Boyd Street Magazine December 2021

Charity Coffee Festival

Common Grounds

Normanite in the Spotlight

Susan Bergen

What’s Eating Norman

Pinkberry

December 2021 • Issue 12 • Volume 20

IS HE REALLY A

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8 | December 2021

Features

DECEMBER CONTENTS 2021

ISSUE 12– VOLUME 20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

The Virtue Center

20 by BOLD Media

MANAGING EDITOR

Mark Doescher

BOLD Media | Mendi Brandon Callie Collins | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Shannon Hudzinski Chris Plank | Perry Spencer Chat Williams

26

by Callie Collins Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity to host Common Grounds Coffee Festival.

Normanite in the Spotlight: 32 Susan Bergen

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTORS

Common Grounds 26 Coffee Festival

Lindsay Cuomo

Combating substance abuse with help, hope and awareness.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Haley Gauley - haley@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com

PUBLISHER

Casey Vinyard

In Memory of RANDY LAFFOON

by Lindsay Cuomo A self-proclaimed converted city girl uses a simple life philosophy to encourage community outreach.

New Age of Learning

38 by Lindsay Cuomo

High school librarians receive prestigious honors for their innovative use of technology.

Is He Really A Superman

44 by Cahris Plank

Caleb Williams takes the QB1 reigns and attempts to live up to his nickname.

32

What’s Happening

by Mark Doescher Images from Jennie Baranczyk’s first home game as head coach.

Norman High Winter Preview

44

Service Spotlight:

by Mendi Brandon

80 Save Big This Season

by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

84 by Kathy Hallren - Joe’s Wines & Spirits

Timberwolf athletes prepare for the winter season.

New Twist for End of the Year

89 Development

10 Pillars of Long Term Athletic

by Callie Collins Pinkberry franchise owner brings national frozen yogurt brand to Campus Corner. sportstalk1400.com

by Lindsay Cuomo

76 Lt. Kim Lopez

What’s Eating Norman:

Norman North Winter Preview

96 Pinkberry

73

Seeking Solutions

Holiday Shopping Hacks to Help You

Tiger athletes prepare to launch their winter seasons.

68 by Perry Spencer

Staff

Norman Regional Hospital:

64 by Perry Spencer

Spotlights 15

Community Calendar

Images from Porter Moser’s first game as head coach.

OU Women’s Basketball 60 Home Opener

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.

OU Men’s Basketball Opener

56 by Mark Doescher

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

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@boydstreet

by Chat Williams - Youth Performance

92 Where to Eat in Norman

the DINE guide

Staff

Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

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COMM U N I T Y

Combating substance abuse with help, hope and awareness

20 | December 2021

BY: BOLD MEDIA

T

he Virtue Center, previously known as the Norman Alcohol Information Center, first became a partner agency of the United Way of Norman in 1973. Since their available services and support of the Norman community have only increased. According to their mission statement, “The Virtue Center is a place of help and hope for people facing addiction and mental health challenges.”

With the support of the United Way, the Norman community, and employees and volunteers, The Virtue Center has grown to work directly with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Human Services, providing resources to people all across the state.

Caleb Klusmeyer, recovery support specialist and case manager at The Virtue Center, shared a little bit about his story and how he gets to make an impact on our community.

Klusmeyer has been sober since January 2015 and has been working with The Virtue Center since December 2017. He wears many hats, but he is only one of several recovery support specialists at the center.

These leaders help guide people through their battle towards sobriety and recovery. They have also faced addiction themselves, and that connection, Klusmeyer shared, is one of the most impactful parts of working at The Virtue Center, helping others work through a similar challenge.

The Virtue Center provides services of all kinds to many different people. These include outpatient services, individual and group therapy, substance abuse assessments, and even just helping people in recovery find jobs and food. They have a diverse list of services, but The Virtue Center is still a nonprofit.

Klusmeyer shared that being a nonprofit is the most significant way The Virtue Center can impact the Norman community. Since the organization does not turn a profit, they can offer their services on a sliding payment scale, making them far more accessible to lower-income individuals.

Caleb Klusmeyer, recovery support specialist and case manager at The Virtue Center.

The Virtue Center is proud to have been a partner agency of the United Way of Norman for over 45 years. Each year, United Way does an event called Day of Caring that allows individuals and companies to volunteer their time to go out into the community and help each partner agency.

The Virtue Center is currently working on a capital campaign to raise money for a new building. The new location will allow The Virtue Center to continue to grow and impact even more lives in the Norman community. When asked about what’s next for the organization, Klusmeyer replied, “Our community has lots of great resources, but a lot of people don’t know that they’re there!”

“You have no idea how big of an impact just that one day of work can have on our organization,” said Klusmeyer.

“We want to bring awareness to substance abuse and the resources available to help - Let’s smash the stigma!”

Monthy non-profit story presented by: The collaboration between individuals in the Norman community and these great partner agencies is what makes the United Way so unique. boydstreet.com

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 21

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COM M U N I T Y

Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity to host Common Grounds Coffee Festival

S

erving others will take on new meaning at Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity’s first Common Grounds Coffee Festival, already brewing for March 2022. The festival is set to take place at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers’ goal is to raise $100,000, enough to fund an entire home for a family in need.

“Coffee is a communal event, from business meetings where people stay around after to chat or just for people to have conversations,” said President and CEO Randall Gardner.

“We wanted to take that experience and host an event dedicated to the common good.”

Habitat for Humanity volunteers renovate and repair homes, in addition to building new structures, in communities throughout the world. The organization works with those in need to make home ownership more feasible.

Contrary to popular belief, Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. Instead, its leaders help advocate for fair housing policies at the legislative level and consider applicants who would be unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage. No single background makes up those who benefit from housing services: veterans, adults with disabilities, the elderly and families with young children are among those who have qualified in the past.

Habitat for Humanity outlines a path to homeownership through a combination of factors. Applicants must go through a lengthy process, including attending an information workshop as a first step. They must meet defined eligi-

26 | December 2021

bility requirements and be able to make a down payment and all subsequent monthly payments with a 0% loan.

They also complete 350 hours of work on the home or in the community, often called “sweat equity,” and additional homeownership classes related to financial literacy, budgeting and other life skills topics.

“What we’re really trying to do is build a community filled with hope,” said Gardner. “What our applicants have in common is they are people trying to advance to the next rung of the financial ladder. Stable housing can be the hand up they need to keep climbing.”

When he joined the organization in 2019, Gardner set a goal to build three houses per year. Even with the pandemic, that objective has proved possible, so he has now redefined success as five houses per year.

Habitat for Humanity places a vital role in community revitalization. Some properties are built from the ground up.

Others need significant remodels or major maintenance, including modifications like wheelchair ramps or other adaptive features.

Stable residency through fixed housing gives residents an address of record they can count on to receive important mail, often the first step in applying for other aid needed to help them move on with life.

Family and social sciences also indicate the vital role of consistency, without the disruption of frequent moves which can affect children’s access to and progress in educational set-

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

Unique blends, served with warmth and compassion tings, adult job opportunities and the wellbeing of people of all ages. Access to greenspaces, a neighborhood school and surrounding business also makes investment in their infrastructure more feasible.

Gardner describes the application process as a mutual partnership. Applicants who are not selected are mentored on how to improve for a future opportunity. They can apply again on a yearly basis, but, in the meantime, Habitat for Humanity continues to be a resource for them in other ways.

“What we’re trying to solve here is generational poverty one family at a time,” said Gardner. “(The Common Grounds Coffee Festival) will bring people together in a way that hasn’t been done before here in Norman.”

Tickets are $10 each and are on sale now at cchfh.org/coffee/.

Title sponsors are currently being sought for the event and are a vital part to reaching the $100,000 goal. Vendor fees are $150 and include a 10’x10’ booth, with retail permitted at each station.

“If you try a coffee and you really like it, that vendor may be able to sell you the beans of what you just tried so you can repeat the experience at home,” said Gardner.

Information exhibits about coffee, latte art, samples and more will be part of the day, too. – BSM

Coffee, including unique micro batches from local roasters and specialty beverages from Oklahoma-operated cafes, will be featured throughout the day. All things coffee will round out the event, including coffee art, pastries, chocolates and more.

“Any of those staples of coffee house culture, that’s what we want to feature,” said Gardner. “You have your wine tastings and your beer festivals, but this goes broader.”

The unique blend of coffee, community and other items is sure to draw a crowd.

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 27

COMM U N I T Y

NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

S U S A N

32 | December 2021

B E R G E N

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

“ I f a p ro bl em i s i n fro n t o f m e ,

t h at i s t h e o n e I a m w o r ki n g o n .

I am n o t w a i t i n g o n o t h e r s t o br i n g t h e s o l u t i o n .”

S

usan Bergen’s life philosophy might sound simple in words, but the impact is not. Bergen uses her bold initiative in her personal and professional life as well as in her community outreach and encourages those around her to do the same.

She shared a story about a new employee that originally joined her team as a day laborer. He hadn’t worked in a while but “was so smart, talented and hard working.”

“I wanted to hire him full time, but he declined because he owed a significant amount of back child support,” she shared.

“He felt overwhelmed. I told him we do hard things together; we have to go deep with people to make a difference. Now, he owns his own car and is paying his child support. He is an important member of our team.”

Bergen is the chief executive officer of Bergen Enterprises, the family business she runs with her husband, Floyd, and their two children, Jessica and Blake.

“I love that we are a family business. Both children, my husband, myself and our two dogs are all in the office together,” she said.

Bergen Enterprises is comprised of several businesses: Bergen Foods, Inc. that operates Pizza Hut restaurants in southern Oklahoma and north Texas, Eco Wood Solutions, Prairie Dirt Solutions and Camargo Ranch, that raises grass-fed cattle using sustainable practices.

Bergen describes herself as a converted city girl and said she usually starts her speeches with a joke about what happens when a Yankee marries a cowboy, since she grew up in Boston.

Originally from Oklahoma, Bergen was working in Oklahoma City as a stockbroker when she and Floyd met. The two married in 1984.

“Although I had gardened, I had no idea how to manage land,” she remembered.

Bergen was a quick study and today is one of a few women leaders in the industry. Under the framework people, planet, profit, Bergen Enterprises measures success in what others might consider an unconventional standard. boydstreet.com

“We have a diverse mix of businesses but at the center is the people we work with, and we measure our choices on that criteria,” she said.

Camargo Ranch raises grass-fed angus beef and sells through a cooperative agreement with Thousand Hills Cattle Company brand to Natural Grocers, Eco Wood Solutions offers a diversion service for single-use wood that ends up in landfills and Prairie Dirt Solutions retails sod, soils and mulch and soon a line of eco-friendly fertilizers for lawns.

“I am really excited to start a new fertilizer program for lawns,” she said. “It is a totally organic, nutrient-boosting product for healthy soil and a bright green lawn.”

As if managing 20,000-acres and several other businesses weren’t enough, Bergen is also involved in several community gardening projects and organizes the garden and food program for Loveworks Leadership, a nonprofit that empowers local youth. She also serves on their governing board.

“My hope for Norman is that we could become a more collaborative town. We all need to find space for everyone at the table,” Bergen said. “That is why I am so focused on Loveworks. They have so many different options to develop the next generation and each is as important as the other.”

Bergen was originally invited to be a cook for Loveworks but eventually took over the food program and started a garden for students to grow fruits and vegetables.

“I am hyper focused on community gardens,” she said. “The kids are learning about food and eating different things. For instance, they prepared roasted okra. They were skeptical but they ate it and they loved it.

“I love telling the kids I hate tomatoes too, let’s try it together.

They have eaten so much processed food they don’t know always know what healthy food tastes like.”

The garden has been such a success the students now sell their produce and products they make at the Norman Farm Market weekly and still have some to take home. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 33

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COM M U N I T Y

New Age of Learning

High school librarians receive prestigious honors for their innovative use of technology

I

t should not come as any surprise that the days of sleepy libraries and dusty card catalogs are long gone, stepping into its place are high-tech learning tools.

“Libraries are so much more than just books,” said Amanda Kordeliski, director of Norman Public Schools Library Services and Instructional Technology department.

In fact, it’s right there in the name: instructional technology.

“The library is really the hub of the school,” shared Martha Pangburn, teacher librarian at Norman High School. “Before school and at lunch, this place is full of students, every nook and cranny... It’s a really active and exciting place to be.”

Kordeliski assured that you will still find literacy at the core of their mission, but they are also driven by innovation and the pursuit of inquiry and intellectual freedom. The technology available in libraries across the district allows students to “showcase learning and how to learn in different ways,” she explained.

38 | December 2021

“In Norman, we are very lucky we have strong support for access to technology,” she said. “With the district’s emphasis on guided inquiry, students don’t just turn in papers, they use the technology and tools in our maker spaces to highlight what they have learned.”

For example, the project that earned Molly Dettmann, teacher librarian at Norman North High School, the Oklahoma School Librarians’ (OKSL) Technology in Education award involved an Oculus Quest VR. Students were immersed in a different world and used that inspiration to craft a paper about storytelling.

“School librarians are not just hanging out checking out books. We work with different teachers to incorporate learning opportunities for literacy and critical thinking,” Dettmann said. “I like to be really intentional with how we use technology, to have a clear educational component and help teachers hit their standards in a different way.”

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Molly Dettmann, teacher librarian at Norman North High School, was recently honored with the Oklahoma School Librarians’ Technology in Education award.

The tools available range from high-tech options like 3D printers and Cricut cutting machines to low-tech features such as LEGOs and clay. Students can use the tools for classroom assignments as well as for personal projects.

Kordeliski shared examples of Star Wars themed escape rooms, Sequoyah book read-arounds, podcasting and a reimagined Battleship game teaching the principles of longitude and latitude as just a few of the creative ways district teacher librarians bring learning to life. The department has also increased their digital books collection, a resource that has been vital during the pandemic.

Pangburn was honored with the OKSL’s Polly Clarke award in 2020 and her creative unit exploring parabolas stood out to the selection panel.

“I try to help students see what the point is, to answer the question of when are they ever going to use this knowledge again and transfer those skills to the real world,” Pangburn said.

Pangburn and Dettmann credit their success to district and community support. They have a close relationship with Norman public libraries that provide access to additional resources and much of the technology available has been purchased through grants provided by organizations such as the Norman Public School Foundation.

“It is so cool that our kids have a whole team of people working to support students and offer equitable resources,” Pangburn said. – BSM

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S P O RT S

C

aleb William’s playmaking is undeniable. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious and, for a team with championship aspirations, he has been the jolt of energy this team and fanbase has needed.

Williams has been nicknamed Super Man because he has a knack for the big play in game-saving moments.

Against Texas, Williams entered the game on 4th down. He took a 4th-and-1 snap and converted with 56-yards and a Sooner touchdown. Eventually, Williams would take over the quarterback duties and engineer the greatest comeback in the history of the Red River Rivalry, finishing with over 300 total yards and four touchdowns.

With the Sooners sputtering against Kansas, Williams did it again.

On 4th and short in the 4th quarter, on a play that was almost a mirror image of the run against Texas, Williams gave the Sooners a two-score lead on a 40-yard keeper. Then again late against Kansas, Williams took the ball from running back Kennedy Brooks on a 4th down play that would have been stuffed behind the line of scrimmage and ended up picking up a much-needed first down. The heads-up play by Williams helped the Sooners survive in Lawrence.

The fingernail-painting, play-making freshman is not permitted yet to speak to the media, but his personality and ability are unquestioned.

“He’s a very unique kid,” Lincoln Riley said of Williams. “He’s got different interests. He’s got a unique but fun personality. He does a good job relating to different people.”

Williams’ confidence and passion has put the Sooners in a position to win its 7th straight Big 12 championship and catapulted the true freshman into the middle of the Heisman Trophy conversation.

“I’m not surprised at all,” Parker Thune said.

Thune co-hosts the noon to 2 p.m. show weekdays on The Ref Sports Radio Network with Mike Steely. In addition to his work on the Ref, Thune also covers recruiting and Sooner Football for OUInsider.com.

Caleb William’s recruitment was one of the first big stories he covered.

“From the minute I watched him at the Elite 11 in July of 2020, it was at that point that I realized this guy could unseat anyone in America.

He’s just that good. We’ve seen that manifest itself here at Oklahoma.”

Williams came into a situation at Oklahoma where there appeared to be an unquestioned starter in Spencer Rattler. Rattler was considered the pre-season Heisman favorite, and many had projected him as a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. But as you will find out, competition is not something that Williams shies away from, and his personality is contagious.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

“Caleb gets along with everybody, can talk to anybody,” Riley said.

“He can have a conversation with my 5-year-old. He can have a conversation with an adult and interact and be very personable. He’s a neat kid.”

Williams has caught the eye of many with his enthusiastic approach and fiery personality. As a true freshman, he is constantly talking up teammates and finding ways to keep the energy up on the sidelines when he’s not on the field making plays.

44 | November December 2021

BY: CHRIS PLANK

IS HE REALLY A

FRESHMAN? boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 45

“He’s a football guy, very driven,” Riley continued with his Williams portrayal. “But also, (he) can laugh, can joke, can have some fun. He’s got, for a young guy, pretty good balance.”

HOW CALEB ENDED UP IN NORMAN The end of the 2019 season was a gut punch for the Sooners after an incredible run to make the four-team playoffs. The Sooners rallied from a loss to Kansas State to win a Big 12 Championship and earn a spot in the four-team playoffs. But the magic of 2019 quickly came to a disappointing end after LSU rocked the Sooners, 63-28.

That loss hurt, but what happened on January 1, 2020 may have hurt a little bit more. Sooner 5-star quarterback commit Brock Vandagriff decided to decommit and withdraw his pledge to play for the Sooners.

Vandagriff was the No. 1 pro-style quarterback and No. 8 overall prospect in the 2021 class and had been committed to the Sooners since June 2019. A tough loss to LSU hurt, losing the Vandagriff commit was salt in the wound.

Sometimes, what can be viewed as setback is merely a platform for an incredible comeback. In the case of Vandagriff decommittment, that ended up being true for Oklahoma Sooner football, and part of the reason that it played out so perfectly was because Caleb Williams was not going to let an46 | December 2021

other player at his position or even a scholarship get in the way of where he wanted to play and to accomplish his ultimate goal: to be the best to ever play the position.

Well before Vandagriff had even made his pledge to Oklahoma and his eventual change of heart, Williams was making a name for himself early in his high school career. During his sophomore season, Williams led Gonzaga College High to a 9-3 record and its first Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title since the 2002 season. Williams quarterbacked the Eagles all the way to the WCAC championship game, where they faced rival DeMatha Catholic High School, ranked No. 1 in the WCAC, at season’s end.

It appeared as if the Stags would win a fifth WCAC title in six seasons before Williams, then a sophomore, scored three of his six touchdowns in the final minutes of the game. That included a quarterback keeper to cut the score to 36-33, then another touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining to give his team a 40-36 lead.

But his team’s ensuing squib kick was returned for a touchdown, giving DeMatha the lead again at 43-40 with only 15 seconds remaining.

With time left for only one more play, Williams launched what was officially a 53-yard Hail Mary on the final play of the game — from his own 41 — to give his team the 46-40 victory.

48 | December 2021

He was special, but in some ways was still a bit of an unknown outside of his high school heroics and the Elite 11 appearance.

“The 2021 class was in a unique circumstance,” Thune said of covering the recruitment of Williams. “There were no official visits and thus a tougher time to build relationships because of COVID-19, and because of COVID no one had a true and proper framework of just how good Caleb could be at the collegiate level.”

OU was barely recruiting Williams because of Vandagriff’s commitment. After the decommitment of Vandagriff, COVID hit in March 2020 and everything shut down. Caleb couldn’t play his senior year. The exposure camps in the off-season didn’t happen, so no one got to get a firsthand sense as to how good he could be.

“I was fortunate to see him in action at the Elite 11 which was one of the very few exposure opportunities that was held before the pandemic.,” Thune said. “The second that I saw him on the field I knew right away he could be a generational talent on the field.”

Williams already had eyes for the University of Oklahoma. Despite the prior commitment of Vandagriff to OU and well before his eventual decommitment, Williams was still interested in the Sooners and even took an unofficial visit to Norman during the 2019 season. Riley wouldn’t meet with Williams because he was loyal to the quarterback who had already committed.

“I kind of stayed out of it,” Riley said looking back on the unofficial visit Williams made in 2019. “Just loyalty to the guys in the class, especially at a position where you’re taking one (player)… We’ve always tried to be upfront and honest with all parties, those that did commit to us and those that didn’t.”

When Vandagriff decommitted, it opened the door for Lincoln to have a more open door, but it truly did not matter. William’s mind was made up. If Vandagriff had maintained his commitment that would not have stopped Williams from coming to Oklahoma.

“Caleb Williams was going to be a Sooner either way. And it all came down to Lincoln Riley,” Thune said. “Caleb is one of the most competitive humans you will ever meet. Caleb won’t sleep after a loss. He will sit up and watch film all night long. He’ll look for ways to improve. He will pound himself into submission to figure out what he can do to help his football team win a game. He hates losing.

It’s pretty evident that is the type of player he is when you see him on the field, and you see that competitive nature manifest itself.”

Even with the commitment of Vandagriff and the presence of Rattler on the roster, Williams was set on coming to Oklahoma.

But being committed to Oklahoma was not enough for Williams. He wanted to make sure that he had talent around him. Williams was recruiting other top prospects to join him, and once his commitment became official, he kicked it into high gear. Williams was active on social media reaching out to players like Latrell McCutchin, Mario Williams and Jalil Farooq. All three eventually signed with the Sooners.

A little more than a month after committing, Williams put together what he called the Sooner Summit in which several top prospects from around the country convened in Norman to check it out, despite the NCAA’s ongoing recruiting dead period. Coaches couldn’t meet with the visiting prospects, so they did everything themselves.

“I’ve been recruiting even before I chose a school,” Williams told AllSooners.com at the time of the Sooner Summit. “I try to build a friendship and a bond between me and other players. Hopefully, that goes a long way.” boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49

The summit worked in gaining a handful of commitments and confirmed the leadership that is engrained in the Sooner quarterback.

“It shows you what kind of influence he has as a leader. It’s a buzzword that’s thrown around… ‘leadership’... but you have to have a guy that people look up to, that people respect, that people are willing to follow because the harsh reality is that there is not a position on the football field that carries as much intrinsic leadership as quarterback,” Thune said. “The fact that OU ended up with a guy like Caleb Williams who is not only a tremendous football player but also a tremendous leader, that sets this program up very well as long as he is under center to compete for National Championship. It’s plain and simple, he’s a guy that people want to play for. He’s a guy whose vision people jump on board with.”

THE COMPARISONS Eventually, every Oklahoma quarterback is compared by fans and the media to recent greats like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Both won the Heisman, and both were the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The fact that competition was not something that scared away Williams from Oklahoma is one of the many similarities between Williams and his predecessors. Mayfield was not worried about a quarterback room that included a Sugar Bowl MVP and Murray was not worried about a quarterback room that included Mayfield. Greatness was the goal regardless of who stood in the way.

50 | December 2021

The on-the-field comparisons have already started to rush in. The ability to make guys miss is Murray-esque. The fiery mentality while getting teammates and fans to rally around him is Mayfield-esque. In everything he does, there seems to be a bit of Baker and a bit of Kyler in every move, moment and motion.

“That’s a tough question,” Riley said when asked about the comparisons. “He’s got a good calm demeanor about the game. He’s done a good job in scramble situations. It’s impressive to see his poise and the way he approaches it with not having had all the experience in the world. There are a lot of positives to build upon.”

Teammate and team captain Pat Fields took it one step further.

“Caleb is crazy competitive in practice. The same dude you see on game day you see in practice,” Fields said. “On game day, he tells us, (the defense), to get him the ball and he will put it in the endzone. That’s who he is. He’s fiery.

“He has a little K1 (Kyler Murray) and Baker in him and I’ve said that multiple times. He has a little of both in him and you can interpret that to get a feel for what he will be in two years when he’s headed out to the next level.”

Caleb Williams is talented, energetic, fiery and fun. He will be a foundational piece for this Sooner football program over the next few seasons.– BSM

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56 | December 2021

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57

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60 | December 2021

BY: MARK DOESCHER

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 61

Get a perfect smile to go with your degree.

WI N T E R S P O RT S PREV IEW

NORMAN TIGERS

“New season, new faces, same goals.”

Frankie Parks

64 | December 2021

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BY: PERRY SPENCER

he Norman High boys’ basketball team has a familiar face on the bench this year. Cory Cole, who led the Tigers to the 1990 state basketball championship, is taking on the challenge of returning the Tigers to the glory days.

Coming off a 2-18 season, the Tigers return some key pieces that Cole is excited about. Lendy Holmes and Conner Goodson are two of the returning starters for the Tigers. Holmes was one of the leading scorers from a season ago, averaging 11.4 points a game. Goodson contributed close to 10 points a game.

Some players that Cole thinks might make an impact this year are new to the Tigers: juniors Caison Cole, Matt Willenberg and Marcus Combs, and sophomore Tra Combs. For the season, Cole said he is “looking forward to rebuilding with the returning starters and new faces.” He expects to be competitive, while they establish their identity as a program.

The Norman Lady Tigers program is fresh off their back-toback 6A state championships after defeating Bixby last season at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. There have been plenty of changes for the Tigers since they last took the court.

Former head coach Michael Neal has moved across town to the University of Oklahoma as an assistant with new Sooner coach Jennie Baranczyk. Longtime assistant coach Frankie Parks takes the helm and will lead a talented roster of Tigers.

The Tigers lost their point guard, Kelbie Washington, and center, Chantae Embry, both now playing in the Big 12 with the Sooners and Red Raiders, respectively. The Tigers return Aaliyah Henderson, a junior who averaged close to 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game a season ago. The Tigers do have some injury concerns to start off the season but expectations haven’t changed for the Tigers.

“New season, new faces, same goals,” confirmed Parks.

Seniors Myka Perry signed with Florida and Mikayla Parks signed with Kansas State, but there are plenty of new faces on the roster that Parks is excited about: senior Jaki Rollins, juniors Jordyn Rollins and Vanessa Begay, and three talented freshmen, Keeley Parks, Seleh Harmon and Olivia Watkins.

Key games for the girls are the Crosstown Clash, Dec. 17 and Feb. 11 and Edmond North on Jan. 18, in addition to the season opener against Edmond Memorial on Nov. 30.

Cory Wilson enters his sixth season as the wrestling coach at Norman High School. Last year, the Tigers were 4-5 on the season. Wilson is excited about his boys’ team this year.

“We should be very competitive with a well-rounded group of returning starters of which six are seniors,” Wilson said.

One of the seniors they are excited about is the returning state qualifier Cason Deyalsingh. At 145 lbs, he was 21-4 last season.

Other returning starters for the Tigers are Chris Anderson at 132 lbs, Aydin Matanane at 152 lbs, Mason Meiser at 138 lbs, sophomore Lance Eubanks at 170 lbs, Andre McCoy at 170 lbs, Ayden Spencer at 182 lbs and Cayde Spencer at 220 lbs. boydstreet.com

Even with a bunch of experience returning, Wilson is also excited about the newcomers that can make an impact: sophomore Evan Johnson, junior Luke Markovic, senior Luis Ponce and freshman Masyn Matanane.

Key dates for the Tigers are, of course, the Crosstown Clash and district duals vs Yukon, Edmond Santa Fe and Westmoore.

The girls’ wrestling team for Norman High has reason for excitement and Wilson is intent on growing the program. The Tigers return Addy Lindsey who was the regional champion and placed 3rd at state.

“Addy has lots of opportunities in front of her,” Wilson said.

Laurin Walls, a state qualifier from a season ago, also returns and sophomore Lolise White has improved tremendously this season. Despite being new to the team last season, Wilson expects big things from her. –BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 65

WI N T E R S P O RT S PREV IEW

NORMAN NORTH TIMBERWOLVES

“Every game gives our team the opportunity to gain experience and show improvement.”

Al Beal

68 | December 2021

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his season much like their crosstown rival Norman High, a new, but familiar face will be in charge on the Norman North sidelines for the girls’ basketball program. Al Beal will take over for longtime coach Rory Hamilton, who has moved over to help assist on the boys’ team.

A season ago the Timberwolves finished 12-15. Beal doesn’t have the luxury of returning starters this season, but he wants to see improvement as the season goes along, “to show improvement after every game and to be the best team we can be,” Beal said.

Hannah Fields, the 5’11” junior, was their 6th man last season, and she is going to be the team leader. Beal is looking to Brooklyn Horton, Audrey Tucker and Avery Robbins as members of the team that will have an impact since they saw some varsity action last season.

When asked about his key games this season, Beal said that “every game gives our team the opportunity to gain experience and show improvement.”

The Timberwolves started off the season with one of the best teams in 6A. They played Edmond North at home on Nov. 30. The Crosstown Clash on Dec. 17 is at Norman High, and they host the Tigers Feb. 11.

Kellen McCoy is entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Norman North Timberwolves. One season ago, the Timberwolves lost in the first round of the state tournament to Edmond North at Skiatook.

Norman North lost a lot of experience from last year’s team with the only returning starter being guard Nate Lancaster, who averaged 4 points per game. However, the Timberwolves bring in some talented players with 6’4” senior Kevin Overton and 6’3” juniors Jeremiah Johnson and Ben Moser.

The Timberwolves will challenge once again in 6A for one of the top spots which is wide open and competitive this season. When asked about the season expectation, McCoy said that the Timberwolves “hope to continue (their) success and build on last season’s state tournament appearance.”

boydstreet.com

BY: PERRY SPENCER

The Timberwolves will get a good gauge early on where they stand when they host the Joe Lawson Memorial Tournament that features some of the top teams in 6A and 5A Dec. 9 - 11.

The Norman North wrestling team is coached by former Sooner Justin DeAngelis once again this season and returns some great pieces including a few state qualifiers. Sophomore Matthew Revas returns at 132 lbs and was a state qualifier. Junior Kaden Hinson was also a state qualifier at 138 lbs and senior Caden Betz is the team leader at 113 lbs.

The Norman North girls’ wrestling team also returns junior Devin Jansing who is a two-time state placer. The Timberwolves are excited to get freshman Logan Richard who was a junior high state champion at heavyweight.

DeAngelis said working hard this season is key, pointing out that there is a battle at every position. The big event this year will be when the Timberwolves take on the Tigers at Norman High in the Crosstown Clash on Jan. 25. –BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 69

Merry Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

SEE K IN G S O LUT I O NS

Innovation partnership aims to educate more nursing students

A

nationwide nursing shortage has pushed nursing into one of the most in-demand jobs in the United States, a trend that has only been increasingly impacted by the pandemic. The shortage is a result of several factors including stress of the job, burnout and an aging nursing workforce.

“The need for nurses in our community, we can’t even put words to what that demand is,” said Julie Anne Hoff, dean of the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing. “Nurses are the single largest provider at the frontlines. Without nurses, it shuts it all down.

“We have infusion centers that can’t be opened and hospital beds that can’t be used because there are not enough nurses… international data states that the level of education of the nurse at your bedside predicts morbidity, morality, failure to rescue, quality of care, all those important things.”

According to an article in the Nursing Times, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 11 million additional nurses are needed to avoid a further shortage and employment opportunities for nurses are projected to grow at a faster rate than all other occupations through 2026.

“The only way we are going to be able to educate more nurses is through partnerships,” Hoff said. “We don’t want to compete.

We want to work together to strengthen nursing for Oklahoma.”

A new partnership between Norman Regional Health System and the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will begin next August, training more nurses while also giving students hands-on experience at the system’s two hospitals.

“Norman Regional Health System is partnering with the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing to create a new nursing school in Norman,” said Brittni McGill, chief nursing officer for Norman Regional. “Our program will begin offering a traditional BSN program in August 2022. Our boydstreet.com

hope and desire is that this becomes a partnership model that can be replicated in other healthcare disciplines.”

This new program is an innovative way to battle the shortage by educating new nurses and quickly preparing them for their role in a hospital setting, McGill explained.

Students entering this program will not only get clinical experience at the hospitals, they will also attend class in the Norman Regional Hospital Education Center. Norman Regional has unique hands-on training such as its simulation lab featuring life-size mannequins.

“It is so impressive what the Norman Regional Health System has done, your growth, your facilities and your investment that’s been made in Norman,” said Jason Sanders, provost of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Sanders pointed to benefits such as nursing students practicing alongside and training with the professional teams they will be working with as valuable assets to the new program.

Joan Kemmet-Greenleaf, retired nurse and member of the Norman Regional Hospital Authority Board, agreed “Those of who are experienced in the profession have the privilege but the obligation as well to encourage, to education and to mentor nursing students… this collaboration accomplished just that,” said Kemmet-Greenleaf. “This unique partnership will educate nurses and give them valuable experience close to home. This collaboration is truly a benefit for everyone.”

Applications for all Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing programs are now open and are due no later than February 1, 2022.

“To those out there that might be interested in becoming a nurse, we need you,” Kemmet-Greenleaf said. “We need your skills, we need your talent, and we need your compassion.” – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 73

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

W W W.O KCO O P.O R G

S ERV I C E S P OT L I G H T

BY: MENDI BRANDON

Service Spotlight: Lt. Kim Lopez

T

he Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed Lt. Kim Lopez as the TRIAD coordinator and community Liaison. TRIAD, created in 1988, is a national community policing initiative involving law enforcement, senior adults and community groups to help reduce and educate against senior abuse and financial abuse.

“I wanted Cleveland County seniors to have an advocate to stand ready to speak to about how best to protect themselves, their homes and property” Sheriff Chris Amason said.

Along with TRIAD, Lopez will also take over organizing community events the Sheriff’s office is involved in. Throughout the year, Cleveland County deputies attend parades, festivals, fairs, neighborhood events and do many escorts.

“We strive to be as involved in the community as possible,” Sheriff Amason said. “Having Lt. Lopez in this role will help add organization and increase the amount of events we can attend.”

Lopez began her law enforcement career with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in November 1986, under then Sheriff Tom Kennedy. She served the citizens of Cleveland County for 27 years before moving to Oklahoma County to continue her work as a TRIAD coordinator there.

Lopez, an Oklahoma transplant, was raised in Oklahoma City attending several area schools. She is a mom to three adult children, married to her high school crush, Greg, and an expectant first-time grandparent. When asked about her life, she says she often tells people “I am the happiest gal you’ll ever meet! I will never be able to deserve all that I have been given.”

While reminiscing about her childhood, Lopez talked about an interaction with an Oklahoma City police officer when she was just six years old.

“I observed jailed men who all looked so sad,” she remembered.

“They were fighting and yelling at each other. This officer took the time to teach me that these men were not bad people, they were simply good people that made bad decisions.”

Lopez said this stuck with her and would be the defining moment in her life that pushed her toward a law enforcement career.

Now, more than 30 years into her career, Lopez has found her way back to Cleveland County, where it all began. When speaking with Lopez, it only takes a few moments to realize just how passionate she is about the TRIAD program and helping senior adults.

“Senior adults are our history, yet they make us who we are.

When we take a few minutes to listen to them we can learn so much about the world,” she said.

Lopez loves the time she gets to spend with seniors, teaching them ways to protect themselves. She said that most seniors are targeted because they are predictable.

“When someone takes the time to bring them up to date as to how these crimes are being deployed, a light comes on! Bad habits are broken, new plans are set in place, and seniors are equipped with the tools to carry out that plan,” she explained.

Lopez is hopeful that her work here in Cleveland County will bridge a gap between senior adults and law enforcement and Sheriff Amason agrees.

“We want our seniors to know that they are not a burden on law enforcement. We want them to contact us and allow us to help them in their time of need,” he said.

If you are interested in more information on the TRIAD program, call the Sheriff’s Office at 405-701-8636.

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

76 | December 2021

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O U FC U

BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI | PRESIDENT/CEO OU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Holiday Shopping Hacks to Help You Save Big This Season

R

eady, set… charge! The holiday shopping season is here, and between inflated prices, the rising cost of gas and the urge to splurge this time of year, it can be harder than ever to stick to your budget. Here, we’ve listed seven holiday shopping hacks to help keep your spending under control while still finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Why not get paid from the retailer, too? Some retailers offer refunds for late deliveries or will give you money back if there’s been a price change on an item since you’ve purchased it. Use a free app like Paribus to scan your receipt and search the web for price drops and to track policies that may help put more money back in your pocket.

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

BUY DISCOUNTED GIFT CARDS

It’s not just for groceries—this tried-and-true shopping hack can really help you keep costs down this holiday season.

When you shop with a list in hand and you’re careful to stick to it, you can make responsible shopping decisions instead of buying anything and everything that catches your eye.

Gift cards are a great way to save time on gift-shopping — and money, too! You can find discounted gift cards on sites like GiftDeals, Raise and CardCash for big-name brands of all kinds, including Lowe’s, Old Navy, Starbucks, Amazon and dozens more. Best of all, the person receiving the gift card never has to know you snagged it at a discounted price.

COMPARE PRICES In the age of apps and the internet, comparison shopping is a lot easier than trekking across town from store to store. All it takes is a few quick clicks to check if the item you want to purchase is available elsewhere, and for less. You can also use a price-checking app like ShopSavvy and BuyVia to make the search for the hottest deal even easier.

DON’T SHOP ALONE Grab a friend when you shop to help keep you on track. You can share your intended budget with your friend or let them know which gifts you’ll be looking for and ask them to gently remind you to stay within budget and on-plan as you browse.

A friend can also come in handy when you find a fantastic BOGO (buy one get one free) offer, but only need one item — go splitsies to gain some savings.

SHOP WITH COUPONS No need to touch a pair of scissors to take advantage of coupons in 2021! Before completing an online purchase, do a quick search of sites, like RetailMeNot, to check for available coupons that can bring down the price. You can also use a browser extension, like Honey, which will automatically find and apply coupons while you shop.

SHOP EARLY

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REBATES AND REFUNDS

It’s always a good idea to get your shopping done well before the holidays to keep from overspending when you’re harried and pressed for time. This year especially, with delivery delays and supply shortages expected to last into 2022, it’s best to tackle your holiday shopping as soon as possible. When you shop with a clear head and when the store shelves are still well stocked, you’re more likely to stick to your budget and make responsible spending decisions.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to get paid to shop? When you make a purchase through a rebate app like Earny or Rakuten, you get cash back for every purchase you make.

The holidays are coming, but that doesn’t mean you need to kiss your budget goodbye. Follow the tips outlined above to save big on gift-shopping this year.

80 | December 2021

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 81

VOTED NORMAN’S FAVORITE CARPET CLEANER EIGHT YEARS RUNNING.

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY GREG MASHBURN …

As a husband and father, DA Mashburn knows every family deserves safety and security.

That’s why Greg Mashburn works hard every day as our District Attorney.

The District Attorney’s Ofce continues to be recognized both locally and across Oklahoma with awards for excellence. bThis unparalleled level of professionalism is the standard District Attorney Greg Mashburn set when rst elected.

DA Mashburn leads a team of talented and accomplished professionals dedicated to serving the citizens of District 21. Over 30 times DA Mashburn’s ofce has been recognized with awards for excellence, including District Attorney of the Year, a governor’s commendation, Oklahoma Drug Court of the Year, Oklahoma Victim Advocate of the Year, Oklahoma Drug Prosecutor of the Year, Oklahoma Drug Investigator of the Year, Outstanding Arson Prosecutor, Oklahoma Domestic Violence Prosecutor of the Year, an award for excellence in sex crimes prosecution, and several awards for child support enforcement.

Local businesses, schools and neighborhoods are safer places to live and work thanks to the efforts of the DA Greg Mashburn.

• Keeping our community safe • Prosecuting the criminals who break the law

• Driving down crime rates

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Working Hard For All of Us!

GREG District Attorney

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L I FEST Y L E

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

New Twist for End of the Year I

t’s time to celebrate the end of 2021! Let’s talk about some trending alternatives to the basic Champagne toast. Cocktails, spritzers, seltzers, apéritifs and liqueurs all offer small serving sizes and flexibility between those who like it sweetand those who don’t.

Seltzers come in three varieties: wine based, malt (beer) based and fermented sugar based. The earliest entries, such as Truly and White Claw, were sugar based with both sweetness and calories. More recent entries in the market and there are far too many to name, are reducing calories, sweetness and carbs. Your liquor store clerk can help direct you towards a solution in this department and the prevalence of variety packs with 8- and 12-can options easily facilitates trying different flavors.

Here are a couple of recipes to get you started: OLD FASHIONED • • • •

2 oz. Bourbon or rye whiskey ¼ oz Simple syrup or 1½ tsp sugar 2 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish orange twist

Add all the ingredients except garnish to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until combined and chilled. Strain into an old-fashioned glass. Gently add a large ice cube to the glass (optional). Express the orange twist and drop into the glass

Spritzers are traditionally wine based but some in the market are beer based. Beer-based spritzers are generally slightly higher in alcohol and sugar content than other seltzers.

Cocktails, liquor (of course) apéritifs, liqueurs and bitters go hand in hand, as most cocktails contain not only liquor but one or more of the others. Apéritifs, including Campari and Aperol, are proprietary blends and one is not easily substituted for another. Liqueurs vary in price. Higher priced liqueurs are usually available in pints and half pints, aperitifs are generally only available in 750ml bottles.

Bitters, although produced by infusing herbs in alcohol, are not generally classified as an alcoholic beverage, probably because it is unlikely more than a drop or two would be consumed by itself. Bitters are expensive proprietary blends but a small bottle will last a long time.

Premixed cocktails have been around for a long time, but recently the market has surged with more selections and higher quality. With these products, there is no need to have the whole bar set up.

Local restaurant Scratch has teamed up with Oklahoma Distilling Co. to produce a ready to drink Scratch Old Fashioned. You simply add the ice. On The Rocks has a whole line up of cocktails, offering a variety pack and individual 100ml bottles.

So have fun, be safe.

Kathy Hallren

84 | December 2021

LAST WORD • • • •

¾ oz Gin ¾ oz Green Chartreuse ¾ oz Maraschino liqueur ¾ oz Fresh lime juice

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe/martini glass.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

405-321-3361 400 24th Ave N.W. roserockvethospital.com

LI F EST Y L E

BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

10 Pillars of Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD)

L

TAD, as defined by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, is the habitual development of athleticism over time to improve health and fitness, enhance physical performance, reduce the chance of injury and develop confidence and competence.

1. The health and well-being of all kids is the central tenet of LTAD.

8. Testing is only a snapshot of performance on that given day which is prudently when determining ability.

2. Development of fundamental motor skills and muscle strength are paramount to successful participation in sport, physical education and physical activity.

9. All kids should be introduced to strength & conditioning, which can be integrated into sports practice and/or personal training, so that they develop positive healthy habits, learn to enjoy strength & conditioning, and get in shape to play, not vice versa.

3. Kids should be routinely provided opportunities to develop health-fitness and skills-fitness capacities across childhood and adolescence.

4. Kids do not grow at the same rate and growth is not a linear progression.

5. All kids deserve an opportunity to play, be active and participate in sport at every age and ability.

6. Kids should be exposed to a variety of sports, games and physical activities.

10. Coaches and trainers need to understand pediatric principles of youth growth and development, including pedagogical instruction, in order to best serve youth.

Chat Williams, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CSPS*D, FNSCA chat@youthperformance.net • www.youthperformance.net 405-701-3416

7. While focusing on positive sports and physical activity, it is important to remember proper injury prevention protocols and practices for youth.

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 89

THE DI N E G U I DE

the DINE guide

92 | December 2021

Legends Restaurant & Catering

Sauce It Up

Legends has served the Norman community and

Sauce It Up serves high quality pizza, pasta and

the University of Oklahoma for over 50 years.

subs that can be grabbed fast, on the go, or enjoyed

Legends is a stunning, intimate, casually up-scale

while watching your favorite sports in restaurant.

family owned restaurant that is perfect for business

With an extensive appetizer, salad, pizza, sub and

meetings, gatherings, romantic dinners or casual

pasta menu, Sauce It Up has something delicious

meals. Private dining rooms and catering available.

for everyone in the family.

1313 W Lindsey St. • 405.329.8888

2627 Classen Blvd Ste. 104 • 405.857.7795

The Turn Grill @ Westwood Golf Course

Gringo Girl Tamales & Southern Eatery

Located at the Westwood Golf Course on the SE

Evolving from selling Tamales at central Oklahoma

corner of NW 24th and Robinson, The Turn Grill

farmers markets, Gringo Girl Tamales & Southern

offers a good meal at an affordable price to keep

Eatery has grown to a full scale restaurant serving

your energy up for your next round. Check out their

a diverse menu of home cooked favorites. From

Launch & Lunch special including $2 range tokens

nachos and loaded fries to chiken fried steak,

and Happy Hours every weekday.

tamales and fresh made pies, they have it all.

2400 Westport Dr • 405.360.7600

924 W Main St • 405.857.2202

Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian

Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails

Gaberino’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant

Scratch’s menu is crafted entirely from scratch and

located on Ed Noble Parkway. They feature

features smokehouse bacon, pan-seared fish, farm

homestyle recipes made from scratch, with gluten-

fresh veggies and slow roasted meats. They have

free, vegetarian, vegan and low-carb options.

a plethora of custom cocktails that will leave you

Gaberino’s provides in house dining, patio dining,

wanting more. Come taste the difference a true

delivery, on-line and takeout services.

fresh, from Scratch, experience can make.

400 Ed Noble Parkway • 405.310.2229

132 W Main St • 405.801.2900

Spare Time Sports Grill

The Mont

Spare Time Sports Grill is inside Sooner Bowl and

You won’t find a better spot for lunch, dinner,

features delicious food beyond what you’d expect at

or drinks than The Mont’s famous patio. Enjoy

a bowling alley. Great burgers, salads, sandwiches

enticing entrees, burgers, mexican delicacies and a

and appetizers enhance the bowling experience or

world famous swirl. Is it your birthday? The Mont

provide a great lunch or dinner spot. Carry out or

is the perfect place for your big birthday blowout

dine in available.

party with all of your friends.

550 24th Ave NW • 405.360.3634

1300 Classen Blvd • 405.329.3330

Service Station

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

The Service Station has been Norman’s favorite

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar specializes in preparing

neighborhood restaurant for 43 years. Stop by and

simple foods - such as the quintessential hamburger

try one of their famous burgers, sandwiches, salads,

- with a culinary passion to satisfy restaurant-goers’

steaks or seafood and grab a drink from their full

cravings like never before. The bar features an

bar. Enjoy a nice meal on the patio, inside the

ever rotating selection of regional draft beers and

historic dining room or grab your food to go.

cocktails that are well beyond ordinary.

502 S Webster Ave • 405.364.2139

2050 24th Ave NW Ste 101 • 405.561.1067

Interurban

Penny Hill Deli Bar & Char

Interurban is a casual and fun concept featuring a

100% fresh meat. Handcrafted sandwiches. All

wide variety of menu items catering to families, busy

natural ingredients. That’s what customers will

business professionals and baby boomers of all ages.

find when visitng Penny Hill Deli. Voted Norman’s

Their commitment to customers back in 1976 is the

favorite Deli for 14 years, the menu extends far

same today: good, fresh, quality food; reasonable

beyond normal deli offerings, with a full bar and

prices and friendly and attentive service.

multiple grilled entrees to entice all patrons.

1150 Ed Noble Dr. • 405.307.9200

1150 W Lindsey St. • 405.366.8767

Mr. Sushi

Thai Thai Asian Bistro

Mr. Sushi believes in quality and consistency, using

Thai Thai is a family run restaurant serving

only the freshest ingredients to prepare and present

delicious, authentic Thai food in Norman for over

every dish with care. From Yellowtail Sashimi

a decade. Everything on their menu is made fresh

to their creative Captain Crunch Roll, there is

daily. Join them for dine in at their location on 24th

something on the menu for everyone. Dine-in, take-

Avenue NE near Tecumseh or take home a meal for

out and delivery options are available.

you or the enitre family.

1204 N Interstate Dr. Ste 130. • 405.310.6669

3522 24th Ave NW Ste 100 • 405.310.2026

The Meating Place

405 Burger Bar

Located on Main St, just East of the railroad tracks,

Do you like big buns and real meat on your burgers?

The Meating Place’s permanent location serves

Then 405 Burger Bar is the place for you and you

delicious high-quality barbecue, local beer, craft

family. Featuring an extensive burger menu, full bar

cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Join them for trivia

and multiple TVs to catch the game, all just a short

night or stop by their food truck when you see it out

walk from OU’s stadium, 405 Burger Bar is perfect

and about around town.

for both pre and post game celebrations.

121 E Main St. • 405.857.7431

1429 George Ave • 405.500.6750

Want to be included in our monthly Dine guide?

Call 405.321.1400 or contact us at sportstalk1400am@gmail.com

for more information on how you can be included every month! boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 93

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C o r n e r o f Ro c k Creek & 36th We s t N o r m a n 4 0 5 .7 0 1 . 8 2 3 3

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‘

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season To

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B U S I N E SS

Photo by: Mark Doescher

What’s Eating Norman

96 | December 2021

Pink b er r y

W

hen Devin Pauley graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, he knew his career would take him far from Campus Corner.

With a fast-paced career in tech development ahead, he could not have predicted his eventual ownership of a frozen yogurt shop in Norman. Pinkberry opened on Sept. 10 at 323 W. Boyd St. A Black-owned business, the location is already off to an excellent start, thanks to its obvious aesthetic appeal, high-quality frozen yogurt and noticeably nice staff.

“Owning Pinkberry is a dream come true,” said Pauley of the full-circle experience he’s been working toward for the past decade. Although the engineer-turned-entrepreneur resides in California as a full-time system engineering program manager for Chewie Labs, he also works remotely to manage the Norman store.

With an outstanding on-site team hired through careful consideration and family in the area, Norman roots make the Los Angeles-based franchise feel right at home in the Sooner State to its growing customer base.

Pauley first tried Pinkberry’s signature frozen yogurt at a shop in California shortly after his relocation to the West Coast in 2011.

“I was blown away,” he recalled. “I had never really tried frozen yogurt in earnest, and it was unlike anything I’d really had before. That flavor is not like other products. The atmosphere is very chic, it’s a healthier treat that’s gluten-free and our staff is super warm, super friendly.”

Pauley is the first person to graduate from college in his father’s family and he seems destined for success in more ways than one. The highlights of his career so far include working on Motorola’s Razr phone in Libertyville, Illinois, the epicenter for smartphone development in 2004, and moving on to other big box tech companies, including Sony Ericsson, Blackberry, Amazon, Apple and Google. His projects have spanned work on Google’s speakers, Amazon’s Kindle per the company’s request and Apple’s iPhone case and Macbook designs, in addition to other products that have become household names.

Currently, Pauley is working on a device that converts food waste into a more environmentally friendly end product, with the ultimate goal to provide a product consumers can use to reduce their own carbon footprint.

The Pinkberry pivot may seem like an unusual choice but boydstreet.com

BY: CALLIE COLLINS what would become Pauley’s dream come true was, in fact, a daydream until 2019. He couldn’t stop thinking about the possibility of bringing the franchise in Oklahoma, which has more than 100 locations throughout the U.S. He pitched the idea to Pinkberry and the company took a few weeks to come back with a request for a business case. A corner space at West Boyd and Buchanan Avenue opened due to the closure of long-time establishment Antique Garden.

When the pandemic delayed construction last spring, the building’s remodel was paused.

“We hit the ground running early this year and opened just in time for football season,” said Pauley. “Just since opening this fall, we’ve already built a loyal following. When people walk into the shop, they feel like they’re part of a family. We often see customers visit us multiple times a day and building those relationships is so important. The way we approach customer service reflects our commitment to working with college students, including flexible schedule options around midterms, finals and activity weekends.”

Pauley estimates 98% of his staff is comprised of local OU students and he values the warmth and youthful energy they naturally bring to the job. He recognizes the potential for students to find more than a job with the company. Benefits, including access to 401(k) plans, health, dental and vision insurance, as well as support of causes that matter to students.

Taking Pinkberry’s culture back to campus is part of what Pauley envisions for the brand as a local staple. Getting involved with student organizations and Norman nonprofits like Relay for Life are something he is proud to support.

Bright colors, intentional lighting and themes that harken back to fruit, nature and health stand out.

“Our frozen yogurt is a really awesome snack for people that’s sweet but wholesome, without adding pounds to the waistline,” said Pauley. “One thing we do hear is frozen yogurt and ice cream used interchangeably. To be clear, frozen yogurt is not ice cream. It’s nonfat yogurt, made with nonfat milk, and of course, that’s also gluten-free.”

Pinkberry features eight flavors at present, with seven being standard varieties customers come to know and love; the eighth is a rotating seasonal variety. Tiramisu flavor is the last addition this season.

In 2022, Pauley looks forward to introducing additional promotional flavors as part of the location’s palette of flavors.

Currently, mango is a consistent vegan option but in recognition of the increasing number of vegans coming into the Norman location, additional vegan options will be added.

“The vegan population of Norman has been outstanding. We are so pleased to be able to offer product availability and choice to them, as well as all of our Norman customers,” said Pauley.

A proud Oklahoman, Pauley will doubtlessly continue to wear many hats: engineer, entrepreneur, OU, Pinkberry and perhaps more to come. No matter the business or the industry, success seems to accompany his efforts. The Norman community is sure to benefit from his expertise, commitment to giving back and the delicious joy of the Pinkberry brand. – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 97

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