BOYD STREET
PARKS LEGACY
Norman High’s Keeley Parks Named 2X Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year
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CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
District Shines Spotlight on
Educators
& Staff During Annual Awards Ceremony
Center: Dr. Bryan Frenette, District Teacher of the Year
Norman Public Schools honored outstanding educators and staff during its annual Celebration of Excellence, an event recognizing excellence across various roles and career stages. Among the honorees was Dr. Bryan Frenette, 10th-grade biology and advanced placement biology teacher at Norman High School, who was named the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
“Tonight is about celebrating the good things in public education. You are the true gems of Norman Public Schools,” Dr. Nick Migliorino said to teachers and staff in attendance. “These educators and staff members are the heart of our schools, and their work deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”
Dr. Frenette began teaching at Norman High in 2019 after earning a doctoral degree from Kansas State University. Originally from a small town in New Brunswick, Canada, he moved to Oklahoma as a high school junior. He later pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Oklahoma, driven by his childhood experiences in nature and a desire to understand the world around him.
“From a really young age, I spent most of my time outdoors,” he shared. “I felt a pull towards biology to figure out the world around me and how it worked.”
While at OU and KSU, his research focused on the ecology of freshwater fish across the Great Plains. As a graduate student, he also taught college courses, which is where his passion for teaching grew.
“At a certain point, I began to put more time and focus into teaching because I was impacting students and helping them develop their own passion. That really resonated with me,” he said.
Dr. Frenette now aims to foster the same curiosity in his students at Norman High School.
“A big driver in my classroom is to never lose the passion for the things you are curious about,” he said.
“As a whole, we have so much access to information that we don’t’ always know what to do with it, we don’t dig deeper.
“I want students to constantly want to learn, think critically, and potentially be a part of solutions.”
He described his teaching style as “controlled chaos,” and added “I model what it’s like to be a scientist because I want to encourage kids to find their voice, get creative, break things, and try again.”
He said that being named District Teacher of the Year was affirming.
“What motivates me to keep pushing is the impact I am having,” he said. “I feel really honored, but I don’t want to get comfortable. This is a good challenge to keep pushing.”
In addition to Dr. Frenette, several other educators and staff members were recognized at the event:
• Rookie Teacher of the Year Molly McAmis, Norman North High School
• Special Education Teacher of the Year Stephanie Peters, Jackson Elementary
• Lois K Annesley Support Employee of the Year Cathy Brawner, Transportation
• Principal of the Year Dr. Catherine Miller, Jefferson Elementary
• Public Ambassador of the Year Norman Public Schools Foundation
Learn more about each honoree at normanpublicschools.org/page/teacher-of-the-year.– BSM BY:
Center: Stephanie Peters Center: Molly McAmis
Center: Cathy Brawner Center: Dr. Catherine Miller
Summer Summer Camps Camps
OU FOOD PANTRY
Over the past eight years, the OU Food Pantry has continued to grow and increase its impact at the University of Oklahoma. A student-led initiative, the pantry is a free resource that supports OU’s students, faculty and staff.
In early 2016, OU’s Student Government Association started exploring the possibility of creating a food pantry to address food insecurity and hunger on campus. That goal became a reality with the OU Food Pantry’s ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22, 2017. Initially located in Stubbeman Village, the pantry moved to its current location in Cate Center in August 2022.
Matt Marks was one of the undergraduate students involved in establishing the pantry. He’s continued to work with the organization and is now the assistant director and advisor.
“We serve a unique community since it’s just the campus community,” Marks explained. “I think some folks don’t understand or might not know that we serve staff as well as the college students. We want to be there for the students who may be paying their way through college or who are going through a tough time, and we have staff members who need assistance too.”
The move to Cate Center was a significant one, providing the pantry with additional space and the ability to increase its services.
“We have all this space now to really make some incredible things happen,” Marks shared. “We expanded to have a clothing section, a community area and a fresh produce station. The move was a game-changer because our numbers increased, and we are more centrally located.”
When the pantry opened, it served about 20 or 30 clients a week. Now, it is supporting about 300 to 400 people a week, Marks said.
Volunteers and donors play a significant role in the food pantry. Over the years, Marks has been fortunate to work with incredible students who want to help others. The student staff serves on a variety of teams, including operations, logistics and development.
“They want to go help and change the world,” Marks stated. “It’s really powerful to work with a great group of students who get it and believe in what we are doing on campus.”
This year, the OU Food Pantry has its largest student staff, which is comprised of 90 students in volunteer leadership roles. Additionally, hundreds of volunteers help out on a weekly basis.
“We can make a difference with what we’re doing, and you can see that impact on a day-to-day basis,” Marks said. “Here at the food pantry, you can see the change right on the spot. You might be helping a
BY: CHELSEY KOPPARI
“We can make a difference with what we’re doing, and you can see that impact on a day-to-day basis.”
- Matt Marks
client fill an order, you hand them their bag and they take it home. You get that face-to-face interaction. I think it’s really powerful.”
The OU Food Pantry relies on donations to operate, and there are multiple ways people can support the mission. The pantry accepts monetary donations as well as non-perishable food, toiletries and new or gently used clothing. People can also give through the pantry’s Amazon Wishlist or by volunteering their time as an individual or in a group.
People can also support the pantry through a variety of events, including an annual 5K, which was held last month. Other events throughout the year include an SEC Food Fight against other SEC schools and a Red River Food Fight against Texas to collect food, toiletry items and money.
“We have great ways to support us all year round,” Marks said. “We stay open during the summer even though most students will be gone because we still have students in summer school. There are endless opportunities all year round to support this.”
More information about the OU Food Pantry, including how to volunteer or donate, can be found at ou.edu/ foodpantry or on social media. – BSM
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BY: CHRIS PLANK
As the Sooner women’s basketball season came to a close, it was easier to put aside any frustration thanks to the incredible excitement for what lay ahead. Under the strong leadership of head coach Jennie Baranczyk, the future remains bright for this flourishing program.
The Sooners wrapped up the season winning 11 of their last 13 games, capping off with a trip to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. The only two losses during the final stretch came at the hands of the eventual National Champion and runner-up.
Oklahoma earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the highest since its Final Four run in 2010 and had the Lloyd Noble Center rocking during its 34-point win over Iowa. In their first season in the most challenging conference in women’s college basketball, the Sooners shined brightly and set an incredible tone for the future.
“The end of the season isn’t the end of the season anymore,” Baranczyk said. “You try to debrief as much as you can. You try to meet with everybody. You have the transfer portal going on, and you’ve got all these other things, too.
“But, you know what’s really neat is to be able to catch each player in raw emotion (to ask) what do you need to get better and what do we need to do better? How do we improve? I have been really impressed with our insight… to be able to really develop these plans for everybody.”
Part of this offseason’s craziness is the unknowns regarding the future of college athletics. With the looming house proposal, revenue sharing, and a potential NIL clearinghouse, the rules are about to change… again.
“I think that has been one of the biggest challenges for us. It’s not what it used to be,” Baranczyk said. “I love the basketball part. I love the player development, the individualized performance plans, and I’m trying to learn even more every day. Now you’ve got portal recruiting visits, and you’ve got to still try to manage the high school recruiting. There really is not a moment to take a breath.”
Despite the immediacy of the offseason, it is hard not to look back at the special season with pride and excitement. In its first season in the SEC, the Sooners battled against the nation’s elite week in and week out. They finished the regular season ranked 13th while maintaining a spot in the top 20 since the first ranking was released in December.
OU was battle-tested against elite competition since six of its seven losses came against the top four seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Aside from two losses to South Carolina and its season-ending loss to UCONN, every OU defeat was by 10 points or fewer.
The addition of All-American Raegan Beers and the improved play of Payton Verhulst helped elevate the Sooners, but the willingness of players like Skylar Vann to take on new roles and contribute at a high level made this team special both on and off the court.
After earning Big 12 Co-Player of the Year honors last season and leading the Sooners in scoring (15.1 points per game) and rebounding (7.0), Vann’s role changed drastically this season. With OU adding Beers, Vann was no longer tasked with playing in the post.
“It was hard but what kept me going was (my desire to) be a great teammate, to be a great person,” Vann said. “The fact that I was able to help (Verhulst) get through whatever and Raegan and my teammates in general, that they didn’t feel like I was shutting them out because of what I was going through means a lot because in that moment it felt like I was just on a struggle.”
Through the struggles, Vann did not waver with her focus and confi-
dence. In the first 23 games of the season, Vann averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds, shooting 42.1%.
“Going from player of the year in your conference the year before to struggling to buy a layup was really difficult because I didn’t really change anything,” Vann said.
“Coming home from practice, coming home from games, I could still talk to her about things that I was struggling with, and she would listen,” Payton Verhulst said. “I think that says a lot about her character and who she is as a person because, at the end of the day, she cares about other people. I think that’s why she stayed here at Oklahoma. That’s the culture that Jennie’s built.”
Despite the change in responsibilities, Vann excelled as the season progressed and saved her best for last, scoring a season-high 24 points in the first-round win over Florida Gulf Coast. Two days later, in her last career game at Lloyd Noble Center, she scored 17 in the win over Iowa.
“It’s really hard because you don’t want to leave it,” Vann said. “You’ve just built so many memories and so many connections and friendships. It’s hard to say bye to it. Now I’m just playing with joy, having fun. That has helped me and kind of break down those doors where I’m playing for everyone around me and I think that’s just made me feel super fluid in what I do.”
As the Sooners point towards the future, the commitment, sacrifice and hard work from Vann is something Baranczyk wishes she could get a few years more of. “Skylar is one of those players that you wish you could coach forever,” she said. “I loved sitting with her the first time in a press conference to the last time. She exudes this amazing presence and light. She stretched me as a coach. She just makes you keep raising the bar.”
As the Sooners prepare for the game without Vann, they will do so with a solid returning frontcourt revolving around Raegan Beers. Beers made a massive impact in her first season in Norman. An All-SEC First Teamer and AP/USBWA All-America honoree, the dominant center averages 17.5 points on 64.5% shooting and adds 9.3 rebounds per game. She secured 14 double-doubles and has scored 10-plus points 28 times this season, posting 20-plus in 13 games.
Her tearful press conference after the Sooners were eliminated told the story of how much it meant to her to be a Sooner.
“I have a phenomenal support system at home. That just makes the game of basketball so much easier,” Beers said, her eyes tearing up for the first time during the press conference. “I know my brothers were watching. And they’re probably yelling at me through the TV, I can guarantee it. My grandparents have come to so many games. My dad was also here, you probably heard his whistle that’s going viral. When you have that and they pour into you, the Lord has truly given me a gift to play basketball with people that I love, surrounded by so
many people that I love. And I cannot be more thankful for them.”
Beers’ ability to succeed goes back to Baranczyk’s foundation and a locker room that embraced her and the challenges around them like family.
“It’s always interesting when you’re in the portal season because you really want to gatekeep character, that has to be the number one thing,” Baranczyk said. “But you want to make sure that we still understand that this is collegiate athletics. You have to make sure that they still really want to earn that degree, be part of a team and what that team looks like.
“We’re in this incredibly chaotic time that you want to be surrounded by people that you really love, respect and care about, and that’s who our women are. I love when they get to talk about their faith and what that means to them, because that’s really what the program is.”
While Beers prepares for a return to Norman next season, the Sooner roster continues to add talent. Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 girls high school basketball recruit in the nation, is headed to Oklahoma.
“They match how I want to play; I want to play fast,” said Chavez of Oklahoma’s up-tempo guard play. She finished her high school career with 4,796 points,1,279 rebounds and 771 assists. Chavez was named a McDonald’s All-American, Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year for a second time.
In total, the Sooners will have five McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster for year two in the SEC. The Sooners are hungry to take it to the next level.
“There’s players in the gym right now which I love. We’re stuck in this phase of let’s get better today,” Baranczyk said. “I am so hungry right now because you don’t want to end the way that you ended and that fuels you. You get this new sense of energy that is going to drive you to be able to put together a team, to keep together a team, that you want to compete for the University of Oklahoma.”
In addition to the growing talent in the Sooner roster, the sport continues to grow in popularity. The Sooners appeared in a program-record 17 games on national television, including a record 11 broadcasts on ESPN or ESPN2. OU’s Sweet 16 matchup against eventual national champion UConn drew 1.9 million viewers, making it the ninth most-watched women’s Sweet 16 game ever on an ESPN platform.
In the stands, Oklahoma averaged 5,450 fans per game at Lloyd Noble Center - the program’s highest mark since the 2012-13 season. The Sooners ranked 17th nationally and fifth in the SEC in average attendance.
“That gave you more hope seeing that crowd in the Iowa game and people saying this team is really a special team,” Baranczyk said. “I felt so great about the intensity and the passion for Oklahoma in that arena. I loved the way that our players came out. I thought that was so incredible.
The upward trajectory of Oklahoma women’s basketball is undeniable. The passion is evident, the growth is steady, and the momentum is building. For Baranczyk and her talented squad, the start of next season can’t come soon enough as they look to turn the page and leave behind the frustration of how this past season ended.– BSM
SOONER SPRING FOOTBALL
BY: CHRIS PLANK
Ben Arbuckle
Dreiling brings his hands-on approach to the linebacker room after spending last season as the interim coach at Utah State. The 34-year-old has already been a defensive coordinator at three different stops and was a standout linebacker during his playing days at Pittsburg State.
“You always try to think ahead at linebacker,” Dreiling said. “Linebacker is not about how fast you run. It’s awesome if you could run fast, but it’s how fast you process, right? And how do you process fast? By having fast eyes, by knowing what’s coming ahead, by film study. It’s all those little things and that’s what I try to instill in our players. For me, it’s all eyes. It’s all mental up top.”
Dreiling had taken the defensive coordinator position at Arkansas State when Venables called him with an opportunity to come to Norman. Dreiling jumped at the chance to coach with one of the greatest defensive minds in college football and has relished it since his first moments stepping on campus.
“It’s been very special, and my time here has been awesome so far. I’ve learned a lot and the best part about this place is the players that Coach V has brought in,” Dreiling said. “We don’t have any ‘issue’ kids on the team. It’s a bunch of people that are hungry and humble and wanting to get this thing going where it needs to be. I think we’re all excited for that next chapter.”
Spring football will continue to evolve and change as the college football schedule is reevaluated and adjusted. But for the upcoming season, the Sooners appear to have taken full advantage of the opportunity to get better and install a new offensive approach. With solid leadership and the addition of enthusiastic and talented coaches, Oklahoma is on a solid path towards marked improvement in the 2025 season.– BSM
John Mateer
Nate Dreiling Wes Goodwin
PARKS LEGACY
Photos by: Mark Doescher
Norman High’s Keeley Parks Named 2X Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year
BY: CHRIS PLANK BY: CONNOR PASBY
From her freshman to her senior year, Keeley Parks was a player to watch for the Norman Tigers. Parks ended her high school career with a 83-26 record, including a trip to the state championship in 2023 and the state semifinals in 2025.
The two-time Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year averaged 25.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.2 steals and 3.9 assists per game in her senior year. Head Coach Frankie Parks, who was named OGBCA Central Region Coach of the Year, credited his daughter’s accolades and awards to hard work.
“She was very fortunate to have older siblings to help show her that path along that way, and that started early for her as a kid. She was able to watch her sisters do their thing and then she was able to do it herself,” Frankie Parks said. “Keeley has put in a lot of work, and it started early in her childhood.”
Despite being injured and a game-time decision in this year’s state quarterfinals game against Union, Keeley still found a way to impact the game and help her team advance.
The Tigers were trailing by 2 with 12.3 seconds left in the 4th quarter, before Halyn Browning found Keeley Parks, who drilled a 3-pointer with 7.2 seconds left on the clock to keep Norman’s season alive. It was a moment Frankie Parks will never forget.
“I think this year’s state tournament stood out the most and was probably the most special out of the bunch,” he said. “Her ability to sustain that injury and show up for us at the end of the game with that shot was pretty special for me. I think that game helped cement who she was as a player, healthy or hurt.”
As a 5-star recruit, the next step for Keeley is playing college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. She announced her commitment to the Jayhawks on Nov. 24 and it was a surreal moment for the Parks household.
Mikayla Parks, Keeley’s sister, plays for the Kansas State Wildcats and won two state championships with the Norman Tigers in 2019 and 2021. With Keeley heading to Lawrence, the Parks sisters will be playing against each other in the Sunflower Showdown.
“That’s going to be pretty fun,” Frankie Parks said. “The competitive nature of the two has already started, when it comes to that rivalry. This is going to be a fun time for us as a family. At the end of the day, we look at it as being fortunate that we have two kids competing against each other.”
Keeley will be looking to continue her basketball success at the collegiate level in the Big 12. Her high school career may be over, but the all-time leading scorer has put her name in the record books at Norman High.– BSM
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• STATE TITLE APPEARANCE IN 2023
• STATE SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE IN 2025
• 2-TIME OKLAHOMAN SUPER 5 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• NAMED TO THE ALL-STATE TEAM IN 2025
• 2-TIME GATORADE OKLAHOMA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• 6A DISTRICT 2 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
CROSSTOWN SOCCER & BASEBALL
Photos by: Mark Doescher
CAPS, GOWNS AND CAREERS
Graduation in the Age of Workforce Development
As spring blooms and tassels turn, school graduations once again take center stage across the country. These ceremonies, brimming with tradition and emotion, mark not only an academic milestone but also a turning point—a launchpad into adulthood, the workforce or further education. But in today’s rapidly evolving job market, what happens after the confetti settles and the caps hit the floor is more important than ever. Graduation should be less about celebrating an ending and more about preparing for what’s next—and that means a stronger, smarter focus on workforce development.
The University of Oklahoma recently announced the next phase of their strategic plan, Lead On University. They are lasered focused on five pillars that will change the lives of their students – Lead, Empower, Ascend, Lift and Shape. The first five years of the Lead On plan have been transformative, I am anxious to see where this next phase takes our beloved University as they drive research and academic excellence.
As industries shift and technology transforms how we work, there’s a growing need for skilled labor, apprenticeships, certifications and alternative career pathways. In short, we need to align graduation with opportunity. One promising shift is the increasing integration of workforce development programs in high schools and Career Technology Centers. The Oklahoma Aviation Academy at Norman Public Schools and Moore Norman Technology Center’s Aviation Maintenance Technology programs are perfect examples.
Career and technical education programs at Moore Norman Technology Center offer hands-on training in areas like healthcare, aerospace/aviation, business, construction, information technology and logisticsfields where demand is high, and growth is steady.
Students who graduate with industry certifications often find themselves job-ready, debt-free and earning attractive incomes. That’s a narrative worth celebrating from the podium.
Another essential evolution is the growing partnership between schools and local employers. Internships, job shadowing and mentorships aren’t just resume builders, they’re bridges between classrooms and careers. Schools that collaborate with industry leaders are better equipped to train students in the real-world skills employers crave; problem-solving, communication, teamwork and adaptability. These partnerships not only enhance student readiness but also strengthen local economies. The Chamber is proud to partner with Norman Public Schools to align career paths with real world employment opportunities, allowing students to catch a glimpse of the opportunities right here in our own backyard.
Investing in workforce development means making sure every student can see a future beyond graduation day. That means funding for equipment, transportation and career counseling; it means outreach and support for students navigating traditional and non-traditional paths; and it means reimagining what postsecondary success looks like in the 21st century. Our local education entities are leading the way in these areas and setting a standard worth celebrating.
As families gather in arenas, gyms and auditoriums this season, cheering as names are called and diplomas are handed out, let’s not forget what graduation truly represents: a launch, not a landing. By weaving workforce development into the fabric of education, we empower students not just to walk across the stage—but to walk into a future full of purpose, skill and possibility. That’s a graduation speech worth giving.
Norman’s Newest Indoor Pickleball Hotspot PICKLE PICKLE HEY
Pickleball fans in the south metro area have a brand-new reason to get excited. Hey Pickle Pickle, Norman’s newest indoor pickleball facility, is officially open and serving up fun for players of all ages and skill levels.
Located just behind HeyDay Entertainment, this vibrant new space features five dedicated indoor courts, a full-service pro shop and convenient food service, making it a one-stop destination for active, family-friendly fun.
“It is such a fast-growing sport for all ages, and we felt it would fit well with the concept of HeyDay,” shares Reagan Bates, HeyDay’s assistant operations manager.
Hey Pickle Pickle held a soft opening around Christmas and celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting in March. The response from the community has been positive.
Players can drop in for a casual game, join a league or host private events like birthday parties by renting a court. Memberships are available but not required. The facility also includes a pro shop stocked with paddles, gear, accessories and a demo program so players can try before they buy.
“We’re tied right in with HeyDay so if a family comes over, and only a couple people want to play pickle-
ball and others want to go bowling or play games, they can easily walk over to HeyDay. It’s kind of a one-stop shop for family fun,” explained Jake Brydges, Hey Pickle Pickle’s general manager.
In addition to the courts, guests can enjoy cornhole, oversized Jenga, TVs, vending machines, and food delivered right to the courts from HeyDay. Hey Pickle Pickle currently offers open play, leagues and tournaments, with plans to add lessons with certified coaches in the near future.
One exciting new feature coming soon is open play tied to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) events, allowing players to track their skill level and compete with others across the country. Everything from court rentals to event sign-ups and waiver forms can be managed through the CourtReserve app.
Looking ahead, the facility plans to launch beginner clinics and fun social events like Dinks & Mimosas for those new to the game or just looking for a laid-back way to connect with others.
Whether you’re seeking a fun social activity or aiming to elevate your game, Hey Pickle Pickle provides the perfect setting nearby to enjoy the engaging, low-impact sport of pickleball. Check out Hey Pickle Pickle’s website for membership details and upcoming events at heypicklefun.com.– BSM
INDOOR AMENITIES
Central heating and air | Gourmet style kitchen
Granite-like countertops | Plush carpeting
Hardwood-like flooring | Stainless steel appliances
Full-size washer and dryer connections
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
BY: SHANNON HUDZINSKI PRESIDENT/CEO
FAMILY TIME ON A BUDGET: FREE WAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR KIDS
Spending quality time with your kids doesn’t have to cost a dime. In fact, some of the most meaningful and enjoyable activities are free! Here are some no-cost, fun and engaging ways to spend time with your kids without spending any money.
EXPLORE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Nature offers a perfect playground for kids, and it’s free! Take a walk in a nearby park, go for a hike on local trails or simply enjoy a bike ride around your neighborhood. The fresh air and exercise will put everyone in a better mood.
HAVE A FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Dust off those board games, grab a deck of cards or play classic games, like charades or Pictionary. Game nights are a fabulous way to connect, foster teamwork and teach problem-solving skills. If you don’t have traditional board games, you can create your own games or download some printable ones.
CREATE
ART TOGETHER
Tap into your family’s creativity with some arts and crafts. Use supplies you already have, like crayons, markers or scrap paper, to draw or make collages. Recycled materials, such as empty cereal boxes or toilet paper rolls, can be turned into fun DIY projects. For younger kids, finger painting or making playdough at home can be both messy and fun!
READ AND TELL STORIES
Reading together is one of the simplest high-impact activities you can do with your kids. Visit your local library to borrow books or reread family favorites from your collection. Storytelling is another great way to engage kids. Take turns making up stories or retelling family memories.
COOK
OR BAKE TOGETHER
It’s time for kids in the kitchen! Ask your children to help you prepare a meal or bake a special treat. Cooking is super-rewarding for kids and helps them learn about measuring, following instructions and safety rules in the kitchen.
HOST A BACKYARD OR LIVING ROOM ADVENTURE
Turn your backyard or living room into a place of adventure. Build a fort using blankets, cushions and chairs, then pretend you’re camping in the wilderness. Add flashlights, s’mores, sleeping bags and a few ghost stories for a memorable “camping” experience.
GET MOVING WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Encourage your kids to stay active with free physical activities. Put on some music, clear some space and let loose at your very own dance party! It’s a fun way to burn energy while laughing and bonding.
• Play a game of tag, hide-and-seek or hopscotch.
• Teach them how to jump rope or hula hoop. If they’re already skilled at these, have a competition to see who can do it longer without stopping.
• Try yoga together. You can look up online tutorials and find routines geared to every level.
VOLUNTEER AS A FAMILY
Teach your kids the value of giving back by volunteering together. You can help clean up a local park, donate unused items to a shelter or write cards for nursing home residents. Volunteering builds character while creating a sense of togetherness and purpose as a family.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER
Take time to learn a new skill or explore a topic your kids are curious about. Look up free online tutorials or resources on subjects like drawing, coding or playing a musical instrument. You can also check out educational resources at your local library or take virtual museum tours. Learning together fosters curiosity and shows your kids that education is a lifelong journey.
Use these tips to spend time with your family without even cracking open your wallet. Happy bonding!
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There might be more to that pinch in your shoulder than just the thrill of holding your latest win—it might be the aftermath of giving it your all.
You can count on Ortho Stat to provide same-day care for unexpected orthopedic injuries and conditions, so you can keep celebrating your victories without missing a beat.
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Local Medical Professional Shares Life-saving Insight on Stroke Awareness, Prevention a PREVENTABLE HEALTH CRISIS in CLEVELAND COUNTY
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Cleveland County and the leading cause of long-term disability in Oklahoma. Each year, more than 1,900 Oklahomans lose their lives to stroke, and nearly one in four stroke survivors will experience a second stroke within six months.
The encouraging news is that strokes are largely preventable. In fact, up to 80% of strokes can be avoided, according to Brandon Byrd, the stroke program quality administrator with Norman Regional Health System.
“The number one most important thing you can do to prevent a stroke is to have a primary care physician,” Byrd said. “Your PCP can help you understand your cardiovascular risks and provide accessible ways in your own community to reduce that risk.”
Byrd emphasized that primary care physicians support patients’ overall well-being, including their mental, physical and emotional health. For those without
a PCP, Norman Regional offers a simple way to get started—call 405-515-5000.
What is a stroke?
Stroke is a serious, time-sensitive medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends focusing on what they call “Life’s Essential 8” to improve cardiovascular health, which include not smoking, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, prioritizing sleep and managing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Byrd shared that research supports following a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, which can reduce the risk of stroke.
Brandon Byrd
Photos provided by Shevaun Williams
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:
CHIEF DEPUTY TAMMY RICHARDS, TREASURER’S OFFICE
Growing up in Little Axe rooted Tammy firmly within Cleveland County and imbued her with a passion to serve people. She says she loved attending Little Axe schools and being in a small rural environment. She also attended Mid-America Technology Center.
“Growing up, my family and my cousins on my mom’s side all lived on the same street and some of them still do,” Richards said. “We knew so many people. Even now, I feel like that’s still my home. My roots are there.”
During her 31 years serving Cleveland County at the Treasurer’s Office, Richards has brought that spirit of community into her public service.
“I started in 1993 with Treasurer Carol Lowery,” she said. “I knew Court Clerk Rhonda Hall, and she told me there was a position open, so I applied.”
Treasurer Jim Reynolds is the third treasurer she has worked under.
“I started at the window as a teller, then I moved to bookkeeping,” she said. “I was at the window for five years and I’ve been a supervisor ever since.”
Richards worked in bookkeeping for two decades before moving to balancing. For the last couple of years, she has been the chief deputy—the second in charge serving directly under Treasurer Reynolds.
In her current position, Richards often facilitates good public service by assisting employees in the office. She also serves other Cleveland County staff who come seeking information.
“I enjoy solving puzzles,” she said.
The Treasurer’s Office is the county’s bank. It collects taxes and distributes them to cities, schools, the multi-county library system and other county entities.
“We are the official depository for Cleveland County government,” she said. “We take in funds from the other offices and balance the bank statements.”
This includes everything from public safety sales tax dollars to grant money and reimbursements.
As chief deputy, Richards oversees more than 20 people. The Office has four departments and five different supervisors. She also works closely with Treasurer Reynolds and serves as a liaison with employees from other offices.
“A lot of times the problems I solve are with the computer or with the system,” she said. “I also help make decisions on the best way to handle things that come up.”
The busiest time of year for the Treasurer’s Office is tax time in December. It can present interesting challenges as they work to serve people paying their property taxes.
“We’ve had people bring money in the sock they were wearing and had to take their shoe and sock off to pay taxes,” she remembered, laughing. “That was many years ago.”
Most property taxes are paid by the mortgage companies that hold the loans, but people who have paid those loans off or who borrowed privately must pay at least half their taxes by December 31. While online, mail and drop-off box options are available, Tammy said they still have many people who line up to pay in person each year, keeping staff busy through the end of December.
“I love the work, but my favorite thing is the people,” she said. “I just like helping people.” – BSM
