Boyd Street Magazine June 2024

BOYD STREET

Spend Life Fearlessly.

Norman - East

801 12th Ave. NE

Norman, OK 73071 (405) 579-7000

Norman - Hwy 9 4925 SE 44th St.

Norman, OK 73072 (405) 579-7000

Norman - North West 570 24th Ave. NW

Norman, OK 73069 (405) 579-7000

Tailored Banking Solutions.

As a member of the Norman community, we specialize in fostering relationships, not just managing finances. We're your partner in growth, committed to supporting your business goals that’s Relationship Banking.

and Annual Memberships for Individuals and Families GO ON-LINE FOR THE DAYS AND TIMES OF ALL OUR ACTIVITIES.

NMOTION

MEMBERSHIPS TO THE YFAC ARE ON SALE!

Sign up on-line for individual or a family membership to enjoy open gym and swim, aqua fitness, swim lessons, leagues, and more. Go to www.yfac.com or stop in to learn more.

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE OU STUDENTS | MILITARY/VETERANS | SENIORS 50+ FIRST RESPONDERS | LOCAL RESIDENTS

COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF THIS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

MONDAY–FRIDAY 6:30 AM-8 PM SATURDAY 10 AM-8 PM SUNDAY 12 PM–4 PM

1 & 2 - Bethesda Swing into Spring

3 through 6 - Norman Music Festival

7 & 8 - May Fair Arts Festival

9 & 10 - Norman Chamber Women’s Luncheon

11 - The REF X NIL Visitors

Serving women and children experiencing homelessness or at risk of imminent homelessness is the daily work of Catholic Charities’ Sanctuary Women’s Development Center. With the need increasing nationwide, local impact has made services more critical than ever. While shelters are available for the broader population with day and night options, the specialized focus of both Sanctuary locations helps meet unique needs.

“Our organization originated because of the need in the metro area for women and children to have a space just for them and not have to go into a big shelter,” said Director for the Norman-area Sanctuary Sheila McPherson. “Many potential clients simply didn’t feel comfortable.”

The Oklahoma City day shelter began in 2009 and the doors of its Norman location opened five years later at 425 E. Tonhawa St. Intake assessments help evaluate income, identify employment concerns, address mental and physical health issues and outline a path forward.

Shower and laundry facilities are available on-site, along with snacks and a community pantry, as well as case management and counseling to address present needs while working on future plans. A play area is provided for young children. Utility assistance is also available on a case-by-case basis.

“The person next to you could be a paycheck away from being homeless. It is people down on their luck. A lot of our neighbors lack a support system,” said McPherson. “Some of us can call mom or grandma or a cousin, but if they are struggling too, it’s a lot different.”

Two full-time case managers and a front desk clerk work alongside McPherson, with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. An average of 35 to 40 participants are offered help each day..

“People are often in these situations through no fault of their own far more than is generally known,” said McPherson. “They absolutely want to do more about their own circumstances but do not always know what is the next step.”

Services are made possible through grants and donations. Catholic Charities receives clothing, toys, housewares and other items that are shared at both Sanctuary locations.

Find more information at catholiccharitiesok.org/ homeless-services.– BSM

Norman Public Schools Achieves Milestone with New Storm Shelters ENHANCING SAFETY

This spring, McKinley and Monroe Elementary Schools completed construction on new storm shelters and held ribbon cutting ceremonies to officially open each site’s shelter. The celebrations also marked the completion of all construction projects under the district’s 2019 bond. Now, all school sites in the NPS district have storm shelters.

“It took us two bond issues to get to this point and we are very grateful to the community,” said Justin Milner,NPS associate superintendent and chief operating officer.

The $186 million school bond, approved in February 2019, prioritized student safety and security, with nearly $30 million allocated for the construction of storm shelters at 16 schools.

“As stewards of our students’ and staff’s safety, it is our duty to provide a secure haven that shields them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “With the completion of these storm shelters, we not only fulfill our obligation but also reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our school community.”

The projects were originally slated to be completed sooner, but the pandemic negatively impacted the construction timelines. Additionally, post-COVID cost inflation pushed some projects over budget.

“Shelters are very expensive to build and there were a number of hurdles to overcome, but we wanted to be patient and find a pathway we could all be proud of to yield the right results,” said Milner. “Last year, we made a promise to the parents of Monroe and McKinley schools

that they would not face another storm season without a storm shelter. We are very proud to have been able to fulfill that promise.”

McKinley and Monroe have two rooms at each school that can hold the entire student population and staff in case they need to seek shelter. When not used as a storm shelter, these spaces serve as music classrooms.

CWA Group, an architecture and interior design firm, has been instrumental in NPS’s bond projects for more than a decade, contributing to the 2010, 2014 and 2019 initiatives. NPS will continue working with CWA Group on the 2023 bond projects as well.

“CWA Group is honored to be a part of the Norman Public Schools bond projects. We love contributing to the community where our employees live and raise their families,” said Alison Acker, Senior Project Architect, Vice President. “It is extremely rewarding to know that the buildings we design help the students to grow, learn and play all while protecting them from the unpredictable Oklahoma weather.”

McKinley and Monroe were the first to be approved for renovations under the bond project that passed in February 2023.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

“Since McKinley and Monroe were last for the 2019 bond, they will be on the front end of the 2023 bond,” Milner said.

McKinley additions will include more classrooms and restrooms, a breezeway connection corridor and renovations to restrooms and parking lots. Monroe additions will include several new classrooms, a library enclosure and updates to its restrooms and parking lots. The district will be able to reduce waste by keeping up construction structures from the 2019 bond on site to transition into the construction of the 2023 bond projects.

“We spend a great deal of time and resources to ensure that we are accountable for what we promise in a fiscally responsible way,” Milner explained. “We see the bond issue as a contract, and we want to complete that with quality.”

Other district bond projects will begin soon. Efforts are underway to finalize designs for the stadium at Norman North High Schools and a facility for Oklahoma Aviation Academy. Renovations to a recently acquired space in northwest Norman that will house an all-district performing arts facility will complete that project a year ahead of schedule for a new construction. – BSM

Central

Granite-like countertops | Plush carpeting

Hardwood-like flooring | Stainless steel appliances

Full-size washer and dryer connections

Double door refrigerator, icemaker, filtered water

Spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs

Large walk-in closets | Energy-efficient windows

Cox Quick Connect, allowing immediate internet

Swimming

PASSION, PERSISTENCE AND PROGRESS

You’re competitive, but it seems like the most important thing to you is making kids better baseball players. Why is that? Where does that come from?

Johnson: It comes from being a teacher. What makes me mad about baseball is how it treats players at times. They lose their confidence. If you take away the result and just talk about playing the game, that’s what really matters. Play the game the right way. I want guys to show how much passion they have. When I walk into a baseball game to watch a kid and you see him playing with passion, I know right away that’s a guy I want. That’s the ultimate respect for the game. I think that’s what is awesome about watching our softball team. When they’ve got it rolling, they play with so much passion. I want everybody to say, “man, I love watching your team play.”

What is the importance of the stadium renovations, especially in the SEC?

Johnson: I don’t know if we’ve got to get it done now, but over a period of time you’ve got to get it done to win in that league. There is no doubt about that. It is the upmost important thing with the kids we’re recruiting today. We’re bringing in the same guys that see LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M. We lose that guy when they go there and then come to our place because of our facilities. I think our culture is more important than our facilities, but to answer your question long term, if we don’t do something about our facilities, it’s never going to work.

BY: TOBY ROWLAND, VOICE

Skip Johnson’s Vision for Oklahoma Baseball in the SEC Era

Let’s be honest, the hiring of Skip Johnson at the University of Oklahoma was not your average hire. He was a Texas Longhorn for Pete’s sake. But that’s exactly what the Sooners did in 2016 when the longtime burnt orange pitching coach took the same job with the Crimson and Cream.

One year later, Johnson replaced Pete Hughes as Oklahoma’s head baseball coach. And for the past seven years, the man who loves a good deer hunt has been hunting for ways to take Sooner baseball back to the very top. With his unmistak-

able good ole’ boy charm and fiercely competitive spirit, he has racked up Big 12 titles, postseason appearances and a trip to Omaha.

I’ve been fortunate to have a front row seat for the Skip Johnson Era at the University of Oklahoma. With the new world of the SEC quickly approaching and the rapidly changing world of collegiate athletics causing seismic shifts in all sports, I recently sat down with the 2024 Big XII Coach of the Year to ask him about the present and the future of Oklahoma baseball.– BSM

Have you embraced the transfer portal? Are you excited about the SEC?

Johnson: Oh yeah. I mean, if a kid walks in tomorrow and says he wants to leave, good riddance. He would’ve never had the right attitude in the first place. It’s a tough business. College baseball is a bad business plan in itself. You have 11.7 scholarships divided between 32 players. It’s not healthy. Somebody’s always going to be mad at you.

Johnson: Absolutely! How about pulling up to the parking lot in the Lloyd Noble and seeing nothing but RV’s and campers? That’s the way baseball is in the SEC. It’s a football environment in a baseball stadium. There’s going to be teams that come into our stadium and take over our stadium because that many people travel with them. It’s going to be so cool.

What do you believe is the formula for success in this new era of college baseball?

Johnson: I don’t know if I’ve figured it out yet or not. It’s more about getting the right guy and the right fit as far as the metrics and their attitude. My assistants are more about the metrics. I’m more about their attitude - that plays the most important role. I think that’s why our team was good this year. It was really fun to watch.

July 1, 2024 will be a historic day for the University of Oklahoma and the City of Norman. On that mid-summer Monday, OU will officially become a member of the Southeastern Conference.

In joining the SEC, the University will be increasing not only the amount of money it will make but also the amount of championship-caliber competition it will face. The SEC has won six National Championships in football alone in the last decade and, as a conference, has averaged almost seven National Championships per season in all sports combined since 1990.

While Sooner coaches and student-athletes have feverishly improved all aspects of their rosters and program, the administration at the University of Oklahoma and Norman city officials have been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the move is seamless and productive.

The move is more than just an opportunity for the Sooners to make more money as an athletic department and a university, it also provides economic growth opportunities for the city.

THE MOVE

On July 30, 2021, Oklahoma and Texas officially announced they were leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC. The Sooners have been a member of the Big 12 and its predecessor The Big 8 since 1920. But with the future of college athletics at a financial crossroads, the University decided there was one path to survival.

“After thorough consideration and study, it became obvious that standing pat would be falling behind,” Sooner Vice President of Athletics Joe Castiglione said when the decision became public. “It would mean putting our program in a precarious position, both competitively and financially. It would leave us to play catch-up with our competition.”

The SEC reportedly made $853 million in revenue in 2023, which results in a $51.3 million average distribution among the current 14 member schools. That’s nearly double what the Big 12 made in 2022 at $481 million. The SEC payouts are expected to continue to increase with the additions of OU and Texas. Estimates are closer to $1.1 billion as ESPN/ABC take over Saturdays in the SEC.

“We started our transition immediately. Our transition team started looking at every level from our facilities to team travel to budgeting,” said Greg Tipton, the associate athletic director responsible for internal operations, facilities and events. “I think we’re well prepared as a department and with our sports to make this transition to the SEC.”

In other words, Oklahoma is not just joining the SEC for a payday. It is about improving across the board for Sooner Athletics and its fans.

“We’re looking at everything from our fan amenities and fan experience, moving some things around within the stadium where our visiting team goes, where the visiting team band sits, everything,” Tipton added. “Because the SEC obviously travels in a big way and with all the opposing teams’ fans, we’ve really taken a deep dive. Our entire transition team has worked tirelessly to make sure that this is a positive and ensure we’re good to go.”

THE CITY

The planning process for the move to the SEC was intense, yet collaborative.

“You have one opportunity to make a good first impression and (the transition) provided a unique position to collaborate and partner with the University to do some awesome things for Norman and the entire state,” said Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. “We’re going to have visitors from all over the country that are going to

BY: CHRIS PLANK

MEANING MORE

Photo by: Mark Doescher

get a first look at Oklahoma and Norman in particular. We’re excited about what is getting ready to happen.”

City leaders like Lawrence McKinney, the president of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, expressed just how big of a moment this was for the city.

“Not to take anything away from the Big 12, but the SEC is just bigger,” McKinney said. “We’ve been having more discussions with people who want to open a business here - just the announcement that OU is joining the conference was enough to spark interest.

“There is so much opportunity now.”

Visit Norman Executive Director Dan Schemm said revenue opportunities will be significant by providing a chance to maximize something he called OPM.

“Our mission is to attract visitors to Norman and that reason is OPM - other people’s money,” Schemm explained. “We want to collect as much of those visitor dollars as we can to get them to help contribute those taxes to the general fund. It improves our quality of life and supports our restaurants and attractions. Thrilled as a fan, but excited on the professional side, too.”

To see exactly where Norman measured up with its fellow SEC communities, on the advice of Joe Castiglione, they started visiting SEC schools and cities.

“The feeling is, we’re good at what we do here in Norman and the University, but this is a whole new level and that’s one of the reasons they are making this move,” Martin said. “We went to three different communities. We observed the gameday activities and what it meant to the community, identifying where we are excelling and where we are deficient, what are some of the low-hanging fruit things we could fix right away.”

The “low hanging fruit” included what Martin described as “easy wins” like beautification such as new banners along Lindsay and Main Street. Other potential fixes and changes might take a little longer to implement such as the need for more hotel rooms and more areas for recreation vehicles.

“We have about 3,000 hotel rooms, give or take, and we know that there will be more visitors and fans than that, so we know OKC and Moore will benefit from compression in the market too. The whole region benefits,” Schemm said. “But in our visits, what we noticed all of these places had was luxury RV parks. RV is a much bigger piece of that tailgating component and of the visitor experience. So, we immediately looked at how we could enhance that experience.”

By next summer, Norman will feature central Oklahoma’s first destination RV resort. The resort will also feature an aerial adventure park and provide shuttles to and from the stadium on game day. One new business is already coming to Oklahoma as a direct result of the move to the SEC.

THE NOW

While city leaders have been diligent in their planning and brainstorming, Tipton and his team have been preparing for the biggest moment, potentially in school history, by leaving no stone unturned.

“We work directly with our Jordan and Nike providers on making sure you’ve got the patches on uniforms. We’ve been working with our internal unit on our branding for our facilities because you’ve got to change out logos on basketball courts, volleyball performance courts,” Tipton said. “You’ve got to order stencils for fields. We had a very, very poignant conversation early on about our approach because the SEC is special.

“We’ve done a complete redesign of the basketball court, that’s going to look sharp. We want to make sure we have the SEC logo prevalent in our branding, and we are mapping it out right because we’re still members of the Big 12 Conference, but we’ve got to be ready come July 1.”

So, what do you do and how do you start when everything changes? Oklahoma is not only embracing the challenge of the SEC but also embracing the branding. To help make the transition even smoother, sometimes you have to turn for a little help from your rivals.

“We consulted a lot with our friends in Austin on plans and approach and consulted with some institutions that came in back in 2010 - Missouri and Texas A&M,” Tipton said. “Everybody was incredibly helpful. The SEC has been phenomenal.”

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT

Some say that the move will be very good for Sooners’ pocketbooks, and they would be correct. Others say that the move will lead to more visibility for Norman and that neighbors like Oklahoma City, Moore, Newcastle and Noble are waiting for new economic opportunities. One thing is for certain, Norman is poised to do what it can to show the town is SEC-ready.

The current average economic impact for Norman during an OU football weekend is $11 million. The current average economic impact for Tuscaloosa during an Alabama football weekend is more than $30 million. In Tennessee’s economic impact and community benefits report from 2017, an average football game weekend reflected an average of $42 million, almost four times the average economic impact Norman sees on a given weekend.

“We like to be conservative in our numbers, but we see the $11 million increasing dramatically,” Schemm said “I was sitting in a meeting in Oklahoma City, we had a vendor talking about where he saw spikes in hotel occupancy in a week during September of 2016. They saw this tremendous regional spike for

one weekend, and I didn’t even have to say anything, everyone knew it was the Ohio State weekend. When you have a game as big as that, people come to town, they stay longer, they pay more, and they spend more on dining and eating out. It hits Norman, it hits the entire region.

“We loved our time in the Big 12 but these games are just going to be bigger and we’re going to see that economic impact felt in Norman with all of our retailers.”

The number of visitors will increase by the simple math of more supply. The minimum ticket allotment for the conference is much greater than it is for the Big 12. The SEC requires at least 5,000 visiting tickets, including 2,000 in the lower level of its stadiums.

The Big 12 requires each home school to provide a minimum of 2,500 tickets for visiting Big 12 teams. For years, OU relied on nonconference and some conference schools to give back tickets for the school to resell, which the SEC does not allow.

Schemm has been working hard with his team to come up with ways to create more opportunities to benefit Norman financially.

“Campus Corner is awesome on game day, but how can we capture more of those visitor dollars,” Schemm said. “Right now, we don’t have a Friday night activity that is historically what you had to be at, and you can’t miss it.

“We’re looking at creating some Friday night pep rallies or pregame events on Campus Corner. Partnering with entities like the Norman Music Alliance to bring some cool experiences there.”

On July 1, 2024, everything changes for the University of Oklahoma, but in the process of preparing for this seismic shift, one of the biggest developments has been the incredible growth in the relationship between OU and the City of Norman.

“It’s been great. They have been in this space over the last year, they’ve been traveling to Tuscaloosa, Lexington, Oxford, really taking in what it looks like from a city side,” Tipton said. “They’ve been involved in a lot of our transition conversations and everybody’s on board. It’s such an exciting time for the University, for the city of Norman, and we’re fired up.’

For Martin and his team, this is too big of an opportunity to allow any negativity to get in the way.

“What I have been so impressed with is the genuine nature of everyone involved,” Martin said. “Everyone is putting aside their own self-interest and coming around the table to say what can we do for the benefit of the greater whole. This will impact all of us in a myriad of different ways. Everyone is excited. I don’t think we fully understand or can grasp what’s getting ready to happen. We just know the outcome is going to be fantastic for both Norman and the University.” – BSM

SIX FINANCIAL LESSONS YOU CAN LEARN FROM BASEBALL

Batter up – it’s baseball season! Time to polish that mitt and get the old pitcher’s arm warmed up.

Believe it or not, America’s national pastime can actually teach you valuable money management lessons. Let’s take a look at six money takeaways you can learn from baseball.

THREE STRIKES, AND YOU’RE OUT

We all drop the ball sometimes, but you only have two chances to make mistakes before the consequences get dire. For example, missing one or two credit card payments isn’t the end of the world. But, missing three can have a far bigger impact on your financial health. Creditors will likely hand over your debt to a debt collection agency, your credit score will plummet, and your account may be terminated.

Don’t miss those credit card payments. Three strikes and you’re out!

SINGLES AND DOUBLES CAN HELP WIN THE GAME

Everyone would love to play or watch a game where your team only hits homers, but that never happens. Don’t give up when you only hit a single or a double – those can help win the game, too.

When it comes to money, every dollar saved adds up. Don’t fall into the mistake of thinking it only pays to save big bucks. Every little bit can help you build your nest egg and reach your financial goals.

IT’S A LONG SEASON

It’s easy to get disheartened after a long game, but nearly every team will have to pick themselves up and get back in the game after a loss. The best way to keep your spirits up after losing a game is to remember that it’s a long season and your team can recover – maybe even take the championship.

The same holds true for your finances. You likely won’t experience ongoing financial success without setbacks. Don’t let these difficulties slow you down!

STRIKE OUT SWINGING

In baseball, you can strike out by sitting out a great pitch that hits the strike zone, or by trying to hit a ball and missing. In fact, Ty Cobb, who holds the highest career MLB batting average, had a .366 average. This means that even the best baseball players miss more than they hit.

Finances work similarly. You may miss more than you hit, but you’ll only see real success if you swing at that ball. Look for investment opportunities, avenues for career growth and other ways to improve your financial circumstances.

KNOW YOUR STATS

In baseball, players carefully track their performance metrics, including their batting average, on-base percentage and earned run average. Similarly, ignorance is never bliss when it comes to your finances. Make sure you are fully aware of your financial stats, such as your net worth, credit score and debt-to-income ratio. This will keep you on top of your financial health and improve your weak spots before they spiral out of control.

PRACTICE DISCIPLINE

Baseball players spend a ton of time honing their skills and perfecting their craft. Successful money management requires similar levels of discipline. Stick to a budget, try to avoid unnecessary expenses, and prioritize saving and investing for your future.

Discipline wins the game!

IT’S HOW SOONERS BANK !

Full menu of products and services, including FREE checking accounts, new and used auto, boat, motorcycle, and RV loans.

Home equity loans and lines of credit.

Proudly Serving Our Community for 60 Years!

Mobile App with FREE Mobile Deposit.

Direct deposit and payroll deduction discounts.

Refresh Summer with Sauvignon Blanc

Summer is here and it’s time for white wine. Whether you are ready to expand your wine knowledge beyond Chardonnay or you want to take a hiatus from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc is a good place to start.

The name Sauvignon evolved from the French word sauvage (wild) and blanc for white. The grape probably originated in the Bordeaux region and migrated north to the Loire Valley where it was extensively cultivated. Cuttings came to America in the 1880s, and became popular when Robert Mondavi marketed it as Fumé Blanc.

As the grape was cultivated in various regions of the world, it took on slightly different characteristics. Cold climate grapes tend to be zesty with high acidity (think green pepper and green grass with tropical fruit notes). While warm climate grapes tend to produce notes of grapefruit and peach.

In the Loire Valley, wine produced in the area of Sancerre became very popular in early 20th century Paris bistros and is still a popular, affordable option in France. Unfortunately, it tends to be pricey in the U.S.

Puilly-Fumé and Cheverny are also made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is generally blended with Chardonnay and Semillion for a white Bordeaux blend. Although Sauvignon Blanc is not generally oak aged, some white Bordeaux blends are. However, Sauvignon Blanc should generally be drunk young.

Sauternes is a French sweet dessert wine made from Sauvignon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine to drink with lighter fare, such as roasted vegetables, white fish, pasta salad or sushi and is a great wine to serve on the patio to compliment lighter meals. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is now available in cans, making it a convenient choice for the poolside.

Enjoy the heat!

Kathy

EXPANDING ACCESS

Norman Regional Unveils State-of-the-Art Behavioral Health Center

Norman Regional recently opened the new Behavioral Health Center at the Porter Health Village, a state-of-the-art behavioral health hospital. This facility is a key component of the health system’s Inspire Health expansion plan and is a joint venture partnership between Norman Regional Health System and behavioral health provider Oceans Healthcare.

Stuart Archer, CEO of Oceans Healthcare, remarked that “this may be the first time in almost 100 years that a new, freestanding behavioral health hospital has been built in the Norman community.”

“Everything from the screws and the doorknobs to the air conditioning and the flooring is built with the behavior health patient in mind,” he said.

“The center is so calming - the use of space, color, nature, art and windows is so encouraging to see in this kind of environment,” added Joan Kemmet-Greenleaf, Norman Regional Hospital Authority board member. “Mental health diseases are paramount in our nation and certainly in our community as well.

“Without a doubt, we want to provide this kind of care in this kind of enhanced environment that will maximize the patient’s ability to reach a comfortable place in their life.”

The construction of the new hospital, which began last year, represents a significant expansion of behavioral health services in Norman and south-central Oklahoma, effectively more than doubling Norman Regional’s current inpatient capacity. The hospital will also introduce outpatient services, including an Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Program later this year.

“After a few years of hard work and planning, we now have a newer, bigger, better, aesthetically pleasing facility with more opportunities for group counseling and a multitude of therapies which are going to be very beneficial for patients,” shared Dr. Farhan Jawed, medical director for the Behavioral Health Center.

Archer echoed Dr. Jawed sentiments, reflecting on the journey from concept to realization.

“Watching this idea go from a sketch to architecture plans, the groundbreaking and then when we admit the first patients in need, those are the things that really excite me.”

The 48-bed hospital will replace the existing 20-bed behavioral health unit inside the Porter hospital.

“We have expanded our services throughout the health system including consultation services and crisis intervention through our ERs,” said Jawed.

“The next step is to keep expanding our services to meet the demands in our community.”

Mental Health America ranked Oklahoma 43rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in their 2023 The State of Mental Health in America report based on the prevalence of adults with mental illness and rate of access of care.

“Our nation is in the midst of a crisis and so many communities need these resources,” Archer said.

“Behavioral health is health care. Going to the ER or to see your doctor carries no stigma so anyone needing help should not carry any stigma or any worry. This is a completely confidential, private facility designed for those special needs.”

Bill Southwick, a board-certified registered nurse and experienced health care leader, was appointed as hospital administrator. Southwick led the behavioral health operations of Banner Health – one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems and integrated delivery networks in the country.

“Bill’s background working as a provider and strategic leader in acute care and behavioral health makes him the perfect person to help us launch our partnership with Norman Regional Health System,” said

Archer. “His expertise and commitment to delivering nothing short of excellence will be invaluable as we mold the Behavioral Health Center at Porter Health Village into a trusted community resource for individuals in need of high-quality mental health care.”

The Behavioral Health Center at Porter Health Village will provide inpatient behavioral health care to adults ages 18 and older, including dedicated services for seniors age 55 and older. The hospital is currently hiring, and open positions can be found at careers. oceansjobboard.com. For more information about the hospital and its services, visit behavioralhealthportervillage.com.

Norman Regional will soon open the expansion of the HealthPlex, relocating acute care services including the emergency department, intensive care unit, surgery services and inpatient care. The HealthPlex will change its name to Norman Regional Hospital on July 28.

“There has been a lot of exciting progress and change underway over the past five years,” said Richie Splitt, president and CEO of Norman Regional. “All of this is part of Norman Regional Health System’s Inspire Health Strategic Plan, a visionary initiative aimed at elevating healthcare accessibility and patient care standards in our community.”– BSM

Ad Sponsored by Boyd Street Magazine and Johnson Controls

Here

Connect with hundreds of MNTC students, graduates and job seekers at mntc.edu/employers.

In minutes and at no cost, you can:

§ Post jobs and internships

§ View resumes of highly qualified candidates

§ Track applicants and more

To learn about other ways to connect with potential employees, contact the MNTC Career Connection specialist at 405.801.5057.

Pioneering Migraine Research at the Oklahoma Headache Center

Christine Seapy was suffering in isolation, or so she thought.

“When it was just me and my husband, I would just put myself in a dark cave,” Seapy recalled. “But when you have kids and more professional obligations, people notice when you aren’t there.”

Seapy said she dismissed her headaches thinking that was “just how life was.”

With encouragement from her husband, she decided to make an appointment at the Oklahoma Headache Center.

“I had known Dr. Pendergraft socially for many years but really didn’t think my headaches were that bad,” she said. “I finally decided to go because I was sick of having migraines all the time.

“Once I started tracking, I realized I was having over 25 headache days a month. I like to joke that it was the first time my husband was right.”

Armed with a better understanding of her symptoms and what triggers them, Seapy said she now feels empowered.

“My biggest success is that I have my toolkit and that I am not in this alone,” she shared. “Migraines can be so debilitating; they can stop your life right in its tracks and leave you in a lonely, dark cave trying to get through it.”

Seapy is now part of a campaign to raise money to fund migraine research through the Norman Regional Health Foundation. She serves on the campaign subcommittee.

“Migraine is like an invisible disease, it varies from patient to patient,” she said. “If you don’t know someone, it’s hard to understand the struggle. I just want to help others be able to live their lives.”

According to neurologist Dr. Brett Dees, the founder and director of the Oklahoma Headache Center, migraine impacts an estimated 15% of the population and attributes to $15 billion annually in lost medical expenses and salary due to absenteeism as well as other indirect costs.

“Migraine costs quality of life, family, career goals,” Dees said. “It hits people in the prime of their life. 70% to 80% have a clear family history which predisposes them to recurring spells.”

Dr. Christi Pendergraft, another neurologist at the center, shared that by the time a patient seeks treatment the occurrence of symptoms tend to be quite severe.

“We often think of migraine as just a headache, but it is a brain disorder,” Pendergraft explained. “Patients don’t realize their symptoms such as brain fog, memory issues and photophobia are connected.”

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE?

Migraine is clinically defined as a moderate to severe headache with other symptoms made worse by physical activity. Symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting, constipation, mood changes, neck stiffness, vision loss and even difficulty speaking.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP?

If you are suffering from migraine, Dr. Dees cautions that it is important to get help sooner than later.

“Our brains have neuroplasticity, which means our brain gets good at what we practice,” he said. “That also works with bad habits. The more headaches you have, your brain gets good at them, making it more difficult to unlearn at the chronic level.”

Pendergraft recommends that if you have more than four headache days a month “you should have a formal treatment plan.”

“You don’t have to live that way,” she encouraged. “While there is no cure, there are things we can do so your headaches don’t have to control you.”

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The Oklahoma Headache Center has received a $1,000,000 donation match from a grateful patient to launch migraine research. Donations from new donors to the Norman Regional Health Foundation can be matched up to $5,000 until the $1,000,000 goal has been reached.

The donations will fund migraine research studies with the goal of expanding affordable and accessible treatment options.

“It takes about 10 years and a billion dollars to get a new medication to market,” explained Dees. “Then there can be challenges with pricing and access. “One of the things we’ve wanted to do for a long time is research. Sometimes in Oklahoma, we can fall behind the east and west coasts but why should we? My thought is let’s do the research here in Oklahoma, let’s bring it to our patients here first.”

The study will explore medications already on the market with FDA-approval that could potentially be repurposed to treat migraine.

“We have new meds that have been on the market since 2018 and they have been wonderful, but nothing works for everyone,” Dees said. “We want to find something to work for more people that isn’t cost prohibitive.”

To learn more about how to contribute to the research campaign fund, visit normanregional.com/ foundation.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA HEADACHE CENTER

• Learn from personal stories. Norman Regional Health Foundation curated a photography-based art exhibition, The Faces of Migraine, on display at Norman Regional Primary Care Clinic, 119 E. Main St, on Friday, June 14.

• Spread the word. Talk with your friends and family about the signs and symptoms of migraine.

• Support research efforts. Consider making a donation to the Migraine Management Together campaign through Norman Regional Health Foundation.

The Oklahoma Headache Center is the state’s only comprehensive facility for treating headaches and facial pain. The team specializes in treating various conditions including migraines and tension-type headaches, working closely with patients to create an individualized treatment plan. To learn more about the center or to make an appointment, visit normanregional.com/headache-center.– BSM June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Here are some important ways you can get involved:

ALL OF OUR ACCOUNTS COME WITH

Gratitude

If you look at a situation through the eyes of gratitude, something powerful happens. Problems become easier to solve. Challenges reveal opportunities. And you begin to see the possibility in almost anything. For over 100 years, the Armstrong Bank family has truly appreciated serving up financial guidance and accounts to the people of this community. We’re grateful for our customers, for the work we do, and for the privilege of supporting our neighbors. Gratitude helps us do so much more for you.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

DEPUTY ISAAC BOWLES

In courtrooms across America, there exists a quiet yet formidable presence—courtroom deputies who uphold the peace and integrity of our judicial system. Originally from Detroit, Deputy Isaac Bowles has served as one of Cleveland County’s courthouse deputies for one year.

His childhood dream was not to pursue law enforcement but rather to play in the NBA. However, as life often unfolds, dreams can take unexpected turns.

Relocating to Oklahoma in 2016, Bowles attended Randall University. In 2018, he decided to take a break from academia to explore life.

“I found myself stagnant,” Bowles reflected. Then in 2019, while working as a file clerk at the Cleveland County courthouse, a member of the Norman Police Department suggested that he consider a career in law enforcement.

“My first thought was that I didn’t want to be a police officer but when I started looking deeper into it, I thought I should just try it,” he said.

Beginning his law enforcement career with the Shawnee Police Department, Bowles served there for three years before factors such as distance prompted him to seek new opportunities.

“Agencies across the country were short on officers and when I saw the Cleveland County sheriff’s office was hiring, I put in an application. They called my name and now I’m a deputy,” Bowles shared.

Transitioning into his role as a deputy with the sheriff’s office was enlightening for Bowles.

“It’s nothing like what you see on TV on Judge Judy,” Bowles laughed. “Mainly our job is to keep the peace and maintain order inside the courtroom and inside the courthouse. We transport inmates to and from court from holding cells inside the courthouse.”

Deputies also conduct courthouse patrols to preempt issues or disturbances.

“It always begins and ends with a yelling match,” Bowles said. “It’s usually a person with an attitude or the judge tells them something they don’t want to hear and then the disrespect starts. I kindly remind them this is not the place for that.”

Deputies are rotated daily through the courtrooms of Judges Tucker, McGuire, Hales and Ortega.

Jury trials are the most captivating facet of Bowles’ job, as he relishes observing the justice system in action from that vantage point.

“I love law enforcement,” Bowles said. “It has helped me regain purpose back in my life. I can see myself doing this until I decide to retire.”

Consistency is what Bowles enjoys the most about his job.

“I know when I’m coming in to work, I know what my job is, I know what I need to do and I know how to do it,” he explained. “I also really like my co-workers. The department is like a real family setting. They are very tight knit and welcome new employees with open arms.”

When not on the job, Bowles enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He said whatever the family itinerary is for the day, he’s ready for it.

LET’S GO 2024!

From customer service to products, we aim to be the best community bank for you. With over a hundred years of experience, we are ready to meet your needs! Visit ffb.com today.