process to con you out of your money.

Here’s how it works: A scammer will contact you about an item you’ve put up for sale or tickets to an event. Together, you’ll arrange for an exchange of funds and goods. You may even take precautions against a possible scam by insisting on an in-person meeting for the exchange or refusing to send out the item until you see the money in your P2P account. Things proceed according to plan. You’re notified that the money has been sent to your account and you hand over your item. Sadly, you won’t realize you’ve been ripped off until a few days later when the money transfer does not clear and the contact has disappeared with your goods. Unfortunately, there’s no way you can get your money back, because most P2P providers will not offer compensation for a fraudulent sale. Similarly, your linked financial institution bears no responsibility and can’t help you recoup the loss.

2. Publicized payments PayPal’s Venmo is the only P2P app with a built-in social networking component. This feature has led to a host of boydstreet.com

You can keep your money safe and still enjoy the convenience of cash-transfer apps with these simple steps: • Only send money to people you know and trust.

• Never use a P2P service for business-related transactions.

• When using Venmo, adjust your privacy settings and opt-out of public tracking.

• Carefully read the terms and conditions of a P2P service before using.

• Always choose two-factor identification and use a PIN when possible. If your app and phone allows, choose fingerprint recognition and/or touch ID for added protection.

• Accept any security updates offered by the P2P app you use.

• Check your recipient’s information carefully before completing a money transfer.

• Choose to be notified about every transaction.

• Link an external account instead of keeping your funds in the P2P account.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 71

COMM U N I T Y

Norman’s “Kindness Teacher” School Counselor Shines Light on Challenging Profession

S

tudents at Norman’s Monroe Elementary School have a very special person on their side.

Sarah Kirk, who the children have dubbed the kindness teacher, is their school counselor and one of six finalists for the 2019 National School Counselor of the Year.

In May 2018, she was named Oklahoma’s School Counselor of the Year, and later learned that the American School Counselor Association had chosen her as a finalist at the national level.

Kirk, who has worked in a therapeutic and in educational settings, said she chose a career in education because it gives her the best of both worlds. In fact, it was her experience interning at an Oklahoma City-based school for homeless children that set her on the path to becoming a school counselor.

“You get to work with students who really need you, who need that champion to believe in them,” Kirk said. “But I also get to work with students who have that at home and need help in other ways, for instance to improve their leadership.”

Kirk, along with the other finalists, were given a platform to show America what school counselors do. They had an opportunity to discuss professional school counseling as well as talk about the work being done in Norman with national lawmakers and leaders.

Kirk is in her seventh year as counselor at Monroe Elementary, and, in that time, she and her colleagues have created a curriculum that provides support for the whole student, academically, socially and emotionally.

No matter which kind of work she’s doing with a student, Kirk says it all comes back to having a trusting relationship.

“School counselors, and any educators, can’t do their job without having a relationship with students,” Kirk said. “We can implement programs and put amazing things in place, and what I’ve learned is that none of it really matters if the relationship isn’t there and if the students don’t trust you.”

Her trick is to stay present and visible. Kirk does wholegroup curriculum with students in their classrooms. She

74 | April 2019

BY: KAYLEE CAMPBELL COM M UNI T Y

greets them in the morning and as they go to lunch and recess, and she even attends school and student events, which allows her to know the students’ families.

The recommended student to counselor ratio is 250 to one. But with 480 students attending Monroe Elementary, you could say that Kirk has her work cut out for her.

In an effort to better care for the school’s rather large student population, Kirk and her colleagues have designed and implemented a school-wide approach that empowers teachers and other staff members to be a resource for students.

Teachers are on the front line, helping students open up and talk about topics such as managing feelings, self-esteem, positive behavior and other topics designed to support every student’s social and emotional learning.

Empowering teachers to tackle these topics allows counselors like Kirk to provide additional support to students with more involved needs; those who are struggling a bit more or who are dealing with a trauma. However, Kirk also understands that not every student is going to connect with her in the same way.

“For some people, I won’t be that person,” Kirk said.

“I have tried to broaden the chances for them to connect with someone else. I just am happy that I can provide that support so every kid can have that person.”

Kirk also provides alternate mentoring options to students, such as peer mentoring. There also is a program that pairs students with a staff member who they check-in and -out with daily, providing students with someone who is always there to give them the support they need.– BSM

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

LI F EST Y L E

Wine, Grapes & the Environment A

week does not go by without someone asking me about sulfites or organic wine. So, I am going to try to shed a little light on the subject.

Let’s start with sulfites. Sulfites occur naturally as part of the fermentation process. However, the Romans discovered that adding additional sulfites substantially extended the time the wine remained drinkable. Since, vintners have added sulfites. Today, very few “no detectable sulfites” wines are available, due to their low shelf life.

Regulations in the U.S. and European Union limit the amount of sulfite that can be present in wine, and the level at which wine can be labelled no detectable sulfites. The upper limit for sulfites is higher in the U.S. than the European Union.

Red wines and sweet wines have less sulfites added, because the tannins and sugars are also natural preservatives.

Many consumers believe that organic wines do not contain sulfites, but this is incorrect. Organic wines contain no added sulfites.

Now, let’s look at organic wines. Organic wines actually fall in two categories: wines made from organically grown grapes and those using organically grown grapes and are vinified without additional chemicals and segregated from any contamination. The label will bear a certification that

cannot appear without approval from the USDA and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agencies. The U.S. and the European Union have very similar regulations for this designation.

Sustainably grown grapes are planted and maintained to minimize the environmental impact. Drip systems for irrigation, cover crops between rows, insects and animals (sheep and chickens), night harvesting and many other strategies are used to reduce the environmental impact of vineyards. However there are no specific regulations. Several groups offer inspections and certificationsand each has somewhat different standards.

Biodynamic growing practices incorporate both the organic standards and sustainable strategies, following practices first established by an Austrian scientist in the 1920s, including planting and harvesting based on the lunar cycle and other astrological matters.

Many local retailers can help you identify wines that are organic, sustainably grown or biodynamic. Expect to pay a little more for these wines, but know that you are helping the environment.

Enjoy Kathy

H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Cancer Care, Close to Home Dr. Shannon Haenel, an oncologist with Norman Regional Oncology.

T

he American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Despite this grim statistic, Dr. Shannon Haenel, an oncologist with Norman Regional Oncology, says Norman residents have plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

“Advances in research and treatments have greatly improved patients’ outcomes,” Haenel said. “And treatment is so different today. Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence are not anymore. Immunotherapies are giving us a lot of hope and could significantly change cancer treatment over the next few years.”

Norman Regional Offers Comfort, State-of-the-Art Care

Haenel is part of an all-women team at Norman Regional and she feels like, as the newest addition to the clinic, her colleagues help make her a better doctor.

on supportive medications and care options to help make treatments more tolerable for patients. Norman Regional’s new oncology clinic recently received such an upgrade.

“Because we’re an all-women team, we offer our patients a certain kind of motherly compassion. We work very closely together to make sure our patients are getting the best care possible.”

The Norman Regional Health Foundation funded a grant to purchase nine state-of-the-art infusion chairs and two infusion beds. These special chairs and beds are equipped with personal TVs, privacy curtains, heated seats, massage capabilities and even gaming software.

While a cure is the team’s main objective, recent research has also focused

Haenel admits there are still very hard days in her profession.

“A lot of people ask me how I can do something like this, and it can be very hard to give the bad news,” Haenel said. “But I feel called to do this and guide patients through these hard days.

Haenel believes relationships that are built during treatment are important.

“I get to build a friendship with my patients… because it’s often a life-long relationship. Even after treatment ends, we follow some patients for five years and even longer with screenings.” boydstreet.com

Foundation Board member and Grants Pictured: Committee Chair Teresa Turner, Oncology Clinic Manager Toby Branum, Foundation Director Erin Barnhart and Foundation Board Chair Lynn Weber, seated.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 79

“The foundation’s grants committee approved this application because it fulfills our mission to enhance the patient experience,” said Executive Director Erin Barnhart. “More than 40 patients receive infusions each day with some patients sitting in a chair for up to 10 hours. These chairs provide comfort, warmth, a gentle massage, easy access and provide a nice distraction for patients. We want the best service for our patients, it’s the Norman way.”

“Patients absolutely love the new chairs,” Haenel said. “They offer another level of comfort. Cancer patients deserve that added comfort.”

But, the chairs are just one part of the clinic’s new offerings.

Within the new location that began seeing patients this past fall, Norman Regional brought all the oncology services to one place. Diagnostics, imaging, blood work and treatments all happen within the same walls, so patients no longer have to travel all over the hospital to get the care they need, Haenel said.

If you or a family member close to you is facing a cancer diagnosis, Haenel has some sage advice for you.

“Take a deep breath because the journey can be a long one.”

Haenel also encourages you to take an active role in your care.

“Every single cancer is different. It’s a very individualized disease. Ask questions, educate yourself. It’s our job to educate you, so you can ultimately make the best decision for you.”

To learn more about Norman Regional Oncology, visit www.normanregional.com/services/cancer-care or call 321-4644. – BSM

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COMM U N I T Y

BY: CHIP MINTY COM M UNI TY

Spring Planting M

onty Marcum is in the business of growing plants, and as a life-long Oklahoman, you might think he’d have a sunnier outlook when talking about Oklahoma weather.

Not so much.

“Our climate is a terrible climate to grow plants in because of the extremes,” he says.

Those are harsh words coming from someone who runs nursery businesses in Norman, south Oklahoma City, Goldsby and Ardmore. But, to Marcum’s credit, it’s the truth.

Situated in the southern plains, the Sooner state seems to be exposed to just about every meteorological whim Mother Nature rolls out. Oklahoma weather changes all the time.

There is extreme heat, and there is extreme cold. Temperature swings are frequent in the winter, moving

84 | April 2019

from frost to thaw more than 50 times a year, and in July, August and September, triple-digit heat is common.

A summer without triple digits is a summer to behold.

Meanwhile, rain cycles are inconsistent and prone to drought. And, the wind blows nearly every day. There’s good reason Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote about the wind sweeping down the plains in what is now Oklahoma’s state song.

Oklahoma without wind is not Oklahoma.

So, what’s all this mean to the thousands of people who show up at Marcum’s and dozens of other Oklahoma nurseries every Spring? Persevere and stick with what works, said Marcum, owner of Marcum’s Nurseries.

Plants have been growing in this region for millions of years, which proves there’s a spectrum of vegetation tough enough to thrive in Okla-

homa’s inhospitable conditions. But Marcum says indigenous plants are not the only path to successful landscaping. There are many plant varieties that are not indigenous, but they have demonstrated an indifference to the mine field of hazards that Oklahomans call weather.

“Nandinas are shrubs that are not indigenous, but they do great,” Marcum says. “The Yaupon Holly is not indigenous, but they still do extremely well here.”

In fact, he said most hollies, junipers, spireas, euonymus shrubs, crape myrtles and ornamental grasses are on his list of nonindigenous varieties that flourish in Oklahoma.

A quick survey of successful landscapes in central Oklahoma will show those plants and others that Marcum considers “sustainable, hard-nosed shrubs that are going to survive.”

He says there are 15 to 20 hardy plants

Photo by: Mark Doescher

Despite “Terrible Climate,” Seasoned Landscaper Grows On

that should make up the spine of any good landscape,” he said. After that, gardeners can experiment with plants that are less common to see if they’ll survive and grow.

“That’s when you get to the bells and whistles of the thing,” he says Who ever said there’s no adventure in gardening?

Anyone who has strolled through a greenhouse has probably been tempted by the bells and whistles that Marcum’s talking about. They’re the exotic plants that catch the eye and seem perfect for that corner next to the patio.

Just because they’re being sold in Oklahoma doesn’t necessarily mean they work here all the time, however.

Experienced gardeners know better, and novices soon learn about the fringes of landscaping in Oklahoma.

Nurseries sell exotic varieties because they work in some landscapes, but not necessarily in all of them. Survival rates are not clear cut or consistent.

That’s why Marcum calls it experimentation. Survival can depend on

soil type, drainage, sun exposure, water, care and many other things.

Marcum says most of the customers he talks to have enough adventure in their lives already, so they’re not all that interested in going out on a limb by purchasing an experiment at the nursery.

That’s why he says sustainability is so important. Which brings Marcum back to his list of hard-nosed shrubs.

“When we sell stuff to people, we want them to be successful because we want them to be better customers, but sometimes it gets kind of boring.”

On the other hand, plain jane isn’t such a bad thing, he says.

“Even if it’s boring, it’s green and it’s pretty. It’s all pretty, and you can do an endless amount of landscaping with those plants, and sustainability is the key. Without sustainability, a landscape is a loser. If it’s not sustainable, your going to lose it.”

In addition to creating new landscapes, Marcum says spring is also a good time to evaluate existing land-

scaping around the house to determine what plants have outgrown their lifespan. Generally, plants are good for 10 to 15 years. After that, they may become overgrown and potentially destructive.

“A plant in the wrong place is a living liability,” Marcum says. “Watch out for destructive plants and don’t be afraid to take it out and replace it with something new.”

Help is never far away, Marcum said.

Nurseries know which plants work best in Oklahoma, and many have landscape experts who are willing to drive out, do a free evaluation and offer advice. Also, smart phones have made it easy for gardeners to photograph and video their yards when they have questions.

So, despite Oklahoma weather and its extremes, Marcum says there is no reason to wave the white flag. Successful landscapes may not always be flashy, but most of the time, they’re pretty.

“Common sense and a practical approach are the keys to success.” – BSM

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BY: ANNA ROBERTS

Ride Away

I

CycleBar Indoor Cycling Boutique to Offer Brief Escape

t’s like going to a movie theater, except a lot healthier, said Rhonda Jeffery, general manager of CycleBar, a new fitness facility opening this May at 1942 24th Ave. NW in Norman.

Forget the popcorn, the soft drink and the candy bar. Just climb on a bike and start rocking with lively instructors amid premium amenities. Each class offers an escape from everyday life, she said. Just like a movie.

“Imagine yourself walking into a movie theater; except replace those premium seats with premium indoor cycling bikes,” Jeffery said. “Your instructor is going to lead you through your own story for that day. You will ride to the rhythm of the music, and you will let yourself get lost in your own type of challenge.”

During a CycleBar class, the instructor and environment allow a participant to disengage from everyday life and focus on self-improvement, an aspect that Jeffery said drew her to the organization. She said she got involved with CycleBar to help people reach their fullest potential.

“I am very passionate about the health industry and helping to serve

88 | April 2019

others,” Jeffery said. “I just want to show people how phenomenal they are. It’s that simple.”

Although CycleBar is all about community, there is an individualized focus for members.

One of the benefits of having a membership with a boutique workout facility like CycleBar is being a part of a community and Jeffery describes the tight-knit community as an added perk of joining.

“It’s about the individual first and then about the community second,” Fitzgerald said. “The individual has to feel like they got something out of it to build the community.”

“CycleBar will be holding events for members to get to know each other and create a community of riders,” she said. “They are planning on having wine Wednesdays, happy-hour Fridays and brunch on Sundays.”

Pat Fitzgerald, the owner of CycleBar, sees opportunity for the franchise to cultivate community while giving back through charity rides.

“We like [CycleBar] because it built the person and increased the community,” Fitzgerald said. “If we continue to do this right, we will become a fabric and a fiber of the community.”

CycleBar plans to hold events for nonprofit organizations and causes across southern Oklahoma, and proceeds from the rides will go to those organizations while also providing awareness.

The indoor cycling facility offers a concierge level of service with each visit.

“You’re a name. You’re not a number,” Fitzgerald said. “You’ll feel the energy, but you’ll also begin to feel peace. This is your 45 minutes to peel away from everything else you have going on and focus on yourself.”

Right now, CycleBar is offering a founder’s membership pricing of $99 a month for unlimited rides. This rate will remain fixed for founding members as long as the account remains active, However, once this special offer ends, the regular membership price will be $169 a month.

To learn more about CycleBar, visit norman.cyclebar.com or call 5933001. – BSM

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FO O D

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Creative Concoctions Can Make for a Tasty Burger your-own burger contest at Bad Daddy’s this summer. Three winners will be selected to present their creation to judges, and the overall winning burger will be featured as a special at the restaurant, Cordero said.

S

pringtime means an a-bun-dance of burgers. And those patties are packed with more than protein.

They are loaded with possibilities for creative combinations.

How about adding hot links or sauerkraut to a burger? What about grilled apples, goat cheese, pesto, a fried egg or even peanut butter?

These are a few of the choices that customers can enjoy on their burgers at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, at 2050 24th Ave. NW in Norman. The restaurant’s create-your-own-burger bar allows the creative juices to flow.

General Manager Kim Cordero has seen customers tackle some unique options, including huge burgers that need “a pick so it doesn’t fall over.”

One such hefty sandwich included two patties, an egg, two different kinds of bacon and pulled pork.

They’re messy sometimes, Cordero said.

“If you don’t need two napkins, it wasn’t a good enough burger.”

Speaking of creating concoctions, customers will participate in a create-

92 | April 2019

Not much for crafting your own creations?

That’s OK, too. Cordero has some unique favorites on the menu.

“I really love the ‘Sam I Am’ and ‘Magic Mushroom.”

The “Sam I Am” features American cheese, an over-easy fried egg, rosemary ham and fresh-made pesto, while the mushroom burger includes sautéed wild and button mushrooms, Swiss cheese, truffle aioli and arugula.

The restaurant also offers a monthly chef special that features a fusion of flavors. For example, the March burger selection was a goat cheese burger on a wheat bun with local goat cheese, spinach, jalapeno bacon and strawberry habanero jam.

Toppings aren’t the only way diners can be creative and beef isn’t the only protein op-

tion burger lovers can enjoy at Bad Daddy’s. Customers can pick from a variety of ingredients, including grilled chicken, turkey, black bean, buffalo and tuna. They can also skip the bun altogether or opt for a lettuce wrap.

So, whether it’s a crazy combination or a classic cheeseburger, Cordero believes one of the many appeals of the burger is the comfort it brings.

“I think it makes people think of good times,” she said. “Burgers just make you feel happy.”

Cordero has a few burger tips for those ready to get their grill on this spring.

“Don’t over season and … start with a good foundation for your burger, which is definitely going to be the meat,” she said.

For more information about the customer contest at Bad Daddy’s, follow the restaurant on Facebook at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar (Norman, OK).

– BSM

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