Come play with your Wild Card throughout March to win your share of $250,000 in our Love Struck Luck giveaway. Grand prize drawings on Fridays.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mark Doescher COPY EDITOR
Koppari
Mark Doescher
CONTRIBUTORS
Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin
Nancy Coggins | Lindsay Cuomo
Mark Doescher | Shannon Hudzinski
Connor Pasby | Scott Martin
Chris Plank | Dan Schemm
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Trevor Laffoon - trevor@kref.com
Perry Spencer - perry@kref.com
Vinyard
(405)
6 VS LOUISIANA • LOVE’S FIELD 5:30PM • SOONERSPORTS.COM
13-15 VS AUBURN • LOVE’S FIELD SOONERSPORTS.COM
SOONER BASEBALL
13-15 VS TEXAS A&M • KIMREY FAMILY STADIUM SOONERSPORTS.COM
COMMUNITY EVENTS
HALL OF HONOR LUNCHEON • NPS CENTER FOR ARTS & LEARNING
11:30AM - 1PM • 3801 JOURNEY PARKWAY • NORMANPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG 5 THURSDAY AFTER HOURS • VISION BANK
5-7PM • 3600 W MAIN ST SUITE 100 • NORMANCHAMBER.COM 7 COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE FESTIVAL
9AM-4PM • CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • ROSEROCKHABITAT.ORG
COFFEE WITH THE COUNCIL • COMMERCE BUILDING
8-9AM • 424 W MAIN ST • NORMANCHAMBER.COM 12 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON • NPS CENTER FOR ARTS & LEARNING 11:30AM - 1PM • 3801 JOURNEY PARKWAY • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS • 828 REAL ESTATE
5-7PM • 2107 W MAIN ST • NORMANCHAMBER.COM 25 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS • 1NB
8-9:15AM • 716 WALL ST • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
RIBBON CUTTING • SOUTH CENTRAL CASA
4:45-5PM • ARMSTRONG BANK - 401 W MAIN ST SUITE 440 • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
NORMAN’S SPRING LINEUP
As winter fades and days grow longer, Norman’s calendar begins to open up in new ways. The months ahead bring a steady rhythm of events that pull people outside and into shared spaces, unfolding from early-season celebrations into music, cultural gatherings and high-energy sporting events that stretch well into late spring. Together, they shape one of the city’s most active times of year.
O’CONNELL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION | MARCH 17
One of Norman’s most spirited early-season traditions, O’Connell’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration brings all-day energy to Campus Corner. A longtime landmark, O’Connell’s draws a crowd that fully commits, with music, themed food and drink and a scene that takes over the block.
STORMIN’ NORMAN HALF MARATHON AND 5K | MARCH 29
Stormin’ Norman brings runners and spectators together for a high-energy race weekend designed around a fast, flat course and a welcoming atmosphere. With cheering sections and strong community support along the route, the event is set to become a new spring tradition.
BY: DAN SCHEMM - VISIT NORMAN
MEDIEVAL FAIR OF NORMAN | APRIL 10-12
Held each year in Reaves Park, the Medieval Fair transforms the space into a weekend-long celebration of pageantry, performances, artisan vendors and hands-on activities that draw devoted fans and first-time visitors alike.
NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL | APRIL 23-25
One of the largest free music festivals in the country, Norman Music Festival fills downtown Norman with multistage performances featuring local and national artists. Built for discovery, emerging talent often shares the bill with familiar names, creating a lively, citywide atmosphere over several days.
MAVERICK CRITERIUM | MAY 30-31
The Maverick Criterium brings fast-paced cycling to the streets of downtown Norman and Campus Corner. Short, high-speed laps and quick turns make the race exciting to watch, while nearby businesses and spectators help give the weekend a festival-like feel.
JAZZ IN JUNE | JUNE 18-20
Hosted at Andrews Park, Jazz in June offers a relaxed way to close out the season with a free, multi-day celebration of jazz, blues and soul music. The open-air setting and curated lineup create an easygoing atmosphere for settling in and listening.
The calendar doesn’t slow down after the headline weekends. Pop-up concerts, campus events, neighborhood markets, races and outdoor gatherings continue to shape the months ahead. A full look at what’s coming up can be found at VisitNorman.com.
Proud Sponsor of United Way of Norman
SUMMER CAMP
For students entering 4 -7 grades th th
Camp Dates: May 26 - June 19
Perfromance Dates: June 18-21
Auditions Dates: March 27 & 28
Callbacks: March 29
Tuition: $500
MARCH 27-30
For students entering 8 -12 grades th th
Camp Dates: July 6-31
Perfromance Dates: July 30 - Aug. 2
Auditions Dates: March 27 & 28
Callbacks: March 29
Tuition: $500
In a donated space in downtown Norman, families gather each week to do something simple and restorative. They talk, play and remember.
Kaleidoscope Grief Support has become a steady light for Normanites during some of life’s darkest seasons, as it serves families navigating death.
Founded by Suzanne “Suzie” Price, Kaleidoscope grew out of her years in education. Price spent most of her career as a school counselor, where she witnessed how deeply loss can affect students.
“The beginning really came from my time as a school counselor,” Price said. “When the dad of some of my students passed away, we did what we could at school, but I noticed a marked change in the kids when they returned after summer break.”
HOPE AFTER LOSS
Price later spoke with the children’s mother and learned they had attended a grief camp. The shift she saw in the children touched her.
“That planted an idea for a grief support group for children,” Price said. “We did not have a community-based program like that in Norman.”
Inspired in part by models like the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, Price set out to build something local. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort has grown into a nonprofit that now serves children ages 3 to 18 and their families.
“We started with school-aged children and quickly learned we needed to incorporate their parents and younger children too,” Price said.
Norman Nonprofit Marks 20 years Supporting Grieving Children
Over two decades, Kaleidoscope Grief Support has served about 750 to 800 people, all at no charge. Its core service includes eight-week support groups that meet at First Baptist Church in downtown Norman. The groups are designed to help participants build coping skills, identify emotions and connect with others who understand their experience.
“Grief is among us and no one can avoid it,” Price said. “We want to be a place where people can be seen and heard.”
In addition to weekly groups, the organization hosts Camp Kaleidoscope, now entering its third year. The camp blends fun, creativity and emotional support.
“Children process through play, so our goal is for it to be fun, to take the kids’ mind off the sadness and changes in their family,” Price said. “In a week, we can do a lot to help build coping skills and show them they are not alone.”
Kaleidoscope also offers community education events, including a one-day program focused on grief during the holidays. The event addresses emotional triggers and the pressure many grieving families feel during the season.
Price shared a statistic that underscores the need for such services. About one in 10 children will experience the death of a family member by age 18.
Kaleidoscope Grief Support is a member of the United Way of Norman and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, which promotes the belief that no child should grieve alone.
“Children often do not have the context or vocabulary to express their feelings,” Price said. “It is all new, so they do not know what to ask, but they are feeling it.”
The organization’s work is powered entirely by volunteers, many of whom have backgrounds in counseling or education. Volunteers undergo background checks and receive ongoing training, with several attending national grief support symposiums each year.
“Grieving people are bringing us their children and entrusting us,” Price said. “It is important that we do our best.”
To mark its 20th anniversary, Kaleidoscope Grief Support is launching a 20-day social media campaign in March highlighting the organization’s history, impact and mission. The campaign will share stories, program insights and educational messages about childhood grief while also supporting fundraising efforts.
“This is both a celebration and an opportunity to educate,” Price said. “We want the community to better understand grief and the importance of making sure no child feels alone.”
Contributions tied to the campaign will help fund core services, including grief resources and Camp Kaleidoscope. For those supporting someone who is grieving, Price offers simple but powerful advice.
“First, be present,” she said. “You do not have to explain the why or try to make them feel better. Find quiet ways to support them, whether that is sitting with them, mowing the lawn, dropping off dinner or even paper products so they do not have to worry about dishes.”
“People need to have a space to be vulnerable, especially children.”– BSM
Experience Hallbrooke here, scan this. Enjoy.
We’re known as ‘your personal builder’ because we listen carefully to your needs and lifestyle. Our hands-on approach as a family owned business allows us to carefully control quality and costs. Our pride shows in every detail.
Visit our new furnished model home at 2036 Turtle Creek Way, Norman, OK 73071 in the Hallbrooke neighborhood.
YOUR PERSONAL BUILDER
BY: CHRIS PLANK
As the diamond sports season kicks into high gear, the University of Oklahoma baseball and softball teams are loaded with a balance of solid returners and exciting newcomers. It sets the stage for a promising spring for both programs.
OU SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Head coach Patty Gasso has set an incredibly high standard for OU softball, and there is no question that it has the pieces in place to continue to excel at the highest level.
In their first season in the SEC, the Sooners won the regular season conference championship and clinched a spot in the SEC Tournament title game before their matchup against Texas A&M was rained out. They advanced to the Women’s College World Series for the ninth straight season and 18th time in program history.
OU also earned four All-America honors and nine SEC selections, including two superlative awards. Sam Landry was named SEC Newcomer of the Year, and Gasso was selected as SEC Coach of the Year.
While most programs would give anything to finish as one of the final four teams standing, Oklahoma’s disappointment after falling short of the WCWS Championship Series and a shot at a fifth straight national title magnified the standard the program has created. Now, in 2026, the Sooners have reloaded. The returning players took the preparation for the season as seriously as the Hall of Fame head coach has seen.
“Probably the most prepared team I’ve had in a while,” Gasso said. “We’ve been working really hard. This is a really focused team.”
Part of the reason for the solid preparation has been the returning talent and the tone that they have set. Oklahoma’s offense returns the majority of its production from last season.
“The biggest reason why we are where we are right now is the way of preparation,” Gasso said. “They know the drill. They’ve been sharing. There’s a lot of leading and talking. They’re in that professional space where somebody will have an at-bat, and then she’ll come out and talk with the next hitter about what’s going on, what she saw and things like that. Although we are still a little young, from our experience last year, the things we went through have really, really paid dividends for this season.”
The Sooners return 87.1% of their hits, 85.9% of their runs, 84.8% of their total bases, 83.6% of their RBIs and 82.6% of their 121 home runs. They also return four All-Americans on offense and might feature one of their most power-packed lineups in years.
“It’s a game changer,” Gasso said. “Again, the strength of this team and their swings — I would not want to be an OU pitcher having to face this lineup over and over daily. The swings are good, and
they’re powerful, and they’re smart. I think, again, our experience last year has really helped us learn about being better hitters.”
OU also welcomes the nation’s top recruiting class. Center fielder Kai Minor was an opening day starter and has wowed with her speed on the bases and in the field. Pocola, Oklahoma, product Allyssa Parker looks to be a difference maker, and catcher Kendall Wells started on opening day and is already drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats.
“She just swings really hard,” Gasso said of Wells. “Once you hit a bomb, you want to hit another one, and you want to hit another one. And sometimes when you try to hit bombs, you’ll hit a sky-high fly ball. She’s going to be absolutely amazing when she starts to understand how this works, but I thought she handled herself really well as a freshman behind the plate.”
OU bolstered its talented pitching staff with two solid transfer additions. Sophomore Miali Guachino joined OU after a year at Ole Miss, while senior Sydney Berzon arrived in Norman after three seasons at LSU.
“Miali is really starting to reach her stride. She did some things over the break, and she’s stepping into something that we’ve been waiting for,” Gasso said. “Sydney Berzon is starting to reach her stride as well. I’m anxious to see these pitchers up against another lineup because that’s all I know is watching them against us. They can’t wait for that. They have the stuff to win.”
Audrey Lowry picked up right where she left off last season and has seemed to take hold of the Sooner ace role. As a freshman, she finished 6-0 with a 3.09 ERA over 43 innings, fanning 40 and walking only three.
“She’s really smart,” Gasso said. “I see her almost like a professional pitcher. She’s really growing into that. Crafty, smart, hard worker, everything you want, gracious, humble, will put the ball in anyone’s hands before her if needed.”
One of the most intriguing and fun storylines to follow in 2026 will be how Gasso mixes and matches her lineup. The talent is so deep and the competition is so strong that Gasso constantly challenges her roster to find new ways to make an impact in potentially new and even uncomfortable positions. Gasso said she told her players the importance of being versatile.
“You have to play two positions really well, and you’ll hit your way into the lineup,” shared Gasso of what she said to her team. “Defense, you can come in and be a defensive replacement, but you really want to try and hit your way into the lineup. Or maybe you have that short-game speed and maybe you can steal a base for us; you can find your way in that way. Defense is always very important to this program, and these players have found themselves playing different positions.”
OU softball came up just short of its ultimate goal in 2025, but the disappointment of not winning a nation- Photos by: Mark Doescher
al title has fueled an offseason of focus, development and growth. The Sooners appear poised and ready for a return trip to the mountaintop.
OU BASEBALL PREVIEW
Skip Johnson, OU baseball head coach, lives his life and prepares his team with a very simple message: one pitch at a time. That mindset and focus may have helped develop a new Friday night star in the Sooner rotation for a team with a unique balance of quality returning talent and exciting newcomers … sound familiar?
Roster turnover has unfortunately been constant for OU. Strong player development, especially on the mound, has enabled opportunities at the next level to happen sooner rather than later.
OU was picked to finish 14th out of the 16-team SEC in this year’s preseason conference poll. The Sooners finished 38-22 overall a year ago and 12th in the conference standings with a record of 14-16 in their SEC debut season. Replacing contributors like Easton Carmichael, Dylan Crooks and Kyson and Malachi Witherspoon is no small task, especially in the week-in, week-out challenge that is the SEC.
But don’t talk to Johnson about rebuilding. The Sooners have reloaded with one of the most talented freshman classes ever along with a solid portal class and a strong core of experienced returners. After months of getting the newcomers acquainted with each other and the Sooners’ returning players, Johnson is confident in what the Sooners have built.
“It’s been refreshing to watch those guys communicate with each other and talk to each other,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to understand that these young men are still amateurs — they’re going to make mistakes. The only thing we can ask out of them is to give us a good effort and have a good attitude and do what’s right off the field and what’s right on the field. And they’ve done it so far. This team really likes to play in practice, and they have really built continuity with each other.”
The first challenge for the Sooners is to develop a new Friday night ace. Last season, LSU transfer Cam Johnson was projected to have an impact that just never materialized. But Johnson refocused in the offseason and earned the right to get the call to start this season.
“He earned that,” Johnson said of the opening-day start. “I didn’t give it to him by any means. He earned that. He came in totally different. He’s always been a guy that had that talent. He’s done extremely well. Now, his test will be if he can be himself next week.”
Johnson didn’t disappoint in the season opener, striking out a career-high 11 in a win over Texas Tech.
“He’s always been a guy that had the talent,” Johnson said. “I just want him to be the best version of himself. He’s got some of the best stuff in all of college baseball. He’s got as good of stuff as most big leaguers.”
The catching duties this season will likely fall on the shoul-
ders of Brendan Brock, a transfer from Southwestern Illinois Community College, and Deiten Lachance, a transfer from McLennan Community College.
Brock made an immediate impact with a grand slam home run in his first game as a Sooner. He was a NJCAA First-Team All-American as a sophomore last season after recording 75 RBIs and 20 home runs with a .462 batting average.
“We have, really, two good catchers,” Johnson said. “Both of them were junior college All-Americans. They’re two totally different people. Brendan Brock is uber-athletic; he can fly and do a lot of things. Deiten Lachance is a throwback. He’s a guy who demands the respect of a pitcher and gets that communication.”
But perhaps nothing has generated more excitement than the talented freshman class. Johnson has been coaching baseball for 35-plus years, but he’s never had a freshman class this impressive.
“A lot of those guys will get to play,” Johnson said. “I mean when you’re talking about elite players, those guys are elite players.”
FUSON_BoydSt_1225.pdf 1 11/13/25 8:06 PM
The group is headlined by outfielder Alec Blair, who
ranked as the 52nd overall prospect in last year’s MLB Draft by MLB.com but was dead set on playing college ball. Blair was also a member of the Sooners’ basketball team, but he decided to focus solely on baseball with his ultimate goal of being a first-round pick in the MLB Draft.
“He’s dynamic,” Johnson said. “He can do a lot of things on the baseball field. ... He wants to be a first rounder, and he has the talent to do that.”
Amid the excitement surrounding the new pieces for Oklahoma baseball, don’t lose sight of the solid foundation in place. OU returns five starters and the top five hitters from last season. Jaxon Willits is the team’s starting shortstop and was the second leading hitter last season with a .302 average. Kyle Branch is back at second base after an SEC All-Freshman season, and Dayton Tockey, Jason Walk and Trey Gambill also return. Tockey drove in 32 runs last season, while Walk was electric in the field and at the plate.
The preseason polls and publications might not be sold on Skip’s Sooners, but if Cam Johnson continues to develop, the Sooners surround him and the new staff with solid defense and timely hitting, and the pieces continue to fall into place, Oklahoma could be a contender for Omaha. – BSM
THEATRE EXCELLENCE
BY: NANCY COGGINS
Norman Native Recieves Award from Governor
Jennifer Baker, executive director of The Sooner Theatre and a Norman native, was recently honored with a Governor’s Arts Award in Education.
The awards were presented in January by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Amber Sharples, Oklahoma Arts Council executive director, to 21 Oklahomans who have shaped the arts in their communities.
“I am honored and a bit blown away to be recognized among all these incredible Oklahoma artists and leaders of our industry,” Baker said. “But trust me when I say, I accepted this award on behalf of my entire team. Not only are they crazy talented and dedicated to the mission of The Sooner Theatre, but they are the best group of humans, and I am so proud to have them on my team. I’m thankful for our little theatre and the many opportunities and experiences it’s given to so many.”
Baker’s impact at The Sooner Theatre began more than 20 years ago. During her first summer with the theatre, she and a friend gathered 31 kids and held a summer camp production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Since
then, the Studio of The Sooner Theatre has grown into a year-round program serving more than 1,300 students through more than 70 school-year classes and summer camps.
Baker’s connection to the arts began at 5 years old when she attended a Norman Parks and Recreation Department summer camp. Throughout her life, she was able to participate in the arts because of generous scholarships. This experience helped shape The Sooner Theatre’s philosophy that arts should be accessible to all. Last year, the Studio provided more than $68,000 in scholarships to students who could otherwise not afford to participate.
Beyond Norman, Baker has traveled the country performing and choreographing for theatres, schools and corporate clients. She has served the Norman community on the boards of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Norman and the Norman Arts Council Roundtable and has been active in Norman Rotary. – BSM
Prestridge Sisters Power Jaguar Basketball SISTER ACT
BY: CONNOR PASBY
The Prestridge sisters have been a staggering duo to watch throughout their time at Westmoore High School. Both Kyiah and Aliyah have built a great foundation for Lady Jaguars basketball with Aliyiah making an early impression as a sophomore and Kyiah continuing to dominate in her senior season.
Aliyah has been averaging 14 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 4 assists per game. Kyiah leads the team with 23 points and 13 rebounds per game.
The Westmoore Lady Jaguars are toward the top of 6A District 1, and the Prestridge sisters are a big reason why.
The Prestridges have made a huge impact for the Lady Jaguars, and it’s a special moment for Kyiah to get to share the floor with her sister for her senior year.
“It’s the best thing eve” Kyiah said. “We have a lot of sister fight and arguments here and there, but it’s like funny arguments. Like ‘why did you shoot that’ and ‘why did you drive it on that play’. We always laugh and have funny moments. It’s just so fun to play alongside her.”
The Prestridge sisters both picked up a basketball at a young age.They were teammates early on as kids, and continuing that at the junior high level. The state started to hear about Kyiah and Aliyiah during the 2024-25 season, as they made a clamorous appearance at the 6A level.
“It was a big accomplishment for us to play at the 6A level together,” Kyiah said. “We wanted everyone to understand how good our duo is.”
Someone who knows this duo is first-year head coach Emma Andrews. Andrews has been a tremendous fit to Westmoore girls basketball and gets the opportunity to see Kyiah and Aliyiah up close.
“They have been two of the best players to coach in my whole coaching career.” Andrews said.” They support one another but also hold each other to a standard that people dream of. They are special because they believe in each other, and they believe in their team. I look forward to coming to work every day, and those two play a huge role in that.”
Aliyah still has plenty of time to decide her college plans and decision to play college basketball, but Kyiah has everything lined out and will be heading to the University of Arkansas.
Kyiah committed on Aug. 21 during a live volleyball broadcast on KREFSports.tv, surrounded by her Westmoore teammates.
You can’t talk about Westmoore girls basketball without mentioning Kyiah and Aliyah Prestridge. Obviously, there is still work to be done in the 2025-26 season, but they have made a huge impact as a duo in 6A girls basketball.– BSM
of a new
ERA
After almost nine years in the making, multiple plans, information sessions, a city council vote, legal challenges and an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, the Rock Creek Entertainment District has the green light to begin contruction. The final plans call for an arena that will house Sooner basketball and women’s gymnastics, retail, office space, residential areas and a parking structure.
The long-overdue replacement for the Lloyd Noble Center will begin construction as early as this fall and is targeted to open for the 2028-2029 academic year. Upon the release of the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision, several project proponents and university officials voiced their support for the district. – BSM
“Today is a victory for progress and the future...(and) the long-term benefits this district will bring our residents, our students and our local businesses.”
Matt Clouse • market president Valliance Bank & CCEDC chairman
“The future is brimming with possibilities for the City of Norman, Cleveland County, our university, athletics programs and student athletes. This district will grow our city and will present abundant opportunities for us to put on a display the power of the essential partnerships necessary to make this dream a reality.”
Joe
Castiglione • former OU athletic director
“To have an entertainment district like that and a venue like that, it’s a game changer, continuing to move this program and move the needle...a great day for Norman and a great day for OU.”
Porter
Moser
• men’s basketball head coach
“The whole place will generate excitement. We just came from a similar arena playing at Texas at the Moody Center where it’s a similar feel. It’s different and you hope that can really bring that kind of home court excitement.”
Jennie
Baranczyk • women’s basketball head coach
Oklahoma Supreme Court Paves Way for the Construction of The Rock Creek Entertainment District
“Very excited...the whole area is just booming...I’m really looking forward to having a district like that.” KJ Kindler • women’s gymnastics head coach
“If we host another National Championship, that’s where it will be held.”
Mark Williams • men’s gymnastics head coach
“This performance venue isn’t just about sports. It’s about creating a vibrant space where our community can gather, work and thrive.”
Lawrence McKinney • CCEDC president
“Super excited for Norman...a win-win for everyone...to see it move forward in this way with the arena and the entertainment district...is going to provide opportunities I think for all of us.”
Shelley Cox • owner Caymans
A MULTITUDE OF SERVICES
Family Says MNTC Offers a Variety of Resources for High Schoolers to Senior Citizens
Alex Seda’s experiences at Moore Norman Technology Center helped enhance his learning, while also catching the attention of his family.
The Moore student took engineering classes when he was in high school, and that involvement led to more awareness about the resources offered at the center, said his dad, Roberto Seda.
Alex’s younger brother, Landon, also took classes in the center’s biomedical program that he enjoyed, Roberto said.
“I feel like that experience at Moore Norman Technology Center with both of my kids has been a positive experience,” Roberto said. “I can’t say enough great things about the center.”
Roberto encourages other families to explore the programs and services that are offered at the center. High school students living in the Moore and Norman school districts can attend classes at the center tuition free during their junior and senior years.
Roberto said he also watched how his sons had the opportunity to explore career fields, which helped influence what they wanted to study in college.
Alex is now a senior at Oklahoma State University and majoring in computer science. He credits Moore Norman Technology Center for giving him “a really good foundation of engineering principles.”
He appreciated the hands-on opportunities that the center gave him to learn different engineering concepts,
which he still uses today. His plans are to pursue website development and services after he graduates. Roberto, who is an attorney and CEO of Seda Law Firm, said he’s also seen the benefits of other services that the technology center offers, including business coaching and professional learning opportunities.
Roberto also works with the center on an outreach effort for senior citizens. He and his wife, Becky, host the Senior Living Truth Series, an educational program that provides free seminars and workshops that focus on issues that interest seniors, such as health and wellness topics, home renovation and repairs or awareness of scams.
One of the host sites for the seminar series is MNTC’s South Penn Campus. Roberto said the outreach effort to seniors is one example of the multitude of programs and services that the center offers to the community.
He and Alex encourage other students and families to check out the career programs, training, seminars and workshops that the center provides. Alex said the center is a great option for students who want to learn more about a career field or pursue jobs in the trades.
“Find out what you like and actually enjoy and go to the place that will teach you that,” he said. “I think Moore Norman Technology Center is great.”
For more information about the center’s services, visit www.mntc.edu.– BSM
You don’t need years or a major life reset to move forward on a new journey. Our career-focused short-term programs are designed to help adults start a new career pathway. Now Enrolling:
• AUA
• CNC Machining
• CompTIA Security Plus
• CompTIA Tech Plus
• Home Inspection Pre-licensing
• HVAC/R
• Welding
Gregory Foust
Python Certification & JavaScript
Short-Term Graduate & Owner
Alpha Omega Technologies, LLC
Spring Shopping Local, Cheering Loud, Living Norman welcome a
March has a way of waking us up. The days get longer, the air feels lighter and Norman starts buzzing with the kind of energy that reminds us why this community is such a special place to live, work and visit. Spring is officially here, and with it comes a season full of opportunities for local businesses, for families and for our entire community.
One of the most noticeable shifts this time of year is spring shopping. As winter fades, Norman’s local retailers are rolling out fresh inventory, brighter displays and new reasons to explore our shopping districts. From Campus Corner and Main Street to our locally owned boutiques and specialty shops across town, spring brings a renewed sense of creativity andconnection. Shopping local doesn’t just refresh your wardrobe or home; it directly supports the neighbors, entrepreneurs and employees who keep our local economy strong. As you prepare for spring break, special events or just a change of pace, I encourage you to start your search right here in Norman.
Spring also means one thing to many in our community: OU sports are in full swing. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a spring season in Sooner Nation. Softball, baseball,gymnastics, golf, tennis, wrestling, soccer and track and field bring fans together and showcasethe talent, discipline and pride that define the University of Oklahoma. These events don’t just energize our campus; they ripple throughout our local economy. Game days fill our restaurants, shops and hotels, creating a win-win for visitors and local businesses alike. Whether you’re cheering from the stands
or catching highlights afterward, supporting OU spring sports is another great way to support Norman.
Of course, March also signals spring break, a time when families, students and visitors are looking for ways to relax, explore and reconnect. Norman is a destination in its own right, offering everything from outdoor recreation and cultural attractions to unique dining and entertainment options. Our parks and trails come alive in the spring sunshine, museums and performance spaces offer engaging experiences and our food scene continues to impress. For those staying close to home or welcoming guests, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a memorable spring break right here.
At the Norman Chamber of Commerce, we see spring as a season of momentum. It’s a time when ideas grow, businesses bloom and our community shines a little brighter. As you move through this month — shopping local, supporting OU or enjoying time off — I invite you to be intentional about choosing Norman. Every purchase, every ticket and every shared experience helps build a vibrant, resilient community we can all be proud of.
Here’s to a fresh season, a strong local economy and a spring full of possibility in Norman.
Double door refrigerator, icemaker, filtered water
Spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs
Large walk-in closets | Energy-efficient windows
Cox Quick Connect, allowing immediate internet
COMMUNITY AMENITIES
24 hour fitness gym
Club house
Swimming pool
Business center
On-site maintenance
GUARDING YOUR DIGITAL SELF ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCOUNT TAKEOVER SCAMS
Imagine waking up, trying to check your email or checking account — only to find you’re locked out of your own accounts. Unfortunately, your account has been taken over and the nightmare is just beginning.
Account takeover (ATO) scams are a fast-growing form of cybercrime. Let’s look at these scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.
WHAT IS AN ACCOUNT TAKEOVER SCAM?
An account takeover occurs when a scammer gains unauthorized access to a victim’s online account. The scammer may use the compromised account to:
• Make unauthorized purchases
• Access sensitive information
• Impersonate the victim to scam others
• Steal rewards points or gift card balances
• Spread malware to the victim’s contacts HOW DO THESE SCAMS PLAY OUT?
A typical account takeover scam follows four steps:
1. RECONNAISSANCE The scammer collects the victim’s personal info, such as their name, email address and birthday, through phishing emails, data breaches or malware.
2. ACCESS Using brute force (guessing passwords), credential stuffing (reusing stolen passwords from other sites) or social engineering (tricking the victim into revealing info), the scammer gains access to the account.
3. TAKEOVER Once in, they quickly change the password, recovery email and security questions so the victim can’t get back in.
4. MONETIZATION The scammer drains the victim’s account, makes purchases or sells the login credentials on the dark web.
All this can happen in minutes — and the longer it takes for the victim to notice, the worse it gets.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
Be on the lookout for the following signs of a possible ATO scam:
• Unexpected password reset emails
• Login alerts from unknown locations or devices
• Locked accounts you didn’t change
• Unfamiliar charges on your credit or debit cards
• Friends saying they got strange messages from you
• Missing funds, rewards points or order confirmations for items you didn’t buy
• Beware of phishing emails and texts. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments.
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized logins, purchases or changes.
• Update the security settings on your software and devices.
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts when using unsecured networks.
IF YOU’VE BEEN TARGETED
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to an ATO scam, act fast to mitigate the damage.
First, try to regain control of your accounts using password recovery tools. It’s also a good idea to contact the compromised platform’s support team. Next, change your passwords, starting with your email and then moving on to any other accounts that use the same or similar login. Enable MFA whenever possible and notify your credit union and credit card company as you may need to freeze or close accounts. Scan your device for malware, using a trusted antivirus tool to check for keyloggers or other malicious software. Finally, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov or IC3.gov.
Protect your accounts like your future depends on it — because these days, it just might.
Jay Jennings, MD
Surgeon
Rahal Y. Kahanda, MD
Colorectal Surgeon
Surgical care, focused on you.
Norman Regional's board-certified surgeons provide a comprehensive and compassionate experience for patients across southern and central Oklahoma. From minimally-invasive techniques to state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology, our team helps you heal faster.
For decades, colorectal cancer was considered a disease that primarily affected older adults. But that assumption is rapidly changing. In recent years, physicians across the country have seen a troubling rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among people under 50 — many of whom are otherwise healthy and active.
This shift has prompted major changes in screening guidelines and renewed urgency around early detection, prevention and access to care. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s our mission to increase awareness of routine screening guidelines and ensure our community knows colorectal cancer is highly beatable when caught early.
A CONCERNING TREND
Colorectal cancer is now one of the fastest-rising cancers in younger adults. Patients in their 30s and 40s are increasingly being diagnosed, often at more advanced stages because symptoms are overlooked or screening hasn’t started yet.
One of the biggest challenges is awareness. Many younger adults don’t consider colorectal cancer a possibility and may dismiss early symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or rectal bleeding.
“We’re seeing more patients under 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer than ever before,” said Mohamed Azab, MD, a gastroenterologist at GI of Norman. “The biggest issue is that many of these cancers could have been detected earlier — or even prevented — through routine screening. This should be viewed as routine screening, not symptom-based care.”
RISK FACTORS TO KNOW
While age is still a risk factor, it’s no longer the only one that matters. Several lifestyle and medical factors may increase colorectal cancer risk in younger populations, including:
• A diet high in processed or red meats
• Low fiber intake
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Type 2 diabetes
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
In many younger patients, there may not be one clear cause — making screening even more important.
WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
The good news is that there are steps individuals can take to lower their risk:
Mohamed
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
• Get screened once you hit 45 or younger if there is a family history of colorectal cancer
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes
• Know your family medical history and share it with your provider
Still, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. Screening remains the most powerful tool for prevention.
WHY COLONOSCOPIES ARE SO IMPORTANT
A colonoscopy doesn’t just detect cancer — it helps prevent it. During the procedure, physicians can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they ever turn into cancer.
Because of the rising rates in younger adults, national guidelines now recommend that average-risk individuals begin screening at age 45 instead of 50.
“A colonoscopy is one of the few screenings that allows us to actually stop cancer before it starts,” Azab said. “Finding and removing polyps early can make all the difference.”
MAKING SCREENING EASIER AT GI OF NORMAN
One barrier to screening has traditionally been access — but that’s changing locally. At GI of Norman, getting a colonoscopy is designed to be simple and fast.
Patients can be seen within a week, and established patients have the option to self-schedule their colonoscopy without needing an additional office visit first. For many average-risk adults, this direct-access approach removes unnecessary delays and makes preventive care more convenient.
“We’ve worked hard to remove barriers to screening,” Azab said. “If someone is due for a colonoscopy, we can often get them scheduled and seen within days — not months.”
DON’T WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but early stages often have no symptoms at all. That’s why proactive screening is so critical, especially as the disease becomes more common in younger adults.
“If you’re 45 or older — or younger with risk factors — don’t wait for symptoms to appear,” Azab said. “Screening saves lives, and it’s easier than most people expect.”
ISERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
EMILY BRESLIN
n July 2025, the Norman Police Department created a mentor program in the Emergency Communications Division designed to assist dispatch operators with their job. Late last year, Emily Breslin received a lateral promotion and became the first person to oversee the role, which was no surprise because she was awarded the communications officer of the year for 2024.
Breslin helps build up the knowledge and career development of staff in her department to help them when they become supervisors.
“As the first mentor, I get to help shape the mentor program for our communications division, so I get to format how that looks for future mentors,” Breslin said. “I also get to help in our dispatch academies. It’s been fun because I am the person who trains new dispatchers while they’re in the academy. I love seeing their excitement.”
Breslin and her family moved to Oklahoma when she was 14 years old. Growing up, she dreamed of going into the FBI, but three back surgeries later, she realized that wasn’t in the cards.
While Breslin was working at a physical therapy clinic, her police officer brother suggested she go into police work. Breslin thought that fit perfectly into her plan to help people and applied for a dispatch position with Norman PD.
She was hired in 2022 as a communications officer I. She said she “basically started out as a call taker, working animal welfare and parking radio.” Asked what a normal day looks like on her job, she said there are no normal days.
“In January, we had a pig stuck in a shallow pool I dispatched on,” Breslin said. “It was a 350-pound pig that we called the fire department to help with. ... Working the radio can be just as much fun as working fire and EMS.”
In her role, Breslin takes calls and dispatches them. What Breslin likes the most about her job is that “there are no two days exactly the same.” Her job is set up to work four-hour blocks with fire and EMS on one radio and patrol on the other.
“That makes every day completely different,” Breslin said. “My shift may start with four hours of crazy calls with officers taking people to jail and then the next four hours could be working on a grass fire.”
Prior to stepping into the mentor role, Breslin worked afternoon shifts from 4 p.m. to midnight. She remembers the time she received a call from a mom who
said her 6- to 8-month-old was laying on the changing table unable to breathe. After walking the mom through CPR, the moment Breslin heard the baby crying, she felt the relief of being able to help.
“A lot of people don’t know how to do CPR, so one of the rewarding parts of my job is being able to walk someone through that,” she said.
As a recruiter for the Emergency Communications Division at the Norman PD, Breslin regularly goes to schools and events to help recruit there.
“I especially go with our police officer who recruits for the PD,” Breslin said. “Events such as National Night Out are a great place to recruit as well as high school career fairs. I enjoy giving people an option they may not have thought about. The police department is not just about being a police officer. There are lots of office jobs too.”
For people thinking about going into emergency communications, Breslin says it is a career, not a job.
“You will be dedicating a lot of time and energy into this, and it not only affects you, but your family too,” Breslin said. “You’re going to spend a lot of holidays and birthdays at work. It’s not a 9-5 job. It’s a 24/7 career, so although it’s super rewarding, you also have to take into consideration the effects it may have on you and your family.”
Breslin said she’d like for people to understand that technology is ever-changing and that sometimes it can fail.
“When we ask ‘silly’ questions to callers like verification of their address, we are ensuring we are getting people out to them as fast as we can, and are getting them the help they called for,” Breslin said. “We are double checking the address because we don’t want to send our emergency staff to the wrong address because technology failed.”
When not at work, Breslin steps outside of the 24/7 bubble to take care of herself by staying active. She enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with people outside of work, especially friends and family.
• Remotely send and receive wires instantly.
• Review and approve key transactions with a simple tap.
• Real-time fraud alerts protect your hard-earned revenue.
GoBizFFB – the app that works as hard as you do. Get a preview at FFB.com/GoBiz
