Boyd Street Magazine July 2023

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT DON CRETSINGER

Serving others is a calling for Don Cretsinger, one that is met by offering his time, expertise and kindness of heart.

“Everyone has passions in their life… Mine has always been folks in poverty and those struggling, specifically with homelessness, serving others and helping those that have a lot of disadvantages in their lives,” Cretsinger shared. “It is an opportunity to minister to folks and show them respect and kindness.”

After retiring from running his own commercial construction company, Sun Construction Services, for 48 years and pastoring and volunteering in different areas, Cretsinger found he had more time to devote to serving in another capacity: at Food and Shelter in Norman.

“I have been given so much in life. I don’t get to take any of that with me, and I’m happy to give it back,” Cretsinger said.

With his construction background, he expected to be helping with maintenance and fixing things up when he began volunteering at Food and Shelter in January 2023. However, he ended up helping in the kitchen and before long was out on the floor serving as well. Now, he serves most mornings.

Cretsinger was nominated for our spotlight by Jess Alvarez, Food and Shelter’s kitchen manager.

“He is possibly the most selfless person I’ve ever met. He will jump in, roll his sleeves up, and do anything without even being asked,” she said.

Alvarez shared a piece of Cretsinger’s advice to highlight his impact: “You just have to smile and say hi to everyone and that makes it so much easier.”

“Don’s just a good soul. On top of helping us, he just finished building for the OKC Dream Center,” she added. “He brings a brightness to people, to our staff, to the whole building.”

Alvarez said Cretsinger jumps in wherever he is needed. He gathered her extra volunteers that were available, grabbed his tools, and fixed a door frame that had broken. He sees a problem and finds a solution.

Many that come to Food and Shelter are in survival mode, needing their basic needs met. Cretsinger affectionately described Food and Shelter’s process in aiding individuals and families as not only meeting their immediate needs, but also bridging the gaps to help them thrive as well.

Don Cretsinger and fellow volunteer help serve lunch at Food and Shelter

“I get as much blessing out of this as I can give to someone else, I guarantee you,” Cretsinger explained. Cretsinger and his family have lived in Noble for the past 47 years. He formed several relationships in the Norman community while serving with the Noble Chamber of Commerce for about a decade, through his business clients, and his involvement with church groups and Noble schools. He and his wife have four kids and nine grandkids and love to host events and opportunities for outreach at their accommodating home acreage as well.

Cretsinger now serves on the Noble Planning Commission, the zoning board and is president of the OKC Dream Center board as well.

Before serving at Food and Shelter, he worked as an associate pastor at the Kingdom City Church in Oklahoma City and the Dream Center associated with it for four years. The Dream Center has a transitional living center for men coming out of drug programs or prison and aids them in replanting with their families

and getting them back into their communities, as well as other services to reach those in poverty and at risk. After finishing up his work with the Dream Center in December, he made the move to volunteer with Food and Shelter in Norman.

When asked what advice he would give to those looking to volunteer, Cretsinger explained that “everyone has passions in life that they pursue, things that matter to them. I tell everyone to go ahead and take a risk, step out and pursue that passion.”

He attributes some of his advice to a team leader’s perspective during years of traveling to Haiti on missions. “Take a small step. Just give it a try and if that doesn’t work, try something else,” he shared. “Just help one person at a time. You can’t solve big issues in one big swoop, but you can make a difference in one person’s life at a time.”– BSM

“You can’t solve big issues in one big swoop, but you can make a difference in one person’s life at a time.” –

Don Cretsinger

This volunteer was nominated by a member of the Norman community. If you are interested in nominating a volunteer you know, please email managingeditor@boydstreet.com.

Annual OU Coaches Luncheon to Benefit Area Kids in Need

Fostering Futures’ annual OU Coaches Luncheon, on July 27 at Life.Church in Norman, gives Sooner fans a sneak peek at the upcoming football season and a fun way to support the local nonprofit.

Fostering Futures, previously known as the Citizens Advisory Board, started in 1989 as a Secret Santa program to provide Christmas presents for children in foster care in Cleveland County. The organization has since grown to include additional programs, all with the mission “to provide financial and emotional support for children and their families who receive services from the Cleveland County Child Welfare System.”

Each year, Foster Futures hosts the OU Coaches Luncheon, which serves as the nonprofit’s primary fundraiser. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 27, attendees will hear from Oklahoma Football Head Coach Brent Venables, as he shares what he is expecting for this upcoming season. The luncheon will also include a live auction and the Randy Laffoon 50/50 Raffle.

Money raised during the luncheon supports the organization’s various programs, said Sue Durrett, who has been with Fostering Futures since its inception and is the current executive director.

In 2019, Fostering Futures expanded their programs and took over the Luggage of Love program, which provides emergency clothing for children upon request. When children are entering a new placement, they can receive a suitcase with two outfits, a pair of pajamas, shoes and either a coat, jacket or swimsuit, depending upon the season. The luggage also includes a personal hygiene kit, blanket and toy or book.

Another resource is their basic needs program, which provides various items to support families including beds, car seats and gas cards. Additionally, Foster Futures provides financial support for the cost of extracurricular activity participation or a summer camp to allow foster children to build community connections.

Durrett shared a story about a girl who was placed with a family that was active in FFA. The girl wanted to raise a pig through the organization, so Fostering Futures paid for half the pig, with the joke being they are not sure if they paid for the front half or the back, and the foster parents paid for the other half.

“Anything that helps (foster kids) with making connections and establishing roots so they can grow, that’s what we want to do,” Durrett explained.

Through the first Secret Santa event, Fostering Futures served just under 70 kids. Last year through Secret Santa, basic needs and Luggage of Love, the nonprofit served over 2,100, Durrett said, highlighting the nonprofit’s growth. Fostering Futures also facilitates a teen support group, which assists youth ages 15 to 18 as they plan and prepare to transition out of foster care.

If anyone is interested in volunteering or donating to Fostering Futures, more information can be found at the organization’s website or Facebook page. Durrett explained that most volunteers are needed during Secret Santa season to help set up and distribute gifts to foster parents.

In addition to monetary donations, Fostering Futures will sometimes request donations of specific inventory, especially for the Luggage with Love program. You can find those needs online or on social media.

Through all of their programs, Fostering Futures remains dedicated to remaining anonymous to the children. For example, Durrett said if the organization is paying for summer camps, the check will go directly to the camp or the foster parents.

“We don’t want it set up where they feel like they’re getting charity,” Durrett explained. “They don’t need to know where it comes from, they just need to be kids and explore life.”– BSM

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Q&A with Norman’s Teacher of the Year: Matthew Mairet

NPS Names Adams Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher as District Teacher of the Year

Matthew Mairet began working at Adams Elementary in 2019, where he serves as 2ndgrade team leader, the school’s on-site technology assistant and a PTA member.

He earned his associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. In May, he will graduate with a master’s degree in library and information science.

1. What motivated you to become a teacher?

I got started in education when my brother and sisterin-law were expecting. I became like a manny. My nephew and I had a great time. We still have a great bond to this day.

My nephew graduated out of the kids’ programs, but I realized I wasn’t done. I worked for 10 years in an early education program for preschoolers. Then, I went to university as a nontraditional student to get my degree.

I chose my sweet spot in second grade because you are laying all that foundation, teaching all of the subjects. We can dive deeply into various topics but not the same thing all day.

2. What has your experience been working in a female-dominated field?

I find myself fitting in really well. I grew up with mainly my mom because my dad lived in another state. Working with a group of women just feels normal to me. I have found it nothing but welcoming. In the profession of teaching, everyone is welcome. Just join in.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

Children in this age group need so much experiential learning. A lot of our schedule is dictated by state standards like reading, and routines are very import-

ant. Even in that first week, we are getting to know each other and establishing our routines.

Children are so resilient, and it is incredible. Some of these kids are more adult than I am because of what they have had to go through. I want them to know that there is predictability and comfort in our classroom. Beyond the core subjects, I like to teach about problem solving, social-emotional learning and conflict-resolution skills. I try to tailor each experience as fun and engaging while teaching them skills.

4. What are your professional goals inside and outside the classroom?

Ensuring student learning is first and foremost my No. 1 goal in the classroom. If I can teach them how to constructively solve a problem and their math standards, then I have done my job.

Outside of the classroom, I want to foster a sense of growth and cultivate hobbies that elevate my performance in the classroom. You are never too old to learn and keep growing.

Learning is a continuum. It doesn’t need to be earth shattering, just keep learning.

5. What would you like the community to know about the profession of teaching?

The Norman community is incredibly supportive, and we need to keep that up. We are fortunate to live in a district that really values our children.

Our Norman educators are keeping up their energy and putting student learning first. Sometimes that squeaky wheel can get loud, but your voice is not drowned out. The community has our back. I would like to thank them for that and hope that continues. We really do feel encouraged.– BSM

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Coming Home

CAC Homecoming 2023 Looking for Sponsors

The Campus Activities Council (CAC) Homecoming at the University of Oklahoma is one of the community’s favorite long-standing traditions. CAC Homecoming is a completely student-run organization that puts on events throughout Homecoming Reunion Week every fall.

With events like Rah! Rally, the homecoming parade and royalty coronation, the week captures the essence of Sooner spirit by involving over 10,000 student participants and approximately 80,000 people from the Norman community.

Contributing to these events comes with various benefits such as exposure to community members, an opportunity to advertise your business, and heightened visibility of your business. The CAC strives to create a memorable reunion week for OU and Norman every year and this would not be possible without help from these communities.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or have any questions regarding sponsorships, please contact the homecoming executive chair, Emma Williams, at Emma.L.Williams-1@ou.edu or the vice chair of operations, Tehya Lujan, at tehya@ou.edu. – BSM

Norman Hosts Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale

Norman Chamber of Commerce, VisitNorman, Norman Economic Development Coalition and the City of Norman are once again partnering to bring Normanites the annual Summer Sidewalk Sale as part of a state-wide initiative with the Independent Shopkeepers Association’s Weekend of Local. On July 14 – 16, dozens of retail sites will participate in the sale, both in outdoors and indoors. During the sale, browse unique offerings and one-of-a-kind goods at locally owned shops. Boyd Street Magazine and KREF - The REF, Home of Sooner Fans, encourage Normanites to #ShopNorman during this special weekend and all year long.

WHY YOU SHOULD SHOP LOCALLY

“Shopping locally is critical to a community,” said Lawrence McKinney, president and CEO of Norman Economic Development Coalition. “Local small businesses are more customer service oriented and often provide unique products not found anywhere else. As an added benefit, smart communities like Norman also realize buying locally reduces carbon emissions.”

“There are so many reasons to prioritize shopping local,” said Sara Kaplan, retail marketing coordinator for the City of Norman. “Sales tax funds vital public services like park and road improvements, police and fire departments and transit. Additionally, local shops & restaurants are what give Norman our unique character.”

“Small business drives the U.S. economy and is a critical part of Norman’s economic ecosystem,” said Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber. “Ninety-nine percent of businesses are small businesses, they employ nearly half of the entire American workforce, and they represent 43.5% of America’s GDP. One of the best investments we can make in our community is shopping local.”

“Shopping locally is vital for the prosperity, identity and sustainability of our community,” said Dan Schemm, executive director of VisitNorman. “Local businesses play a crucial role in community development. They are more likely to invest in community projects, sponsor local events, and support local causes. By shopping locally, you actively participate in the development and improvement of your community.”– BSM

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PEGGY DOVIAK, AGAIN

Normanite Peggy Doviak, owner of DM Wealth Management, has author of two books on personal finance – “52 Weeks to Prosperity: What Your Accountant, Banker, Broker and Financial Advisor Might Not Tell You” and, her newest, “52 Weeks to Well-Being: What a Woman Needs to Know to Become Queen of Her Finances.”

Doviak discovered her passion for wealth management the hard way when her mother was given poor investment advice by her financial advisor that led to her losing a large sum of money. After conducting her own financial research, Doviak learned what the advisor did wrong, and she became fascinated by the subject. She wanted to help others so they would not have the same negative experience.

In 2003, Doviak made the leap from corporate trainer to opening her own company, DM Wealth Management, located on Main Street in Norman. Writing a book to help others with their finances was a natural outcome of her research.

“I am a teacher and I have always been a teacher,” Doviak said. “I am also a writer so in a way I teach through my writing. I am able to teach people about financial topics that (people might be) fearful of.”

Doviak is also a syndicated radio host and the host of the Ask Peggy Show podcast.

In her latest book, released in May of this year, aimed at empowering women, Doviak uses clear examples

of real-life situations that can cause financial stress and explains how to manage them, whether it be starting a business, caring for aging parents or even surviving widowhood or divorce.

“It all goes back to helping people understand money without being condescending, without making people fearful,” Doviak said. “The goal is to help women not be afraid of their money.”

If you’re looking for a financial advisor, Doviak suggests finding someone who is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She also points out that you do not have to be wealthy to benefit from working with a financial planner.

“A good financial planner contextualizes your money into your life,” Doviak explained. “Understanding how it all fits into your life will make you more likely to stay on track.”

Beyond the final numbers, Doviak stresses the importance of good habits. She looks for spending patterns and talks to clients about the reasons behind those patterns and ways to make healthier financial decisions in the future.

Both of Doviak’s books can be purchased at your local bookstore and on Amazon or checked out in physical or digital format from your local library.

Doviak can also be found online at peggydoviak.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.– BSM

UNAPOLOGETIC

Back to Back to Back Championships for Sooner Softball

BY: CHRIS PLANK

For the third straight season and the sixth time in the last decade, the Oklahoma Sooner softball team has won a National Championship. The dominating run finished with the Sooners sweeping Florida State in the Championship Series, carrying over a record-setting 52-game winning streak.

The path to the title was not always smooth nor by any stretch easy. Instead burdened with unparalleled expectations and a constant barrage of envy, the Sooners found a way to finish the job.

UNAPOLOGETIC

Softball is a sport that is fueled by emotion and incredible energy on the field and in the dugout. Oklahoma has some of the most passionate, energetic players in the sport to match its incredibly enthusiastic fan base.

As the Sooners made their run through the Women’s College World Series and the entire 2023 season, their hard work resulted in success that was celebrated, as it should be. But as is the nature of social media, the reaction from many was filled with outrage and resentment.

“One thing I’ve told these guys is you must be unapologetic about the energy and the celebrations that you have because women have worked so hard to get here, yet still get judged for those things,” said Sooner head coach Patty Gasso. “That’s the way we play, and that’s what people enjoy or don’t. You either like it or you don’t, but we’re not going to apologize for these players knowing the game and celebrating it the right way.”

Not many moments seemed to draw the scorn of pundits more than when Sooner third baseman Alyssa Brito drew a first-inning walk against Tennessee in the Saturday winners bracket game. Brito celebrated by slamming her bat and yelling toward her own dugout.

“When you really think about the game, walks are so important,” Brito said. “That’s something that we stress, especially as an offense. So, to us, we’re going to celebrate it, it’s just as good as getting a base hit in my eyes. When I bring energy like that, I think we all feel it. As a team, we’re all collectively there.”

There might not be a Sooner in the history of the sport that plays with her emotions on her sleeve more than centerfielder Jayda Coleman. After her intentional walk against Stanford which led to a game-winning double by Tiare Jennings, Coleman celebrated in a similar style to Brito. But Coleman would celebrate the same after hitting or taking away a home run also.

“I think we continuously, and softball itself, are just breaking barriers. I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Coleman said. “I feel like it’s just very disappointing to see people trying to tear us down in that type of way… making it into a negative light when you’re seeing MLB players doing the exact same thing. Why can’t we have emotion? We’re athletes just like them.”

Perhaps the most frustrating part is that opinions are formed based on a single moment often without perspective. For the Sooner softball team, celebration is not a form of taunting, but instead about building each other up and celebrating the moments that matter, according to Grace Lyons.

“We never mean it disrespectfully or against anyone else,” Lyons said. “That’s not how we play. People may take it that way, but it’s all for our own joy and passion, never to tear down anyone else.”

UNDENIABLE

As the confetti flew and the Sooners celebrated on the field at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, the moments that made the championship possible magnified the undeniable nature of this team. From Kinzie Hansen’s three-run homerun against Clemson to Coleman’s home-run-stealing catch in the Championship Series, the Sooner’s World Series run was littered with clutch plays in massive moments.

“Nothing they do surprises me at all. They’re always ready,” said Gasso. “They’re always talking. They’re wanting to win. They’re wanting to be great. They love doing it together.”

In the first game against Stanford, the Sooners struggled to find a rhythm against hard-throwing, righthander NiJaree Canady. Sooner ace Jordy Bahl matched Canady in a scoreless game as they headed into the bottom of the fifth, but a spot in the lineup that traditionally does not get the attention it deserves stepped up in a big way for the Sooners.

Aleyna Torres led off the fifth with a single and Rylie Boone singled to set up a “moment” for Coleman.

The Sooner center fielder laced a shot into left field bringing in the only two runs the Sooners would need to get a game one win.

“I think it shows that we don’t always have to hit home runs. We can be a team that’s just scrappy,” Coleman said of the game-winning hit.

During the five World Series games, the 8 and 9 spots in the Sooner lineup, specifically Torres and Boone, combined to hit .500 (12-24) with five runs scored and four runs batted in.

After the Sooners pounded Tennessee 9-1 in the winner’s bracket, someone would have to beat OU twice to eliminate the Sooners. Stanford fought through the losers’ bracket after a dazzling performance by Canady against Washington to set up a rematch in the semi-finals.

Both Bahl and Canady came out of the pen with the game tied at 2 and the duel was much like game one. Bahl, the WCWS Most Outstanding Player, battled out of jams and kept the game tied into extra innings. The “moment” for the Sooners came in the

ninth. After Stanford intentionally walked Coleman, Tiare Jennings stepped up. Jennings had been 0-5 against Canady with three strikeouts, but in the ninth, she lined a 0-2 pitch into the right field gap to put the Sooners on top to stay.

Bahl shut down the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth sending OU to the Championship Series again.

“I didn’t know they were going to do that to Jayda. It kind of didn’t matter to me either way. I was going to have to find a way to either get on or help my team as

best I can,” Jennings said. “We talk about not being result oriented, and that’s exactly what happened. I didn’t get the results I wanted earlier, and so what? I’m going to step in there and keep on swinging.”

The moments in the Championship Series against Florida State were numerous, from Bahl’s dominance in the circle to big shots from Cydney Sanders and Lyons as well as another spark provided by Boone. But there might not have been a bigger moment than what Coleman did in the bottom of the third inning of a scoreless game.

After throwing out Florida State third baseman Kalei Harding trying to stretch a single into a double in game one, Coleman made one of the most spectacular plays of the season.

“Immediately I was like, go get it,” Coleman said. “Immediately run to the fence.”

Coleman tracked the deep shot to center field, raced to the wall and jumped to bring it back from over the wall. A home run would have given the Seminoles a 3-0 lead, but in the end, it was a momentum-changing out. The Sooners found another gear after Coleman’s robbery.

“It’s really exciting to make those plays,” Coleman said. “I practice them all the time. But like I say every single time, the best thing out of those plays is watch-

ing your teammates react and watching them just be so happy for you. They know how hard we work. I know how hard they work. So, when things like those plays come into play on this big stage, I mean, it’s so joyful to watch.”

UNDISPUTED

The Sooners swept through the Women’s College World Series for their third consecutive National Championship. They have the longest winning streak in the history of college softball after winning 52 games in a row, finishing a three-year reign of terror with a record of 176-8. Oklahoma is also the first team to win six titles in a 10-year span.

The Sooners led the nation in scoring with 501 runs, 82 more than anybody else. They led the nation in pitching, defense and batting average, 30 points higher than second place.

“The grind of the season, the competition we faced, just shows that we were tested in the best way,” Jennings said. “Everything happens for a reason. It’s just been such a fun season.”

In a lot of ways, Lyons has been the heartbeat of the Oklahoma softball program during the three-peat. Without question, she is one of the best shortstops in recent softball history, winning the 2023 Golden Glove. Despite some struggles in the postseason,

she had a big moment when the Sooners needed it most. But her joy came in other moments too.

“I mean, the home run was awesome, but just the feeling of coming home to my team and just the joy that a home run can’t bring,” Lyons said. “It’s all from the Lord. I think it was just a genuine joy as I rounded knowing that it was a total team effort, and that team is something special.”

Bahl scored two runs in the Women’s College World Series. She pitched 24.2 innings and gave up none. How many pitchers outscore the opponents by themselves? Even though Bahl has pitched her last game in a Sooner uniform after transferring back home to Nebraska, her mark on the 2023 season and World Series run will never be forgotten.

For Gasso, all numbers aside, the joy is always in the journey for the now seven-time National Champion. While many look forward to a loaded roster and an opportunity to do what has never been done in a brand-new stadium, she is all about the journey and the joy she witnesses daily.

“If you’re wondering, wow, they don’t look nervous. It’s because they’re not. They know it’s written. They know they’ve just got to play their best,” Gasso said. “If they win, it will be outstanding, wonderful. If not, it wasn’t meant to be.

“But they never play tight. They never play afraid. If someone is ahead, they’re not afraid because I think they’ve really found their freedom away from the nerves. That’s through their faith. I can’t tell you how proud I am that they are standing up and being vocal about where their hearts are. They’re finding that they have this freedom and they’re trying to share it. I love it. I’m proud of them for doing that.”– BSM

STEPPING UP THE COMPETITION

New Sooner Volleyball Coach Aaron Mansfield Prepares for First Season

As the passion for Oklahoma Volleyball grows, so do the expectations. After setting a single-game attendance record, with 3,702 fans against Texas, the Sooners were unable to carry the momentum and the energy into the postseason, missing the NCAA tournament for the third straight season. When Oklahoma decided to make a change in leadership, they turned to Aaron Mansfield to get the Sooners on a path toward a national championship. Now, Mansfield is in the midst of preparing for his first season as the head coach at Oklahoma with a reconfigured roster and a fresh and innovative approach.

“It’s been amazing. We put our head down right when we got here, had a lot of work to do,” Mansfield said of his first six months on the job. “We had a solid spring training session with our players and worked really hard to develop a lot of new systems offensively and defensively. We’re asking them to make a lot of changes and they’re resilient to change.”

Mansfield’s track record is impressive. During the last six seasons as head coach at Loyola Marymount, he led the Lions to a 94-68 (.580) record while taking them to a pair of NCAA tournaments. But once he arrived on campus at OU, Mansfield found himself in a numbers crunch when spring practices kicked off.

“We didn’t have enough players for six on six. It was a blessing and a curse because, with the small group, there was a lot of high-level learning taking place. We just didn’t have the numbers to do something that represents playing the game competitively,” Mansfield said. “I know our players are itching to start competing in August.”

The Sooners hit the portal for help to replace talented players like Peyton Dunn and Megan Wilson, who transferred to Auburn and Kentucky respectively. The newest Sooners included junior setter Rylee Faye, who joins the Sooners after spending her sophomore season at New Mexico State where she led the team and conference in aces. Outside hitter Daleigh Ellison joins the roster after transferring from Texas State, while 6-foot-4 middle blocker Lydia Burks was added to the roster after three stellar seasons at Liberty.

“My investment is always in the players we currently have and the players who decided to stay and are here for all the right reasons,” Mansfield said. “They are great kids who work extremely hard and want to get good.”

“We’ve wanted to be strategic about who we add to our group. Our culture is good, our team chemistry continues to improve. We want to bring people in that are skilled, that can not only be a part of that culture but add to it... I feel like the players we’ve added are going to be really nice additions.”

In addition to building a roster, Mansfield also had to put together a coaching staff that was aligned with how he wants to build a program. The carryover from his staff at Loyola Marymount helped to bring a sense of consistency with the hiring of Brian Thornton and Meredith Teague. Thornton spent the last two seasons with Mansfield at Loyola Marymount. Teague follows Mansfield from LMU as well, her alma mater, where she served on the staff the past two years in multiple roles and had an accomplished career as a player (2017-21).

“We have a good amount of continuity from our last staff. We understand what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to do it,” Mansfield said of his staff. “We also added Reagan Hood. She came from Dartmouth, and played professionally overseas for 15 years in seven different countries. She has a tremendous amount of experience seeing a lot of assorted styles of volleyball.

“Plus, with Drake Stenberg continuing as our operations director and Andi Pigeon as our athletic trainer, those who have been in this program for a few years, it’s a really good combination of some new blood and people that knew how things work around here.”

As Mansfield embarks on season one, the foundation is being set. From building a coaching staff to rebuilding a roster to implementing his systems, the process is ongoing and exciting. While the decision was hard to leave a Loyola Marymount program that he had helped build and start fresh at the University of Oklahoma, the people helped seal the deal.

“Joe Castiglione made a great impression on me. I think we were supposed to talk for a half hour, and we talked for two. I felt I could be myself,” Mansfield said. “Then

when I got here, my wife came, and being on campus and seeing the resources and the people behind them, I could picture myself here.

“I could build something special if I got the right people around me and I feel like I have.”

As the building process continues, the support of the community and fanbase is a necessity. Over the past three seasons, the Sooners’ overall attendance increased by 36.5% per match while student attendance increased by 24% per match from 2019 to 2022. And of course, the record-setting crowd for the Texas match was the largest McCasland Fieldhouse crowd for a volleyball match ever. But that support goes beyond just showing up for matches, it’s showing up and bringing some energy and noise.

“Coming and watching our team compete and creating an environment that is a special place to play volleyball is great,” Mansfield said. “Our team does an excellent job in engaging in the community with the great personalities on our team. As a team, we’re starting to believe in what is possible, but we need the support of our community.

“When they come to our matches, they’ll see a team that competes really hard and takes some chances and some risks.”

In a short amount of time, Mansfield has been able to put his stamp on the University of Oklahoma volleyball program. Now as we approach the season, it’s time to see that hard work behind the scenes and on the court come to fruition. And in a short amount of time, it’s a team that has built a strong bond, according to the players.

“They’re extremely supportive of one another,” Mansfield said of the Sooner volleyball squad. “We asked our group to describe itself at the end of the spring and they said they felt they were very supported by each other. The coaching staff and I think that goes a long way and you’re going to see that when we play.”– BSM

BY: CHRIS PLANK

EQUIPPED FOR TOMORROW

Norman Regional Health Foundation Raises Money for Life-Saving Tools

The Norman Regional Health Foundation recently announced the public phase of their Equipped for Tomorrow campaign, aimed at raising $4 million to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for patient care in four areas: cardiovascular, cancer care, perinatal care and rehabilitation.

“The healthcare focus areas of Equipped for Tomorrow are funded based on several factors,” Erin Barnhart, the foundation’s executive director, explained. “First, heart disease and cancer kill more Oklahomans than any other diseases. Secondly, Norman Regional’s commitment to have these health services designated as Centers of Excellence was also a factor.”

At the time of press, the foundation had already raised $2.7 million of the $4 million goal.

Norman Regional physicians, nurses and leadership collaboratively requested the equipment included as part of the campaign. Dr. Archana Gautam, an interventional cardiologist, said the campaign will provide life-saving tools that will allow doctors and nurses to treat critical patients even faster.

For example, inside the newly renovated Healthplex, Norman Regional will have five cardiac catheterization labs. Gautam explained that, previously, instru-

ments were brought in and set up as needed. With the new equipment to be purchased through the Equipped for Tomorrow campaign, the instruments will be integrated into each lab.

“Rolling in an instrument and setting it up when needed consumes time during critical emergencies such as heart attacks,” Gautam said. “Having instruments integrated in each cath lab allows cardiologists to work in a parallel manner, allowing us to treat more emergencies simultaneously.

“For patients at Norman Regional, it will reduce the lead time to get in a room.”

Former OU women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale is the chair of the campaign and she said that it is “an opportunity to invest in the future of healthcare and education excellence.”

“The Equipped for Tomorrow campaign will take us to the next level by providing equipment that doctors and nurses know they need to be able to heal people at the highest possible level and that is exciting to me,” Coale said.

Coale believes that a thriving community hospital is “integral in any community.”

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Archana Gautam

“You don’t often think about your community hospital until your father has a stroke, your sister has a car accident, or your neighbor has a premature baby, then nothing matters more,” she shared. “When you live in a community with a fantastic hospital like we do, that gives you great peace of mind knowing you and your family can get the care they need close to home.

“We needed the beautiful buildings to house care, but we also need the best equipment to save lives.”

Two pieces of equipment to be purchased through this campaign will be firsts in Oklahoma. Norman Regional’s inpatient physical rehabilitation service will include a robotic body-weight support system called ZeroG Gait and Balance System. ZeroG helps therapists care for patients who are recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other physical conditions, reducing the need for additional mechanical aids.

The second piece of groundbreaking technology is the addition of the CT (3D) Breast Specimen Imaging System – the Clarix Imaging VSI-360. This new technology will transform the way surgeries are per-

formed by creating 3D images of the breast tissue, giving doctors a clear view of what’s happening inside the body.

“When surgeons can see every tiny detail of cancerous and/or healthy tissue during surgery both the patient and surgeon benefit,” Barnhart said.

In addition to these devices, the campaign will also fund other minimally invasive cancer diagnostic and treatment tools, infant warmers and state-of-the-art labor beds for the 2,500 plus babies born at Norman Regional each year. The final piece of the campaign is a renovation of the health system’s education center.

To learn more about the Equipped for Tomorrow campaign or to give, visit nrhfoundation.org/equipped_for_tomorrow.html – BSM

Foundation board of directors and campaign cabinet members receive a tour of the construction site.

Have fun while doing good at the City of Norman's four-person scramble supporting the United Way of Norman!

The cost is $100 per person or $400 per foursome, and includes green fees, cart, range ball token, t-shirt, gift bag, breakfast, and lunch. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE!

United Way of Norman

A BLUEPRINT FOR EXCELLENCE

Norman Regional has received first-in-the-nation accreditation as a Center of Excellence for Obstetrical Emergency Department

Norman Regional has been accredited by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) as a Center of Excellence for its Obstetrical Emergency Department (OBED).

“It is with great pride and excitement that we announce this momentous achievement in obstetric emergency prenatal care,” said Richie Splitt, “This certification signifies a significant milestone in Norman Regional’s unending commitment to the provision of exceptional care for all our patients, and in this case our expecting mothers and their babies.

“Our OBED program received the gold standard stamp of approval for our steadfast commitment to the highest standards of care.”

This distinction marks the first time a health system has been recognized for obstetrical emergency care

by CIHQ. Norman Regional will now serve as a blueprint across the nation for other health systems hoping to be recognized for their OBED.

“This certification validates the importance of the OBED,” said Dr. Kinde Aguilar, OB Hospitalist Group site director at Norman Regional HealthPlex. “Not only does an OBED provide an extra level of care for patients but it also ensures nurses are practicing within the scope of their practice and private OB partners are supported.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the United States are rising. Oklahoma persistently ranks among the states with the worst rate of maternal death. Norman Regional recognized this problem and began working towards its first national certification in Perinatal Care in 2019.

“A couple of years ago, we went on a journey for our strategic plan that had two prongs to it, the first was bricks and mortar, that was our facilities and our buildings. The second was programmatic and that was around building centers of excellence,” said Brittni McGill, chief nursing officer. “We wanted to do the work to show that we could produce excellent patient care outcomes that met evidence-based quality standards.”

Norman Regional was also the first hospital in Oklahoma with a licensed OBED and remains the only one. The HealthPlex campus houses the OBED, as well as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Mother Baby and Labor and Delivery Units.

CIHQ officials spent several days on-site evaluating the OBED with more than 20 elements required to receive designation as a Center of Excellence in Emergency Services, looking at everything from admission to patient care, all the way through to discharge.

“It is obvious that great effort went into this task, and it is wonderful that (Norman Regional is) recognized for it,” said Michelle Shaffer, a representative with CIHQ. “A Center of Excellence designation means that Norman Regional meets evidence-based standards and performance outcomes that reflect high quality and safe patient care.”

“We are very excited and honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Annette Troxell, Norman Regional’s director of women and children’s services. “From the beginning, we have strived to ensure that our OB Emergency Services provide excellence in practice and serve as a model program for evidence-based care. We now have the validation that our efforts were successful.”– BSM

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER JOEL GOLDSTEIN

9-1-1 What’s your emergency? That’s the question asked by emergency dispatchers at the Norman Police Department an average of 200250 times a day. It’s an important job as dispatchers must quickly think about the best way to take action on every call.

Also known as communications officers, Joel Goldstein is one of several dispatchers who take calls and direct responses from police, fire and/or EMS. Goldstein said although the job can be stressful, it is also fulfilling.

Born in Baltimore, Goldstein attended school there until third grade when he and his family moved to Cincinnati. After graduating from high school in northern Kentucky, he joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Tinker for ten years.

Goldstein was injured, and because he couldn’t continue flying, he medically retired. While serving in the

Air Force, Goldstein volunteered as a reserve sheriff’s deputy for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

“I went out and did patrol type things but completely in the volunteer division,” he said. “Then when I needed to find employment and dispatcher positions were open at the Sheriff’s Office, it was a natural transition.”

After working at the Sheriff’s Office for nine years, Goldstein joined the Norman Police Department also as a dispatcher and has been there for two years.

“What I enjoy most about my job is having the ability to help people,” he said. “Being able to resolve issues that come in and being able to quickly think on my feet is something I really enjoy.”

Working with officers in each department at the NPD is another aspect he enjoys about his job.

“I handle all the radios as the second in command for my supervisor. Depending on the day, if my supervisor isn’t in, I supervise the shift myself,” he said.

Making sure the calls coming in are being handled in an appropriate manner and assuring everything is sent out in a timely manner is all in a day’s work for Goldstein.

“It’s my job to make sure everything runs smoothly,” he explained.

Multiple factors determine the number of calls coming into dispatch each day, including community events and even the time of year.

“Depending on the day, it’s usually busier on the weekends, holidays and OU game days,” he said. “Any event that brings more traffic into Norman brings more calls to us.”

It might come as a surprise, but summer is a busier season than winter for emergency calls.

“More calls come in during the summer because people are out moving around more,” he said. “In the winter, when it’s cold, obviously people stay home more. In the summer, when people are outside more, it seems to bring about the ability for accidents and events to go wrong.”

Helping people and even saving lives is the best part of the job for Goldstein. He recalled the spring of 2015 when there was massive flooding in Cleveland County. While working for the Sheriff’s Office, a distress call came in that he will never forget.

“I remember a lot of heavy rain and certain areas of the county began flooding,” he said. “Some people were literally trapped inside their houses. A call came in and because the service was bad, the call kept cutting in and out. I wasn’t able to get an address, but I knew there was a family trapped inside their attic.”

As flood waters continued to rise, Goldstein knew he had to get that family out fast or they could drown.

“But we still didn’t have an address. We had to figure out where that ping off the tower was coming from and get someone out to that house,” he said.

He ultimately worked on the location of that call and was able to get someone out there to break the roof open and rescue the family. Goldstein said it was a great feeling to be able to do that and realizes it was a pretty big accomplishment.

In 2020, Goldstein graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in political science. He enjoys spending time with his son and daughter, and his fiancé, “Say’sha Cornish, a deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

MONEY AND MENTAL HEALTH

For many people, the mere mention of the word “money” spurs feelings of stress and anxiousness. In fact, a Bankrate study of nearly 2,500 U.S. adults found that 70% of respondents feel stressed about their finances.

HOW DO FINANCIAL STRUGGLES IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH?

There are lots of ways money troubles can influence one’s mental health:

• Stress and anxiety. Financial struggles are one of the leading causes of stress and anxiety. Feeling stressed and anxious can also impact a person’s physical health.

• Depression. Money struggles can also lead to depression, which can cause a person to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and affect their ability to function in daily life.

• Strained relationships. Financial issues are famously a primary cause of divorce, but it doesn’t end there. Money issues can put a strain on many other relationships as well, including those between parents and children, siblings, friends and more.

• It is essential to recognize the signs of financial stress and take steps to manage it. Seeking support from friends, family or a mental health professional can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with financial struggles.

HOW DOES FINANCIAL STABILITY IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH?

Now, let’s explore how financial stability can impact one’s mental health:

• Peace of mind. A stable financial reality can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, reducing stress and anxiety.

• Increased opportunities. Living a financially responsible life can provide a person with the opportunities to pursue their interests and passions, such as travel, hobbies and new learning experiences, all of which can improve overall mental health and well-being.

• Improved relationships. Financial stability can also improve relationships, reducing stress and tension associated with financial struggles.

It’s important to aim for financial stability to improve your overall mental health and well-being. This can involve taking steps to save money, reduce expenses and invest in a financially secure future.

THE LINK BETWEEN MONEY AND SELF-WORTH

Unfortunately, too many people link their self-worth

to their financial situation. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem when experiencing financial struggles. However, it is essential to recognize that self-worth is not tied to financial success. Instead, focus on developing yourself as a person in ways that are not related to your financial situation. Set personal goals, practice self-care and seek fulfillment in areas outside financial success.

DEBT AND MENTAL HEALTH

Debt is often the most significant financial problem that people face, and it can have a strong impact on mental health. Research shows that people who are in debt are more likely to experience mental health problems like anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

People who’ve been caught in the debt cycle may feel like they are trapped in their situation with no way out. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Debt can also cause a great deal of stress, which can lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

If you are struggling to escape from under a mountain of debt, there are steps you can take to kick your debt for good. Consider consolidating it through an unsecured personal loan that may include one low-interest, and possibly lower, debt payment each month. You can also pay off one debt at a time by maximizing your monthly payment toward that debt until it’s paid off, which is often called the “snowball method” of debt payoff. If you choose this route, be sure to continue making all your minimal monthly payments on your other debts as you focus on the one.

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES FOR IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH

Are you struggling with money challenges that are negatively impacting your mental health? Here are ways you can improve your financial and mental health:

• Create a budget and stick to it.

• Trim your discretionary spending for extra breathing room in your budget.

• Seek support from a financial counselor or therapist.

• Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga or exercise.

• Avoid using credit cards or taking out loans unless absolutely necessary.

• Set realistic financial goals and work toward them.

• Focus on personal achievements and growth unrelated to your financial worth.

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Wine Regions & Labels

Bordeaux, Cote-de-Rhone and Loire Valley are regions that evoke romantic visions of France and sipping wine, but then comes the reality of shopping for those wines, a process that can be overwhelming for some. If that’s you, I would like to offer some approaches to broaden your wine horizons and help you find the wine you like best.

First, let’s start with labels. French and Italian wines have, in the past, been labeled by the region of origin, rather than the predominate grape in the wine. However, New World wines, including in the U.S., Australian and South American, are defined by grape varietal and the regulations that required a specific minimum of that variety.

A customer came with me with a photo of a wine she had enjoyed in another state (always a great idea). Knowing that the particular wine is not distributed in Oklahoma, I set out to find something similar. Sommeliers often do this for restaurants. They seek out wine from adjacent vineyards, (i.e. similar terroire), and then look for a wine that is reminiscent.

This can be a challenging task since many factors impact a final product. Large production wines attempt to maintain consistency from year to year by blending and other techniques. Smaller vineyards rely on the winemaker to choose when to harvest, which grapes to use from a particular block and when to use a blend. So when hunting for the elusive comparative wine, it is important to have as much information from the original bottle as possible as you research the vineyards and winemakers working in that area. Your local liquor store operators can be a very helpful resource.

On a lighter note for summer, low calorie and low sugar wines have become very popular, but another easy way to lighten the calorie load is to add a little club soda to your wine. In this warmer weather, a little ice is not too bad either.

Happy Summer, Kathy