Boyd Street Magazine June 2021

Rediscover Norman

NORMACATION

OU Softball Breaking Records

Sooner Sluggers

Norman Regional Hospital

75 Year Celebration

June 2021 • Issue 6 • Volume 20

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8 | June 2021

Features

JUNE CONTENTS 2021

ISSUE 6– VOLUME 20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Meals on Wheels

16 by Chelsey Kraft

Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Serving Normanites for nearly 50 years.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher Josh Gateley - OU Athletics

Juan Renteria

20

by Lindsay Cuomo

CONTRIBUTORS

Norman Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Normanite in the Spotlight:

26 Tyler LaReau

by Chelsey Kraft Making people smile daily is our Normanite’s life goal.

Roxanne Avery | Callie Collins Lindsay Cuomo | Kathy Hallren Josh Helmer | Shannon Hudzinski Chelsey Kraft | Bill Moakley Rae Lynn Payton| Chris Plank

16

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In Memory of RANDY LAFFOON

Undefeated

32 by Josh Helmer

Norman North girls soccer wins second straight 6A state championship.

Hammered

36 by Chris Plank

32

Sooner softball is breaking records hitting the ball out of the park.

NORMACATION

49 by Staff

Plan your very own “Normacation” to rediscover your favorite Norman destinations and perhaps uncover something new.

Ricky Stapleton Autos

Long-time Norman auto dealer helps Normanites navigate the unprecedented used car market.

by Roxanne Avery Fueled Fitness offers fitness classes for all ages.

36

by Lindsay Cuomo

What You Didn’t Know About

by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

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Spotlights 69 75 Years and Counting

Get Fueled 88 Get Fit

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.

64 by Callie Collins

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

Youth Performance

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Service Spotlight:

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Cover photos by: Mark Doescher

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MEALS ON WHEELS

COMM U N I T Y

M

eals on Wheels, a United Way agency, has been “delivering nutritious noontime meals to the ill, disabled and elderly of the Norman community since 1972.” Last year, Meals on Wheels provided more meals than ever before, delivering a total of 98,773 to 1,040 clients, according to the organization’s annual report.

Like many organizations, Meals on Wheels had to adjust operating procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as Executive Director Lynn Haynes said, “We never quit serving.” Currently, volunteers cannot hand the meals directly to the clients, but they often still chat through the door, and Haynes hopes that process can change soon.

“That daily visit and having someone checking in on (our clients) makes a world of difference,” Haynes said. “For a lot of people, the volunteer is the only person that they’re going to see. It’s a big deal, and the human contact is just as important as the meal.”

The nonprofit contracts with Norman Regional Hospital to prepare the meals. In addition to offering meals for regular diets, clients can also choose from specialized options, including diabetic or low-sodium renal diets. The meals are available on a sliding fee scale, and through grants, those who cannot afford to pay the lowest price get them for free. Only about nine percent of all clients pay full cost, and Haynes wants the community to understand that this is a service available for all seniors.

From March 15 to April 15, 2020, the nonprofit had a 300% increase in new clients.

In response, the hospital prepared frozen meals to ensure people would have food in the freezer if Meals on Wheels was unable to deliver. The organization also provides shelf-stable foods like soups and canned vegetables to keep people fed, which is especially important because for a lot of people, Meals on Wheels is their primary source of nutrition, Haynes explained.

16 | June 2021

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

Serving Normanites for nearly 50 years Additionally, the nonprofit offers a pet food program.

Recently, Meals on Wheels started delivering about 15 meals a day to the community center in Little Axe, Oklahoma. This is being done through a special six-month grant, and Haynes said she hopes the organization is able to secure more grants and extend beyond that timeframe in order to better serve the rural community.

Meals on Wheels holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, with its 2021 golf scramble scheduled for Monday, July 12. Registration for the tournament, presented by Bare Property Management and held at the Trails Golf Club, is open online.

In addition to players, Meals on Wheels is also looking for sponsors and day-of volunteers.

Associate Director Summer McGuire encourages players to register by June 23 in order to secure the early bird rate and guarantee their requested size in the golf shirts, which are being provided by Riverwind Casino.

The golf scramble also features a silent auction, which will open online on June 14 and end at the close of the event on July 12.

McGuire said the organization has hosted the tournament for at least the past 30 years, sadly last year was the first time it was canceled. She added that she wants this golf tournament to “be a fun one,” so it includes different challenges around the course. New this year will be BattleChip Match, which McGuire explained is kind of like cornhole for golf where players putt on a ramp.

“It’s a great way to promote your business or just support our organization,” McGuire stated. “Our clients grew drastically (in the last year), and the expense did also. We’re just looking to help raise needed funds and to make up for lost revenue from not being able to have it last year.”

Another challenge presented by the pandemic was that a large percentage of the volunteers are retirees, and many had to quit driving and stay at home. Haynes shared that the Norman community “really stepped up, and we never had to miss a delivery day.”

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteers, including regular and substitute drivers and ones for special events. Those interested in volunteering can visit the organization’s website, mealsonwheelsnorman.com, or call 405-321-7272 and speak with Assistant Director Deana Nelson, who coordinates volunteer efforts. – BSM

Monthy non-profit story presented by:

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 17

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COM M U N I T Y

Juan Renteria

Norman Public Schools Teacher of the Year

J

uan Renteria is a fifth-grade teacher at Truman Elementary.

His passion for educating students is evident to anyone who has the chance to speak to him, and further supported by the impressive list of accolades he has been recognized with during his six-year career.

“Growing up in an immigrant household was so unique because I saw my parents navigate two worlds and we navigated that with them,” he shared. “In order to honor their sacrifice and hard work, I felt I had to do well in school, be respectful and be a perfect student to prove I was worth all of that sacrifice.

Renteria was honored as Norman Public Schools’ Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2016, named an Oklahoma Exemplary Educator in 2017 and was recently awarded the titles of Truman’s Teacher of the Year and Norman’s District Teacher of the Year.

“My parents were my greatest teachers. Because of them, I was able to finish high school and obtain a college degree. And all of those small moments have lead to this moment… and to the teacher I am today.”

Renteria said that the selection process this year gave him a chance to reflect on what motivated him to become a teacher in the first place.

“It has been a really fun process because it has let me reflect on my why,” he shared.

Renteria pointed to his parents, who immigrated to Oklahoma from Mexico, as his source of inspiration. Even though Renteria himself was born in Oklahoma, he faced unique challenges growing up.

20 | June 2021

Renteria said he uses his experiences as a connection point to his students.

“My first year teaching, I had this incredible boy in my classroom brand new from Mexico. It was so life-changing because when I saw him I saw me. I had the incredible privilege to bridge him to his new home… to speak with him in his native language. He could just be himself.”

As a male elementary teacher, Renteria is often asked about being a minority in a typically female-dominated profession.

His take is that we need more male representation in public elementary education.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO “I am so grateful to be surrounded by talented, world-changing women who challenge me to be better,” he said. “More male representation in elementary is a place of growth for public education. We need strong, intelligent male figures. We need kind and compassionate male role models for our young male students.

“I would love to see a surge in men stepping into the gaps for these students. For so long, it has been incredible women leading the charge but it should be both men and women impacting kids.”

Renteria recognizes that regardless of what is going on in his student’s world outside of school, they need to be able to focus on learning when in the classroom. He sets the tone in his classroom each day by playing classical music. Students can spend a few moments reading or relaxing since the school day starts bright and early at 7:45 a.m.

“I like to have a calm and serene vibe,” he shared. “They get to come into a space that sets them up for the day.”

They dive right into to morning meeting sharing about their lives outside of school and move into core learning. A new element has been added this school year, one that has become a school-day highlight.

“Mask breaks are the highlight of our day,” Renteria said. “We go outside, properly distanced, to breathe some fresh air and playing four square has become our tradition. What kids need right now is emotional support and this has been a perfect opportunity to connect.”

boydstreet.com

When asked about what’s next in his journey, Renteria said for now he plans to stay in the classroom.

“I love public education and I know my place right now is in the classroom. I hope to continue opening doors for my students and the communities I am a part of. In the far future, I would love to lead my own school.” – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 21

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COMM U N I T Y

NORMANITE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tyler LaReau (center), owner of Norman Stamp and Seal, accepts the Norman Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award. yler LaReau’s main goal each day is to make people smile.

An avenue through which he does this is Norman Stamp and Seal, a store located at 110 S. University Blvd that he purchased in 2014.

T

“The idea appealed to me, and I like to be around people,” LaReau shared. “I like owning my own businesses and am an entrepreneur at heart. I just like the idea of starting new businesses and trying to grow them.”

The business was originally opened in 1984 by the Lyle family. One day, LaReau, who since 1999 has operated an insurance agency, LaReau & Associates, right next door to Norman Stamp and Seal, saw the previous owner outside the building.

When LaReau learned that the family was looking to sell the business and knew their asking price, he immediately said he was interested.

After purchasing the business, LaReau updated some machinery, including adding new laser engraving machines, a sandblasting machine and a color printer. From there, he started to expand and add more items that could be custom engraved, starting with round, bamboo cutting boards.

LaReau had noticed the foot traffic of people visiting the shop for items like address and notary stamps, name tags and nameplates. That, along with the challenge of entering retail, was enough to encourage him to make the purchase. The previous owners were excited that Norman Stamp and Seal would remain locally owned, and LaReau kept existing staff, including engraver Bill Lynn, who had been with the business for 10 years before he bought it. At the time, LaReau’s brother, Wade, was also looking for a job. He was able to hire him, which has allowed the pair to spend more time together.

26 | June 2021

Norman Stamp and Seal is also a YETI dealer, and other popular items available include whiskey, wine and champagne glasses. LaReau said common personalizations include names, funny quotes and company logos for celebrations ranging from retirements, having a new baby, purchasing a new home and celebrating weddings. In addition to stopping in the store, customers can also shop at normanstampandseal.com.

“It’s rewarding for me because I just get to create things that make people happy, create things that make people smile …

There’s something about being able to be creative at Stamp and Seal that is so much fun,” LaReau shared. “We’re try-

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T ing to sell smiles, and I’m not kidding you when I tell you that.”

LaReau, who grew up in Shawnee and Chickasha and graduated from Shawnee High School, came to Norman in 1981 to attend the University of Oklahoma. After earning his marketing degree, he never left. Straight out of college, LaReau entered the insurance business. LaReau & Associates focuses on areas like life and health insurance and Medicare supplements, he explained.

LaReau and his wife Leslie, who works as an attorney in Oklahoma City, started dating in 1980 and married in 1985. The couple has two daughters, Emma and Claire, who both attend OU. LaReau said that any measure of success he’s had in his life wouldn’t have happened without his wife.

“She has supported me every single step of the way,” LaReau explained. “She’s the one who’s been steady and consistent all these years and been really, really, really good at her job. It’s allowed me to do the things that I do and her to say, ‘Go for it.”

And I cannot heap enough praise on her because none of this happens without her.”

In late April, Norman Stamp and Seal was honored as the Norman Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year. While LaReau said he does not know the motivation behind the recognition, he thinks the ways in which he tries to make people in the community happy may have been a contributing factor.

A staple of LaReau’s store – and a key source of this happiness – is a letterboard sign, which he aims to update about once a week. This sign sits in the window of the store and in the past has featured funny sayings like, “I’m in shape. Unfortunately, that shape is a potato.” and “I once was young and fun. Now I turn down the car stereo so I can see better.” Recently, a friend sent LaReau a video of her minister mentioning in his sermon how much he looks forward to seeing the sign each week.

“I’m so obsessed with it, (making people smile),” LaReau explained. “I’m at an age where that’s what motivates me anymore. I don’t care about material stuff anymore. All I care about is making somebody happy every day, putting a smile on their face.” – BSM boydstreet.com

Tyler LaReau BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 27

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S P O RT S

UNDEFEATED

Norman North girls soccer wins second straight 6A state championship

N

othing could keep the Timberwolves from repeating as state champions. Not COVID-19, not red cards, nobody on their schedule.

Norman North completed an undefeated 16-0 season with a 2-1 victory over Edmond North at Taft Stadium in the Class 6A girls soccer state championship match. Since the 2020 season was cut short after three games, the Timberwolves finally got their chance to defend their 2019 title.

With almost entirely new faces, North polished off a perfect season and has now won 23 straight, dating back to the start of the 2019 postseason.

“The season was great,” Norman North head girls soccer coach Trevor Laffoon said. “It was fun. The girls played great. They always give me a hard time that I’m never happy, but I was happy after the game.

“Luckily for me and the coaching staff, we just have a good group of players… though we may not have the greatest soccer players ever, we have girls that work hard and care for each other. We’re lucky in that aspect.”

Senior midfielder Meredith McAlester was the lone Norman North player on this team that saw playing time in the 2019 championship season.

“None of these girls really played in 2019,” Laffoon said.

“Meredith played a little. She played in the state final so they’re all pretty new. They definitely played a role last year, in the year that got cut short.”

McAlester gave the T-Wolves a quick lead in the state championship. Just over six minutes into the first half, McAlester received a pass outside the box from freshman forward Na-

32 | June 2021

rissa Fults and lasered a shot into the back of the net past the Edmond North keeper’s fingertips.

“I looked up and just saw I had some space and a little bit of time,” McAlester said. “I thought, ‘Okay, this is my moment.

Hopefully, it ends up in the right spot.’ Luckily, I shot back post and that was where I was hoping it went and, sure enough, it was able to go in and that was just a great start to the game.”

Fast starts were a staple of this championship run. It took just two minutes to score their first goal on the road at Bixby in the state semifinal when sophomore midfielder Presslee Amick deposited one off a corner kick.

“Scoring first is so important in soccer and for our team, because it gives you that motivation for the rest of the game.

Also, as a defender, it’s definitely encouraging and motivating to work even harder to keep it out of the net,” said senior defender Lindsey Miller.

McAlester’s tally was the only goal on the scoreboard in the state championship until the second half. Five minutes into the second half, junior forward Jada Ryan delivered a beautiful pass ahead to Fults that set her up with just the Edmond North goalie to beat.

Fults fired short side, fooling the goalie and Norman North led, 2-0.

“I never had any doubts in my mind that Jada and Narissa were going to be able to put the ball in the back of the net for us. They have been constantly great players, great scorers for us all season,” senior defender Kenady Humphers said.

“Having those two up there has made us able to relax and to just rely on their ability to get us goals. Especially in those

BY: JOSH HELMER games when we really needed those goals, I knew they would make it happen for us.”

Inside of ten minutes remaining with the Timberwolves still protecting a two-goal advantage, it felt like perhaps the drama was done. That changed when Ryan was sent off with a red card with 9:36 left to play.

Just like in the 2019 state title match against Mustang, suddenly Norman North was playing the remainder down a player.

“I guess it’s not a state title if we don’t get a red card,” Laffoon joked. “Actually, when we got the red card, I wasn’t really nervous to be honest because we played Southmoore in the first round with a red card and we were tied 1-1 at halftime.

So, we had to play a whole half down.

“For us to play nine minutes down a player, I was pretty confident. You can definitely tell that we had some good leaders, some good seniors and good juniors that led the way. Everyone was very composed and kept the train rolling.”

Edmond North’s Jozalynn Ridge made things suspenseful when she scored to halve the deficit with the clock winding down, but the Huskies never seriously threatened again and Norman North secured its successful title defense.

“Jada is one of our key players,” senior midfielder Prestley Gabriel said. “So, at first, you’re kind of in shock that it just happened. But, I don’t think there was ever a time that our team let it get to us and we really kept our composure, stayed calm and knew we could get through it.”

After losing the 2020 season to the pandemic, the Timberwolves weren’t taking any chances during the 2021 playoffs.

They quarantined from school during the playoffs to guard against any potential contact tracing issues.

“We were essentially forced to hang out with each other. Not forced, but it was really the only people we saw for a matter of two weeks,” McAlester said. “The girls, we just all became so close. I think that was part of our success, this year was that

boydstreet.com

we were all just willing to work for one another.”

Losing the 2020 season gave the team an appreciation for each game, too.

“It was honestly almost more of a motivator than anything else,” Miller said. “It was like, okay, this could be our last game if we all got quarantined right now and the playoffs were over. That could be it for us. We have to play like we’re not going to play again.”

The Timberwolves might not be done winning any time soon either. Norman North is set to return eight of its 11 starters next season as they attempt the three-peat.

“We should be good, fingers crossed,” Laffoon said. “We’ve got some freshmen coming in that everyone is already telling me about, so that’s exciting. Any time you’re a younger player in seventh or eighth grade, I think it’s exciting to see the team go 16-0 and win.”– BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 33

S P O RT S

H

omer, tater, dinger, blast, big fly, round tripper, yard work, jack, long ball, whatever term you choose to describe a home run, the 2021 Sooner Softball team gave you ample opportunities to use it. The Sooners started hot with the four base hit and have not looked back, setting a single season record for home runs by a Sooner softball team.

In setting a new mark for home runs by a team and home runs in an inning, the Sooners set the standard for offense in college softball and clinched its 9th straight Big 12 Championship in the process.

Even with names like Lauren Chamberlain, Shelby Pendley and Jessica Shults, there has not been a Sooner team that has come close to doing with the 2021 team has accomplished offensively.

Has there been a different approach? Has something changed?

Or, is it simply that this team is just that good?

“One of the things we really focused on the last couple of years is a holistic approach, mentally, physically, technically… through all aspects of the game,” said Sooner Hitting Coach JT Gasso. “You’ll hear hitters say they just want to hit the ball hard and when you hit the ball hard good things happen… but then there is more behind that with bat path and pitch coming in … this team has done a good job of embracing their overall development and understanding what they can do and how to fix things.

“You must know how to fix yourself when your cars check engine light comes on. At the end of the day, I may see things, but they are feeling it. They’re doing a really good job of understanding themselves and putting a clear-cut goal into what they are trying to do.”

OU set an incredible tone to start the season as the Sooners set an NCAA single-game home run record with 13 in the season opener versus UTEP, a 29-0 (5 inn.) run-rule victory. The team tied the NCAA record for homers in an inning with five in the first and fifth innings of the game. The home runs never slowed down and, in fact, reached historic levels.

Photos courtesy: Josh Gateley/OU Athletics

The Sooners broke the program record for home runs in a season, hitting 120 home runs in the regular season, surpassing the 2019 team’s 115 home runs in 23 fewer games. Oklahoma proceeded to kick off the postseason with 10 home runs in three games of the Big 12 Tournament fueled by Tournament MVP Kinzie Hansen. She hit five of those 10 home runs.

While Hansen stole the show during the Big 12 Tournament, the lasting story this season when talking about the long ball has been senior Jocelyn Alo. The Big 12 Player of the Year will have another year of eligibility to continue to chase the career NCAA home run record of 95 that 2015 OU grad Lauren Chamberlain set during her time at Oklahoma. Alo entered the postseason just 14 home runs behind Chamberlain’s record and was the nation’s leading home run hitter during the regular season.

“What we’ve seen is how smart she is and how into the game she truly is. It’s been fun,” JT Gasso said. “I keep telling our hitters it’s fun to hear the conversations about the game and

36 | June 2021

BY: CHRIS PLANK

HAMMERED boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 37

38 | June 2021

who they are facing and what they are going to do. She’s speaking her things into existence where she sees what she misses in one at bat and be right on cue with her next at-bat before it happens. The maturity factor is there, and it’s been fun to see her grown.”

Alo was recently featured in our cover story for Boyd Street and has continued to stay locked in and motivated by competition.

“Seeing the level of competition go up honestly, I knew we had a good freshman class coming in and, to be honest, I wasn’t going to let a freshman or anyone take my spot,” Alo said. “I feel like I’ve upped my game and I’m super locked into what I’m doing. I wanted to be locked in even more than I’ve ever been, and I feel like that’s where I am.”

Erin Miller won two National Championships as a player and was the captain of the 2016 title-winning team. The current ESPN analyst has been impressed with what she has seen from a leadership and growth perspective from Alo. “I have been witness to her evolution and journey within a Sooner uniform,” Miller said. “I had a lot of one-on-ones with her about leadership and how to own a senior season.

This is an athlete that took the reins and ran with it. She understood the stage and the moment. She set the tone. She has been crushing it in the weight room, she got fit, her mentality is in the right place, and she’s pulling the rope for this squad.

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“Can you imagine learning from her? Tiare Jennings is a sponge to one of the greatest hitters in college softball.”

Jennings has provided the power for an electric Sooner Freshman class. The freshman from San Pedro, California is among the leading home run hitters in the country and has found herself in the mix for not just the Freshman of the Year in college softball but also the National player of the Year.

In addition to learning how to be solid on the field and in the batter’s box from Jocelyn Alo, Jennings has learned how to lead.

“I have known her since 8th grade,” Jennings said of Alo. “Being on the same field with her is amazing. She is a straight queen on and off the field. Her mentality, her confidence is everything I strive to be. We talk every day, and she gives me the confidence she has and puts that in me. We’re super close on and off the field and she is an amazing person. I hope I can follow in those footsteps and be just like her.”

Jennings has not been the only freshman making an impact for the Sooners in 2021. Jayda Coleman has found herself making highlight-reel plays and leads the team in both stolen bases and walks. It is no surprise to JT Gasso to see the Sooner newcomers making an impact early.

“One of the things that we knew coming in was that every person on the roster is a gamer,” he said. “They would do what they need to do to win a game. They didn’t seem like

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39

they were fazed by anything. Maybe that’s something they needed to put in their tool bag for their careers to be in moments like that.”

“It’s been a dream. These girls are the best in the country,” Jennings added. “The environment of competition every day pushes me to be my best. I didn’t expect to have this much success early but having my teammates have my back has brought out the best in me.”

The offensive numbers for the Sooners are staggering. The more you look at them, the more you digest what they have done, the more impressive they are.

The 2021 Oklahoma Softball team has set the program record for most run-rule victories in a season with 31, surpassing the 2019 and 2013 teams’ 25. Heading into the postseason, the team currently holds the single-season program record for runs scored (498), batting average (.420), on-base percentage (.507) and slugging (.799).

OU averaged 2.73 home runs per game and hit 30 more home runs in two fewer games than the team that finished the regular season second in home runs on the season.

“Competition every day… trying to stay in the lineup every day,” is what Coach Patty Gasso believes has fueled the Sooner power surge.

“Our strength coach (Dane Somers) and hitting coach (JT Gasso) and good, smart athletes that share information with 40 | June 2021

each other, that really helps them learn and feel confident.

There is just a lot of confidence on this team.”

The top two single-season home run totals in OU Softball history were engineered through the guidance of sixth-year hitting coach JT Gasso. While he is the last one to take any credit for the accomplishments of his hitters, his approach and focus is unmatched.

“JT is an unsung hero,” Erin Miller said. “His first year was my senior year… I think back to his first season and how passionate he was about hitting then and every time I talk to Coach Gasso she mentions how impressed she is with his evolution since 2016.

“The offensive powerhouse comes at the hands of JT Gasso.

He is an expert. He’s scientific but simplifies the science behind it. He is cognizant of recovery, training and getting their body ready. He is the hottest commodity in college softball right now offensively.”

The season was such a success that the Sooners swept the offensive and defensive awards in the Big 12. Alo was the Big 12 Player of the Year and Jennings took home the Big 12 Freshman of the year. All totaled the Sooners placed five players on the Big 12 first team.

“When you’re working with a game that is all about averages, how do you handle when there are stretches where you’re above your average and stretches where you’re below it?” JT Gasso commented. “Think about basketball, if Steph Curry

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misses ten threes in a row, he’s not going to question his existence or season up to that point, or even his career… he’s going to keep shooting. You just must stay locked in, keep grinding and stay locked into your foundations and continue to be productive in different ways.”

As a team, OU has hit at least one home run in 41 of its 44 regular-season games and has hit at least two in 35 of the 44 contests. Oklahoma has hit two-plus home runs in a single inning 26 times this season, including three or more seven times and four-plus in one inning four times. The Sooners have hit back-to-back home runs 12 times in 2021 and back-to-backto-back blasts three times.

“Going out there and trusting the process and having fun…

This team is so much fun there is really no pressure,” said senior captain Lynnsie Elam. “We know that if we’re not on someone else is going to be on. Trusting that process and knowing that we’ve been working hard, it’s been nice to have the consistency.”

There may not be a magic formula but the incredible season at the plate for the Sooners has been exactly what Patty Gasso laid out… a combination of competition, a solid strength coach and good old-fashioned teamwork. While the home runs garner the spotlight, setting home run records is not the goal for this team.

“I think the biggest thing is that we aren’t satisfied,” Elam said. “We weren’t playing how we would have hoped to last year. Our record was good but internally we weren’t happy.

Even going off the year before we went to the World Series and it’s a bad taste in our mouth what happened in the Championship Series. We keep that reminder so that we won’t allow ourselves to have that experience again. We’re not satisfied and we’re fighting to get better every day.” – BSM

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This June, take a NORMACATION

eat

S

ummer is here and we are so excited to get out and about and have some fun! Skip the hassle of packing and the headache of trav-

el; instead, plan your very own “Normacation” to rediscover your favorite Norman destinations and

stay

perhaps uncover something new, all while supporting local businesses that need our support more than ever. In the following pages, you will find local restaurants, shops and attractions to create your perfect #Normacation2021.

play

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49

W

hether you are serious about your fun or serious about your bowling, Sooner Bowling is proud to be a full-service, family entertainment center with open bowling, adult & youth leagues, glow bowling, a full bar and great grill and a catering division. New this summer, an outdoor patio space adds even more ways your family and friends can get together.

Ready to party?

Sooner Bowling Center provides good times and great memories, so make your next special event a bowling party! Parties, fundraisers, a meeting room and full facility rentals are available, not to mention the spectacular catering options!

Visit Sooner Bowl at: 550 24th Ave NW 405.360.3634

50 | June 2021

T

he NCED’s extremely popular (and completely renovated while closed for the pandemic), pool area is finally ready for it’s grand re-opening.

As a continuing precautionary measure, the pool will currently only be available to in-house hotel guests. Therefore, the NCED is creating special promotional packages to enable local residents to get-away for a little rest & relaxation, enjoy the pool, the 3 Squares Eatery, and any of the other hotel amenities that are currently available. These deals will go fast so don’t wait, BOOK SOONER at: NCED-Hotel.com.

Visit the NCED at: 2801 E. SH9 405.447.9000

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ome for fun and play to win at Thunderbird Casino in Norman. At Thunderbird Casino, you will find the friendliest dealers, hottest games, great rewards, live entertainment and delicious food at the grill.

The fun, excitement and real gaming action never stops since Thunderbird Casino is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

New Player’s Club members can get up to $100 in free play with the Thundercard.

Visit both Thunderbird Casino locations: Norman 15700 East SH9 405.360.9270 Shawnee 2051 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. 405.273.2679

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W

estwood Park is the ultimate summer staycation!

The Aquatic Center fea­ tures waterslides, diving boards, swim lessons and so much more!

With a captivating toddler area, splash pad and outdoor movie nights, they ensure that the whole family can have a blast!

Season passes are on sale now for unlimited fun and access to early entry and spe­cial events.

Perfect for a fun weekend with friends, advanced golfing or anything in between, the beautiful 6200-yard golf course features broad, tree-lined fairways and delicious food at The Turn Grill!

Their Junior Golf Academy is a great way to introduce kids to golf fundamentals.

The Westwood Tennis Center is here to please with 12 outdoor championship courts, four 36-foot youth courts, two climate-controlled indoor courts and a clubhouse with a fully equipped pro shop. The tennis center has programs for juniors and adults including private lessons, clinics, camps and leagues.

Visit Westwood at: 1017 Fairway Dr. 405.447.7665

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H

ollywood Corners, the cool­ est hangout in Oklahoma, offers live music, cold drinks and great food. Indoor and outdoor stages keep the mu­sic going year round.

Hollywood Corners is the perfect place to sit back and relax while enjoying a cold drink and some delicious food. This deli in the country also offers special events such as bike nights on Wednes­ days from 7-10 p.m. and hot rod nights on Thursdays as well as live music most Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11:30 p.m.

Visit Hollywood Corners at: 4712 N Porter Ave 405.701.4990 @hollywoodcorners

54 | June 2021

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uilt in 1929, the historic Sooner Theatre is Norman’s premiere performing arts center bringing audiences the best in live theatre, concerts, venue rentals and more. Open auditions are held several times a year for musical theatre productions. The Studio of The Sooner Theatre offers the finest performing arts education available for children ages K-12 including classes and workshops in musical theatre, acting, improv, theatre dance, theatre hip hop, private voice, audition coaching, etc.

Upcoming Schedule: Summer Arts Camps for Kids June 1 - July 30 Seussical JR June 24-27 Chicago High School Edition July 29 - August 1 Mamma Mia October 15-24 Visit The Sooner Theatre at: 101 E Main St 405.321.9600 soonertheatre.org

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olor Me Mine is a fun activity for the whole family.

They can help you se­lect the perfect ceramic piece. You select your paint colors – no limit to how many or how much. Then, you get to work creating. Make your own design or check out projects and techniques to get some ideas. They also offer workshops and classes.

Looking for a Kids Night Out program? Check out the calendar of events for special happenings in the studio.

Visit Color Me Mine at: 1632 24th Ave NW 405.364.1223

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elmar Golf Club is the perfect venue to host any of your event needs. Their professional staff and exquisite food will make your experience one that you will always remember.

The banquet hall can accommodate groups of up to 250 people. With a warm atmosphere, the venue naturally lends itself to provide an elegant and fun wedding reception. A fine dining room can host groups of up to 50 people and is a quaint location for rehearsal dinners.

Belmar’s mission is to provide members and guests with the highest standard in cuisine, service and personalized attention.

Contact Grant Offenburger at 405.364.0111 ext. 8 Visit Belmar Golf Club at: 1025 E Indian Hills Rd 405.364.0111

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57

Engage with your library in the Summer Learning Challenge!

Those staying closer to home this summer have a wealth of resources they can find from the services of the Pioneer Library System.

Children, teens and adults all can experience safe and enriching activities during our annual Summer Learning Challenge, which runs through August 15. It’s our mission to inspire innovation, engagement, and learning in all our communities that continues this summer and into the future as the library adapts to our communities’ needs.

Why does it matter? Summer with the library is a chance for fun, even as youngsters can keep up their reading skills, teens can engage in technology and get a look ahead to possible career paths, and adults can take a few minutes not just with their favorite books but also a range of activities to build their interests.

As we move forward from the coronavirus pandemic, PLS is continuing to expand services at our physical library buildings while still keeping safety at a premium. Elements of our summer activities are available virtually from the safety of your staycation home, and via activities that can safely be completed at home or outdoors.

PLS challenges learners of all ages to spend a total of six million minutes participating in Summer Learning activities. When this community goal is met, PLS and the PLS Foundation will donate books to children enrolled in area health department programs. As minutes add up, they not only count toward an overall goal, but individuals also earn online badges and incentives for completing activities. These range from taking part in library programs to completing various age-appropriate challenges and of course time spent reading a great book.

And everyone likes a good reward. For those who have completed their personal Summer Learning Challenge, we’ll have drawings in August for prizes that include Lego and technology-centered kits for children, a drone for a teen winner and a Fitbit Inspire workout monitor for an adult participant.

Ready to get started? Minutes can be logged through the website, PLS Connect app or at any library location.

58 | June 2021

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ocated in University North Park near the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar specializes in a wide range of starters, burgers, sandwiches and salads with something for everyone on the menu and abundant large screen televisions to watch the big game.

Bad Daddy’s uses a mix of local and artisan ingredients to make dangerously good chef-inspired burgers like the bacon cheeseburger on steroids, the smokehouse burger topped with pulled pork and the Daddy’s Philly burger with grilled onions, mushrooms and jalapeños. You won’t want to miss the variety of delicious sides like the hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots and house-made potato chips.

Be sure to try Bad Daddy’s delicious buffalo wings, fried pickles, giant tossed salads with homemade dressings and the famous hand-spun milkshakes. Enjoy inside or patio dining for your next culinary adventure.

Visit Bad Daddys Burger Bar: 2050 24th Ave NW #100 405.561.1067

C

alypso Cove Marina is located on Lake Thunderbird in Norman, OK. They have a full-service marina with a fuel dock, wet/dry boat storage and watersports rentals including pontoon boats.

There is also a conveniently located Ship Store that features weekly food specials, live bait and anything else you might need for your day at the lake.

They are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays - and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays during the warm weather season.

Make a day of it and save 50% off canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals.

Don’t have a boat, they do! Rent pontoon boats by the day.

Visit Calypso Cove Marina at: 100 Calypso Cove 405.360.9846

N

o matter what time of year, Norman offers exceptional museums, performing arts, colorful galleries, boutique shopping, fabulous restaurants, nearby casinos, four golf courses and exciting nightlife.

Every adventure starts at the Welcome Center, located at 309 E. Main St. in Downtown Norman.

Visit Norman’s knowledgeable staff of certified tourism ambasadors will be happy to assist you plan an unforgettable experience in Norman. Stop by and chat or just visit the website, VisitNorman.com, to find somthing for just about any interest. The VisitNorman App is available for free download in the iTunes store or Google Play.

Norman is the gateway to what Central Oklahoma has to offer. An abundance of parks, affordable hotels and variety of local restaurants will make your expedition unbelievably easy.

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 59

STRENGTH AND STABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON We’ve been in Norman for more than 100 years, and the way we do business hasn't changed. We still strive to give you the best in customer service, with a steady commitment to our community. Above all else, we seek to give you the features of a large bank with the personal service of a community banker.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the Norman and Moore communities!

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B U S I N E SS

Ricky Stapleton Autos

S

Long-time Norman auto dealer helps Normanites navigate unprecedented used car market

hopping for a car in 2021 has brought consumers new levels of sticker shock. Unprecedented market conditions throughout the country are evident in the used vehicle industry, with multiple factors contributing to less supply, more demand and, ultimately, higher prices.

Ricky Stapleton, of Ricky Stapleton Autos, got started selling cars in 1987 and enjoyed working in sales at several different car lots before becoming a manager in 2000.

“I found myself as a general sales manager at that point and just with the demands of the job, in that role, the standard is two Saturdays off a year,” said Stapleton. “As a Dad, I was not able to spend time with my kids, who were then around 3 and 7 years old. I was never home for dinner, not able to go to their sports practices or games.

“It was time to make a change... so I cashed in my 401K and bought a few cars. My work ethic has never changed: get up and go to work, and usually, something good happens.”

Through a happy coincidence, Stapleton ended up joining his neighbor, Ralph Salyer, owner of Extreme Auto Options, at 330 24th Ave. N.W. Now an established entrepreneur with more than a decade of ownership, Stapleton is grateful for his family’s support.

“My wife, Robyn, is the backbone of our family and what we do,” he shared. “When our kids see cars for sale, they stop and take pictures. Early on, we would travel together as a family and go find cars for sale, look at them together or go pick them up in Texas or southwest Oklahoma or wherever we found inventory.”

64 | June 2021

The couple’s kids are now teenagers and Stapleton prides himself on making sure each vehicle sold is something he would feel comfortable with his loved ones driving away in, as he knows firsthand the importance of a reliable used car.

With more than 30 years of experience, Stapleton has seen market ups and downs but nothing quite like the current car buying situation.

“Inventory has diminished because of the ripple effects of COVID,” he explained. “Shipping delays and shortages of car parts and microchips have made new inventory harder to get. If you drive by the car dealerships in your area, you might notice they are not as full as before.”

Industry experts at the national level blame canceled contracts from the beginning of the pandemic for delays in manufacturing orders of key components as a major problem that continues to affect production. The recent blockage of the Suez Canal also halted the delivery of parts from Asia to Europe, which has severely limited the availability of European vehicles, while leading Asian brands have experienced both production and delivery delays.

A series of largely unforeseen storms has also negatively affected companies’ ability to turn out national brands. In addition to supply chain issues, February’s ice storm paused Texas petrochemical producers’ ability to produce the plastic hardwares and industrial seat foam commonly fitted in American-made trucks, SUVs and cars.

Assembly may take place in other states and countries but Tex-

BY: CALLIE COLLINS as remains a leading site for prime materials. Oklahoma’s April storms, with heavy hail concentration in the Norman area, also contributed to the already pent-up demand for cars due to damage. Car lots, in turn, are currently working through related processes with their insurance companies.

“I believe we had 18 cars on the lot at the time of those spring storms,” said Stapleton. “Of course, we do have insurance but we couldn’t sell those cars until our carrier made those evaluations.”

The price of used cars has actually increased significantly since May 2020, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), which reported a 12.5% year-over-year increase.

“There is really an incredible amount of demand for used cars,” said Stapleton. “It’s pretty intense. Everything is more expensive than it was 18 months ago as far as cars go.”

While Stapleton recognizes that every situation is unique, he is often asked for advice and he said some general rules apply across the board on the consumer side.

Here are Stapleton’s top car-buying and selling tips for Normanites in the market for a new or used car.

Five car-buying tips to consider before making a purchase: - Establish a budget: Consider your overall expenses and be aware of how a car purchase or payment fits into the bigger picture.

- Know what type of vehicle you want to purchase: Having a make and model in mind can ease your search and help you be sure that the vehicle you have in mind meets your needs.

- Get your financing ahead of time if possible and be aware of what lending rate you can get: Stapleton suggests starting the search for a lender with your own bank or credit union.

“Car buying should be a fun and easy process, but what becomes challenging and difficult is paying for the car, especially if you are not sure about financing options. Have your financing in place

boydstreet.com

before you come in to buy a car so you can just focus on the car.

That reduces stress by a significant margin and increases consumer confidence.”

- Don’t hesitate to consult a third party: Stapleton recommends working with a car lot that has vehicles independently inspected and certified. When a potential buyer wants to take a car to a mechanic who can verify condition or identify potential issues so you know exactly what you’re buying, his answer is always “Please do.” Getting a car independently inspected should be not only allowed by the seller but encouraged.

- Shop around: Stapleton suggests starting the shopping process for a new car by narrowing down which three or so dealerships in your area you are willing to work with and sending them a single email. See what they say knowing others — including which specific competitors— are being considered. If you are shopping for a used car, he suggests test driving a few cars to make sure you know what make and model you want. Then, look at the car’s history report and get a third party inspection, if possible.

About trade-ins Stapleton suggests getting a trade-in independently evaluated aside from the actual car buying process. Now is definitely a good time to consider selling a used vehicle, in light of the current extraordinary market circumstances. A dealer should be able to give you an approximate value in a short period of time. He estimates his average to be under 15 minutes.

Ricky Stapleton Autos is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“Our salesperson, Dave Robbins, is always around, too,” said Stapleton. “Dave started out with me taking care of the dealership while our family went on a vacation and he has been with me ever since.”

Find more information about the family-owned and operated business at rickystapletonautos.com. –BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 65

Planning a Vacation this Summer?

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Mention this ad for 1 night FREE on your pet’s stay with us!

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COMM UNI T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

75 years and Counting

Norman Municipal Hospital opened June 1, 1946.

Norman Regional Health System celebrates 75th anniversary, breaks ground on new facilities.

The cafeteria was enlarged and a coffee shop was added during a building project funded by a bond issue approved by Norman residents in 1962. boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 69

In the 1950s, mothers could talk on a color-coded telephone that matched the gender of their baby.

In 1955, an expansion was added that increased in-patient capacity including two nurseries.

In the 60s, Norman Municipal Hospital expanded three times, adding a fourth floor, an intensive care unit and more than 60,000 square feet.

A change in policies in 1976 allowed new mothers to choose “rooming-in” with their babies and fathers were first allowed into delivery rooms.

On Sept. 1, 1984, Norman Municipal Hospital was renamed as Norman Regional Hospital.

The Cancer Management Center opened in July 1989.

70 | June 2021

In 2004, Norman Regional opened a medical professional building at Tecumseh Road and Interstate 35, followed by the HealthPlex in 2009.

The Next Phase - Inspire Health Following an expansion expected to be complete in 2023, Norman Regional’s HealthPlex campus will house acute care services including a new Cancer Center.

Crews will add a temporary, emergency entrance on the west side of the building for patients, their families and the public to use during construction.

This June, the health system broke ground on Norman Regional Nine, a new freestanding emergency department at Highway 9 & 24th Avenue SE. The final step in the Inspire Health plan, the Porter campus will shift from “sickness to wellness” and become a mixeduse facility with physician clinics, senior center and more.

Learn more about the expansion projects at InspireHealthOK.com. – BSM

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 71

Free the healthier person inside Free yourself from the burden of an unhealthy weight. Discover medical and surgical options from one of the nation’s top weight loss programs at JourneyClinic.com or by calling 405-515-2049.

75th Anniversary Celebration

Norman Regional Health System invites the community to join their 75th anniversary celebration. On June 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., outside the Education Center on the Porter Campus, Normanites can hear from hospital staff and special guests from the past and enjoy refreshments and fun giveaways.

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

What You Didn’t Know About Home Loans

A

home loan, otherwise known as a mortgage, enables you to purchase a house without paying the full price out of pocket at the time of the purchase.

For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial transaction of their lifetime. For that reason, if you’re in the market for a new home, it’s best to learn all you can about home loans and how they work before you get too deep into the process.

Here are some things you may not know about home loans:

RATES FLUCTUATE DAILY Borrowers who are eager to secure a home loan with a low interest rate may get into the habit of checking mortgage rates as often as some people check the weather. Interest rates fluctuate every day, which means the rate you see today may be different than the one you see when you actually are approved for the loan.

THE CHEAPEST INTEREST RATE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE CHEAPEST LOAN When choosing a lender, borrowers will often choose the one offering the lowest interest rate, but this can actually be to their detriment. There are other factors to consider, including closing costs and the lender’s policy on releasing equity for a line of credit or a loan. Also, in adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM), the loan featuring the lowest interest rate may not have the lowest rate a few years down the line and may actually cost more in the long run.

A FIXED-INTEREST RATE MORTGAGE CAN ULTIMATELY COST YOU MORE When interest rates are low, many homebuyers choose a mortgage with an interest rate that is fixed throughout the life of the loan, believing it is the most cost-effective choice.

This may or may not be correct. A fixed-rate mortgage might comes with higher exit fees, or fees paid to the lender when the loan is repaid. Also, if rates drop further throughout your loan’s term, you won’t be able to take advantage of the new rates unless you refinance. Finally, interest rates on fixedterm mortgages are generally higher than the initial rate on ARMs.

A LOWER CREDIT SCORE CAN COST YOU TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN INTEREST Most people know that a higher credit score is generally awarded with a lower interest rate, but not many people know 76 | June 2021

to what extent this is true. A high credit score can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of a home loan. A credit score difference of 100 points can increase a monthly mortgage payment by $150 or more, depending on the size of the loan and the interest rate.

If you’re thinking of applying for a home loan soon and your credit isn’t in the “very good” category (higher than 740), it may be worthwhile to spend a few months working to boost your score before you apply for a mortgage.

THE HOUSING MARKET IMPACTS RATES While the federal funds rate will have the greatest impact on the rise and fall of interest rates, the state of the housing market will affect it, too. Lenders need to turn a profit from their loans, which means the higher the volume of loans they process, the less they need to earn from each one to remain profitable. Consequently, when the housing market is booming and lenders are granting loans on a frequent basis, they will be more inclined to offer lower interest rates to borrowers.

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS AUTOMATED Your home loan payments will likely be your largest monthly bill, and missing a payment or paying it late can have serious consequences. Fortunately, you can avoid these scenarios by signing up to have your monthly mortgage payments automatically deducted from your checking account. Most lenders provide this service; check with yours to see if this is an option they offer.

Buying a home will likely be the biggest purchase you ever make. Be sure to find out all there is to know about mortgages and their interest rates before applying for a home loan.

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L I FEST Y L E

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Orange, Unfiltered, Organic & Sustainable Wines

O

range wine is the newest trend in white wine, but what is it? Unfiltered seems obvious. Organic and sustainable are related concepts, emphasizing different parts of the wine-making process.

Orange wine is the white wine equivalent of rosé wine. The juice is left in contact with the skins of white grapes, leaving an orange tinge to the juice. Orange wine is a very traditional method of white wine production originating in the country of Georgia and was used for hundreds of years in Italy, falling from favor in the early 1960s. Orange wines are usually unfiltered, appear cloudy and will have sediment in the bottles.

Filtering wine is usually accomplished by using egg white to fine the wine by bonding to the sediment, resulting in wine that is not vegan friendly.

Organic wines that bear the USDA-certified seal mean the grapes were farmed organically using no chemical fertilizer, pesticides and no additives in the production of the wine. In particular, no additional sulfites were added to preserve the wine. The process is more expensive and shortens the shelf life of the wine.

82 | June 2021

All wine naturally contains sulfites but the organic process minimizes the sulfites in the wine.

Some wine is produced from organically grown grapes but does not comply with the full organic process. These wines will bear the words “contains organically grown grapes” or something similar, however, there is no certification.

Sustainably grown and manufactured wine is grown and produced with methods minimizing water use, eschewing chemicals and minimizing waste. There is no formal certification but several groups offer certification with slightly varying requirements. Try King Estates, Elu or Noble.

Biodynamic wine is farmed using methods that include attention to the lunar cycle for harvesting and balancing farming with the ecosystem. Again, there is no certification.

Be prepared to spend more on these wines, but some major wineries are following these methods, including Kendall-Jackson and Louis Martini.

Enjoy!

Kathy

Helping you use less of what we sell:

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BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

LI F EST Y L E

Celebrating 10 Years of Youth Performance

O

wner and operated of Youth Performance, Chat Willams is excited to be celebrating 10 years of success. Over the past ten years, we have more than the success for Youth Performance, we have built successful althetes with dedication, consitance and fun. We asked our past and present clients about Youth Performance and we were honored by their response.

Trent Laffoon: I trained with Chat starting when I was 13. Youth Performance helped me be competitive in my soccer career growing up. After a year of coming in three times a week I noticed a significant difference in my overall strength. I continued training there throughout club soccer, high school and even trained there in the summers in between college season. Without Youth Performance, I would not have had the chance to compete at the collegiate level or be as competitive in my level of play throughout the years.

Trained 14 years, Consumer lender at Bancfirst

Maggie Davis, OSU, Lexi Thompson, Dental Hygienist, Rachel Krutz, Colorado College Volleyball Hannah Curtis, OU:

PALS -Trained 8 years

When asked what are some of your favorite memories of Youth Performance, I say ANYTIME WITH CHAT! YP was a second home to my friends and I. We probably annoyed the trainers to no end. The fact that we felt comfortable enough to watch the series finale of Pretty Little Liars while working out and messing with the trainers was the ego boost none of us needed. Jokes aside, my favorite memories were from the summer of 2020. My dream internship in NYC was cancelled, so I was back in Norman for the summer. I woke up everyday at 5 A.M. to work out and get all kinds of advice from Chat. I have too many memories from YP to pick a favorite but making vines at the old facility with Chat and my best friends would make the list.

Brady Davis: When I first started working with Chat. I was skinny, uncoordinated and unconfident. Chat showed me what to do to gain size, coordination and how to find confidence in myself.

My favorite memory of working with Chat was the constant back forth joking with each other during a workout.

Trained 6 years, OKC firefighter

VISIT YOUTH PERFORMANCE AT: 500 W MAIN ST • 405.701.3416

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 85

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Get Fueled Get Fit

Fueled Fitness offers group fitness classes for all ages

O

pening a new business during the pandemic is not a venture most people were bold enough to undertake but it is exactly what the owners of Fueled Fitness & Nutrition did. As a reward, last month they celebrated the fitness studio’s one-year anniversary, which has grown immensely through the process.

Co-owners Stephanie Malone and Jenna Johnston said the studio began with one-on-one personal training and nutrition and expanded into group fitness.

“It was rough,” Malone said. “It was a challenge with a slow start but we felt it was the right time because so many people were concerned about their health and immune system. We used that as our target to focus education programs around.”

With a lot of people staying home during the pandemic, Malone and Johnston developed virtual, at-home workouts and it didn’t take long for people to enthusiastically sign up for classes. Today with the pandemic winding down, people are now getting back out, seeking interaction.

“We focus so much on keeping a clean environment,” Malone said. “Everything in our studio is new but we clean multiple times a day. Our members are in the habit of cleaning their equipment after they use it and it’s a very safe and clean atmosphere.”

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Fueled Fitness is more of a studio than a gym, focusing on personal training and small group classes. Although group fitness is offered, classes max out at 12 people, so the focus is kept on each individual.

“Nutrition services are also available because we feel when people work on every aspect of their fitness, they become healthier,” Johnston said.

Five group fitness classes are offered including strength (60 minutes), high-intensity interval training (HIT) with 30 minute and 60-minute options, cardio core class that’s a lunchtime 30- minute class, yoga and a restore class on Sundays “to get everyone prepped and ready for the week,” Johnston said.

“Restore includes yoga, mobility and recovery,” she explained.

Fueled by a passion to create new, fun and innovative ways to strengthen the body, a new and original workout is designed every day by the staff of Fueled Fitness. “We never repeat the same workout twice,” Johnston said.

With full-body workouts including endurance and strength movements, a variety of equipment is used along with cardio elements to create the perfect mix of fun and fitness. The

BY: ROXANNE AVERY first class is free and month-to-month unlimited membership options include yoga. Check out the class schedule at www.fueledfit.org.

“We want to meet people where they are,” Malone said. “We help them achieve their goals no matter what they are. We work with all ages from all walks of life and all fitness levels.

Whether a person is working on an injury or is rehabbing or is a college athlete, we want to help achieve their goals no matter what they may be.”

With summer here, Fueled Kids is a great program for kids 6 to 12 years of age, with a discount offered for siblings. Classes are offered every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

“The classes focus on improving endurance, flexibility, strength, coordination and agility and they always end with a team-building type of game to make it fun,” Malone said.

“Paige Murphy is an amazing instructor. She has a degree in special education and was also a teacher. She taught PE at a private school and we felt she was the perfect fit. She does an amazing job, and the kids love her.”

Fueled Kids is a program for non-athletes as well as athletes and gets kids not just moving but moving properly.

“A lot of kids don’t get to do that,” Malone said. “We focus on technique and how to create a foundation of fitness. Paige teaches every fitness level…kids who are involved in sports and those who are not.”

Fueled Fitness sets itself apart from similar facilities by being a family environment, offering entertaining classes, team fitness challenges with prizes and a slew of specials and promotions.

Earlier this year, Fueled partnered with Perpetual Motion Dance and offered a fun experience followed by relaxing together with some vino.

“We’re open to working with organizations in the community to get people in here and have fun with different types of fitness,” Johnston said. “We offer challenges such as the upcoming Summer Shred between members to get people motivated and challenge them to get in shape.

“We offer a Friends and Family Week and occasionally offer promotions for people to come in and try us out.”

Fun workouts are planned every Saturday and sometimes members go to brunch afterward or have mimosa and snacks in the studio.

“It’s a community vibe to incorporate that feeling of family and comradery,” Malone said.

Group fitness, nutrition and personal training is offered in one facility located at 2206 Tecumseh Drive. The staff at Fueled Fitness & Nutrition believe in practicing healthy habits that lead to an overall healthier life through proper nutrition and exercise. Learn more at fueledfit.org. –BSM boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 89

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B U S I N E SS

What’s Eating Norman

B eanst alk Cof fe e & Sn o

94 | June 2021

O

wners Adrian and Jennii Buendia of Beanstalk Coffee & Sno, at 3408 36th NW, create delightful one-of-a-kind treats at their unique coffee and sno cone shop. Their Jack and the Beanstalk-themed atmosphere immediately draws customers into a fairytale, as they pass by a custom-carved beanstalk, complete with hedge-filled walls, a playful chalkboard and an elaborate party room.

Their first employee, Scott, came up with the name “Beanstalk” and Jennii’s vision grew from there.

“He nailed it,” she said. “Imagine putting the coffee beans in the ground and they grow a beanstalk up to the sky where there’s ice and snow. I knew it was the right fit.”

She knew the playful atmosphere would set them apart.

“I want it to feel like Disneyland,” shared Jennii.

“Anyone can make a good cup of coffee. For me, I hope everyone feels welcome here and doesn’t feel like they have to be a coffee expert.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Ordering a sno cone-flavored coffee takes the pressure off,” she joked.

Being parents themselves to two little ones, they wanted their shops to feel more accessible to all, kids and adults alike.

“My primary goal is to let my staff have a good time while they’re here,” she explained.“It reflects for our customers, especially during this past crazy year.”

The couple opened the west side Norman location just as the pandemic was beginning and embraced the challenge that came with it. The drive-thru was a lifesaver, for them as well as their customers. Visitors utilized their Covid-friendly drive-thru as soon as possible. People needed relief and their drive-thru window provided a fun, safe space for Normanites to find community during tough times.

“Some have shared that it kept them sane,” Jennii said. “It was something they could drive through or walk up to with their kids in strollers and sometimes with their dogs. We’ve made lifelong friends that feel like some of our family, just through a cofboydstreet.com

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON fee shop drive-thru.”

Their talented staff dream up the remarkable menu, using over 100 house-blend flavored syrups. They create unique drinks and various combinations, as well as fulfill customer requests. After testing out a drink, they collaborate and vote on names.

Their Silver Fox Latte, a delicious homemade vanilla latte, is a top fan favorite. Seasonal drinks are offered as well on their ever-growing menu. Hand-squeezed sno-made lemonades and limeades are coming soon, with the option to add any sno cone syrup to create the lemonade of anyone’s imagination.

Hungry too? They’ve got appetites covered. Bakery creations, such as their Beanstalk cookies from Buttercream Bakery, have become bestsellers. Check out their menu for other freshly-baked pastries from Buttercream Bakery, La Baguette and Sconed.

Their party room, also known as The Cottage, is the perfect reservation space for birthday parties, showers, tea parties and meetings. Get excited because their Eastside store is being renovated into a coffee shop as well and is expected to open this June. Their long-time stands, Beanstalk Sno, on W. Lindsey Street and E. Constitution Street, are already open for the summer. Their new Beanstalk Coffee & Sno Food Truck trailer will also be popping up around town.

Adrian began running his own first sno cone stand in 2003. Shortly after, they met and later married, and together added additional stands, as well as the first food truck in Norman and on campus for campus events. They’ve added more stands and mobile units over the years, including their newest shop at 867 12th Ave NE. You can learn more about Beanstalk Coffee & Sno at beanstalkcoffeeandsno.com or follow them on social media to keep up with seasonal menu options and specials. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 95

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

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight: Sgt. Ron Collett

A

fter some six years of service in the United State Navy, Ron Collett thought he might like to settle into a career with a federal agency. Maybe the Drug Enforcement Agency or the Central Intelligence Agency. Then, he took a job with the Norman Police Department.

“It kind of just didn’t work out with the federal hiring cycle,” Collett recalled. “I came back to Norman and thought, ‘I’ll just get a job here and then I can go off and do something else.’”

That something else turned into nearly 30 years of service to the Norman community after joining NPD in 1992.

“I started working here and I loved it,” Collett added. “It was just better than I expected. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s turned out to be a great job.”

Collett grew up in Norman, graduated from Noble High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional writing from the University of Oklahoma. His Navy service focused on combat information systems and crypto-logic security.

A detective sergeant now, Collett has served Norman in a variety of roles including as a patrol officer. He has investigated drug, high-tech and sexual assault crimes as part of department’s Special Investigations unit. He also was attached to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for three years. He now works in the Criminal Investigations section.

Collett admits his attraction to law enforcement, like many, may have been rooted in the made-for-TV scenes of car chases and driving fast. However, he says, police work is about more than the adrenaline rush.

“For most of us, what keeps us coming back is helping people,” he explained. “I wake up every day and I hope to do some good, do something to help somebody. At least in my mind, that’s what keeps me going.”

In addition to his investigative duties, Collett serves as the cochair of the department’s Diversity and Equity Committee, along with Sergeant Neelon Greenwood. The committee is charged with affirming the agency’s commitment to work on creating and maintaining a culture of diversity and inclusion

within the organization and the Norman community. Its mission is to discuss, educate and lead department efforts to enhance the values of diversity, equity and inclusivity, both internally and externally.

“We make sure everybody’s being treated fairly,” was Collett’s shortened version of the committee’s work. “We’ve identified places where that might not be working, and we look at those situations and ask questions about why and how we can do better. We try to find shortcomings and address those. We try to engage the less vocal segments of the community.

“I don’t think we’ve ever turned a blind eye to (diversity issues), but we want to know how we can affect change. How can we identify weaknesses in the organization, and how can we identify those things we’re not doing for the community?”

When Collett is not investigating crime in the city or serving on committees, he may be the department’s only electronic music producer.

“So, in 2013 I was listening to something like Skrillex, and I thought, ‘I don’t know how they do this,’ and that sent me down a rabbit hole,” Collett laughed. “It’s kind of an outlet for the end of the day. It’s a lot of fun.”

So, that begs the obvious question. Are we likely to see Collett behind the mix boards in a local club any time soon?

“I haven’t yet,” he said about going public with his skills. “I haven’t been bold enough to ask anybody to let me try it. But it’s always out there for someday I guess.”

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

98 | June 2021

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