Boyd Street Magazine February 2021 - Hall of Famer Bob Stoops

Helping Local Businesses

#LoudLocal

McFarlin’s New Pastor

Dr. Rockford Johnson

Oklahoma Basketball

Austin Reaves

February 2021 • Issue 2 • Volume 20

First Ballot

Hall of Famer

Committed to

NORMAN LET US HELP YOU

Spend Life Wisely Faith

Financial Well-Being

Health & Wellness

Personal Growth

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Features

FEBRUARY CONTENTS 2021

ISSUE 2– VOLUME 20

Guiding Faith

14 by Sharla Bardin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church welcomes new senior pastor.

MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Cuomo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Doescher

People Helping People

18 by Callie Collins

CONTRIBUTORS

Food and Shelter, Inc. meets extraordinary demand for local services.

Celebrating Life

24

by Roxanne Avery

Primrose Funeral Service looks back on nearly a century of business in Norman.

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin Callie Collins | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Josh Helmer Melissa Herron | Shannon Hudzinski Chelsey Kraft | Bill Moakley Rae Lynn Payton | Chris Plank Chat Williams

18

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Tracie Gray - tracie@sportstalk1400.com Trevor Laffoon - trevor@sportstalk1400.com Perry Spencer - perry@sportstalk1400.com

In Memory of

RANDY LAFFOON

1960 - 2020

Normanite in the Spotlight: 28 Andy Rieger

by Chelsey Kraft Journalist, editor, local historian, speaker, instructor and community treasure are just a few of the terms that describe Andy Rieger.

First Ballot Hall of Famer

34 by Chris Plank

Former Sooner Coach Bob Stoops elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine

34

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

Austin Reaves

46 by Chris Plank

Sooner hoopster is keeping his eyes on March.

10

Sergeant Kellee Robertson Service Spotlight:

Staying Home

56 by Josh Helmer

Norman Tiger Kelbie Washington chooses the Sooners.

Literacy in Motion

62 by Lindsay Cuomo

Norman district debuts mobile learning initiative.

58

Protecting your family, home, business and our community.

/boydstreetmagazine

by Melissa Herron - Norman Regional Health System

by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

80 by Kathy Hallren - Joe’s Wines & Spirits

by Rae Lynn Payton A single hashtag is uniting Normanites in supporting local businesses, from Zoom cooking classes to virtual concerts. sportstalk1400.com

What’s Eating Norman?

Norman Regional Hospital:

All You Need to Know About

Boyd Security Systems

96 #LoudLocal

68

On the Frontlines

74 Checking Accounts

90 by Roxanne Avery

by Bill Moakley

56

@boydstreet

Corks, Closures & Cans

87

by Chat Williams - Youth Performance

Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise

Cover photo by: Mark Doescher

SMALL BUSINESS. BIG IMPACT.

COMM U N I T Y

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight: Sergeant Kellee Robertson

Sgt. Kelle Robertson with her newest K9 partner, Kimber.

G

rowing up in Moore, Norman Police Sergeant Kellee Robertson never considered law enforcement as a career. Had it not been for a poster in the hallway of a building on the Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City campus, she may never have.

“I didn’t have any law enforcement in my background, no family members that were in law enforcement,” Robertson said. “I was about 19 years old and one day I just saw a poster in a hallway. From that day forward, I knew I was going to be a police officer.”

Robertson graduated with a degree in police science and began her career in Norman as an animal welfare officer. Five years later, she applied for and was accepted to Norman’s 37th Police Academy.

Following a four-year stint in patrol, Robertson was hired as part of the Special Investigations division, which includes crimes that might need undercover work such as narcotics. At the time, Norman had never had a canine officer serve outside of patrol. But that was about to change.

“Our last patrol canine had retired, so I got with my lieutenant and said, ‘I think

10 | February 2021

a canine would be great to have here with us because we do work drug crimes,’” Robertson recalled. “I got my first canine, Pablo, in 2005 or 2006.”

As part of the Special Investigations division, Robertson worked crimes of all types. Additionally, she worked with her partner at the time, Sergeant Darin Morgan, to develop the department’s first drug interdiction program. Morgan is now retired.

“Interdiction in police work is basically out on the highways looking for people that are transporting large amounts of drugs and money,” Robertson explained.

“Even human trafficking is a part of interdiction. We went to our bosses at the time and said, ‘we have I-35 here in Norman and we think this would be productive.’ Ultimately, we ended up making that program work and it’s still in operation today.”

Pablo was part of Robertson’s interdiction and special investigations work until he passed away in 2000. She then welcomed a new K9 partner named Kilo. They worked together until 2012 when Robertson took a position in the department’s Criminal Investigations division with an

eye on working crimes against children.

After learning the intricacies of such investigations, Robertson began working with Norman’s Mary Abbott Children House in 2013, a safe place for children to share their experiences regarding sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, as well as children who are witnesses to crime and in drug endangered situations.

Because of the nature of crimes against children and the toll it can take on investigators, most officers spend about five years working such crimes. In 2017, Robertson went back to working other major crimes in Norman. However, she recently returned to concentrating on Norman’s youngest victims.

“I feel like crimes against children are kind of a passion of mine,” Robertson said. “It’s hard work, but it’s so important that you really feel like you’re making a difference. I can’t change what has happened, but I can intervene and stop it from happening. And I can make the person who committed such a crime accountable for their actions.

“I started doing it in 2013 and I have cases I worked that long ago where the child in a case is almost an adult and I’m see-

ing them flourish. Had I not intervened their lives could have been completely different. It’s one of the best feelings that you can have in this profession.”

Robertson has also welcomed a new canine partner. Kimber joined NPD after Robertson heard of a police department in Ohio that had successfully welcomed a therapy dog as part of the department.

Kimber serves to both build bridges with the Norman community and to comfort fellow officers.

“When I started kind of generating the idea for the program, it was before COVID,” Robertson noted. “The relationship with the community and the police department was strained because of national events. Kimber transcends boundaries people might have with the police. I can take her out into the community and people see me, I wear detective clothes, but they see my badge and my gun. They see Kimber, who is a miniature Australian Shepherd, and she doesn’t look like a typical police dog. They’ll ask what kind of police dog she is, and I explain her purpose.

Any strain that was there prior to our interaction goes away and they just want to pet the dog.”

Kimber is also at the department’s investigations center each day and is eager to comfort her fellow officers. She also provides support for witnesses to traumatic events or violence when they’re at the police department.

“A lot of people know the stresses that the police go through on a daily basis and the trauma that we are a part of, through our investigations,” Robertson said. “So, she serves as a comfort to us whether or not we just went to a really traumatic crime scene or had a really hard case that we investigated. Or if we’re just having a bad day.”

Scientific studies show having a dog around during times of stress reduces blood pressure and anxiety.

“It lightens the load of why you’re there, because for a second, you get to forget about why you’re there,” Robertson pointed out about Kimber’s work with victims or witnesses. “You’re talking about what may be one of the worst things that ever happened to you and you don’t have to think about that for a minute.”

Robertson has deep training in handling canine officers, including 80 hours directly aimed at handling patrol dogs, as well as ongoing training to ensure handlers and their pawed partners are able to interact as best as possible.

“It’s kind of like having a human partner,” she laughed. “You learn every day.”

So, how would Robertson grade Kimber’s ability to impact her fellow officers?

“As far as my ability to do my job, I probably could do it with or without her,” Robertson said. “But the attitude and the mood and the lightening of the load that she provides for us I think makes everybody in this office better.”

And if dog treats are the measure, Kimber is doing her job well.

“She knows exactly who has dog treats in their office. So, she’ll run in, and she’ll go straight to the office that has the dog treats. And no matter what that detective is doing at the time, they’ll stop and be so excited to see her. She just lightens the mood.” – BSM

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 11

COMM U N I T Y

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

Guiding Faith

McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church welcomes new senior pastor 14 | February 2021

T

The Rev. Dr. Rockford Johnson envisioned a life of vocational ministry when he was a teen. He was at a summer camp and was inspired by a speaker talking about dedicating one’s life and work to God. “That began a journey that was confirmed in the years ahead,” Johnson said.

That journey has included more than 30 years in ministry, including serving as a pastor for various churches in Oklahoma and working as a district superintendent in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.

It’s also a journey that has now led him to Norman as the senior pastor of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church. Johnson started the position in July after Rev. Linda Harker retired as the senior pastor.

Johnson said he admires the compassion, talents and generosity of the congregation and the church’s legacy, its ministries and the vision for the future.

“Our mission is to change lives that change the world,” he said.

Johnson is settling into his new role during unique circumstances.

“It’s been a very different kind of transition,” he said, referring to safety measures and protocols in place because of the pandemic, which have included a combination of online-only services or onsite worship with attendees wearing masks and social distancing.

“We’re learning as we go and adapting as we go,” Johnson said. “The people here have been extremely patient and gracious knowing that we’re all going through this together.”

Stephen Mitchell, business administrator at the church, said Johnson’s leadership skills have stood out during these ever-changing circumstances.

“Going through a leadership transition, such as this in the midst of a global pandemic, is not an easy thing, especially when you aren’t able to connect with the membership in a traditional setting,” Mitchell said. “Rockford’s strength in assessing and analyzing all situations with a steady and calm apboydstreet.com

proach in the midst of a pandemic has been impressive.”

Mitchell said he also looks forward to gaining more insight and wisdom from Johnson.

“In just the short time he has been here, I have learned a lot,” Mitchell said. “I also look forward to watching the church learn and grow from him, as well.”

Johnson also is learning more about the church, including its “robust and far-reaching and effective ministries” and the community outreach, as he described them. Some of those efforts include a food pantry and utilities assistance for those in need. Johnson said he’d like to see the church build upon the strengths of those programs and enhance discipleship efforts.

Johnson said he wants to give his utmost to guiding the congregation as they grow in their spiritual walk and live out their faith in the community and world.

He has honed his leadership and pastoral skills in a career that has spanned 33 years. Johnson grew up in Goltry, a small town in northwest Oklahoma.

He earned his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma Baptist University and also met wife, Elizabeth, at the school.

They married in 1978 and have a son and daughter. Johnson attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and received a master’s degree in ministry and a doctorate in New Testament studies. Johnson later served as a pastor in churches throughout Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Shawnee and Chickasha.

He then spent seven years as district superintendent of the Crossroads District of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church where he worked with 50 churches and more than 70 pastors and clergy. Johnson said a desire to pastor again led him to the position at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.

“I love pastoring and preaching and caring for people and leading and strategizing,” he shared.

Johnson said he is honored to serve as the senior pastor and is excited to see what lies ahead for the church, which opened in 1924.

“There’s a great spirit here. There’s a great tradition,” he said. “I celebrate being here in Norman with this church.” – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 15

COMM U N I T Y

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

People Helping

People Food and Shelter, Inc. meets extraordinary demand for local service

18 | February 2021

C

OVID-19 has changed life for so many families in the community we share. Putting an exact number on how many is an almost impossible task, as the ways large and small are difficult to accurately count. Local non-profit organizations, however, are registering record numbers of those seeking services.

Food and Shelter, Inc. has served Norman since 1983 but the need has never been greater than during the past year.

In keeping with the organization’s name, food aid, help with utilities and mortgage or rental payment assistance are the main services it provides.

“In February of last year and even in March before things got critical, we saw 250 people each month but in April and May, it was more than 600. We were averaging about 600 but these last two months, November and December, we saw 1,500 each month,” said Sunny Hill, director of food service.

“The need has more than tripled in the past year. Demand has gone up and up and up.”

Year-end statistics show that Food and Shelter served more than 25,000 people in 2020.

“We know that at least 15,000 unique people came through for food services from our food pantry alone,” said Hill.

Other services include hot meals served in the dining room at 201 Reed Ave, in addition to eviction prevention and housing assistance.

But how does a non-profit handle such a marked increase in demand for services?

“You just do it because it needs to be done,” said Hill. “Every day, we are here. It doesn’t matter if it’s Sunday or a holiday or it’s icy out. The need is here so we are here. There is a consistent increase, with many, many new people, including those who were unaware of our services but have now come to us as clients.”

Donations, including through the United Way of Norman, make services possible. The program relies heavily on volunteers. Although limited federal funding allowed for additional temporary workers, it ran out in June. Participation in workforce training programs and community employment

opportunities for seniors rounds out a surprisingly small number of employees.

COVID-19, however, has also made third party staffing more difficult.

“Faith and civic groups have stopped except for four,” explained Hill, who remains optimistic despite the incredibly trying circumstances. “This is a great community to do this kind of work due to an amazing support network. The incredible financial support that comes from people helping people is what makes our work possible.”

Executive Director April Heiple agrees.

“The thing about this community that I love so much is people’s generosity. The United Way rallied the community together and the work our employees do each day would not be possible without incredible financial support,” said Heiple.

“Oftentimes, we have school staff reaching out for their students. Kids are sleeping in cars or in tents at a lake somewhere. They are an invaluable resource for referrals to address what is happening,” she explained.

Heiple and Hill have met people who have never before sought services suddenly in need of help, including those who would have previously been in a position to donate.

“The truth is, we are all a missed paycheck or two away from being the person who requires Food and Shelter,” said Hill.

“What I want people to remember is ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’” “Poverty is an economic issue,” said Heiple. “The biggest misperception is that addiction or mental issues are the issue behind the families we serve. Those are issues we see, but we all know addicts or people with a mental illness who are not homeless.

“COVID has shown us how fragile our community is to working people. Economic structure crumbled for 10,000 to 15,000 people,” she said. “The true cause of homelessness is not criminality or mental health issues. It is economics. We will have to have an economic solution. The government is not going to come to the rescue with some grand solution. It is people helping people.”

“Any unexpired, packaged food has a place here. We can use it.”

Food donations are always welcome. Food banks and USDA-sponsored food products provide groceries that serve both the cafeteria-style kitchen and the food pantry.

“We are here to receive donations every day,” said Hill, who used to work in the restaurant business. “Whether it’s for the meals I’m making in the kitchen or for families to take home from the food pantry, I need everything. If it’s a single can of soup or a 20-pound bag of pasta, I can use it. We do not accept homemade food unless it was prepared in a commercial kitchen but other than that, ingredients are always needed.

“Any unexpired, packaged food has a place here. We can use it.”

Urgency and the possibility of additional families in need of services remains pressing.

“Very suddenly, families have just lost resources. When we get their calls, the panic they feel is palpable. During the summer, people got relief payments and a bump in unemployment and the calls leveled out. Since August or September, though, they’ve started coming back in again. The number of people who need help is consistently growing,” said Heiple.

“My greatest fear is that when the Jan. 31 eviction moratorium is listed, hundreds and hundreds of more families will find themselves homeless.”

While CARES Act dollars have helped, funds are spread thin, especially when families are several months behind on payments like rent or utilities. Food and Shelter also operates a day shelter and helps arrange emergency stays at local motels.

Tuscany Court is its housing option for families who meet specific criteria, often after living in homeless shelters but are in need of wraparound services.

They may have a Section 8 voucher or otherwise pay rent but continue to work on steps to living independently with access to services that can help them progress. Long-term planning is part of the interventions offered to try to remedy the underlying housing situation that leads people to homelessness.

“With COVID-19, there is hope. Vaccines are coming,” Heiple said. “In the meantime, our goal is to help people pay rent and utility bills when possible, keep them housed and have them leave here with enough food to feed their family for a week. That isn’t going to end the need, though.”

Heiple’s motivation comes in part from her own life experi20 | February 2021

ence as the daughter of a person who benefited from social intervention. When she was 11, her parents divorced and her father disappeared. He resurfaced in her life 14 years later, after receiving help with alcoholism and mental health.

“My Dad had been homeless most of that time. People assume you are a bad person or you have chosen to live this life,” she shared. “In his halfway house, his case manager looked him in the eye and saw something in him. She gave him an opportunity. He was a great person but his addiction and mental issues had dominated his life. He was so touched by someone taking a chance on him that he made the most of it. My Dad was able to move into an apartment and work again and achieve the goals that we work on with every single person who is seeking services in a similar position.”

Heiple continues to see the value of every individual, from those who need just a temporary way to bridge a gap to individuals struggling with a lifetime of difficulty.

“The people we see each day are someone’s mom or dad, brother or sister. Everybody we work with is someone’s child who did not wish for homelessness or to be a criminal or an addict. Without someone to wrap you up and say ‘there’s a better way and you’re worth this investment,’ life sometimes goes another way,” said Heiple. “Not everyone is going to take that opportunity but when we say ‘Here’s your map, there is a path,’ a lot of them will take it. We see their life change.”

Hill wants people to know that they should not be afraid to seek services.

“There is a stigma attached but these are just people and through no fault of their own, they’re in this situation,” she shared. “Especially those who may be undocumented: they need not be afraid. For those in this situation for the very first time, this is a good place to start.”

Volunteers ages 16 and older or with a parent present are also welcome.

“Come and experience it,” she said by way of invitation to the community. “Whether you’re volunteering or need help, peoples’ lives are changed here.”

Find more information about Food and Shelter at foodandshelterinc.org or call 360-4954 to learn more about services, how to donate and volunteer opportunities. – BSM

COMM U N I T Y

24 | February 2021

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

90+ Years of

Celebrating Life

Primrose Funeral Service looks back on nearly a century of business in Norman

I

n the 90 years of Primrose Funeral Service’ existence, a lot has changed in the world including a pandemic that continues to modify our lives and how we conduct business.

To honor such an exceptional milestone, the staff at Primrose Funeral Service had plans for a big celebration but with COVID-19 still lingering, the party will have to wait for now.

In the meantime, the community and staff are looking back at nearly a century of business, which puts Primrose in a prestigious category as one of the oldest continuous businesses in Norman.

Jansing-Primrose Funeral Home, as it was originally named, was established by George Jansing and Odies Primrose in 1931 but the partnership split in 1943. Jansing opened another funeral home that would later become Mayes Funeral Home.

In 1947, Primrose moved into a stately Victorian farmhouse near the corner of East Robinson and Porter Avenue, convenient to the Norman hospital. Staff member Larry Montboydstreet.com

gomery, a 46-year veteran of Primrose and now retired, said back then, the funeral home ran the ambulance services.

“We had the ambulance service until 1971,” Montgomery said. “There was a mutual agreement between the two local funeral homes, the City of Norman and a firm called the Norman Ambulance Company. The ambulance company was independently owned first and then the City of Norman took it over.”

In 1973, a second generation of the Primrose family ownership began with Ben Primrose and continued until his retirement in 1994. Both Ben and his father were licensed funeral directors, and Odies held a 50-year service pin with the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association.

Rebecca (Becca) Hart works as the office manager, funeral director and a licensed professional embalmer at Primrose.

During her twenty-year career, she said one of the biggest changes in the industry has been to the structure of service.

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 25

“Death is no longer a taboo subject,” Hart said.

“It used to be people were somber, wore black and were grieving but that is no longer the case.

We don’t use the term funeral either. It’s a memorial or celebration of life service.”

Hart said families are offered music, photos, a video and customization to honor the life of their loved one.

“We can play contemporary music, rock and roll, country, all kinds of different stuff,” Hart said.

“We’ve even played Metallica, ACDC and have prepared everything from shots to champagne toasts. We’ve brought in motorcycles, boats, anything that celebrates the person and their life.”

Now owned by Service Corp. International (SCI), Primrose strives to offer a welcoming atmosphere designed to make families feel comfortable and features a large and inviting foyer, visitation rooms for comfort and reflection and a warm chapel, rebuilt in 2014.

Montgomery said he remembers a time not so long ago where Odies Primrose handled business a little bit differently.

“It used to be that Norman was small enough everyone knew everybody. Mr. Primrose knew everyone, and everyone knew him,” he shared.

Montgomery remarked that he especially remembered how Odies accommodated people when paying for a service.

“I’ve seen him take livestock, used vehicles, boats, whatever they had, to pay for a funeral,” Montgomery remembered. “We also had people who would come in and pay $10 month for their pre-need funerals and it was always $10. That was a lot of money back then. It was always due on the first day of the month until they paid the $200 total.”

Primrose Funeral Services still honors those $200 burial association credits today, although Hart said there are not many of them left.

Hart said they plan to set a date for their celebration later in the year and will likely wait until the end of summer before setting a date.

“Hopefully things will calm down by then,” Hart said. “At this point, we want everyone to stay safe.” – BSM

26 | February 2021

COMM U N I T Y

NORMANITE IN THE A SPOTLIGHT

Andy Rieger 28 | February 2021

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

t a young age, Andy Rieger realized that knowledge was power.

As a newspaper carrier for The Norman Transcript in junior high and high school, Rieger made it a point to read the paper before he delivered it, especially to follow developments in the Vietnam War since he and his brothers were nearing draft age.

Rieger also admits he was the “annoying brother” who on road trips, made his parents stop at all the green road signs that talked about an area’s history. He still makes those pitstops, especially when he’s driving by himself.

Now, Rieger is well-versed in the history of the community where his family has deep roots that date back to before the Land Run of 1889. Rieger’s great-grandfather, Alois, came to America from Germany when he was 14 years old. Alois and his brother ended up in the Midwest working on the railroad, jobs that eventually brought them to what was then Oklahoma Territory, where they decided to settle.

For more than 25 years, Rieger has written a weekly newspaper or magazine column, most of which focus on Norman, its people and its history.

He’s also put together a talk about the 10 seminal events that have caused the city to develop the way it has, which he gives to civic and business groups.

“No matter where I’ve worked, I’ve always believed that the more people know about their city, the more they appreciate the community they live in,” Rieger explained. “If you know very little about your city, you’re not likely to think very highly of it.”

After growing up in northeast Norman in the 1960s and 1970s, Rieger graduated from Norman High School and the University of Oklahoma. From OU, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration.

Rieger worked in journalism or journalism education for more than 40 years, including at The Oklahoma Daily, Oklahoma City Times, The Daily Oklahoman, Cleveland County Record and The Norman Transcript.

After 20 years, Rieger retired as exec-

utive editor of The Transcript in 2015 and continues to write a Sunday column for the paper.

Additionally, Rieger works as a realtor, helping with his family’s investments, and is a part-time, adjunct instructor in OU’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He first taught for the college in 1988 and has instructed courses ranging from editing to community journalism to public affairs reporting.

Rieger’s community involvement includes the Norman Rotary Club, Norman Business Association, Norman Regional Health Foundation and Moore-Norman Technology Center Foundation. He also serves as a volunteer cook with Loveworks and enjoys cycling and sailing in his free time. In 2020, Rieger co-chaired the United Way of Norman campaign with James Chappel.

Fundraising during COVID-19 was a challenge, but Rieger said they were able to shift to a high-tech United Way campaign. As of early this January, the campaign had reached 92 percent of its goal, with a few campaigns that had yet to kick off.

Chappel said he and Rieger have become good friends, partly because they both like a bit of levity. Throughout the campaign, Chappel noticed how much the people in Norman both respect and appreciate Rieger.

“Andy is kind of a community treasure,” Chappel stated. “People talk about national treasures, but I think in Norman, Andy is kind of our community treasure. He’s a respected guy. When he writes stuff in the paper, people read it for content and for history. He’s kind of the go-to guy.”

Rieger and his wife, Karen, met in high school while employed at The Norman Transcript, he was in the mailroom and she was in bookkeeping. For nearly 40 years, Karen has worked as an attorney at Crowe Dunlevy in Oklahoma City, primarily for healthcare clients. The Riegers married in 1978 and have three children and two grandsons.

The couple’s youngest daughter, Hannah, describes her dad as someone who is consistently there for people, not just boydstreet.com

for his family but also for his friends and community. Hannah said he is also humble, an example being when he was a stay-at-home dad for a few years at a time when men didn’t often fill that role for their families.

“He’s just an all-around good person,” Hannah shared. “I feel incredibly lucky to be part of his life and even more so to be his daughter.”

Hannah recalled how the family couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognizing her dad. Even quick trips to Homeland to buy computer paper would turn into 30-to-40-minute outings after stopping to chat. During her childhood, people would also come up to Hannah and say how much they liked her dad’s column that week. Now, Hannah is often asked if she is Andy’s daughter, and she is proud to say, “Yes, I am.”

“He was a recognized figure around town,” she explained. “He knows a lot about the community. He’s been here his entire life, so he has all that history and knowledge, and I think he’s just kind of a comfort to the community.

People like seeing him around.”

Rieger has both deep roots in and a great love for Norman. One of six children, Rieger was the only one to settle down in the city. What he saw here is similar to what his ancestors did, too.

“If you look at the area that they homesteaded, southeast Cleveland County, it was red dirt and ravines. It really wasn’t that suitable,” Rieger explained. “But I think what they saw was opportunity – opportunity to have a better life and have families. I think that’s still what people see here. They look beyond any negatives and they see a lot of opportunity in Norman.” – BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 29

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S P O RT S

First Ballot

BY: CHRIS PLANK

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Hall of Famer

34 | February 2021

T

he winningest coach in Sooner Football History was chosen as a first-ballot selection to the College Football Hall of Fame joining five previous Sooner head coaches already inducted.

The selection was by no means a surprise, instead a validation of what Sooner fans witnessed first-hand. While the award recognizes on the field success, the Sooner legend has been a Hall of Famer both on and off the field.

“As a son of an all-time, lifelong high school coach,” Coach Stoops said in a statement released by the OU athletic department, “no one appreciates the game of football and the coaching profession more than I do, and so I am grateful for and humbled by this honor.”

Stoops holds Oklahoma’s record with 190 career victories. Under his leadership and guidance, the Sooners won a national championship in his second season. The title in 2000 reestablished the Sooners among the elite in college football, setting a foundation for Oklahoma Sooner football for years to come.

“Football is the ultimate team game with so many moving parts and players. No one does it alone,” Stoops said in an interview on Sports Talk 1400 and 99.3 FM. “I always felt appreciative of the hard work of everyone around me, administration, assistant coaches, support staff and players.

“Fortunately, I’ve had a ton of great players. All the help and support and the hard work of the players truly made the difference.”

The Sooners went 17-27-1 (.389) overall and 10-21 (.323) in Big Eight/Big 12 play in the four years before Stoops arrived. After going 7-5 in 1999 in his debut season, Stoops led OU to its seventh National Championship title with a 13-0 record and a 13-2 upset of Florida State in the Orange Bowl. The Sooners played in three more BCS National Championship games under Stoops (2003, 2004 and 2008) and made the College Football Playoff in 2015.

The Sooners spent 30 weeks in the No. 1 spot of the AP Top 25 and ranked No. 1 in the BCS standings for 20 weeks — most in the nation. Stoops also went 60-30 against AP Top 25 teams, the best in the nation during his tenure.

“You truly have to live it to understand the bond,” Stoops said. “When you’re working and striving, and everyone is putting in the sweat in the rough times, there is an appreciation and respect for one another that you get when you’re in those tough times or in the middle of the game when you’re battling it out and it’s third down and you’re trying to get a stop. To me, that’s probably the most important thing for a coach — being able to connect with and relate to your players… and if I did anything right it was always connecting wholeheartedly with them.

“Ultimately, though, the dedication and hard work of the players is what wins, and I am so appreciative of all of the guys who played for me.”

This year’s Hall of Fame class includes fellow Big Eight/Big 12 alums Kenneth Sims from Texas and Darren Sproles from Kansas State. Also names like Tony Romo, Dan Morgan and Carson Palmer will be inducted in December along with a fellow teammate of Coach Stoops from Iowa, Andre Tippett.

“I’m so pleased to go into the Hall with Andre Tippett,” Stoops said. “We played two years together at Iowa and we were on the Big 10 Champ team that went to the Rose bowl. He was our All-American defensive end and it will be great to connect with him.

I’ve heard from a lot of buddies with Tip and I both going in.”

Perhaps nothing says more about Bob Stoops than his willingness to do whatever is necessary to help continue the growth and success of Oklahoma Football. When the Sooners were down coaches due to COVID-19 concerns late in the season, Stoops donned the headset and helped in preparations for the home finale against Baylor.

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 35

The return to the Sooner sidelines was 22 years to the date from his hiring as Oklahoma’s head coach on December 1 of 1998.

“He’s certainly one of the few people in my life that I know, regardless of what it is, that I can go to and get really thoughtout, honest, great advice,” Sooner head coach Lincoln Riley said. “We still talk often. This program is obviously still extremely near and dear to him. He’s been great for me. If not for him, some of these questions and things that you go through in this deal, if not for him, I don’t know who exactly who I would go to. I just don’t really have anybody else quite like that that I have that much trust in, that I know has my best interest or, more importantly, has this football program’s best interest. I probably don’t understand how fortunate I’ve been to have a guy like him in that position.”

Stoops is OU’s sixth head coach in the College Hall of Fame, joining Bennie Owen (1905-26), Lawrence “Biff” Jones (193536), Bud Wilkinson (1947-63), Jim Tatum (1946) and Barry Switzer (1973-88). There are also 22 former Sooner players in the College Hall of Fame. But the retired head coach has never been one to shine the light on himself, choosing to consistently highlight those around him.

“I hired great guys around me,” Stoops said. “I’ve said it a lot…from day one. I hit a home run with my first staff to start things off. Then it morphed and evolved from there. I was incredibly lucky to start off with great coaches and throughout 36 | February 2021

the whole time to have great coaches and to have the support of Joe C. up to President (David) Boren and (Joseph) Harroz who was always a confidant of mine when I was coaching before he became president.”

When Joe Castiglione officially hired Bob Stoops as the guy to take over the Sooners, the success was almost immediate. But through the interview process that led to hiring Stoops, there wasn’t a feeling of necessarily having a three- or four-year plan in place.

“Neither one of us wanted to put a barrier in front of how quick we could get it turned around,” Sooner Athletic Director Joe Castiglione said. “We didn’t want to come in and say it is going to take us three years or five years. It was, let’s get to work. What are we going to do to get this turned around?”

“I’ve always been the guy that basically felt, do the absolute best job you can at what you’re doing and if you do, other things will come,” Stoops said. “So, I didn’t have that master plan of when I became a head coach, I felt I did in my head because the great people I had been around from Hayden Frey to Bill Snyder, Steve Spurrier, Dick Krum. All these guys were great head coaches, and you know, the great assistant coaches I was around.”

Stoops posted a 190-48 record (.798) and coached teams that made a school-record 18 consecutive bowl trips. He was the only coach in the BCS era to win the Fiesta Bowl, Orange

Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the National Championship, and he compiled more wins in his first 18 seasons than any coach in college football history.

Before Stoops unexpectedly retired on June 7, 2017, Oklahoma amassed the most wins of any Power Five program between 1999 to 2016. He led the Sooners to double-digit victories in 14 of his 18 seasons, the most in the nation during that span, and had at least eight wins in each of his last 17 seasons, the longest streak in the nation at the time of his retirement. Seven Sooner teams finished in the top five of the AP Poll, including each of the last two. Stoops was a six-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and two-time national coach of the year.

“It was very important for me to leave in a positive way where the program can continue in a great way,” Stoops said of his retirement “That mattered to me to leave the program in good shape. I felt I knew that Lincoln was the right guy to do it and move forward in a great way. I knew the players and the maturity on the team would handle it well.”

38 | February 2021

The Sooners have advanced to the College Football Playoffs in three of the four years since Stoops surprisingly retired with two Heisman Trophy winners and two quarterbacks going number one overall in the NFL Draft. The run of success would not be possible had Coach Stoops not build an incredibly stable foundation for the program which was by no means on steady ground when he took over after the 1998 season.

And even with the immense amount of success and the deserved accolades including selection for the Hall of Fame, Stoops always turns the credit and the memories back to the players he coached.

“Fondest memories were the relationship with the players, absolutely. It remains today whenever I get to see them,” Stoops said. “The fun times in the locker room, seeing them happy and excited about their accomplishment, being proud of their accomplishment in the locker room celebrating after a game, that connection and relationship with the players definitely.

Even going to practice and having fun moments, somebody

gets mischievous about something and you get to laugh about it, nothing is better than that.”

Bob Stoops is a Hall of Famer. On December 1, 1998 that expectation was set, and it was executed to almost perfection.

“There won’t be any excuses,” Castiglione said in looking back at the career of Bob Stoops. “You know the moment on the steps of Evans hall when he uttered that phrase, for many Oklahomans to hear that… ‘There won’t be any excuses’... and then he also followed it up and said, ‘When we’re successful, not if, when we’re successful, it won’t be about me, it will be about the collective efforts of everybody else… players, coaches, the administration, the fans, the donors, everybody.’

“And you know what, Bob Stoops lived that every single day that he was the head coach, and even to this day when I hear him speak, I know he still has that same kind of characteristic in his mind.”

– BSM

40 | February 2021

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S P O RT S

Photos by: Mark Doescher

Austin Reaves

46 | February 2021

BY: CHRIS PLANK

T

he Reaves family is a basketball family and in an offseason unlike anything any of us have ever experienced, that passion for basketball helped Sooner standout Austin Reaves persevere.

After having his junior season cut short, Austin went home and as his preparation began for his senior season at Oklahoma, a familiar face was there to help.

“It was right when everything shut down with COVID in March, my older brother Spencer got to come home from overseas and we got to spend two to three months together working out, hanging out,” Austin said looking back at the time during lockdown “It was very beneficial. He taught me everything I know about basketball. Going back home, being comfortable and just going to work at the gym with him was helpful.”

Spencer’s third season playing in Spain was cut short due to COVID-19 as Austin was coming off his first season of eligibility with Oklahoma. Both had storied high school hoops careers for Cedar Ridge High School in Arkansas and both have a deep-rooted passion for basketball that started at a young age.

“We definitely had a half court behind the house, and it was very intense,” Austin said of backyard matchups between the two brothers. “We’d end up leaving not liking each other too much.”

Spencer is two years older than Austin and had a successful collegiate career at North Greenville (SC) and Central Missouri before signing to play professionally overseas. Spencer is currently on the UBU Tizo Burgos as part of the Spain-LEB Gold League. The grind for success is something that even through the tough times has pushed Spencer Reaves.

“It’s definitely tough at times,” he said. “I love the process, though, because that’s what’s gotten me to where I’m at. I’ve never been the most athletic, didn’t have many college scholarships offers when I was coming out of high school. I just really had to grind my way through everything, and if that’s what it’s going to take to continue to get better, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Beyond the success that Spencer has had on the court, Austin has consistently credited his older brother for helping to develop and fine tune his passion for the sport. But Spencer has always seen something special in his younger brother.

“You could just tell that he always had it,” Spencer said. “And of course, when he was playing his age group, you could see how much better he was than most of those kids and you could just see him keep developing.”

The family passion for hoops goes well beyond Austin and Spencer. Both parents, Nicole Wilkett and Brian Reaves, starred in college at Arkansas State. Wilkett was a two-time, all-conference performer for Arkansas State and averaged 20 points per game during her final season. Brian played point guard and is currently tied for third on the Red Wolves all-time assists list.

“It’s helpful with both of my parents playing Division 1 and Spencer playing professionally,” Austin said. “It’s a lot of IQ and a lot of knowledge towards the game. I’ll be seeing some-

boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 47

thing a different way and they’ll see something a different way so it’s all communication to find a different way to attack the sport.”

Sometimes it might not necessarily be what he wants to hear, but it is what he needs to hear to continue to elevate his game.

“They have no problem telling me things I don’t want to hear, the truth regardless of what it is,” Austin said.

“It’s really nice having people that really know the game. It’s a learning experience and it’s helpful that I have them to lean back on.”

When Austin made the decision after two seasons to transfer from Wichita State, it was a surprise to many across college basketball. He had developed a nice role within Shocker head coach Gregg Marshall’s system, shooting 47% from beyond the 3-point line. In fact, more than two-thirds of his shots in his two seasons at Wichita came from beyond the 3-point line.

“It was tough to leave because I felt like I had good relationships with a lot of people there,” he said of his time at Wichita State where he averaged almost seven points in 66 games. “But I think when it came down to it; it was the right thing for myself.”

Since his move to Norman, he has blossomed into a legitimate number one scorer. He is more than just a spot-up, three-point shooter like he was during his days in the Missouri Valley Conference. After his first full season in a Sooner uniform, Austin almost doubled the number of free throws he had taken in two full seasons at Wichita State and has continued that trend into 2021. He is also one of the top scorers on the Sooner roster after having averaged 8.1ppg during his final year at Wichita. Austin also transformed his body bulking up nearly 30 pounds since his days with the Shockers.

“He had a good first two years at Wichita State, even though he was more of a catch-and-shoot guy at that time,” said Sooner head coach Lon Kruger. “He shot the ball for over 40 percent from the three. Then during his redshirt year, he challenged himself to do all the things that he didn’t do earlier as a player, in terms of putting the ball on the floor and driving and making plays off the dribble.”

“At Wichita, you had a little stricter coach with his system, and you had to figure out your role and what you could do to stay on the court,” Austin said. “So, for me at that point, I was a shooter and that’s what I did to get on the court. But I feel like I’ve always had the ability to do what I’ve been doing now, and Coach (Lon) Kruger has put me in the position to do the things I’m doing now.”

Nothing magnifies the complete nature of Austin’s game than his performances against TCU. 48 | February 2021

In what ended up being the final game of the 2020 season, Reaves had one of the more explosive performances in recent Sooner and Big 12 memory. He scored a career-high 41 points, including 25 in the second half, and hit the game-winning basket in the closing seconds. He added six assists, five rebounds and three blocks against the Horned Frogs, joining Ben Simmons as the only players in NCAA Division 1 over the past 20 years to post at least 40 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks in a game.

“I wanted to come in and just do whatever I could to help the team win,” Austin said. “That was really my focus from day one. You always have that mentality where you think you can kind of just take over at times, but I ultimately just wanted to help the team win as much as I could.”

He found yet another level again against TCU to tip off Big 12 play in 2021. Reaves scored 32 points while dishing out nine assists in an 82-78 Sooner victory.

“It’s just basically being in the moment,” he described being in a zone. “Players and coaches put me in a position to be successful. You give the credit to them but at that point, you’re just doing what you can to get the win.”

Student-athletes have faced many challenges trying to not only play but also prepare in the middle of a pandemic.

“The routine is different,” Austin said. “Everybody’s daily life is different … You’ve got to take it as seriously as possible; you’ve got to do the things that are necessary to make yourself stay up to the task in these times. It’s not ideal right now. Everything happens for a reason, and you must stay ready.”

Beyond the daily challenges of testing and protocols, he has also challenged himself to be a more vocal leader.

“I would prefer to be a lead by example guy, but Coach pushes me to be more vocal,” Austin said. “It’s something that if you continue to do, you’ll get better at. It’s been a work in progress… I want to be another one of the guys on the floor who can be an extension of the coaching staff, it never hurts to having multiple guys talk, guys knowing exactly what we want to do.”

As Austin continues to play a starring role for the Sooners in the Big 12, his family is still at the core of who he is. From the competition of battling with his older brother to the critique and advice given by family and the personal challenge of growing as a leader, Austin Reaves has become everything that Sooner fans could have hoped for, and through it all his family is right here with him.

“Wherever he’s going,” Spencer said, “I’m following.”

Now, the next step awaits as Austin Reaves prepares for his first March Madness as a Sooner. – BSM 50 | February 2021

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S P O RT S

BY: JOSH HELMER he Oklahoma women’s basketball program didn’t have to search very far to find one of its potential future stars.

Standout Norman High senior point guard Kelbie Washington signed with the Sooners in November, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

T

“My goal was always to play Division I basketball at the University of Oklahoma,” Washington said. “The coaching staff at Oklahoma was really helpful with the process. Picking the University of Oklahoma was just a gut feeling and I’m happy about it.”

The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 assists and 4.3 steals per game during her junior season. She’s a two-time First Team All-COAC selection, a two-time COAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned Big All-City First Team status last season.

Staying Home

A proven winner, Washington helped the Tigers to the program’s fifth state championship in 2019. She earned First Team AllState Tournament honors during that title run. Norman was the favorite to repeat last spring with a record of 24-1 before the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the state tournament.

The four-star point guard is ranked as the No. 66 player nationally in ESPN’s 2021 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. OU head women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale knows the Sooners are getting a talented hometown addition.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

“Kelbie Washington is a kid I fell in love with watching her play as a junior high kid,” Coale said. “I love her intensity. She’s got some shooting range. She can score it, she can pass it, she can score it going to the rim, crafty finisher, draws a lot of fouls and is a great defender. She has a chance to be one of the best on the ball defenders we’ve ever had here. The passionate, emotional way she plays the game gives her a chance to be an extraordinary leader.”

Future Sooner Kelbie Washington

56 | February 2021

Washington has worked hard to expand her game in her time at Norman High. Known as a tenacious defender, her offensive game continues to improve.

“From my freshman year to now, I’ve grown a lot,” Washington said. “I think that’s because of Coach Neal and the program and

the girls, of course. As I got older, I got more confident with my scoring. Shooting was not my biggest strong point when I was younger, but, I think as of right now being a senior, it’s gotten a lot better and I can’t wait to improve it at OU.” Washington is used to playing with Division I talent, too.

Norman High teammates Chante Embry, Mikayla Parks and Myka Perry all will be playing Division I basketball in the future. Embry signed with Texas Tech, Parks is committed to Kansas State and Perry boasts a number of Division I offers.

Norman High head girls basketball coach Michael Neal says that experience should ease her transition into the Sooners’ program.

“Kelbie has been playing with high-caliber players for a long time,” he said. “With her competitive AAU team, they have Division I players across the board. She understands who needs the ball and how to get it to them. She’s played with tremendous talent in high school and even more so in the competitive realm. The things that she’s gone through personally on and off the court will definitely help her with her transition next year.”

Washington hasn’t taken that experience for granted.

“It’s been a blessing,” she said. “You don’t always get to play with such a good group of girls. Not everyone has that. We’ve boydstreet.com

done a lot of good things, winning state, going to state last year.

These girls are not just teammates. They’re family. People I’ll know for the rest of my life, people that I’ll care about for the rest of my life. The basketball part, it’s amazing that we do that together, but the memories are what stick out to me.”

Joining Washington in OU’s 2021 signing class are 6-foot1, guard Kaley Perkins (Houston, Texas), 6-foot-3, forward Emma Svoboda (LaQuinta, Calif.) and 6-foot, forward Bre’yon White (Houston, Texas).

“They’re awesome,” Washington said. “I talk to them a lot.

Just really excited about coming to college with them. We talk about their season and I talk about mine. I have a really good relationship with them. They’re a good group of girls, really good players. I’m excited to make memories with them as well.”

For now, Washington is focused on winning another Gold Ball with the Tigers. After that, she hopes to be an immediate contributor at Oklahoma.

“What I want to improve on to end my high school career is my leadership. I want to come in and not just be a freshman,” Washington said. “I want to be a role player for the team. I want to help the team. Overall, just trying to get better and better every day and it really helps when I have Coach Neal as my coach.” –BSM BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 57

COMM U N I T Y

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Literacy in Motion Norman district debuts mobile learning initiative

N

orman educators like Ann Rosales, the district’s director of early childhood education, spend the bulk of their time focused on the learning that happens inside classrooms, but a new district initiative that launched over winter break is seeking to impact the gap when students are not in school.

“We want every student to have the resources they need to be successful and we know that the time they are away from the school building is just as important,” Rosales said.

Inspired by mobilized book programs around the nation, Rosales and others within the district looked for ways to fill those educational holes and a Learning Bus program was their solution.

“This project hasn’t been just one department,” Rosales shared. “Everything from transportation to maintenance and a lot of other departments and community partners came together.”

62 | February 2021

“Cox Communications, Landers Chevrolet and the Norman Public Schools Foundation were such a big part in getting this off the ground. Scholastic and Norman public libraries too, they donated books.”

While literacy is an important foundational component, the Learning Bus will incorporate hands-on, higher-level learning, as well as be a resource for families. Rosales said she hopes to leverage the districts’ community partnerships so the program can be a place where families can go for information and support.

“We want to meet the needs of the whole child, to help each student reach their full potential,” she explained. “Parents are our students’ first and most influential teachers. If we want students to be successful, we need to help their parents be successful.”

The bus will be utilized during school breaks, bringing books, STEM activities, food, WiFi access, tech support and other community resources to parks, neighborhoods and

school parking lots in areas of the district that need it the most, Rosales said.

the way up to a selection for parents. Students can simply check the books out using their student ID.

“Summertime will be our busiest time for the literacy bus,” she said. “We’ll have a touring map and stop schedule on our website and on social media.”

The bus will also have a presence during the school year too.

The bus will park for about an hour so students can browse for books, enjoy storytime and engage with STEM activities.

Book levels range from board books for younger siblings all

boydstreet.com

“We want the bus available during breaks but we also see it visiting schools during the school year,” Rosales said. “Something as different as getting a book from a bus creates excitement around learning.” – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 63

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Join the Norman Regional Team On the Frontlines Norman ICU nurse commissioned into Army Corp of Nurses

A

n Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse fighting on the frontlines of the pandemic was recently commissioned into the Army Corps of Nurses. Ashley Wilkinson received her commission in December outside Norman Regional Hospital’s Education Center, at 901 N. Porter Ave. Her coworkers in the ICU at Norman Regional Hospital looked down from the windows as Wilkinson received this honor.

Wilkinson joined the U.S. Army in 2004 when she was 17 years old. Her first duty station was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She also served in Germany, was deployed to Afghanistan and became an active duty drill sergeant.

Wilkinson then enrolled in nursing school to further pursue her passion for helping others.

“I loved working with people and helping them get better, even in the simplest of ways,” she said.

She became a nurse in May 2018 and, in December 2019, she began working at Norman Regional’s ICU. It wasn’t long after finishing up her orientation that the hospital began to see patients with COVID-19.

“These patients were sick, and I, as a new ICU nurse, had to summon every bit of training I had accumulated in nursing and the military to manage these difficult patients,” she shared. “Unfortunately, my team and myself are still in this fight.

However, we are a team and there is no other place I’d rather be.”

The United States Army Nurse Corps (ANC) was formally established by the U.S. Congress in 1901. It is one of the six medical special branches, or “corps” of officers, which – along with medical enlisted soldiers – comprise the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).

The ANC is the nursing service for the U.S. Army and provides nursing staff in support of the Department of Defense medical plans. The ANC is composed entirely of registered nurses (RNs). – BSM

68 | February 2021

Norman Regional Health System is hosting a recruitment event for clinical team members. They call their employees “healers” and are looking for people like Lt. Wilkinson who match their values and will excel within the system’s compassionate culture.

Hiring events will be from 4-6 p.m. on the following days: • Thursday, March 4 - Norman Regional Moore’s Conference Center, 700 S. Telephone Rd. in Moore, OK • Thursday, April 8 - Norman Regional Moore’s Conference Center, 700 S. Telephone Rd. in Moore, OK • Thursday, May 6 - Norman Regional Hospital’s Education Center, 901 N. Porter Ave. in Norman, OK Please wear a mask at all times at this event. On-the-spot interviews and offers will be made, so bring a resume. Norman Regional is hiring registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and patient care techs. Full-time, parttime and PRN positions are available.

For more information and to apply for a position, please visit NormanRegional.com/careers.

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Making transactions using a connected debit card, or through a linked online account, will automatically use the available balance in your account and lower the balance appropriately.

A paper check is also linked directly to your account, but will generally take up to two business days to clear. It’s important to ensure there are enough funds in your account to cover a purchase before paying with a check.

MAINTENANCE FEES Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking accounts. According to Bankrate’s most recent survey on checking accounts, only 38% of banks now offer free checking, compared with 79% in 2009. Monthly fees can be as high as $25 a month.

INTEREST RATES Most checking accounts offer a very low annual percentage yield (APY) on deposited funds, or none at all. Institutions that offer checking accounts with interest or dividends will generally charge a monthly fee, with the fee being higher for accounts that have higher rates. They also generally require a minimum balance in the account at all times or a minimum number of monthly debit card transactions. According to Bankrate’s survey, you’ll need to keep an average of $7,550 in an interest-yielding checking account to avoid a steep maintenance fee.

SECURITY Funds that are kept in a checking account at a bank are federally insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. Credit unions feature similar protection for your funds through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). State and private credit unions may be insured by the NCUSIF or through their own state or private insurance.

74 | February 2021

Managing a checking account is as simple as 1-2-3:

1 – KNOW YOUR BALANCE It’s important to know how much is in your account at all times. This way, you can avoid having insufficient funds to cover your purchases. Being aware of how much money you have will also help you stick to a budget and spend within your means. You can generally check your balance by phone or via online checking or a synced budgeting app.

2 – AUTOMATE YOUR FINANCES Make life a little easier by setting up automatic bill payment through your checking account. You won’t miss the hassle of paying your monthly bills, and you’ll never be late for a payment again. As a bonus, you’ll save on the processing fee that is often charged on bill payments made via credit card.

You can also set up direct deposit to have your paycheck land right in your account. Finally, ask about automatic monthly transfers from your checking account to savings so you never forget to put money into savings. You may also want to consider signing up for overdraft protection, or to have funds transfer from your linked savings account to checking when your balance is getting low.

3 – KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT WELL-FUNDED, BUT NOT OVERFUNDED Financial experts recommend keeping one to two months’ worth of living expenses in your checking account at all times. This way, you’ll always have enough funds to cover your transactions without fear of your account being overdrawn. You’ll also be able to cover the occasional pre-authorization hold that a merchant may place on your debit card transaction until it clears.

It’s equally important not to keep too much money in your checking account. Once you’ve reached that sweet spot of two months of living expenses, it’s best to keep your savings in an account or an investment that offers a higher APY, such as a money market account or a share certificate.

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BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

Corks, Closures & Cans

C

orks have been the go-to closures for wine bottles for hundreds of years. French wine makers started using cork in the 1700s, replacing oil soaked rag plugs. Corks created a better seal, and was the first step in trying to defeat fraud.

Winemakers could burn the seal of the winery on the cork before it was inserted, then apply a wax or foil capsule to the bottle.

Purchasers could then examine the cork when presented with the wine to assure the goods were from the specific winery they desired, which is why a sommelier presents the cork.

Corks can help detect the possible presence of taint. Wine that is spoiled is often referred to as corked, but while the cause of the spoilage may not be the cork, the defect can be detected by smelling the cork.

Of all the closures, corks are also the most environmentally friendly for a variety of reasons including its biodegradable properties.

Also, cork trees are not harmed by harvesting, and protect endangered species in the Iberian Peninsula.

80 | February 2021

Australian wine makers were among the first to adopt the Stelvin Cap, commonly referred to as a screw top. These caps have a plastic liner to seal the bottle under the cap. Industry claims are that there is less loss to taint, and less leakage with these caps. But in my opinion, screw caps actually leak more often and spoilage rates seem to be about equal. One thing is for sure, they are easier to get off the bottle.

Other closures include glass caps, crown caps and plastic corks.

Glass caps are found on more expensive wines, and have the attraction of being re-useable. The bottle and cap can be used for infusions after the wine is consumed. Most consumers find crown caps to look cheap in appearance and a bottle opener is necessary. Plastic corks can be the most difficult to remove and seem to be losing their appeal in the industry.

Regardless of the closure, your local wine merchant can advise you on the content and quality of the wine within the bottle.

Kathy

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86 | February 2021

LI F EST Y L E

BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise

C

ardiovascular exercise offers many benefits from improved health and well-being to influencing your quality of life and may also help improve your immune system. Cardio workouts are shown to reduce fatigue, promote positive changes in body composition, improve self-confidence and posture, reduce stress, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase bone density.

goals, 20-60 minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise daily is a realistic goal to shoot for.

The FITTE Principle is an acronym used for program guidelines and suggestion to design an effective cardiovascular routine:

ENJOYMENT: Bottom line: Find something that is fun and you will

FREQUENCY: Exercise sessions per week/3-5 times a week is rec-

Over time, set goals to increase your distance covered, amount of time exercised, the intensity of your workouts and/or the number of days per week. Increase slowly. It’s recommended at approximately 10% a week. For example if you are performing 20 minutes of exercise per session, increase the next week by 2 minutes per session.

ommended. But 1-2 times a week is better than nothing. Baby Steps!!

INTENSITY: How hard should you work? Heart rate helps determine the intensity of the exercise being performed. Most research shows that cardiovascular benefits take place between 60% and 85% of age-predicted max heart rate.

TYPE: Simply the mode of exercise that you choose. This could be the treadmill, step mill, stair master, elliptical, stationary bike or an aerobics class.

enjoy. This may take a while, so be patient.

Chat Williams, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, CSPS*D, FNSCA chat@youthperformance.net • www.youthperformance.net • 701-3416

TIME: An individual beginning a program may only start with 10

minutes a day and gradually increase. Depending on your fitness

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 87

B U S I N E SS

BY: ROXANNE AVERY

Boyd Security Systems

Kelsey Boyd continues family security business.

I

Protecting your family, home, business and our community

n 1970, Mark Boyd joined the Norman Police Department working as a full-time sergeant as well as several other part-time jobs around town.

He was especially fond of security for apartments and handled jobs such as securing laundry rooms, swimming pools and serving eviction notices.

By 1982, Mark knew he could make a living in the armed patrol service and came up with the idea to sell and install home security systems too. Soon after, he incorporated Boyd Security Systems.

As Norman grew, so did the business, earning the trust of residents by becoming not only their security professional but also their friend.

He contracted with the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department, handling sideline security, press box security, checking tickets and game passes and hired off-duty police officers and firemen to help.

90 | February 2021

After nearly 30 years of service, he retired from the Norman Police Department in 1999 and continued to manage the security company until his health declined in November of 2019.

Sadly, he passed away in January 2020 and his son Kelsey recalled his tremendous giving heart.

“He was deeply appreciative of all the City of Norman had given to him and our family and he gave back to the community with not only money but also his time,” Kelsey said.

Boyd Security Systems sponsored many Little League teams through the years as well as booster club organizations for all the middle schools and both high schools.

“Dad was a volunteer for the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and was the state director for Oklahoma and helped bring teams here from across the country,” he said. “We honor his legacy by continuing to support his ser-

vice to community athletics.”

Boyd Security Systems remains a family-owned company and takes pride in their customer base which was built by word-of-mouth.

“Everyone knew my dad, but Norman has had tremendous growth since the 1970s,” Kelsey said.

Boyd Security Systems takes pride in handling security systems in-house and not having customers sign a contract and then ship the service out of state.

“We’ve been here for 38 years for a reason and we’re one of the few local family owned and operated security companies,” Kelsey said. “We have never and will never have contracts to burden our customers. We don’t want to tie people down to a contract with cancellation fees and make it difficult to get out of.”

Over the life of a contract – say three years – a customer will usually pay more, making the value of the equip-

ment they received upfront at no charge actually cost more, Kelsey explained.

If a customer isn’t happy with their system, getting out of a contract can seem nearly impossible.

“Some companies require a 30-day notice in writing and if the person wants another alarm company to service the equipment, they can’t do it because the equipment is proprietary,” Kelsey said.

At Boyd Security Systems, customers keep their equipment and are never charged a cancellation fee.

“If we have to part ways, and this doesn’t happen often, we’re going to make it as easy as possible for the person to keep their system running,” Kelsey said.

Their technicians operate by appointment, meaning it can be scheduled for an exact time and not a “window” of time.

Kelsey said the technology of the “Smart Home” is taking off right now and is more cost effective than ever. Services offered at Boyd Security Systems include home and commercial alarms, commercial fire, closed-circuit cameras, home automation (utilizing an app through the alarm to control the alarm system, thermostat, garage door, lights, blinds, etc.), custom audio and home theater and 24/7 state-of-the-art monitoring.

“As licensed security professionals, we understand the importance of protecting your family, home, business and our community,” Kelsey said. “Give us a call before calling any large security company. We have flexibility to work out terms on most installations and, in most cases, our fees are less for monthly service.” –BSM

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 91

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SCOTT S. HOFMANN Senior Vice President NMLS#: 704192 405.680.6614

NORMAN

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B U S I N E SS

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON

What’s Eating Norman

N

ormanites are getting loud about supporting local businesses and restaurants during tough times.

Locally Loud is a newfound branding message that is centered around supporting Norman businesses. Cody Giles, the hashtag’s creator, works on the OEC Fiber marketing team and is a local photographer and graphic designer. He created the movement out of a love for his city and a desire to help businesses in need that are suffering from the effects of the ongoing pandemic.

“Every time you buy something from a local business, post about it using the hashtag #loudlocal and tag that business,” Giles shared on the initial Facebook post. “It not only supports local business with your purchase but advertises for them.”

“Let’s get loud about being local,” Giles continued in his post.

The community quickly caught on and the hashtag grew, just as he hoped would happen. His goal was to encourage others to take a moment and share a picture of an item bought or food purchased at a local store or restaurant and then leave a public message about it.

The hashtag, he hoped, would create a central place for anyone shopping in Norman to visit and peruse through.

Interest generated then encourages further shopping at local establishments.

The possibilities of positive effects are endless.

#LoudLocal 96 | January February2021 2021

Giles utilized the colors of Norman’s flag as the inspiration behind Locally Loud’s emblem and logo and also designed unique 12x12 aluminum business tiles that are available for purchase. Each tile is $300 and all proceeds go back to the business that it features.

“It’s so much more about supporting the people behind the businesses,” Giles shared. “That’s what’s important. It’s so easy to view a business as this androgynous thing, but there’s real people behind it. They’re wonderful people that have been affected and that want to support Norman.”

Jason Olson, recreation superintendent with Norman Parks and Recreation, added to the idea and is working as a partner with the successful initiative to further the reach.

“Community partnerships are what makes Norman great,” Giles said.

The movement has grown as The City of Norman began hosting a virtual Locally Loud concert series to benefit local artists and businesses.

“The idea with Locally Loud is to get out and make some noise in your community and support businesses and artists, and to help get them through the pandemic,” said Olson. “It’s hurting livelihoods. We want to make sure everyone is supported.”

The hope is to help fill in some gaps during these tough times.

boydstreet.com

A recent addition to the lineup is a unique restaurant package that features online cooking and cocktail classes. Local restaurant chefs teach classes utilizing Zoom with prepared recipes, tips and secrets to share.

Ticketholders will have a chance to ask the experts their questions from the comfort of their own homes while creating delicious treats and learning new skills. They will be able to pick up necessary items the day of the event and then join their class virtually later that evening.

Details vary depending on the class but tickets range from $30 to $60 and are available at NormanParks.com.

Scratch’s recent class focused on how to make a special cocktail. Red Rock will soon be featuring a pasta-making class with a featured bottle of wine available as an add-on.

Virtual concerts and classes will continue to be held on select Thursdays and Fridays this February.

Check out NormanParks.com and The City of Norman’s Facebook page for more information. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 97

Stories of Surviving a Crisis Meet Our Friend

Juan Hidalgo Owner of Hidalgo’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

During the COVID-19 crisis, an FFB lender helped Juan secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan to keep Hidalgo’s doors open and support his employees and customers.

“When I saw the money in my bank for the PPP program, the relief was so good I didn’t know what to do. I told my wife, ‘We should be able to make it.’”

Meet Juan and explore other stories at

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