Boyd Street Magazine December 2022

Future Aviators

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Shopping Local for the Holidays

Gift Guide

Sooner Basketball

Locked In

December 2022 • Issue 12 • Volume 21

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Features

DECEMBER CONTENTS 2022

ISSUE 12– VOLUME 21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

Meeting Needs in Norman

16 by Staff Reporter .

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

Food and Shelter expands services with new shelter site, additional food resources

Oklahoma Aviation Academy

20 by Lindsay Cuomo

Norman Public Schools opens new academy aimed at preparing students for careers in aviation and other STEM fields.

CONTRIBUTORS

Roxanne Avery | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Josh Helmer Shannon Hudzinski | Chris Plank

30

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Keeping Norman Beautiful

22 provided

City of Norman Solid Waste Division Manager Bret Scovill named 2022 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Model Employer

26 provided

INSURICA Named 2022 Best Agency to Work For by Insurance Journal Magazine.

38

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission.

Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.

Spotlights 13 Community Calendar What’s Happening

Featured Back

30 by Chris Plank

Staff

Eric Gray realizes his potential powering the Sooner offense.

48 Ortho Stat

Norman Regional Hospital:

Locked In

38 by Chris Plank

Year 2 of the Porter Moser era begins.

44

Winter Prep Sports Preview

44 by Josh Helmer

by Lindsay Cuomo

60 Lt. Say’sha Cornish Service Spotlight:

by Roxanne Avery

Previews of basketball, wrestling and swimming season.

64 by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

How to Budget in Times of Inflation

Gift Guide

53 by Staff

Unique gifts for the holiday seasons.

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COM M U N I T Y

Meeting Needs in Norman

F

ood and Shelter, Inc. is known for the many ways the organization fulfills its title mission: helping people in and around Cleveland County meet basic needs. The nonprofit continues to rise to the occasion, most recently with the opening of a new shelter in Norman at 109 W. Gray.

“Our plan is to transition the space into a year-round shelter,” said Executive Director April Heiple. “As Oklahomans, we already know about our state’s extreme heat and extreme cold but there is also just an extreme need for unhoused people to find respite.”

Food and Shelter operates the new center privately but rents the space from the City of Norman. The property was previously used for storage. When the City’s warming shelter closed in June, a request for proposal (RFP) process opened for services transitioned to be independent of municipal administration. Food and Shelter staff stepped up to apply their knowledge and proven skills at the new site, which opened Nov. 1.

The new shelter’s official name alludes to its hospitable but temporary nature: A Friend’s House. Beds are avail-

16 | December 2022

able to 26 men and 14 women in separate dorms for a total of 40 guests. Doors open at 5 p.m. and guests can check in until 10 p.m. A low barrier shelter, no ID is required to check in for a night and access related aid. All guests must be 18 and older to stay.

“We ask for names and basic information to comply with funder requirements,” said Heiple.

Food and Shelter staff and social workers work directly with guests from 5 to 8 p.m. to assess their needs, create a plan and connect them with additional resources.

A kennel partnership in the area is also available on an as-needed basis for those with pets, which can make it easier for guests to choose to spend the night inside.

“There’s a shared television available for movies, there are card tables and other activities. We’ve tried to make it feel like a friend’s house,” explained Heiple. “Homelessness lacks the wellness of stability that comes with housing. A person we’ll call ‘David’ slept here on our first night open and when he woke up and said ‘I feel like a whole new man’ because he got a full night’s sleep for the first time in a long time.

BY: STAFF WRITER

“Our community feels the macro needs, but we focus on micro needs for individuals. Access to a place to sleep and food to eat can mean the difference between feeling motivated, hopeful and healthier and simply being unable to keep moving forward.”

in the need for food support and have now started construction on a food pantry and free grocery store set to open in summer 2023,” said Heiple. “The number of people we have served throughout 2021 and 2022 is astronomically higher than before the pandemic.

Food and Shelter’s permanent location at 201 Reed Ave., about a mile away, is often the new site for guests to visit in the morning, where they can shower, eat breakfast, wash clothes and get case management services.

“What we saw initially was people who lost their jobs and needed a food pantry. Now, we are also seeing people whose paycheck is simply not enough because increases in the cost of food, gas and rent make a paycheck more like half a paycheck. It’s not necessarily people on the streets in tents and encampments necessarily; it’s also people whose money has been enough historically. It’s seniors and parents with kids. There have been a record number of evictions in Cleveland County. We are so ex-

Currently, no family rooms are available at A Friend’s House. Alternative spaces and motel vouchers are available from Food and Shelter for those who arrive with children.

Food and Shelter expands services with new shelter site, additional food resources “We are looking at different options for a true permanent shelter. We are trying to acquire land that sits next door to us on the north or south to meet needs of what we require as a shelter and be accessible for other services like meals and case management,” said Heiple. “There are also some buildings for sale in the right locations. We expect to know soon about land options.”

As a United Way Partner Agency, Food and Shelter receives community support in a variety of ways, all of which have donors’ generosity in common. Its work would not be possible without the support of local volunteers. The organization continues to see unprecedented numbers even in light of recent economic conditions.

“The pandemic hurt the poor so much more than the general population. We have definitely seen an increase boydstreet.com

cited to have the food pantry to offer in the near future because if people are fed, they’re more likely to be able to pay their rent and keep their family housed.”

Being able to give guests something they want at Christmas underscores each person’s humanity. Receiving items and monetary donations, volunteering or helping throw a party are just some of the ways community members can help this holiday season and beyond.

Visit Food and Shelter’s website for more information at foodandshelterinc.org or call 405-360-4954.– BSM

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E D U C AT I O N

Okl ahom a A v i a t i o n Aca d e my

O

ver 100 students began taking classes at OU’s Max Westheimer Airport this fall. These students are part of the inaugural class of the Oklahoma Aviation Academy at Norman Public Schools.

NPS opened the new public-school academy to help prepare the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.

The academy, which is open to Norman students as well as students from surrounding communities, utilizes curriculum from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to blend STEAM experiences and industry connections with Oklahoma academic standards.

Students have the opportunity to graduate with a private pilot license and two years of coursework completed towards a bachelor’s degree in aviation, as well as certifications in UAS (drones). Other opportunities include an industry certification as an aviation maintenance technician and courses in computer science, cybersecurity and engineering.

“We have all types of students,” shared Terry Adams, director of the academy. “20 percent of our students qualify for special education services, 25 percent are female, and 30 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch,

20 | December 2022

but every student is engaged in aviation and that is the anchor point that keeps the students highly engaged.”

The idea for the academy was brought to Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino and other NPS board members last November by ACORN Growth Companies managing partner and University of Oklahoma Regent Rick Nagel.

“Ever since the idea took root, everyone we’ve come in contact with, from OU to Moore Norman Technology Center to industry partners, has been enthusiastic and supportive of the academy,” Migliorino said.

Through his work on the Board of Governors for the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, Nagel is acutely aware of the critical demand for a highly skilled and trained workforce, especially in the areas of aviation and aerospace.

“Aviation is a $44 billion industry, the second largest and fastest growing industry in the state of Oklahoma,” Adams confirmed. “There is a severe shortage of skilled workers in all areas of the industry.”

Given the assets and community partners within NPS, plans were quickly underway to start the Oklahoma Aviation Academy in less than a year.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Norman Public Schools opens new academy aimed at preparing students for careers in aviation and other STEM fields “The University of Oklahoma and its various people and programs have been instrumental in getting the academy started, as has the Norman Economic Development Coalition,” shared Migliorino. “We are incredibly thankful for the community partners who have been part of OAA since the beginning. We are able to connect students with partners in various areas like higher education, career tech and industry, providing them multiple pathways to follow after graduation.”

“We knew we could help fill gaps in the industry,” Adams added. “Everyone I talk to in the industry wishes there was something like this around when they were in high school.”

Currently, most students spend half of their day attending classes at the airport surrounded by the day-to-day activities of the public-use runways owned by OU. “OU’s aviation program was recently named a top program and our students get to rub elbows with their students and staff every day,” Adams explained. “We watch planes take off and land and the students get to be emersed in the atmosphere. It is a great partnership.”

The academy has also been working in partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center. The tech center is currently working towards opening an FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School where adults can train in airframe and powerplant mechanics, with additional plans to expand to the program to accept high school students down the road.

“We have had tremendous community support,” Adams said. “The academy has had an exciting take-off and we are hoping to double our number of students next year.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, visit normanpublicschools.org/ AVIATIONACADEMY.– BSM

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 21

COM M U N I T Y

Keeping Norman Beautiful

C

ity of Norman Solid Waste Division Manager Bret Scovill took center stage at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to be recognized for outstanding work in sanitation and recycling operations throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Scovill will be named the 2022 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award winner, an honor bestowed to only 31 other Oklahomans to date.

“I had no idea this was coming,” Scovill said. “I could think of 100 people that were more deserving of this award than I am. I’m just incredibly honored.”

Fellow board members of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) nominated Scovill for the award in recognition of fervent efforts to preserve beauty and promote sustainability statewide for the better part of four decades.

Despite his best efforts to shift the spotlight, Scovill remains a key player and industry expert whose visionary leadership has brought to life projects such as Norman’s recently opened Household Hazardous Waste Facility and upward of 70 solid waste management operations for communities across Oklahoma.

“Knowledge is everything in this business and I love that I’ve never stopped learning,” Scovill said. “It’s not

22 | November December 2022

an age thing or an experience thing for me; I like to be surrounded by the people with the best ideas and those that want to continue learning too.”

In 2015, Scovill joined the City of Norman, carrying close-to-heart experiences that led him to think of safety first. He would also advocate for changes to create a more efficient and secure work environment.

“I’d gone to a household hazardous waste event a few years ago here in Norman and we had kids that were coming in to help who got an hour’s worth of training just to be put out around all this toxic stuff,” Scovill said. “I didn’t like that, and I was concerned from a safety standpoint. I’d been complaining and complaining about it, and I said, you know, complaining never got anything done. I jumped out of the chair, walked into my manager’s office and said, ‘We need to get a facility built before someone gets hurt.’ He said we absolutely did. And we built it.”

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility opened its drive-through bay in February 2022 and now services Norman utility customers with appointments at no charge. Not long after, ground was broken on the new Solid Waste Administrative Building – a 6,300 sq. ft. facility set for completion in Spring 2023.

BY: CITY OF NORMAN OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

City of Norman Solid Waste Division Manager Bret Scovill named 2022 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

“It has been the good fortune of the Solid Waste Division employees, that we have a community that is interested in the modernization of Solid Waste Management,” Scovill said. “When it comes to requests regarding the update of composting, recycling and staff facilities, the leadership of the City of Norman always responds with a yes.”

Scovill currently oversees 50 employees for six types of operations. He is unwavering in his team’s responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. When Scovill isn’t tutoring an up-and-comer or filling in the gaps of long-term planning, he is likely to be at a church, school or business

meeting illustrating how “being a good monitor of your waste stream starts at the cash register” and emphasizing the importance of reducing, as well as recycling.

“We recycle because it’s the right thing to do,” Scovill said. “It’s not a money-maker. It definitely isn’t the easiest thing to do. But it’s the right thing to do.”

Scovill, who turns 70 in February, said he has no plans of quitting any time soon. The Lifetime Achievement Award serves as another milestone in a legacy of love, learning and public service that he can’t wait to continue building.

Keeping Norman Beautiful - Part 2 City of Norman earns honors for Grounds Maintenance Excellence

T

he Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognized the City of Norman Parks & Recreation Department with an Exceptional Grounds Maintenance Honor Award during the society’s 2022 Green Star Awards Celebration.

“Our Parks Division takes great pride in the work they do and the community they serve,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jason Olsen. “We are honored by this award and commend the hard work of Parks & Facilities Manager Wade Thompson and his entire team.

Their efforts in keeping parks, playgrounds and recreational areas in top shape around our community are recognized and widely appreciated.” boydstreet.com

The Green Star Awards competition and program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction. The City of Norman was one of 19 agencies to receive an honor award.

Innovative planning and development for area parks and quality of life items are ongoing with several Norman Forward projects currently in the works, and master plan processes on the horizon. For the latest in all these Norman Parks & Recreation, visit NormanParks.com.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 23

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COM M U N I T Y

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INSURICA Named 2022 Best Agency to Work For by Insurance Journal Magazine

nsurance Journal, a national publication, named INSURICA the Best Independent Agency to Work For in America following an annual survey of employees.

According to the article published, more than 3,500 customer service representatives responded to their survey. While INSURICA regularly appears on the journal’s list of vote getters, 2022 was the first time the agency appeared at the top of the list.

Mike Ross, INSURICA’s president and CEO, said the honor ranks among the biggest awards ever bestowed upon the agency in its history.

“We are thrilled with this honor,” Ross said. “We are a relatively large firm with colleagues spread over more than 30 branch offices, but our community culture and collaborative efforts are seen and felt across the organization.”

Ross acknowledged the highly competitive post-Covid employment environment in which all insurance agencies find themselves today.

“It’s a challenge, retaining the years of experience we have here while hiring the next generation to handle the needs of our growing agency,” Ross said. “I’m thankful for the culture that we’ve cultivated over the decades. It’s truly the foundation upon which this agency is built.”

Jeff Beagle, the vice president of human resources at INSURICA, echoed Ross’s statements about recent challenges in workforce retention.

“This past couple of years have been hard for everyone in many different ways,” Beagle said. “This award is a

26 | December 2022

testament to our colleague’s hard work and dedication to live out our core values, a validation of the cultural created. We will keep striving to always be a best place to work.”

“Being a Best Place to Work is not a finite goal, it is continuous, and it takes all of us working together, being innovative, to continue to achieve that high bar,” Ross told Insurance Journal.

The Insurance Journal article said INSURICA’s “community culture was a top rave given to the company by the dozens of employees who nominated the firm.”

“One of the reasons this award is so impactful, is it isn’t a survey we initiated,” Beagle shared. “The journal does their own survey, directly to respondents. The fact that members of our community of their own fruition filled out this survey speaks volumes.”

INSURICA, headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is among the 50 largest insurance brokers in the United States and is currently the 29th largest privately held independent agency in the country with offices located throughout Oklahoma, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi and Texas.

Beagle said that INSURICA is hiring.

“As one of the largest independent agencies in the nation, we are looking for employees every day to help grow our INSURICA community,” he said.

To learn more about employment opportunities, visit insurica.com/careers/. – BSM

S P O RT S

C

onsistent, productive and constant - Eric Gray has been all three for the Oklahoma Sooners in a frustrating season. After a relatively quiet first season in Norman, Gray has been the breakout star the Sooners desperately need.

Gray has wowed during his senior season with his game-changing, play-making ability with jaw-dropping changes of direction and a newly found ability to run through defenders. The breakout season has been a magnification of his commitment and has rewarded an incredible amount of hard work and persistence.

In his first season with Oklahoma, after transferring from Tennessee, Gray did not have the results or impact he envisioned. The path was not easy but, in the end, it has been worth it for Eric Gray.

“I think last year I had some things to do mentally with my game that I overcame this year,” Gray said. “That has allowed me to play as well as I have.”

THE PATH TO OKLAHOMA Coming out of high school, Gray was the fourth-ranked all-purpose back in the nation and fifth-ranked prospect in Tennessee. Gray became the first-ever, three-time Mr. Football Award winner in the state of Tennessee and was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in the state during a record-setting career at Memphis’ Lausanne Collegiate School.

He scored 138 total touchdowns and rushed for 7,901 yards, wowing college coaches all over the country. He was rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports, where he was ranked the No. 99 overall player, No. 2 all-purpose back and No. 2 player from the state of Tennessee in the 2019 class.

With his choice of colleges, Gray had originally committed to Michigan, but reopened his recruitment and decided to go to Tennessee.

As soon as Gray stepped on the Tennessee campus in Knoxville, he made an impact. Gray rushed for a Tennessee freshman record 246 yards and three touchdowns in the Vols’ 2019 regular-season finale against Vanderbilt. He then had 86 yards and a touchdown in their 2020 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl win over Indiana, earning game MVP honors.

As the No. 1 back during his sophomore season, he led the Volunteers in rushing with 772 yards and four touchdowns on 157 attempts during nine games.

But after his second season in Knoxville, a coaching change was made, and rumors of NCAA violations swirled around the Tennessee program. In fact, Gray was held out of the Tennessee season as an investigation was made into potential NCAA violations. While Gray was never connected to any violations, Tennessee eventually fired head coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Gray decided his best path was to leave Tennessee. He elected to transfer on Jan. 20, 2021.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

“Vol Nation - I love you guys,” Gray tweeted. “You have been unbelievably supportive. Tennessee will forever be my home. You are the best fans in the country, and I just want to say THANK YOU for giving the young kid out of Memphis an opportunity to play at the next level. You are my FAMILY.” The Memphis native finished his Vols career with 1,311 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns (eight rushing, three receiving). Now, Gray was ready to take his talents to another Power 5 program at the University of Oklahoma.

“I kind of knew from the jump that this was the place I wanted to come to,” Gray said. “Looking at the past years, you see how great the offense is. I saw how great I could fit into the offense.”

30 | December 2022

FEATURED

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BACK

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 31

Gray was the third Tennessee transfer to join the Sooners program during the offseason prior to the 2021 season. Gray followed offensive lineman Wanya Morris and defensive back Key Lawrence, who also picked Oklahoma after entering the transfer portal during what was a forgettable offseason in Knoxville.

“We all didn’t even talk about it, it’s kind of just happened,” Gray said of rumors that the exile to Norman was coordinated. “It was definitely not planned. It was a coincidence for everybody just to come here.”

Now, Gray was ready for a fresh start in Norman and an opportunity to play for one of the most electric offenses in college football.

A FRUSTRATING FIRST SEASON The initial impression of Gray in a Sooner uniform was an impressive one. In the 2021 spring game, Gray showcased his change of direction, leaving a Sooner defender in the dust and scoring a touchdown on one of his four carries.

It looked as if the Tennessee transfer who left Knoxville looking to play a key role was going to accomplish his goal. But, as the season progressed, his role seemed to diminish. Instead of being a go-to back, Gray was more of a change of pace back behind Kennedy Brooks.

“You can either look at it as an obstacle,’” said Gray.

“Or you can look at it as an opportunity. You must make the best of your decision and ultimately you must go out there and dominate when you can.”

32 | December 2022

Gray finished the year with 412 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 78 carries. He finished the season third on the team in rushing yards, but Gray expected more.

“As a player… when things don’t go your way, you think about, ‘How can I get better?’” Gray said. “I think last year was just a way for me to get better. I think last season was a steppingstone for me and my growth to getting better physically and mentally.”

REMEMBER THE ALAMO… BOWL No play magnified the frustration of 2021 more for Gray than a late-game mistake against Oklahoma State.

His fourth-quarter muffed punt at the OU 5-yard line in a Bedlam loss to Oklahoma State switched momentum and sparked the Cowboys’ victory.

With the frustration of the loss still fresh, then Sooner head coach Lincoln Riley decided just hours after the gut-wrenching loss to take the head coaching job at USC. Gray was left to ponder what his next step would be test the waters of the NFL, potentially look at transferring again or stay in Norman and make an impact with the new coach, whomever that might end up being.

“When Lincoln (Riley) left, it put everybody in a bind,” Gray said. “DeMarco’s the reason I came, to be able to learn from a great, from somebody that played at that level I want to go to.”

Gray set an immediate goal to rebound from the poor play late in the season and start fresh during bowl preparation in hopes that a renewed focus would car-

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 33

34 | October 2022

ry into his senior season. In the Alamo Bowl with Bob Stoops coaching the team, Gray did just that.

In the win over Oregon, Gray ended with 127 total yards (including a season-long 48-yard run) to close his season on a high note and set a tone for 2022.

“As a player, you have those ups and downs. It’s not how many times you fall, it’s how many times you get up,” Gray said. “If you keep going and you keep driving, you have no choice but to be the best.

“Like my dad always says, you can’t keep a good man down long.”

MAKING HIS MARK Gray had made a commitment to make the most of his 2022 season. With the hiring of Brent Venables and retention of DeMarco Murray, Gray took on a leadership role, catching the eye of the new head coach during off-season preparation.

“Eric’s been a pro,” Venables said. “From the moment that we got here, he’s been the model of what it looks like. Eric’s been a great competitor. He always has this positive, matter-of-fact quality to him. It’s fun to watch that happen.”

Despite the struggles on the field for the Sooners, Gray has been one of the bright spots. He has been consistent; it all comes from his work ethic and desire to be the best he can be.

“The best players individually or teams collectively have a routine,” Running back coach DeMarco Murray said. “At the beginning of the season, you’re fresher.

You may not want to do those little things, but Eric has been a consistent player doing everything he can do to make sure he is healthy and successful and that plays a lot into the success that he is having.”

week of practice as a running back room, and I think it showed today. Big props to the O-line for getting me to the second level. It was great.”

When the Sooners hit the road for a showdown with Iowa State in Ames, Gray shined even while battling injuries. Against the top rushing defense in the Big 12, the Oklahoma Sooners’ top running back finished the day with 23 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and added eight receptions for 58 yards. The 31 touches were the second most he’d logged in a game and the most since he had 34 against Arkansas back in 2020 for the Tennessee Volunteers. It also came after Gray had spent three offensive series in the injury tent.

His toughness and physicality have found another level this season in leading the Oklahoma rushing attack and offense.

“He has been more physical, added some weight and has done a great job not only in the passing game, blocking game, but running the ball in between the tackles and in space making guys miss,” DeMarco Murray said of Gray. “He’s done a great job leading our group, being a leader offensively and on this team.”

THE FUTURE Eric Gray did not find himself getting too caught up in the NIL world in the offseason. In fact, Gray even turned down opportunities so he could stay laser focused on his senior season. A decision that has paid off as NFL scouts are taking notice.

Gray is likely headed to the Senior Bowl and is showing up all over NFL Mock Drafts and media draft boards.

Gray “just missed” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s top 10 in the running backs category. NFL Draft Buzz projects Gray as the No. 8 running back prospect for 2023 and has him going in the third round of the NFL Draft.

As the Sooners looked to right the ship after a 3-game losing streak, they turned to Gray to help change the momentum. In a must-win game against the Kansas Jayhawks, who came into a game in Norman ranked for the first time ever when the Sooners were unranked, Gray unleashed his best performance.

The next level is important, but Gray is staying focused on the present.

Gray carried 20 times for 176 yards and added a pair of touchdowns in the most productive rushing performance of his OU career. The Sooners beat Kansas 52-42 as Gray had a career day to end the mid-season skid. All totaled Gray averaged 8.8 yards per carry. He powered a Sooners rushing attack that went for a season-high 298 yards and helped Oklahoma return to the win column for the first time in almost a month.

The 2022 Oklahoma Sooner football season has not been what anyone expected. Through the challenges and the frustrations, Brent Venables has needed players like Eric Gray to buy in and put in the work. The payoff for Oklahoma was wins in 2022, but the payoff for the future of the program is invaluable.

“I ultimately think that all of our guys in the room stepped up to that challenge in practice,” Gray said.

“DeMarco talked about the Kansas week as our best boydstreet.com

“He’s concentrated and worried about this season but individually you have goals to play on Sunday,” Murray said. “I respect that, but he is the ultimate teammate and he’s putting this season first.”

“We have young guys that have a bright future,” Murray said. “They are following that same regiment with the example laid out in front of them that will help them to trend towards the direction that Eric Gray has taken.

He has been huge for the future of this program.”-BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 35

S P O RT S

Locked In

A

s Porter Moser embarks on year two as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma, the high-energy leader is driven by a desire to continue to get better.

a roster with a handful of experienced players mixed with an exciting blend of newcomers and youth that has put the Sooners in position to compete for a return to the NCAA Tournament.

The Sooners finished their first season under the direction of Moser with a 19-16 record and finished 7-11 in the challenging Big 12. Despite missing the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma was selected as a No. 1 seed in the 2022 NIT, but eventually fell in the first round.

The Sooners return 44.1% of their scoring, 52.9% rebounding and 38% assists from the 2021-22 team.

Photo by: Mark Doescher

In every aspect of the game at every level within the program, Moser is driven to be the best, both on and off the court, and pours his relentless passion and energy into getting better every single day.

“There’s nothing that I could point to that I’m not obsessed with getting better at,” he said. “I think that’s how you do it. We’re in year two, and I want to be better defensively. I want to be better offensively. I want to be stronger. I want to be better in situations. I want to have better togetherness. I want to be better shooting. We’re talking to our guys about that — it’s got to be constant and never-ending improvement. It’s got to be nonstop.”

In the transfer portal era, the Sooners have put together

38 | December 2022

“This year, having Jalen Hill, Jacob Groves, Tanner Groves, and CJ Noland… we have five guys that know what we were about,” Moser said of his returning production.

The focus and intent of the Sooners have been reassuring to the second-year head coach.

“They’re just locked in,” Moser said. “There’s not an uncertainty on what it is to play for Oklahoma and me.

I’ve talked a lot about it with Tanner and Jacob Groves, Bijan Cortes, CJ Noland, Jalen Hill. They have more of a sense of what to expect. And that’s valuable.”

JALEN HILL Jalen Hill returns after starting every game last season.

During his breakout junior season, the 6-6 forward from Las Vegas was aggressive in getting to the free throw line, leading the Sooners in both free throws made and

BY: CHRIS PLANK

attempts, and led the Sooners with 205 total rebounds.

Hill also has a chance to take yet another step forward in his role with the Sooners this season. Moser has a motto - the Sooners play by “DCO” which stands for defense creates offense. The focus is on defense before trying to score.

Hill not only emerged as a rebounding machine for the Sooners but as a defensive stopper, leading the Sooners with 32 steals. Now, Moser is ready for Hill to find yet another level defensively.

“Jalen has taken another step defensively,” Moser said.

“You’ll look at him and say he looks as good as he’s ever been in his career. That’s his physical condition and lean muscle. His pride level on defense is off the charts. You can just see his confidence in what we’re doing defensively. I won’t need to tout it. Jalen’s actions will tout it.”

Scoring, rebounding, defending - Hill has truly become a do-it-all guy for Moser and the Sooners, and it is a role that he is embracing.

“When I was growing up, my dad was all like, ‘You should just try to be as good as you can at everything.’

So, I legit work on everything that I can,” Hill said. boydstreet.com

“Like, this offseason, I’ve been working on my shot to improve that because I just didn’t shoot the ball well last year, just to be frank, and everybody knows it. Every day working on my shot, and then also still improving on the other things that I do… rebounding, defense, moving the ball and those things.”

Hill has also been motivated by the disappointment of missing the NCAA Tournament last season. It was the second time over the last nine seasons that the Sooners were denied a bid to the Big Dance.

“It fuels us a lot this season because knowing last year that we could have been there,” Hill said of last season.

“We were probably one game out. We had seven, eight games that came to one possession, one play. So, I think the value that we’re placing on every single possession this year, every single play, every single offensive play, defensive possession, our value that we’re bringing to that is going to be so much bigger because we know what it takes to get there now and don’t want to be left out.

“This year, we want to make a statement.”

TANNER GROVES Tanner Groves made his impact with the Sooners in his BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 39

first season in Norman. Groves averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in his first season after transferring from Eastern Washington. But Groves realized he needed to get bigger and stronger to be the type of player he needed to be in the post in the Big 12. With as many as 15 pounds tacked on, Groves is now listed at 242 pounds with a build he now feels will have him better suited to conference play when the calendar turns to 2023.

“I think that extra weight is definitely helping me and I’m excited to see how it translates against some Big 12 opponents,” Groves said. “We’ve got a lot of goals, a lot of big goals. I think that our ceiling is incredibly high. I think with this group we’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of opportunity.”

NEW FACES The Sooners will need some new faces to help reach the lofty goals set for this season. With eight offseason departures and only five scholarship returners from last season’s team, the 2022-23 Sooners will rely on a pair of experienced transfer guards in Grant Sherfield and Joe Bamisile.

Oklahoma is the third school for Sherfield after starting 84 games in three seasons between Wichita State and Nevada. The Sooners also represent the third stop for Bamisile who played a season at Virginia Tech and was named a 3rd team all-Atlantic 10 performer during his one season at George Washington.

Bamisile is known for his shooting and the Sooners will count on him to help OU space the floor with his threepoint range and athleticism. For Sherfield, he’ll use his versatility, believing he can bring a shooting and passing element to the Sooners’ offense. Sherfield was also voted Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

“Bamisile can score in a lot of different ways,” Moser said. “He can really knock down a three. He can give you a scorer’s mentality … and a couple of quick baskets. He can also be a disruptor defensively, and that’s where we’ve challenged him the most. We’ve really hit on a two-way player.

“Grant can really score and pass, so I think we added a good piece to fit our needs. Now, we’ve just got to get him defending. Situationally with a guy like Grant, there’s different things you can do with him.”

The sky is truly the limit for the Sooners this season.

Despite some early season adversity, Moser is confident in his roster and the team’s mindset will help take the Sooners to another level in the challenging Big 12 Conference and beyond.

“What does success look like? If you’re intentional with every day getting your team closer, building relationships, pouring into your guys — that’s what it looks like to get better,” Moser said. “I’m focusing on that every day. That’s what success is gonna look like. It’s gonna pay dividends if you’re focused on those right things.” – BSM

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HI GH S CH O O L S P ORTS

W i nter Prep S p o rt s Prev iew

A

fter a fall that featured both Norman High and Norman North making the 6A-1 football playoffs and a Timberwolves squad that reached the state tournament in volleyball, Norman Public Schools fans are now gearing up for an exciting winter.

Between the hardwood and the wrestling mat, there should be plenty of reasons to head to the gymnasium over the winter months. Here’s a look at what the respective basketball coaches and wrestling coaches think of their teams heading into the season.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

NORMAN HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL Cory Cole’s first season at the helm netted an 11-15 finish, a big jump from the 2-18 finish in the 2020-21 season. He and the Tigers are hoping this year’s campaign features a similar leap forward.

“I’m excited about this group and year two back at NHS,” Cole said. “We have experience along with

44 | December 2022

depth at some key positions. I’ve been pleased with the commitment that they have put in this summer individually and we are poised to compete this year.”

Norman features returning starters Caison Cole, Trashaun Combs-Pierce and Matt Willenborg. The Tigers are expecting contributions as well from guards Tony Jefferson and Beau Billingsley as well as Marquis Combs-Pierce, Isaiah Amous and Landon Miller.

NORMAN NORTH BOYS BASKETBALL Norman North finished 17-9 last season and advanced to the state tournament. This year, Timberwolves head coach Kellen McCoy will be retooling the roster a bit.

“We have guys ready to prove themselves,” McCoy said.

“They have been working hard and have had great energy and togetherness.”

Senior guards Nate Lancaster and Ben Moser are returning starters.

BY:JOSH HELMER “Nate has started for three years, has lots of experience and is ready to step into a bigger role this year as a playmaker,” McCoy said. “Ben Moser brings us energy, playmaking and scoring as well as an aggressive toughness to our defense.”

Other players to watch include seniors Maddox Hamilton, Garrett Goodwin, Carter Carbonell, Greg Worth and Josh Inordee. Sophomores Owen Eshelman, Hezikiah Green and Rylan Phillips along with junior Noah Jones will be contributors, too.

NORMAN HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL In head coach Frankie Parks’ first season atop the helm, the Tigers finished 19-8. Norman is looking to regain a little of that State tournament magic from recent seasons and has a talented group.

Norman hopes its group of 12 seniors—10 players and a pair of managers—provide some veteran leadership.

Beyond that, the personnel and attack will look a little different compared to years past.

“Definitely a different dynamic for us,” Parks said.

“We’ve always been very guard heavy, and this year it’s a little different. We’ve got a few bigs that are going to pay some dividends as the season goes on, so we’re really excited to see what those girls are able to bring to the table this year along with our dynamic guard play.”

A trio of post players will help lead the way. That group includes Arkansas Tech signee Jordyn Rollins, move-in Kayla Jones and Nessa Begay. Point guard Keely Parks is also regarded as a highly rated 2025 recruit and will be counted upon to deliver in the Tigers’ backcourt.

NORMAN NORTH GIRLS BASKETBALL Al Beal and the Timberwolves are hoping that the lumps they took a season ago are going to pay off in a big way.

Norman North finished just 4-17, but they return several key contributors in Houston Christian signee Hannah Fields, Audrey Tucker, Avery Robins and Whitney Wollenburg. North also added a pair of talented transfers in former Norman Tigers Seleh Harmon and Olivia Watkins.

“Last year was basically a reset situation for us. These kids got hammered last year and never once quit,” Beal said. “The difficult games that we went through, I just think that’s better prepared them this year to be a little bit hungrier.”

Beal thought his team would be greatly improved offensively and the scrimmage season has shown that.

“I’ve really been impressed with the way we have shot the ball and the way we’ve shared the ball collectively,” Beal said. “The girls are really playing for each other, which, as a coach, is something that you really want to see because it’s very encouraging. There are no attitudes or selfish play whatsoever.”

boydstreet.com

NORMAN HIGH WRESTLING Norman begins its season after registering a 4-6 dual record finish in boys wrestling last season. The Tigers graduated State participant Cason Deyalsingh, but brings back Lance Eubanks, who wrestled in the 170-lb weight class at State.

“Our boys and girls teams both have several new wrestlers,” Norman head wrestling coach Forest Myers said.

“A lot of these athletes may be new to the sport, but they are working very hard and I believe both teams will wrestle tough, be competitive and in a position to surprise people at the end of the year.”

NORMAN NORTH WRESTLING Norman North finished last year’s boys wrestling dual season 3-7. The Timberwolves are counting on juniors Matthew Revas and Kris Bassem, sophomore Logan Richard and freshman Kyler Lester to be significant contributors.

For the girls team, look for the return of State tournament participant Devin Jansing as one of the T-Wolves’ key cogs.

“This year we finally—I say finally because we’ve been working on this the past couple years—have like a core group of kids who want to work really hard, who wants to fight and go out there and wrestle,” Norman North head wrestling coach Justin DeAngelis said. “And I think that’s extremely important.

“We’ve got a group of kids who, even if they lose, I know they’re going to go out there and fight hard, they’re going to try to win the whole time and I can be pretty happy with that. That’s a big step up for us because in the past couple of years we’ve been working on that toughness.”

NORMAN SWIMMING Kent Nicholson oversees each of the Norman High and Norman North swimming teams. Across the board, there are plenty of new faces.

“All four teams are young,” Nichols said. “Of the 45 swimmers on the teams, 25 are freshmen. It’s going to be really exciting to see how these young swimmers develop through their freshman year.”

For Norman North, senior Jadie Brister is one of the standouts to watch.

“She will be working to win the State championship individually,” Nicholson said. “She is also doing a great job of leading all of the freshman girls.”

Meanwhile, at Norman High, look for freshman JD Thumann to take the state by storm.

“He begins his high school career as one of the fastest swimmers in the state,” Nicholson said. “He will also be working to win the State championship this year. – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 45

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HEA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Ortho Central opens orthopedic care walk-in clinic

I

Ortho Stat Michael Crawford

n response to challenges in emergency room accessibility and patient needs, Ortho Central recently opened a walk-in orthopedic acute care clinic near the Norman Regional HealthPlex campus. Patients can now access same-day orthopedic care during extended hours and even on weekends with no appointment necessary.

“During COVID, we had to reevaluate how we delivered patient care and how we could help unburden emergency rooms,” said Heather Kuklinski, director of operations for Ortho Central. “We saw that there was a need for acute orthopedic care provided by orthopedic specialists.

“Patients can now access a cost-effective alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening orthopedic injuries without long waits or unnecessary exposure to contagious illnesses.”

Because injuries rarely happen at convenient times, Ortho Stat will see patients ages 3 and up for suspected broken bones and sprains, minor dislocations, lacerations, swollen joints as well as sport- and work-related orthopedic injuries seven days a week.

“At Ortho Stat, we understand that a referral next week doesn’t always work,” shared Kuklinski. “That’s why we have created a one-stop clinic dedicated to providing same-day orthopedic care for pediatric and adult bone and joint injuries.”

Patients can access advanced imaging, x-rays, splinting, bracing, casting and other orthopedic devices, and begin a continuum of care with experienced providers, radiologists and medical technicians.

“Because the walk-in clinic is within Ortho Central, you are going to get the same level of care you get at a regular Ortho Central visit,” confirmed Kuklinski.

48 | December 2022

Jordan Hobbs

“Patients will have immediate access to an experienced orthopedic specialist who will provide timely, efficient and appropriate care.

“Also, you can walk out with your follow-up visits already scheduled, taking out those extra steps.”

The clinic located at 3400 W Tecumseh Rd inside Ortho Central will be staffed by two physician assistants, Jordan Hobbs and Michael Crawford. Both are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and specialize in orthopedic care.

Crawford, who has practiced in Norman for 10 years, said patients can expect a provider who will take the time to listen to their concerns.

“I aim to get patients on their way to recovery as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

Ortho Stat is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No call ahead or appointment is needed. Simply bring a driver’s license, valid ID and insurance information.

To learn more, visit OuchOrthoStat.com.– BSM

ORTHO STAT – SAME-DAY ACUTE ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC WITHIN ORTHO CENTRAL 3400 W TECUMSEH RD • 405-515-5575 CARE INCLUDES: •

BROKEN BONES WITH CLOSED FRACTURES

•

SPRAINS & STRAINS

•

MINOR DISLOCATIONS

•

LACERATIONS & CUTS

•

RECENT INJURIES INCLUDING SPORTS & WORK RELATED

Broken and almost broken

both suck.

Ortho STAT knows that minutes matter.

That’s why we’ve created a one-stop clinic dedicated to providing same-day care for pediatric and adult bone and joint injuries.

Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 7 pm, Sat. & Sun. 11 am - 7 pm

405-515-5575 OuchOrthoStat.com

GIF T G UI DE

GIFT GU IDE In this Gift Guide edition of Boyd Street, you will find the best that Norman has to offer to help you shop for all the loved ones in your life. From health and wellness to entertainment, there is something for everyone in the pages to follow. Remeber, if you find something that peaks your interest, get it early before it sells out this season.

boydstreet.com

•

Betty Lous Flowers & Gifts

•

Mitchell’s Jewelry

•

Gudgel Aesthetics

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Pionot’s Palette

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Winter Creek Golf Course

•

Scratch

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Sooner Theatre

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 53

GI F T G U I D E

M ITCHELL’S JEWELRY

Tis the season for gifting! Whether you’re looking for the perfect gifts to dazzle your loved ones or choosing a present for yourself, you can rely on the elves at Mitchell’s Jewelry!

They have a tremendous selection of VAHAN bracelets and can’t wait to show you their new Petite Luxe Gold collection. It is a must for your VAHAN stack! Diamond earrings are a Christmas gift favorite and they have all sizes and shapes ready to go in the stocking! New MICHELE watches are here and their iconic classics are in stock too. But don’t make Santa wonder what you want! You can create a Wish List in their store or on their website!

Shop Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and SUNDAY, noon to 4 p.m. Or shop online at your convenience!

2201 W Main St • 405.360.2515 54 | December 2022

mitchells-jewelry.com

SCRATCH KITCHEN & COCKTAILS THE OLD FASHIONED The best ingredients yield the best Old Fashioned. Scratch takes a little fresh citrus and add Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters (founded

by Norman’s own Ira Koplowitz) with decadent muscovado sugar from Mauritius, then blends it all with premium American bourbon to make a perfect whiskey cocktail to sip with family and friends all year, but especially the holidays. Cheers!

132 W Main St • 405.801.2900 • eatatscratch.com

GUDGEL AESTHETICS CUSTOMIZED LUXURY AESTHETICS Gudgel Aesthetics’ experienced staff provides customized, concierge aesthetic medicine specific to your needs. The licensed medical professionals at Gudgel are trained on the latest FDA-approved procedures to ensure patients leave feeling completely rejuvenated inside and out.

This December, make gift giving easy with a curated line of grab-&-go gift baskets starting at $50. Each basket is wrapped and ready to go!

Gudgel’s 12 Days of Christmas deals offer deep discounts on Botox, laser hair removal, signature facials, body contouring as well as Morpheus8 skin treatments, Upneeq eye drops and more.

2216 36th Ave NW • 405.306.5800 • nromanmedspa.com

PINOT’S PALETTE CREATE A MASTERPIECE

Pinot’s Palette offers painting classes for Normanites of all ages including public events, Little Brushes classes and parties for kids and even private events that are perfect for holiday parties! You can choose from a variety of designs and unique canvases to create your own masterpiece.

NO experience necessary!

Paint and Sip gift certificates are great gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Who doesn’t love a night out, right?! Use the discount code BOYDSTREET to get 15% off regularly priced classes! Private parties excluded.

228 E Main St • 405.310.1755 • pinotspalette.com/norman boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 55

GI F T G U I D E

WINTER CREEK GOLF & SOCIAL CLUB EXPERIENCE WINTER CREEK Winter Creek is a semi-private golf & social club with a picturesque, championship 18-hole golf course, full-service bar and restaurant and brand-new golf simulator room. The club is open to the public for dining, shopping and golfing.

Their Golf Shop has the latest, high-end golf apparel and equipment as well as unique items such as a Winter Creek rover ice chest equipped with wheels, headlights and speakers, plus golf-centric stocking stuffers.

2300 Clubhouse Dr, Blanchard • 405.224.4653 • wintercreekgolf.com

BETTY LOUS FLOWERS FLOWERS, GIFTS, FOOD BASKETS & MOORE Betty Lou’s Flowers and Gifts knows how to dress up any party, including your TAILGATE! Betty Lou’s has flowers shipped in locally and from around the world to create a variety of color and an assortment of typical and unusual designs.

Call to order your custom design, or visit their website to order online.

They have arrangements made up for drop ins available at the 445 W Gray storefront. Betty Lou’s delivers in Norman, Noble, Moore and S. OKC, so you can send your friends and loved ones flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, food baskets and gourmet chocolate!

445 W Gray St • 405.364.2400 • bettylousflowers.com

SOONER THEATRE THEATRE FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Give the gift of LIVE THEATRE! Gift Certificates to The Sooner Theatre make great gifts - and can be used throughout the year! Gift certificates are available in any amount, don’t expire and can be redeemed for any of the theatre’s concerts, productions or classes (based on availability), Give your friends and family a night or a season at the theatre! For more information, please contact The Sooner Theatre at 405-321-9600.

101 E Main St • 405.321.6900 •soonertheatre.com 56 | December 2022

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

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

Service Spotlight: Lt. Say’sha Cornish

B

eing a patrol deputy at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s office is Lieutenant Say’sha Cornish’s dream job. Protecting the lives and property of residents and guests of the county comes naturally to her as she celebrates her nine-year work anniversary with the County in January 2023.

Growing up in Oklahoma City, Cornish was a “girly girl” participating and winning pageants. In 2008, she enlisted with the Army National Guard and continues to serve part-time. She was coaching tennis when one of her Army buddies suggested she try law enforcement.

A long-time resident of Norman, Cornish began her career in the Cleveland County Jail. After three-and-ahalf years, she was commissioned to transport deputy and then in 2017 became a patrol deputy. Today, Cornish is a patrol supervisor, technically the first African American in the position in Cleveland County. Her duties including assuring deputies are taken care of by backing them on calls and making sure they have what they need to do their job.

“I give advice and help the deputies go through options for situations assisting them in choosing the best one,” she said.

It’s exhilarating but it’s scary at the same time because you never know.”

Cornish said her mom worries often which makes her feel bad but says she’s good at her job.

“I know she’s scared for me, but I can’t stop doing it,” she shared. “I love my job. I take this job very seriously and we really are out here on the streets to help people.”

With the Sheriff’s Office also handling civil issues such as evictions, no day is typical. And with national issues such as the Fentanyl crisis, extra caution is necessary.

“We touch a lot of things in our line of work,” Cornish said. “An accidental inhalation of a drug like Fentanyl can be deadly.”

“I know every day is going to be something different,” she added. “I’m always learning and I’m always teaching my deputies.”

Because Cornish makes traffic stops, the job can be dangerous.

Cornish said she wants to go as far as she can with the Sheriff’s Office and although there has never been a female Sheriff in Cleveland County, that’s not stopping her.

“You never know what can happen,” she said. “A simple traffic stop for something like a tag light being out can be risky because you never know what can happen.

“I want to continue moving up and learning and growing. I’m on this path so I might as well go for the gold,” she said.

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

60 | December 2022

C

M

You will find the perfect gift at The Westwood Golf Pro Shop.

From gear to lessons to gift cards, Westwood has everything to make your Golfer have a happy holiday!

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Tee Times: www.WestwoodParkGolf.com Golf Shop: (405) 292-9700 | The Turn Grill: (405) 360-7600

Get a perfect smile to go with your degree.

62 | December 2022

O U FC U

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

How to Budget in Times of Inflation

T

ith inflation at record highs, many Americans are finding it difficult to stick to a budget. After all, when household staples can be double, or even triple, what they cost just a year ago, how can the same amount of money get you through the month?

Sticking to a budget during times of high inflation is challenging – but not impossible. Here are five ways to budget while in times of inflation.

1. PLAN YOUR GROCERY PURCHASES

Groceries can take a huge bite out of a monthly budget.

Fortunately, there are ways to trim your grocery bill, even when prices are soaring.

First, shop your pantry and fridge before hitting the store. You may not remember exactly what you have at home and doing a quick scan of your food items can help you stick to purchasing only what you need.

Next, plan your week’s dinner menu before shopping so you can pick up exactly what you need for the week in just one go. The fewer trips you make to the grocery, the less you’ll spend on impulse buys. Also, when you have the ingredients you need and plans in place for dinner each night of the week, you’ll be less likely to make a last-minute decision to indulge in takeout or fast food.

Consider joining a club store at this time as well. You’ll need to spring for a membership, but you’ll enjoy steep savings on groceries and other products. Just be careful to only buy what you need, no matter how cheap an item might be.

Finally, don’t forget to shop sales and to use coupons.

Use apps like Reebee, Checkout 51, Flipp and Grocery IQ to stay in the know of what’s on sale in each store and to download coupons for even bigger savings.

2. CONSIDER AN ENERGY AUDIT

With winter approaching and the cost of energy sources still climbing, this can be a good time to have an energy audit performed on your home. An audit will help identify energy drains around your home, such as air leaks near your windows and doors, so you can fix them to make your home more energy efficient. You can also take additional measures toward saving on energy costs, such as switching all lightbulbs to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use and setting your thermostat a little lower during winter, and a bit higher in the summer.

3. CHOOSE YOUR INDULGENCE

Everyone needs to treat themselves to something special every now and then, but with costs rising on restaurant meals, movie tickets and clothing, something’s gotta give. Take a closer look at your just-for-me purchases of the last few months and try to narrow them down to just one or two treats. You can swap them with an 64 | December 2022

enjoyable activity that doesn’t cost much, such as a hike or bike ride, or cut them out completely.

Alternatively, you can find ways to trim the cost of your indulgences. For example, if you love dining out but restaurant meals are destroying your budget, you can decide to eat out but skip the desserts and wines or opt for a midday meal so you can take advantage of lunchtime specials.

4. SWITCH YOUR AUTO INSURANCE PLAN

If you’ve had your auto insurance policy for a while and you’ve maintained a good driving record during that time, there’s a good chance you can save a bundle by switching to a new insurance plan and/or provider.

Reach out to a representative at your current insurer to discuss your options. Ask about raising your deductible in exchange for a lower premium, reducing overall coverage or negotiating for a safe driving discount.

After obtaining a quote, call several other providers to get competing quotes. You can choose to go with your lowest offer or call back your present provider and ask them to match it for your continued business.

5. PAD YOUR INCOME

As always, when income doesn’t meet expenses, you have the choice of trimming expenses or boosting your income – or you can do both! In addition to following the cost-cutting tips outlined here, you can also look for ways to increase your income.

If your paycheck is suddenly not enough to support your lifestyle, consider asking for a raise. Your workplace may have already given you a cost-of-living raise to reflect rising inflation last year, but this may prove to be insufficient as costs have continued to rise. Don’t be afraid to ask for another raise at this time.

In addition, you can look for other ways to pad your monthly income. Find a side hustle, like driving for a ride-share company or consulting for hire, which you can do at your leisure on weekends. Ask your workplace about taking on additional projects on an as-needed basis for additional pay. Open a small service business doing something you love and excel at. Every extra dollar earned counts!

Times are hard for the average American consumer, but with careful planning, you can ride out the record-high inflation rates and keep your budget intact.

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L I FEST Y L E

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Bordeaux, A Timeless Journey in Wine

A

s I sat high above the Garonne River in southwest France, I looked across at one of the thousands of vineyards that line the banks and I thought about how little things have changed. The day before, I walked through the famous streets of Saint-Emillion with its Roman ruins still prominent.

The principal product and principal export of the region is also mostly unchanged. France produces 900 million bottles of wine a year and the country exports half of that production. However, as the No. 1 tourist destination in Europe, the wine staying within the borders of France is most certainly not all being consumed

by French residents.

The famous Claret is a red wine produced within weeks of the harvest and made for consumption within a year.

Although that was originally not the case, sulfites are now added to increase shelf life.

The Bordeaux region is surprisingly flat with slopes on the vineyards that are very gentle. The region was part of England from the 12th century to the 15th century, with wine providing the primary source of wealth for

70 | December 2022

the area during the era. Until the past 25 years or so, wine makers never directly interacted with merchants or retailers. Wine produced in Bordeaux was sold through brokers, appointed by the towns to negotiate and bid on wines.

However, recent trends now allow wineries to bottle and market their wine directly to consumers and to retailers. In Saint-Emillion, the streets are lined with shops offering tastings and wide selections of wine.

Whether you visit your local retailer or decide to visit Bordeaux yourself, you can have fun experimenting and learning. Either way, Bordeaux is a timeless journey.

A votre santé, Kathy

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