Boyd Street Magazine December 2025 by SportsTalkMedia

BOYD STREET

the holidays

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PEDAL POWER

Set for $1 Million Transformation

Lake Thunderbird Bike Trails

BY: DAN SCHEMM - VISIT NORMAN

What started as a passion project among Norman mountain bikers is shifting into high gear with a major investment that could make Lake Thunderbird one of Oklahoma’s top outdoor destinations.

A $1 million trail renovation, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and coordinated by the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition and VisitNorman, in partnership with Cleveland County, is breathing new life into the park’s decades-old trail system.

“This is a huge win for Norman from a tourism perspective,” said Visit Norman Executive Director Dan Schemm. “Communities like Fayetteville and Bentonville have built incredible reputations around their trail systems. When you stay in their hotels, you literally see riders wheeling $10,000 bikes through the lobby every morning. That’s the type of energy we’re hoping to create here.”

Rock Solid Trail Construction, a Bentonville-based company known nationally for building sustainable, high-quality mountain bike trails, has been contracted

to design and build the new trails system. The firm has completed hundreds of miles of trails across the country, including many in northwest Arkansas — widely known as the “Mountain Bike Capital of the World.”

At Lake Thunderbird, Rock Solid will redesign and rebuild much of the existing 25-mile network. Some worn-out paths will be reclaimed by nature, while new routes will feature flowing cross-country sections, technical challenges and skills areas suited for all levels of riders. The revamped layout will also accommodate hikers and trail runners.

“These trails were originally carved out by volunteers with hand tools and a lot of heart,” said Sebastian Wallach, Rock Solid’s lead designer on the project. “We’re building on that legacy with modern techniques that make the system more sustainable and fun for everyone.”

Construction began in November, with completion expected this spring — setting the stage for Lake Thunderbird to become Norman’s next great outdoor attraction.

Proud Sponsor of United Way of Norman

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

CASA Celebrates New Child Advocates Committed to be a Voice for Children in Need

South Central CASA of Oklahoma recently celebrated its newest class of volunteers following a swearing-in ceremony at Cleveland County Juvenile Services. CASA volunteers, or court-appointed special advocates, provide a stable and consistent presence for children who are wards of the court in Cleveland, McClain and Garvin Counties.

These highly trained volunteers remain with a child throughout their journey until the case reaches resolution. Executive Director Vicky Bumgarner highlighted the importance of this consistent support.

“Unfortunately, the system is overrun and very overwhelming for kids,” said Bumgarner. “There is so much turnover with case workers, kids moving from different foster homes, changing schools. We try to do something the system can’t and that’s provide a consistent adult who stays with the child until the case is closed.”

CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children using a five-pronged approach: learn, engage, recommend, collaborate and report. The ultimate goal is family reunification whenever it is safe to do so.

“For parents who were about to lose their kids, their CASA worker is able to get them the resources and help they need to try to rebuild that bridge,” Bumgarner explained. “That support not only changes lives, but generations.”

CASA offers advocate training four times a year. Prospective volunteers participate in multi-week sessions to learn about the various responsibilities of the role. Bumgarner noted that time commitments vary depending on a volunteer’s availability, as advocates are matched to the needs of each child.

“CASAs can make a huge impact in not a lot of time,” she shared. “We help you along the way. We have in-

Left to right: JJ Wagoner and Madison Wagoner; Baylea, Angela and Tony Smith

credible advocate supervisors that help you through the whole process. We are here to walk alongside you.”

As a United Way agency, South Central CASA of Oklahoma leverages community partnerships as a network of support.

“We work closely with all of those community partners, like CCFI and their diaper pantry and parenting classes, The Virtue Center’s recovery services, Mary Abbott and their forensic specialists,” she added. “It’s a team effort.”

Kayla Thornton, a CASA advocate supervisor, emphasized that volunteers’ work goes far beyond the courtroom. She pointed to the tangible impact advocates have on a child’s life.

“There are so many victories big and small,” she said. “CASAs are advocating for kids to get IEPs, braces, important things that are going to impact their life for many years.”

Angela and Tony Smith have been CASA advocates for some time, and their daughter, Baylea, was recently sworn in. The family said they became volunteers to make a lasting difference.

“I often think about the story about a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean,” Baylea said. “A man comes along and asked him why he is doing that. The man says there are too many to save. But to that one starfish it means everything. I think that through CASA, making a difference in one child’s life is just like throwing one more starfish into the ocean.”

Baylea said witnessing her parents’ impact as CASAs inspired her to volunteer.

“We are first-generation college graduates from meager backgrounds,” Angela said, when asked why she and her husband became CASAs. “We wanted to give back and show people there is hope.”

JJ Wagoner is a former foster parent and another long-time CASA volunteer. Her daughter Madison was also recently sworn in with Baylea. Seeing what kids experience in the foster care system firsthand, they knew they could be a much-needed voice for kids in the courtroom.

“My exposure at an early age to the foster care system, the good, the bad and the ugly, because of that I developed a passion to be a voice for kids,” Madison said. “The courtroom can be a scary place.”

“Kids don’t get to choose to be a part of the system, they are just thrown into it,” JJ added. “They deserve an advocate.”

Both JJ and Madison credit CASA’s training and support for giving them the tools to make a meaningful difference.

“CASA does a great job of hosting training and events to help advocates feel supported and prepared,” JJ said. “It’s just choosing to see the need and choosing to do something about it.”

Madison added a final word for prospective volunteers.

“Anyone can be a CASA and be a voice for a child. The commitment is what you make of it. If you don’t have an abundance of time, you can still make a difference,” she encouraged.

Anyone over 21 who has an interest in helping children by being a consistent presence in their life can become a CASA. More information about volunteer opportunities and training schedules can be found at southcentralcasa.org. The next round of training starts in January. – BSM

As the college football season heads down the home stretch and the calendar shifts to 2026, the excitement continues to build for the University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball programs.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

With a new-look roster featuring big-time playmakers and developing young talent, Porter Moser has a team that looks capable of making a return trip to the NCAA Tournament in March.

Moser had to quickly work this offseason in rebuilding his team’s roster after the Sooners finished 13th in the SEC standings in 202425, tied with Texas. They ended up 20-14 overall, which was enough to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Moser’s tenure.

OU also had to find a way to replace NBA lottery pick Jeremiah Fears after his breakout freshman season. In total, OU lost all five starters from last season and returned only two players who scored in 2024-25: forward/center Mohamed Wague and sophomore guard Dayton Forsythe.

Moser hit the portal, securing a four-player class that was ranked as the sixth-best portal class in the country. All four transfers the Sooners added are among the SEC’s top 19 (Xzayvier Brown at No. 8, Derrion Reid at No. 9, Nijel Pack at No. 11 and Tae Davis at No. 19).

The portal success was more than just adding talent and finding the right fit — it was the magnification of a new mindset and approach.

“There’s been so much talk about the last four years in the portal,” Moser said. “I’m just all about leaning into it. Everyone came to me. They said, ‘You were at a program at Loyola where you developed guys. This has to be driving you crazy.’ I went through that time period. Now I’m completely

leaning into it. You get a freshness about getting new guys. You get an enthusiasm of guys coming on your campus the first time, getting ready for a new situation. I’ve leaned into these four guys. They all played at a high level. That was important to me.”

And maybe the most important characteristic of the new group of transfers? They all wanted to win.

“Winning mattered to all four of them,” Moser said. “That was important to me. I wanted to add length. Going night in, night out of the SEC, that’s the first thing you really notice is the length, athleticism and talent of the SEC. But winning mattered to all of them.”

Given the significant roster overhaul and the addition of highly ranked transfers, Oklahoma basketball has the potential to be a strong contender in the SEC this season. If the new players mesh and the team is able to find its identity, a strong NCAA Tournament run is possible.

“I like this group,” Moser said. “Athletically, we’re longer, we can do some things defensively, got some older guards, and I really like the pieces we put together in the portal. Sometimes you sign seven or eight guys in the portal, and it’s hard to manage that. We got four, and the four guys we got all are going to impact us.”

While replacing all five starters from last season is a tall order, the presence of experienced transfers and returning contributors like Wague and Forsythe provides a solid foundation. The team’s success will depend on how well the newcomers integrate into Moser’s system and respond to the challenges of SEC play. With a renewed sense of enthusiasm and focus on winning, Oklahoma could surprise many and emerge as one of the conference’s top teams.

by:

Photos

Mark Doescher

But the success of the players added through the portal will go a long way in deciding the level of success the Sooners can attain this season. Brown is an experienced point guard who can score with anybody, while Davis is an elite, big-bodied defender and scorer who Moser thinks could contend for National Defensive Player of the Year. Pack is one of the nation’s best 3-point shooters, and Reid was a fivestar talent in the 2024 class.

“The type of guys we got in the portal, even though they were four of the top 100, they didn’t come in entitled,” Moser said. “They came in and blended with the new guys. What you hope for is that everyone’s blending ... and that’s strong enough to handle adversity of the season.”

A week after adding Justin Scott as an assistant coach, his stepson Brown, who led St. Joe’s in scoring and averaged 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists this past season, committed. He’s expected to be a major contributor for OU this season after scoring in double figures in every game he played last season. His 32 games in double-figure scoring led the Atlantic 10 Conference.

“I couldn’t have had a scenario work out better,” Moser said. “I got a great assistant coach who I’m leaning on a lot, and then a point guard I’m leaning on a lot.”

Having his family with him has made adjusting to Norman seamless for Brown.

“It’s been very helpful,” he said. “My stepdad, my mom, my little sister are here, so just going through something new with my family has made it easier.”

In Scott, Moser added a veteran coach who has head coaching experience.

“Justin Scott’s been a great addition to our staff,” Moser said. “A veteran, a guy who’s been a head coach, great with the players, great on floor, great coach and great basketball mind.”

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Jennie Baranczyk and the Oklahoma women’s basketball team entered the season with their highest preseason AP ranking since 2009-10. Picked fourth in the SEC by the coaches, OU features Raegan Beers, a first-team All-SEC preseason selection, and Payton Verhulst, who earned second-team honors.

The Sooners return the second-highest scoring percentage (62.3%) in the SEC, led by Beers (17.3 points per game), Verhulst (14.9 points per game) and Sahara Williams (10.6 points per game). Baranczyk also added the nation’s No. 8 recruiting class per

247Sports, highlighted by the country’s top-ranked freshman, Aaliyah Chavez. In total, Oklahoma’s 11-player roster is comprised of six returners and five freshmen.

“We have to take care of the ball. That would probably be the number one area to improve,” Baranczyk said. “Honestly, I think that you can see we’re getting better and we play together as a team. That comes out in the assist column. I think we do a good job of being able to share the ball. I think we set each other up really well. Those are things that we’ve got to continue to do. Defensively, we have to be able to guard better in terms of one-on-one defense because this league is so elite. There are some elite players in this league. That’s something that we’ve really worked a lot on.”

The 2023-24 season was a historic one for the Sooners, who returned to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. OU finished 27-8, marking its fourth straight 20-win campaign under Baranczyk, who has reached that milestone in 10 of her last 11 seasons and every season in Norman. The Sooners’ 27 victories were their most since 2010, and they went 11-5 in their debut SEC season — tying for fourth and advancing to the conference semifinals. OU ended the year ranked No. 11 in the AP poll and set multiple program records, including points per game (84.7), rebounds per game (47.7), assists per game (21.7) and field goals made (1,091).

In their first season in the SEC, the Sooners stepped up to the challenge.

“I think it’s as good as advertised,” Baranczyk said of the SEC. “A lot of people say it just means more. I know that sounds really cliché, but after living it a year, this league is impressive. It really is. From the environment, importance of sport, student-athletes. Every night you’re playing against future pros and Olympians. You’re facing these great college coaches, facing these great environments on a massive level.”

Baranczyk said the experiences of last season — including matchups against multiple Final Four teams — showed her team it needs to improve.

“We’re going to work harder, look in the mirror and go after something that’s bigger than us because we want to continue to get better,” she said. “We have to get better. We’ve got a long way to go, but we have to continue to inch in the right direction. I think that’s what those lessons teach you. It teaches you in the SEC Tournament, and it teaches you in the NCAA Tournament.”

Turning setbacks into comebacks

Oklahoma placed two student-athletes on the Preseason All-SEC Coaches Teams, as Beers earned first-team honors and Verhulst was named to the second team. Beers also secured a spot on the Preseason All-SEC Media First Team.

Beers had a huge debut season in the crimson and cream, leading the Sooners with 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds a game and adding 39 blocks and 20 steals. At the end of the season, she was named a consensus All-America Honorable Mention and All-SEC First Team.

Beers went into this season as a preseason All-American with the expectation to be one of the best players in the country while also playing for one of the best teams in the nation.

In all, Oklahoma returns 62% of its production from an offense that ranked fifth in the country with 84.7 points per game in 2024-25. The league’s media projected the Sooners to finish fifth, while the 16 head coaches tabbed OU fourth in their preseason poll. But the amount of buzz created by a newcomer might equal the excitement surrounding an unprecedented level of returning talent.

Chavez enters Oklahoma with a reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic young guards. Known for her scoring prowess and versatility, Chavez brings a polished offensive game that includes deep shooting range, the ability to create off the dribble and impressive court vision for setting up teammates. Her competitive edge and work ethic have been widely

praised, and she’s expected to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. There will be no ramping up or developmental phase for the talented freshman. With the talented returning group, Chavez will be counted on early and often.

“I think that’s a huge reason why Aaliyah chose to come here,” Baranczyk said. “Not just because of the leadership of the team, but I think we’re close. … They’re incredible leaders for her and they’re also going to make her a better leader.”

For Oklahoma, Chavez’s arrival adds another scoring threat to its already potent offense and infuses the roster with youthful energy and playmaking ability. Her presence should help the Sooners support their high-octane attack, while her adaptability and leadership potential could accelerate her integration into the team’s culture. Surrounded by experienced leaders, Chavez is poised not only to contribute significant minutes but also to develop into a cornerstone for the program’s future success. For Baranczyk, there was only one message for the true freshman.

“We didn’t ask you to come in and pass the ball,” she told Chavez. “We want you to shoot the ball more.”

And as Chavez continues to find her comfort level with the confidence that Baranczyk has instilled within her, it will also be a process as the newcomer adjusts to the college game.

“She’s going to weave in herself. She’s such a great team player,” Baranczyk said. “She really has picked up on a lot of things from a point guard standpoint. Our team loves her. She fits in really well. She has great court vision. She’s going to have to continue to learn the level, right? Nobody comes in game-ready, but she comes in practice-ready. She comes in hungry and she works really, really hard. It’s not going to take a lot for her to weave in.”

Under Baranczyk, Oklahoma has met or exceeded its preseason ranking in each of her four seasons at the helm. Across her 13-year head-coaching career — nine seasons at Drake and four at OU — Baranczyk’s teams have matched or outperformed preseason expectations 11 times. With the addition of Chavez and the returning talent of Verhulst, Williams and Beers, Oklahoma might be fielding its most talented team of the Baranczyk era.

It’s been 15 years since Oklahoma reached the Final Four, but with the amount of talent Baranczyk has assembled, it won’t be long until the Sooners are back battling during the final weekend of college basketball again. – BSM

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STEPPING UP

For nearly 50 years, Calvin Steves has been a familiar face in Norman. Most Norman residents have seen him around town delivering newspapers and brightening the community with his OU helmet and signature smile. His dedication has been recognized with a street art bike rack on Campus Corner at the intersection of Boyd and Asp and multiple “Celebrity of Norman” awards.

As time has passed, Calvin’s home has faced major challenges, including a failing HVAC system. And that’s where a locally owned company stepped in to fill a need.

Norman Air, serving the OKC metro since 2008, heard about Calvin’s home situation and sent a team to investigate what could be done. After an inspection, Norman Air installed a new system on Oct. 29, ensuring Calvin and his brother have a reliable heating system for the upcoming winter.

“When we learned about Calvin’s situation, we knew we wanted to help,” said Brian Porch, owner of Norman Air. “It felt right to give back and make sure he and his brother have a safe, comfortable home.”

The HVAC system is not the only thing in need of repairs at the Steves’ home. Community members can help with ongoing repairs for Calvin and his brother by visiting calvinshouse. org to learn more and donate.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Norman Air Helping Norman Icon, Calvin Steves, with New HVAC System

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At Armstrong Bank, your business isn’t just business to us. It’s personal. We’re invested in your success. Our friendly, knowledgeable bankers are ready to build a relationship that lasts, and our suite of products and services are designed with your convenience in mind. You deserve a strong financial partner by your side, and that’s exactly what you get at Armstrong Bank.

AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE

Technology Center Offers Classes for Individuals to Explore Creative Interests, Learn New Skills

Are you looking for a new hobby or want to expand your talents and abilities?

Maybe it’s playing the guitar, learning to sew, sharpening your cooking skills, planning for your retirement or studying a new language. Whatever the interest, classes are available at Moore Norman Technology Center to help achieve those goals.

The center offers short-term personal enrichment courses for individuals to explore creative interests or learn new skills.

“We want to support lifetime learners here in our community,” said Mendi Brandon, training coordinator at the center.

Enrichment classes available include those that focus on cooking and baking, personal finance, photography and video editing, and learning American Sign Language, according to the center’s website. The classes can vary from a one-day workshop to a semester-long course and are taught by adjunct instructors with expertise in the different fields.

Some of the benefits of the enrichment classes include fostering continuous learning and giving

people a chance to meet others who share their interests, Brandon said.

“They make new connections within their community,” she said.

Brandon also talks with students in the enrichment classes to get ideas on other areas of interest.

“I’m always asking, ‘What would you like to see here? What types of classes would you like us to offer?’”

With the enrichment classes, Brandon added that she is “always looking for something new and exciting that I think people in our area would enjoy.”

Brandon said she’s received positive feedback from students who were excited to learn that the technology center offers personal enrichment classes and are eager to take more of the courses.

“We’re instilling lifelong learning,” Brandon said. “You’re never too old to learn something new. We want to encourage people to never stop learning and always try to pick up new skills.”

For more information about the enrichment courses, visit mntc.edu.– BSM

Moore Norman Technology Center offers personal enrichment classes to the community that focus on such topics as cooking, baking, sewing, guitar and photography. To learn more about the courses available, visitmntc.edu

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

A BOOST FOR THE BRAIN

Some of the benefits of pursuing hobbies include enhancing creativity, reducing stress and improving mental health. A 2024 survey from aytm, an insights technology company, asked 1,000 American adults about their regular hobbies and favorite activities. Here are a few of those results:

• 43 PERCENT SAID THAT THEY HAVE HOBBIES THAT ARE RELATED TO GAMES OR VIDEO GAMES

• 41 PERCENT ENJOY EXERCISE AND FITNESS-RELATED ACTIVITIES

• 40 PERCENT ENJOY GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

• 39 PERCENT ENJOY OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS HIKING OR CAMPING

• 38 PERCENT REPORTED THAT THEY ENJOY ARTS AND CRAFTS HOBBIES

• 33 PERCENT ENJOY TRAVEL AND TOURISM

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Shop Local in Norman This Holiday Season

The holiday season arrives each year with the same familiar rhythm: twinkling lights, crowded calendars and the pressure to find the perfect gift. For many of us, that means opening a dozen browser tabs and letting a few clicks summon boxes from giant online retailers. But what if, this year, you took a different route — one that doesn’t just fill stockings but strengthens our community, too? Shopping local isn’t just a nostalgic idea. It’s a meaningful choice with real impact — for your neighbors, our town and even for you.

When you buy from a local shop, you’re not only purchasing a product; you’re investing in a person. The coffee roaster who remembers your favorite blend, the artist who handcrafts jewelry downtown, the bookseller who recommends titles better than any algorithm — these are the faces behind local businesses. Every dollar you spend with them is recirculated through Norman. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy, compared to only about $43 when you shop at a national chain. That difference fuels paychecks, sponsors youth sports teams, supports local charities and keeps Norman’s Main Street thriving.

Small businesses also help shape the character and identity of a community. They’re what make Norman distinct from the next town — the quirky gift shop with hand-painted ornaments, the bakery that smells like cinnamon and butter, the record store spinning vinyl classics. When these businesses thrive, neighborhoods feel alive. When they vanish, every place starts

to look the same. Shopping local is, in essence, a way of preserving culture — a quiet act of resistance against the homogenization of modern retail.

There’s also an environmental and tariff-free angle worth celebrating. Buying local often means shorter supply chains, fewer miles traveled and less packaging waste. That cup of locally roasted coffee or handmade candle hasn’t crossed an ocean to reach your hands. Plus, shopping in person — rather than relying on fleets of delivery trucks — encourages walking, connection and those serendipitous encounters that remind us we’re part of something larger than ourselves.

And let’s not forget the experience itself. Local holiday shopping is tactile and human. It’s the sound of laughter at a holiday market, the smell of pine and cocoa, the chance to pause and chat instead of scrolling in silence. You might discover a new favorite store, strike up a conversation with a maker or find a gift so perfect it could never have been found through an online search. Those are moments worth savoring — moments that don’t come with free two-day shipping.

This season, challenge yourself to shift even a portion of your holiday budget to local shops, artisans and restaurants. Think of it not as spending, but as circulating kindness. Because when you shop local, you’re not just crossing items off your list — you’re helping someone else’s dream stay alive. And that’s a gift worth giving every year.

Shop local this holiday season and let your purchases tell a story — one that begins and ends right at home.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND PROTECT

YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

Here at OU Fed, our biggest priority is your financial wellness. To help keep you safe, we’ve made this guide about recognizing and protecting yourself from scams.

FIVE WAYS TO SPOT A SCAMMER

1. They ask for detailed information before agreeing to process an application.

2. They insist on a specific method of payment.

3. They send a check for an inflated amount to a seller or “employee,” and then ask the victim to mail them the extra money. Of course, the original check will not clear.

4. You can’t find any information about the company the caller allegedly represents.

5. You’re pressured to act now.

WHO ARE THE TARGETS?

Here are some of the most common targets of scams:

• The unemployed. If you’re job hunting, don’t respond to emails offering you a “dream position” you never applied to.

• The aging. Older people often spend lots of time online. They can also be less aware of the dangers lurking there.

• Children. Children will more readily share information with strangers, which can then be used to steal their identity.

WHAT DO SCAMS LOOK LIKE?

These are some of the most common scams:

• Cyberhacking. Hackers gain remote access to your computer and personal information.

• Phishing scams. Scammers bait you into sharing personal information, which they use to hack your accounts or steal your identity.

• Mystery shopper. A bogus company will “hire” you to purchase an item in a store and then report back on the experience. Before you get started, though, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee, which you’ll never see again.

• Job offers. Scammers “hire” you for a position and then scam you by sending you an inflated check, as detailed above.

• Sweetheart scams. A scammer pretending to be

an online lover will con you into sending them money and gifts or sharing personal information.

• Fraudulent investments. Scammers reach out to victims with information about lucrative investments that don’t exist.

10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

1. Never share personal information online.

2. Don’t open unsolicited emails. If you do, don’t click on any links in them.

3. Never send money by insecure methods to an unknown party.

4. Protect your devices by using the most current operating systems, choosing two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords for every account.

5. Choose the strongest privacy settings for your social media accounts.

6. Keep yourself in the know about the latest scams.

7. Educate your kids about basic computer safety and privacy.

8. If you have elderly parents, talk to them about common scams and teach them to protect themselves.

9. If a government agency or a company calls and asks you to share personal information, tell them you’ll contact them on your own.

10. Never accept a job or pay for a purchase or service without researching the company involved.

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Protect Your Health with a Flu Vaccine

It’s time to make sure your family is protected against the flu. Getting a flu shot each year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy through the fall and winter months.

Dr. Nikki Rodriguez, a family physician at Norman Regional Health System, really believes in the power and importance of the flu vaccine. She emphasizes that even if you’re healthy, getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of illness to others.

“When you get the flu shot, you are less likely to spread it to the more vulnerable populations, say, your grandmother or the newborn baby that’s around,” Rodriguez said.

So, when should you get your flu shot — and who needs it most?

THE BEST TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT

Rodriguez recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October.

“Flu season is right now,” she said. “It’s going to be robust in October and November. The most cases of the flu we’re going to see is probably in December.”

Since it takes about two weeks for your body to build protection after vaccination, getting your shot early helps ensure you’re covered before flu activity peaks.

WHO SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT

According to Rodriguez, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year. Some groups are at a higher risk for complications and should make vaccination a top priority:

CHILDREN AND BABIES

Children are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.

“Your little baby is eligible to get it at 6 months,” Rodriguez said. “Especially if they have a history of asthma or reactive airway disease, their lungs may not be fully developed, and they’re more susceptible to getting pneumonia from the flu.”

OLDER ADULTS

As we age, our immune response weakens. Dr. Rodriguez highlights that those 55 and older should be vaccinated since common conditions like diabetes or hypertension can make flu symptoms worse.

PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women have a lower immune response and are more likely to experience severe illness from the flu.

“It’s very important when you’re pregnant to get the flu vaccine,” Rodriguez said. “It’s been tested, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology asks their patients to get it.”

PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Anyone with a chronic health condition — such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease — should get vaccinated to help prevent serious complications that could require hospitalization.

Dr. Nikki Rodriguez

Flu viruses change each year, which is why an annual vaccine is necessary.

“Vaccine developers look at the circulating cases of influenza A and B,” Rodriguez said. “They get those prominent cases and end up making the vaccine from that. That’s why we do see it being highly effective in many years.”

Even if you do catch the flu after being vaccinated, it’s likely to be much milder.

“If you look at people who get the flu that are unvaccinated, you’re looking at a five- to seven-day illness,” Rodriguez said. “With a vaccine, it’s cut down to one to two days, maybe three days maximum with minimal symptoms.”

COMMON FLU SHOT MYTHS

Rodriguez also addresses one of the most common misconceptions: the idea that the flu shot can cause the flu. While you might experience mild side effects like a slight fever or body aches, they typically last less than a day.

She also reminds patients that you can catch the flu before symptoms show up in others.

“You’re contagious almost 24 hours before the symptoms start,” she said. That’s why vaccination is so im-

portant — it protects you and helps prevent unknowingly spreading the virus to others.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

Rodriguez encourages everyone to get vaccinated together as a family.

“We go together because I know my little ones, some of them are afraid to get it,” she said. “Once they see their older brother and sister or grandma get it, then they feel more comfortable.”

Flu shots are available now at Norman Regional’s primary care clinics and local pharmacies.

“It’s really actually a two-second process,” Rodriguez said. “You walk in, you’ll get the flu shot, and then afterwards you may have a little discomfort, but it goes away pretty quickly.”

The bottom line? Getting your flu shot is quick, safe and effective — and it helps protect the people you love most.

WHERE TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT

You can receive a flu shot at any Norman Regional primary care location, through your family physician or at local pharmacies throughout the community. Call 405515-5000 to find a primary care provider near you, or schedule an appointment online at normanregional. com/norman-regional-online-scheduling.– BSM

Spacious

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

LT. JUSTIN WISHON

Lt. Justin Wishon grew up in Harrah and graduated from East Central University’s Collegiate Officer Program in Ada. In March 1999, he was immediately hired by the Norman Police Department (NPD) and has been there ever since.

During his time with NPD, Wishon has worked all three patrol shifts, served in Professional Standards and became a lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective in 2010. Now he’s back in patrol as a front-line supervisor.

“I like patrol; it’s the backbone of law enforcement, and we rotate every three years, so now it’s my turn,” Wishon said. “This lets somebody else get that experience in investigations.”

Wishon has been a part of many special teams, including 21 years with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), where he was an assistant commander. Today, that team is the South Metro SWAT team, which combines Moore with Cleveland County. Wishon was the field training officer for the Honor Guard and the technical investigator of Crime Scene Investigations. He’s also assisted with public information officer tasks.

As an assistant officer of the Incident Command Team, Wishon helped when tornadoes or severe weather or other major incidents occurred by assisting with the incident command structure. He has also been a law enforcement trainer.

“Our officers are a group of people dedicated to doing the right thing for the right reasons,” Wishon said. “I’m super proud of all the people I work with and can’t think of a single person, even the new ones, who won’t do whatever they can to do a good job. Norman is a pretty safe community because of that.”

He also said every officer, even traffic enforcement, is trying to make our community safe. Wishon said he enjoys patrol because he deals with people on the worst days of their lives and sometimes the best.

“I have a front-row seat to both aspects of humanity, and I like to think I have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Thinking back across his career, Wishon said the issues in 2020 with defunding were stressful. His career has been “very cyclical,” and overall he believes “there is support for law enforcement and now we’re on the upswing again.” Wishon said officers are often told by people in the community that they appreciate them.

“This helps not only change the tide but also helps with the morale of officers,” he said. “Support from our community is very much appreciated and needed. We’re working hard, mow our yards, cook for our families and take our kids to practice, just like everyone else.”

On behalf of the state of Oklahoma, NPD is currently in the process of applying for the State of Oklahoma Incident Management Assistance Team and will handle special events assigned to it. Last year, Wishon responded to Hurricane Milton in Florida as part of the Oklahoma team. Wishon said it can be events in other states, and if they are asked to assist, they will if they can.

“Wildfires in Oklahoma need a state team to manage that,” he said. “A text or email can be sent out like we’ve done a few times before. ... Our job is to fight through the chaos and help bring the event back to normalcy.”

When not at work, Wishon and his wife of 31 years are basically homebodies who enjoy hanging out together.

“We like to travel, but we also like to stay home,” he said.

The couple enjoys visiting their two sons who are in the military, the oldest in Washington state and the youngest in Georgia. Their 17-year-old daughter plays sports for Community Christian School, and the Wishons enjoy traveling to her events. – BSM