Boyd Street Magazine: April 2015
Content
page 30
April 2015 • Issue 4 • Volume 14
Could your home
be saving you
money?
It may make sense to refinance!
Whether your current interest rate is higher than it could be, or you would just like a little money to pay off some
high interest debt, refinancing may save you hundreds of dollars. Give me a call and I'll be happy to help you
determine whether refinancing makes sense for you.
First United takes the time to get to know you and understand your needs so we can help you
Spend Life Wisely.
CHERYL JENKINS-KOONTZ
Mortgage Sales Manager, NMLS# 462274
405-620-6909
405-364-0101
[email protected]
cjenkins.fubmortgage.com
Refinancing a home can be
a very stressful process.
I’m Cheryl Koontz, your
neighborhood loan
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Haley Mowdy
ART DIRECTOR
Haley Mowdy
MANAGING EDITOR
Pg. 14 Normanite: Dylan Dawson
by Alexander Mutz
Norman North student finds a place to call home.
Pg. 16 In the Wake of Devestation
by Lindsay Cuomo
Moore residents pitch in to help each other after
another tornadic storm.
Pg. 41 The Eye of the Storm: A look inside the
National Weather Center
by Grant Schatzman
An inside look at the National Weather Center.
Pg. 44 Shelter from the Storm
by Lezlie S. Christian
Atlas Safe Rooms offer a new choice in storm
shelters.
Pg. 22 Junior League of Norman Charity Ball
“Raising the Stakes” benefits those in need in the
Norman community.
Pg. 25 Surviving an Oklahoma Storm Season
by Lacey Swope, News 9 meteorologist
A refresher on how to be severe weather
prepared.
Pg. 48 Girl Power
by Chris Joseph
The Sooner Women’s Gymastics team aims for a
perfect 10.
Pg. 29 Norman NEXT Kickball Tournament and
Fundraiser
The Oklahoma Weather Icon sits down with Boyd
Street to discuss his upcoming project with OU.
Pg. 34 Sooner Style
by Cheyenne Simmons
Find plenty of Sooner treasures at the University
of Oklahoma Bookstore.
Pg. 36 A Relaxing Experience: My Time at Le Visage
Day Spa
Pg. 53 Norman’s Rite of Spring
Pg. 38 Confident Creativity
by Tegan Burkhard
Norman Firehouse Art Center hosts a special
Healing Studio Exhibition.
Carly O’Donnell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Alanna Moore
Shar Rother | Kathryn Shauberger
CONTRIBUTORS
Alex Bare | Rebecca Barbee
Stefanie Brickman | Tegan Burkhard
Rachel Campbell | Leighann Carroll
Lezlie Christian | Jen Elsner
Carleigh Foutch | Taylor Hickney
Chris Joseph | Audrey Lievens
Tyler McComas | Kim Petersen
Jeff Provine | Grant Schatzman
Arden Stringer | Kathryn Shauberger
Cheyenne Simmons | Lacey Swope
DESIGN
Savanna Cometa
Rachel Campbell
Arden Stringer
Joe Wilhite | Randy Laffoon
Tracie Gray | Perry Spencer
PUBLISHER
Joe Wilhite
Pg. 55 Norman Music Festival
by Tegan Burkhard
The Norman Music Festival will feature 350 local
and national artists on 15 stages across three
days.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Pg. 57 Get Ready to Rock’n Rose
by Meghan Whiting
A preview of Noble’s annual Rose Rock Music
Festival.
by Cheyenne Simmons
Simmons discovers a new skincare essential at
Le Visage.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Becs Yeager
For the last 42 years, the annual May Fair Arts
Festival has been a spring-time tradition.
by Audrey Lievens and Haley Mowdy
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Alex Mutz | Meghan Whiting
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
by Lindsay Cuomo
Pg. 30 Gary England Returns to OU
Mark Doescher
WEB DESIGN
by Rebecca Barbee
Relive your glory days for a good cause.
Lindsay Cuomo
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER &
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Pg. 68 Campus Antics in the Early Days
by Jeff Provine
A look back at the infamous ways OU students
show school spirit.
Boyd Street Magazine
P.O. Box 721494
Norman, Oklahoma 73070
Phone: (405) 321-2400
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine
Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd
Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property
of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced
for any reason without permission. Any opinions
expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of
Boyd Street management.
boydstreet.com
/boydstreetmagazine
@boydstreet
April 2015 • Issue 4 • Volume 14
Severe weather is nearly always on the horizon here in Oklahoma. As Oklahomans, we’re
terrified of it, in awe of it, fascinated by it and completely obsessed with it. Regardless
of how you feel about it though, it is incredibly important to understand severe weather,
especially with regards to how it can affect you and your family. As we are teetering into
the edge of the “real” storm season of May, we wanted to make sure to do our duty to
help keep you and your family safe this season. This issue is packed with articles about
severe weather—how to keep your family safe with a plan, storm shelter options, local
organizations dedicated to serving areas affected by severe weather and so much more.
Plus, we have the inside scoop on the National Weather Center and Oklahoma weather
hero Gary England. It doesn’t matter what your angle is on storm coverage, we’ve got
something you’ll enjoy and appreciate.
Editor’s Note
For those whose tastes don’t run along the big and scary, we’ve also got an issue packed
with fun spring things to do in ours and surrounding communities. April is a great time
to get outside, and “The City of Festivals” has more than enough to offer in the way of
the great outdoors. Consider attending Norman Music Festival, the last weekend in April,
a mostly outdoor concert series that takes advantage of sunshine and local talent to
entertain Normanites and travelers alike.
Get out and enjoy the weather while it’s nice, but don’t let that fool you into thinking
there isn’t severe weather lurking around the corner. As a closing, here’s a list of my top
ten things you need in your “go-bag,” for when you have to get to a shelter immediately:
1) Medications: People often forget about this, but if you’re stuck in a storm shelter
overnight, your health needs to be a priority.
2) Chargers: If the worst happens and you have to temporarily relocate, having a charger
handy will let you get in touch with loved ones.
3) Water: I hope I don’t have to explain this one.
Haley Mowdy
Editor-in-Chief
4) Snacks: Nothing is worse than being in a crisis situation with a grumbly tummy.
5) Clean underwear: Again, need I explain?
6) Pet food (if you’re taking shelter with your fur babies too): If you’re stuck in a shelter
or emergency facility for any amount of time, they’re going to get hungry too.
7) Flashlight: For emergency purposes only (like, you know, reading).
8) Cell phones: See #2.
9) Wallet with identification: You want to be able to get out money, have an identity, etc.
even if the storm takes everything else you have.
10) A book: If the storm doesn’t kill you, boredom might. Come prepared.
Stay safe, Oklahomans! Tune into your favorite news channel (ahem, News9 and the
lovely Lacey Swope is my go-to) and enjoy all of the beauty that spring has to offer, but
like my mother reminds me almost daily: Keep your eye on the sky!
10 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
2015
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Spring is here! As a lover of the Oklahoma outdoors, this means it’s
time to get back outside. The snow and ice have melted and the state is
coming back to life. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and water
temperatures are warming. As many of you know, I am an avid hunter.
Most hunting seasons are closed this time of year, but spring is when
fishing season gets kicked into overdrive. Oklahoma has all kinds of
fish species in our lakes and rivers. One of my favorite fish to catch is a
Spoonbill, or Paddlefish. They range from 30 to 100 pounds and are in
a majority of our lakes and rivers. They look like dinosaurs, and feel like
a herd of cattle when trying to reel them in. Most people just catch and
release them, but you can eat them as well. They have a super fishy
taste, but provide a lot of meat. This time of year, bass are beginning to
spawn, Sand Bass begin to surface and before you know it catfish will be
making their beds as well. Noodling season is just down the road.
For me, the bloom of every new flower lets me know I have several fish
fries in my very near future. However, I know not everyone sees it that
way. In fact, most people see a blooming daffodil and know that months
of allergy meds are just around the corner. For Okies, I am sorry. I’m told
our allergy season is one of the worst across the country. But whatever
you think of when you see the colors creep back into the vegetation, I
hope you enjoy it. Because those spring rains and storms will turn to 100
degree days before you know it!
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Normanite in the Spotlight
Dylan Dawson
By: Alexander Mutz
In the midst of 2013, Dylan Dawson found himself in precarious
circumstances. At the age of 16, he was effectively homeless for
several months. A tumultuous living situation had thrust him out
on the streets, where he lived out of his car for several weeks. He
then began couch surfing for some time, eventually ending up
staying with his older brother. With there not being a lot of extra
space for him, he realized that a change was in order, and began
examining options.
“I came from a home situation that was, at the time, very
unstable,” Dawson said. “Oftentimes I didn’t have much for me
there in terms of actual provision.”
As a high school student, stability outside of the classrooms is
essential. Dylan was continuing his education, but the challenges
he faced when he walked out of the school doors at the end of
the day made things far more difficult than for other students.
After several months, he discovered a program called “Bridges”
that gave him just the help he needed.
The goal of Bridges is to provide teenagers who are facing critical
situations with the ability to live independently through section
eight housing and nutrition programs. For many people like
Dawson, Bridges can mean the difference between having the
means to graduate high school or not. He decided to send in an
application, and several interviews later, he was accepted. For
the first time in a long time, Dawson found the helping hand he
truly needed.
“Bridges made a really big difference in how I was able to
perform in school,” Dawson said. “I had never heard of advanced
placement classes or really understood their purpose. When I
started living at Bridges, not only did my course rigor increase,
but so did the quality of my performance.”
Dawson’s new living quarters consisted of a simple one-bedroom
apartment. Though there wasn’t much to it, his new situation
proved to be exactly what he needed. Only a short time after
he moved in, he found himself investing much more in school,
getting involved in multiple advanced courses and extracurricular activities.
His particular forte is speech and debate, where he has found
himself excelling spectacularly. At the beginning of March, he and
his team competed in the district tournament, where he repeated
as District Champion in his event, Domestic Extemporaneous
14 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Speech. Dawson’s team succeeded so thoroughly that they were
also awarded the Cumulative Sweepstakes Trophy at the end
of the tournament. As a result, he’s qualified for the National
Tournament in Dallas this summer.
“I’ve certainly thought a lot about whether to continue on with
speech and debate, but I have reservations,” Dawson said.
“Children play games when they are young. Though it serves
a purpose, it is ultimately about learning some greater skill.
I’m thinking more about finding ways to apply these skills I’ve
learned.”
As Dawson began approaching the end of his high school days
at Norman North, the question of college came to light. He was
contacted by representatives from a scholarship organization
called QuestBridge, which aims to connect low-income students
with opportunities at higher educational institutions. When
Dawson saw this offer to apply, he knew it was the means he
needed. About 35 schools are partnered with QuestBridge and
finalists for the program are invited to rank their top ten choices.
Those schools receive all of the applications from finalists and
then select who they want to be a part of their school.
Dawson had quite an impressive application to compete with,
featuring advanced placement credits and an award as a National
Merit Finalist. Though he applied at a variety of top-end colleges
around the country, Dawson’s accomplishments allowed him
to be accepted with a full-ride scholarship to his top choice,
Columbia University in Manhattan.
“I feel like I need to have a stint in a large metropolitan area during
my life,” Dawson said. “That was one of the biggest appeals
about Columbia to me. I just need to expand my experiences.”
While his next few years are uncertain, Dawson remains
optimistic about the mystery. He spoke with interest about a
double major program in economics and political science, but
was sure to mention that the world is open to him, and he feels
free to adapt to his changing interests and obstacles. Even the
coming summer is uncertain.
“Bridges will allow me to stay in my current apartment until I
leave for Columbia. I’ve got other options though. Several friends
have extended offers to become their roommate,” Dawson said.
“My sister has also invited me to stay with her, now that her own
son has left for college and a room is available. I’m just not sure yet.”
While his next four school years will take place advancing his
studies at Columbia, Dawson seems especially excited about
where his next few summers will take him.
“The summer after my first year at Columbia, I have absolutely
no idea where I’m going to live,” Dawson said. “And there is
something fantastic about that. I’ll have to do some summer
work, but there is nothing tying me down to any one place. I’ll
have so much time to explore the world and all of my options.”
As he dug deeper, Dawson talked about the ways the events of
his life have affected his worldview and personal philosophies.
In spite of his adversities, he remains strongly optimistic, though
highly existential in his attitude toward life.
Light Up Rotary President Mariann Lawson poses with Dylan
after he won the Four-Way Test Speech competition
“I try to maintain a perspective toward what my goals ought
to be,” Dawson said. “People ask questions like: What is the
meaning of life? What is our purpose? Regardless of how others
might answer these questions, I don’t really think there is a point
to life. It is exactly what we make of it and how we define it.
I think my life needs to revolve around improving the lives of
those around me.”
Thanks to the help of Bridges and QuestBridge, this autumn,
Dawson will begin the next chapter of his life in New York.
Regardless of which specific path he ends up taking, he hopes to
improve himself in one way or another and become everything
he can for the people he cares for.
Columbia University in New York, where Dylan will be attending this fall
In the Wake of Devastation
By: Lindsay Cuomo
Within mere minutes of the unexpected tornadoes on March
25, Serve Moore was already in action, calling on the Oklahoma
community to once again help its neighbors shuffle through
the debris left behind. As Oklahomans, we are no stranger to
disaster, whether man-made or by nature’s power. We are also
no stranger to the Oklahoma Standard. Our communities are
quick to rally around those in need. And that is exactly how Serve
Moore was born.
In response to the devastating destruction on May 20, 2013, a
few church pastors and leaders knew one thing: something had
to been done. With that shared desire, they began where they
could, by connecting those in need with those willing and able
to help.
“People wanted an outlet to help,” remembered Sean Evans,
Moore resident and executive director of Serve Moore. “I simply
put out a call for help on Twitter and a couple hundred people
showed up.”
When city officials asked for help cleaning up the cemetery that
took heavy damage, Evans put out another tweet and a gym full
of volunteers showed up.
16 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
“What we thought would take a week was done in a day,”
recalled Evans.
Over the past two years, nearly 55,000 volunteers have clocked
hundreds of thousands of hours, meeting the needs of more than
2,000 homeowners and residents in Moore and surrounding
areas.
Volunteers have built fences, storage sheds, parks, playgrounds,
gardens and benches, hung drywall, rolled paint, laid tile, nailed
shingles and installed siding.
“Hundreds of homes and public spaces stand renewed because
of volunteer efforts,” shared Evans.
Long after the spotlight on Moore dimmed, Serve Moore has
continued its efforts of hope and renewal. While the damage
caused on March 25 might seem small in comparison, those
families with broken homes and kids without their school feel
the same loss. The smaller scope of the damage means less
outside support.
Continued on page18
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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 17
Local businesses like Sam’s Club pitched in on the effort.
“It is really up to us this time,” admits Evans.
At 9 a.m. on March 26, the Moore community center was
teaming with volunteers. Sam Watkins, Moore resident and local
pastor, shared his thoughts on the united community effort.
“We are working together simply meeting people where they are
at,” said Watkins. “Doing whatever needs to be done.”
Other businesses and community organizations helped with the
clean-up efforts. Regional Food Bank provided food and water
for victims and volunteers. The American Red Cross vehicles
could be seen moving about the damaged neighbors. The new
Moore Sam’s Club deployed its employees to pass out water,
make lunches and help wherever they saw fit.
Serve Moore is also looking past recovery and onto renewal,
dreaming of things like art murals and increased bike access
for the community. They have planted trees, mulched parks,
painted fire hydrants throughout the city and built wheelchair
ramps for the elderly, helping wherever there is a need.
Many have asked the same question, from inside and outside
our state. With our crazy weather, why do we still live here? And
for me, the answer is easy. It is our home. So we build our storm
shelters, ready our safety plans and watch the skies every spring,
knowing that we might need to pick up the pieces again. But
being an Okie is worth it.
“There are a lot of people out here helping,” shared one Sam’s
employee. “We been through this before and we are all just
doing our part.”
But, there is still more to do.
“We need volunteers and financial support to help those in
need,” shares Evans.
“When we can pay for expert help, it’s a win-win for everyone,” adds
Evans. “We need to hire licensed electricians to repair damaged lines
so homeowners can get their power turned back on.”
18 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Serve Moore volunteers help homeowners clean debris from affected areas.
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Junior League of Norman
Charity Ball
The Junior League of Norman (JLN) had an exciting night “Raising
the Stakes” with their 2015 Annual Charity Ball held on February
21, 2015 at Embassy Suites in Norman. The event was under
the planning and creative direction of Stephanie Courtney, a
professional Oklahoma Event Planner and JLN Member, along
with co-chair Ashley Welke. Guests were treated to the famous
Taster’s Affair showcasing, which included the best dishes from
Norman and surrounding areas, as well as live and silent auctions
and show-stopping entertainment.
“It was important to us that the guests felt like they were
enjoying an experience, and not just attending a fundraising
event,” Courtney said. By offering casino games, a wine pull and
live entertainment, guests are sure to agree that it was a great
time.
Every year the main focus of the Charity Ball is to raise funds
to directly support the Norman community and the projects JLN
serves. The JLN is continually changing and evolving to meet
growing needs in the community, and is grateful for the support
of businesses and individuals alike. The Charity Ball saw record
sponsorships this year and JLN proudly continues to fund the
Baby Steps House, Done in a Day projects, and Food For Kids.
Recently the JLN founded a program called Girl Power, which
focuses on empowering at-risk fifth grade girls with courage,
self-esteem and knowledge.
“It is life changing to witness someone grow and realize they are
important and worthwhile,” said Katie Ihrig, JLN member.
One of the biggest changes to this year’s Charity Ball was the
online and text bidding for the silent auction items. With the
help of inVinci, the software company offering the technology
for online bidding, auction items were available to be viewed in
advance so guests could invite family and friends to bid on items,
regardless of whether they actually attended the event. This
advancement was without a doubt a huge contributor to this
year being one of the most successful Charity Balls to date.
Erin Williford, current JLN president, noted, “I am very proud
of the success of ‘Raising the Stakes.’ The incorporation of the
online auction, the casino gaming tables, a wonderful DJ and
22 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
fantastic restaurants all contributed to this being the best Charity
Ball I can remember. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to have fun
while raising money for our community projects.”
For more information on how you can sponsor or donate
to the Junior League of Norman, please visit www.
juniorleagueofnorman.org or ‘Like’ their Facebook page “Junior
League of Norman.” Junior League of Norman is an organization
of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the
potential of women and improving the community through the
effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose
is exclusively educational and charitable.
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2460 Boardwalk | 405.321.8680 | w w w. c c a B s t r a c t. c o m
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SURVIVING AN
OKLAHOMA
STORM SEASON
By: Lacey Swope, News9 Meteorologist
Photo by: Mark Doescher
Severe weather can and does happen all months of the year,
but there is a more likely time of year for severe storms and
tornadoes. In Oklahoma, that time is approaching, typically from
the middle of March through the middle of June. Many factors
come into play. When they interact in perfect space and time,
our weather can become volatile. We know those days all too
well here in the Sooner state. It is critical we have a plan. We
joke around that our children learn primary colors, their ABCs
and tornado precautions, but that is actually pretty accurate
in the Southern plains. The more confident we are of those
safety plans and drills, the more likely we will be to implement
them when it counts. However, not everyone in Oklahoma was
raised here. Our weather can be intimidating to say the least,
sometimes it can be terrifying. Spring storms should never be
underestimated and should be approached with the respect that
they deserve. The key to moving through severe storm season is
to stay weather aware and keep your plan well versed.
First, you have to understand that storms can occur any hour of
the day. There have been many night tornadoes. One of the most
dangerous scenarios of all is deadly storms in the dark while
people are sleeping. This is why it’s important to know the risks
with upcoming storms in advance. If your area is under a tornado
watch, take it seriously. If you are under a tornado warning,
which is defined as an eminent tornado or strong rotation, seek
shelter.
up to you and your family to know the safest and closest location
to you. If you have a safe room or an underground shelter, this is
your safe spot. If not, go to the lowest-level, center-most room of
the structure you are in, away from windows and doors. The goal
is to put as many walls between you and the storm as possible.
If you are in a mobile home, leave early enough to find a more
sturdy shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado or flee as the storm
is moving in. Storms do not move in a uniform direction and
often travel at speeds impossible to outrun. We have all seen
the images of what tornadoes can do automobiles. They are not
shelters!
When taking your tornado precaution and getting into your safe
spot, put on adequate clothing: long sleeves, long pants, tennis
shoes and helmets. If you have any type of sports gear, put it on.
From knee pads to chest protectors, this can help keep debris
from harming you. Make sure you have eye protection handy like
goggles or shatter-resistant glasses. I always tell the kiddos they
should look like super heroes when taking shelter from a storm.
These steps can help save your life when our weather turns
nasty. Pick out your safe spot and practice tornado drills with
your family. Stay weather aware and make sure you have
multiple ways to get watches and warnings. As always, we will
work around the clock and our trackers will be out across the
state. Stay with News9 and we’ll keep you advised.
So where do you go? What kind of shelter do you seek? I should
first note that there are no public shelters in the OKC metro. It is
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 25
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:
We’ve Got Your Back, Baby!
By: Joyce Smith
Every day children go to and from school hungry because there
is no food or too little food at home. Often, their school work
goes undone because it is hard to concentrate when your body
is demanding nourishment you cannot provide.
The members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hope to lessen
the stress for some of these families with, “We’ve Got Your
Back.” This was the theme for the 85th Mid-Western Regional
Conference’s community event, which supports the sorority’s
National Education Enrichment Program to provide one million
backpacks over the next four years. The conference was held at
the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman,
March 19-22.
The sorority recognized officials of each school at its public
program on March 20. Three hundred backpacks filled with
nonperishable food items were distributed to eligible youths in
select Oklahoma City and Norman schools during the weekend,
the majority distributed in Norman. Students at Positive
Tomorrows and Little Light Christian Schools in Oklahoma City
received backpacks. In Norman, middle and high school students
received assistance.
“We found that elementary school students are usually taken
care of by numerous organizations,” said Jan Carpenter-Baker,
mid-western region director, “But the older students, middle
and high school-aged children, are often overlooked. Hungry is
hungry and age does not matter,” she said. “We are here to help.”
Graduate and undergraduate chapters in the region and their
partners were in friendly competition to provide backpacks and
their contents. Donations of Target or Walmart gift cards and
cash were used to purchase food items. The sorority encouraged
businesses and community organizations to join their quest.
Angelette Wright, Junior League of Norman Board Chairman of
the Advisory Planning Committee, said, “It has been exciting
and fun to work with my fellow members of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority. This will have a ripple effect on both communities
and both organizations, allowing others to pay it forward. I am
grateful for a seat at the table.”
To donate to the project or for more information, contact Ayana
Talley, coordinator of the community event, at 405-413-3956 or
[email protected].
26 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Prescription Prevention
Do you have prescription medications left over after you have stopped using of them? Wondering what to
do with them? Well, don’t let them sit in your medicine cabinet another minute longer. The OU Southwest
Prevention Center on OU’s Norman Campus encourages you to use any of the seven medication disposal bins
at police departments and sheriff’s offices across Cleveland County. These medication drop-off bins are in the
lobbies of these law enforcement agencies for you to dispose of unwanted or unused medication. The process
is simple, efficient and anonymous for you, our valued citizens.
Prescription drug abuse is Oklahoma’s fastest growing drug problem. There were nearly 3,900 unintentional
poisoning deaths in Oklahoma from 2007-2012. Of those, four out of five deaths involved at least one
prescription drug.
The OU Southwest Prevention Center encourages you to lock your prescription medications in a locked
container or medication lock box for the added safety of family and friends.
You can find out more details and information on medication drop-off locations around Cleveland County and
some helpful tips to be safer with your prescription medications at www.takeasprescribed.org as well as find
out how to get involved in your community or city’s local coalition http://www.ou.edu/outreach/swpc.html
Take Care and Warm Regards,
The University of Oklahoma- Southwest Prevention Center
1639 Cross Center Drive
Norman, OK, 73019
NORMAN
NEXTball
KICKBALL TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER
By: Rebecca Barbee
to begin an exciting career and foster new
friendships. I am passionate about making
Norman a better place for all residents
and believe that everyone deserves to live
a fulfilling and healthy life,” Sebero said.
Play a few games of kickball, connect with
Norman professionals and support local
charities during the Norman NEXT kickball
tournament on Sunday, April 12. The
tournament is from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at
Griffin Park, located at 1001 E. Robinson St.
Norman NEXT, a program of the Norman
Chamber of Commerce, is an organization
for professionals between the ages
of 21 and 40 who live or work in the
city of Norman. Since the fall of 2011,
the Community Activism Committee
of Norman NEXT has hosted a kickball
tournament in the spring and a playground
games tournament in the fall. The
Community Activism Committee is one of
five teams that make up NEXT. Their focus
is on encouraging young professionals to
become involved in their community and
with social service organizations.
Participants of the NEXTball tournament
have the chance to relive their school days
by spending an afternoon playing games
at the park, while the Norman community
benefits from the friendly competition. To
date, NEXTball tournaments have raised
$7,984.80, all of which has gone to local
charities. “The Norman NEXTball Kickball
Tournament provides Norman NEXT and
community members the opportunity to
enjoy team camaraderie while learning
about and supporting a local non-profit
organization,” explained Heather Sebero,
co-chair of the Community Activism
Committee.
The committee selects a charitable
organization through an application
process to be the recipient of funds raised
by the NEXTball tournaments. The 2015
beneficiaries are One Vision One Voice
and Bethesda.
Previous benefactors
include Community After School Program,
Be Fit and Meals on Wheels. Additionally,
the group has been able to purchase pet
food for Animeals, a Meals on Wheels
program, and outdoor lighting for Second
Chance Animal Sanctuary.
While
the
Community
Activism
Committee of Norman NEXT hosts the
NEXTball kickball tournament, it would
not be possible without the support of
local businesses. The 2015 sponsors are
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Hey Day
and First United Bank. This year’s ball
sponsor is Sooner Legends.
Grab your friends, co-workers and family
(players between the ages of 15 and 17
may participate with a signed parental
waiver) and take your team to the park
for a chance to be this year’s NEXTball
champion! The cost to enter is $150 per
team, and each team needs 15 players.
If you are interested in forming or
sponsoring a kickball team, please send
an email to community@normannext.
com by Monday, April 6. For more
information about other ways to become
involved, please email normannext@
normanchamber.com.
Norman Next members are active and
engaged young professionals who strive
to help local charities and facilitate
positive change in Norman while having
fun together. “As a transplant to the
Norman area, I count myself lucky to have
moved to a place where I have been able
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 29
Gary England
Returns to OU
By: Audrey Lievens and Haley Mowdy
Gary England is a household name for
anyone who’s grown up in Oklahoma.
More than just a meteorologist, he
has cultivated a vivid and famous TV
personality for his viewers, with friendly
southern charm and reliable, easy-tounderstand reports. He refers to this
communication as “Gary-speak.” Anyone
who has heard him knows they can trust
him to keep them interested, informed
and safe when it comes to bad weather.
For England, meteorology has always
come naturally to him. “It’s in the genes,”
he said.
Storms have been a central part of
England’s life since childhood. Growing
up in rural Oklahoma and plagued by
frequent severe weather, he developed
a fascination with meteorology at a very
early age. “Ever since I was little, I loved
storms,” explained England. “They scared
me but I still loved them.”
It was clear how damaging these storms
could be and how unprepared most
people were to withstand them. When
England was growing up, there were
very few meteorologists and very little
awareness concerning the inner workings
of severe weather. Ever a trailblazer, Gary
England went on to revolutionize severe
storm coverage, understanding and
preparedness.
He was the first to use a commercial
Doppler radar to predict storms and
was on the team that created the First
Warning map that would be projected in
the corner of the television screen to alert
viewers of nearby weather threats. With
these and many other groundbreaking
innovations including the first television
storm time-of-arrival system, England
has been reporting to Oklahomans and
keeping them safe for many years through
many terrible storms.
Meteorology is only going to become
more and more innovative, England
predicts. Radar will continue to advance,
graphics will become more detailed
and people will be better prepared than
ever for severe weather with the future
advancements in meteorology.
One of Gary England’s main goals is to
improve severe weather awareness,
understanding and safety. Using his vast
experience in the field of meteorology,
England is the perfect person to take on
a new and ambitious project to inform
citizens about meteorology and severe
weather challenges. “Gary is a lifelong OU
fan and graduate of the University” said
admirer and colleague David Goodspeed,
assistant vice president, digital innovation
at the University of Oklahoma. England
has been working with the University
of Oklahoma, NextThought, and One
University to make a video series
about severe weather, designed to
give people fresh insight about severe
storms, precautions and the basics of
meteorology.
“It’s going to be really good,” England said
excitedly.
He explained that even though most
Oklahomans know basic procedures
during tornadoes and other severe
weather, many of them don’t act on
that knowledge and fail to take the right
precautions when the time comes. This
lack of preparedness has cost many lives in
the past. “You’ve got to take responsibility
for your own safety,” England insisted.
He hopes that this video series will help
people truly appreciate the importance
of being prepared and understand the
severe weather they could face.
Premiering on April 6, on garyengland.
ou.edu, YouTube, iTunes U and on OU’s
innovative learning platform, Janux,
(Janux.ou.edu), this video series is free,
easy to access and available for everyone.
The videos cover what Gary England
calls “soft meteorology”: an overview
of the subject for beginners, using vivid,
yet easy-to-understand examples. “It’s
meteorology without the mathematics,”
he explained.
With England’s usual relatable, reliable
southern charm, these videos promise to
be anything but another dry public safety
announcement. The focus of these videos
will be tornadoes and thunderstorms,
although they will cover other types of
severe weather as well, from hail to flash
floods. Examples of these storms will be
shown with “absolutely phenomenal”
state-of-the-art graphics, England said.
The goal is to ensure that Oklahomans
view these videos and use them as a
tool to learn about severe weather
preparedness, whether they’re viewing
from home, at school, or through
other organizations such as insurance
companies who deal with severe weather
and its consequences.
For England, these videos are only the
beginning. He hopes to create more series
like this one in the future, over a broader
range of weather phenomena, for a much
wider audience. “Just because you’re not
in Oklahoma, it doesn’t mean you don’t
have tornadoes, or severe weather, for
that matter,” said Goodspeed. This video
project is “going to grow into something
really significant,” England hopes, in order
to make a lasting impression on as large
an audience as possible.
“I met Gary when his granddaughter
started at OU in the fall as a freshman,”
remembers Goodspeed. “He came in and
toured our store and we talked about
innovation—mostly how innovation could
be used to benefit our community.” From
this humble beginning, the project was
born. Goodspeed wanted to “tell Gary’s
story,” he said. “What is going to live
on after we aren’t here anymore?” he
asked. “Gary has been changing the lives
of Oklahomans for 40 years, and with
this series we hope to change them for
another 40 more.”
Both England and Goodspeed are
incredibly people-oriented, and they
wanted to work together to create
a “service to the community and all
over Tornado Alley.” They did this by
combining their inherent strengths and
resources. England came to the game
with unbeatable expertise in severe
weather and friends in high places, and
Goodspeed is a master of technology
and user interaction. Joining forces, they
recruited the whole One University team,
NextThought, a technology innovation
organization on campus, and the office
of President David Boren. Gary has a
wonderful relationship with President
and Mrs. Boren. They’ve been invaluable
along the way in helping to ensure that the
entire University community, University
Alumni and the State of Oklahoma finds
this new Sooner Series as another way to
educate and become life-long learners at
the University of Oklahoma, ” Goodspeed
points out.
Far from being just a safety and
preparedness tool, Goodspeed sees
potential for it in the academic community
as well. “I’d love to see it shown in K-12
classrooms and in other higher education
institutions around the state and country,”
Goodspeed hopes. “I want it to be used
as a tool for sparking scientific minds and
creating intellectual curiosity in students.”
“Gary England is the master of telling it
how it needs to be told,” and together
this dynamic team has created a series
of videos that continue England’s legacy
of telling it like it is when it comes to
severe weather safety. As if England
wasn’t already engaging enough, they’ve
even included a blooper reel. “Gary is just
too funny! Some of the outtakes were
so hilarious that we just had to include a
blooper reel.” It doesn’t matter who you
are, you will benefit and enjoy this series.
Be sure to watch and share this new video
series as soon as it rolls out. These videos
promise to be every bit as informative and
exciting as any project Gary England has
undertaken in the past.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 31
By: David Goodspeed
This month, I’m not going to talk about a piece of technology or a solution to a
problem that you or I may have. This month’s article is a special one because it
has to do with the future of our children and what the University of Oklahoma
and the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education are working on together to turn
out some of the best educators that this state has to offer.
In order to provide Oklahoma schoolchildren with the best possible education,
the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education is investing in our student’s education in a way that no other University has done before.
Specifically, they have established a Debt-Forgiveness Program, a merit and
need-based assistance initiative directed toward outstanding students in the
College with significant debt associated with their education. This fund will
target high-need areas in Oklahoma education in order to recruit and retain the
nation’s best students. For each year they teach in the state after graduation—
up to four years—up to $5,000 of their student loans will be forgiven.
It’s a truly amazing program! If students meet the college’s criteria for selection, then graduate and teach in a mutually agreed-upon, high-need area of
education in Oklahoma, the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education will forgive
up to $20,000 of the student’s loans.
As a debt-free graduate, they are required to keep the College updated on their
status as a high-quality teacher in a high-need area in Oklahoma.
REALIZE YOUR
It truly is a WIN! WIN! WIN! all around! The student, now a graduate, wins
and Oklahoma wins by keeping our excellent graduates in the state. And, more
importantly, our children win by having some of the best teachers possible.
OneU is the place to see some of what the College of Education is doing in the
classroom to prepare future educators for their career. You will get a glimpse
into the College and how they are embracing technology in the classroom as
just one of the many tools to produce some of the best teachers the state has
to offer. You will be amazed. The College of Education is so much more than
what you think it is.
Be sure to check them out at ou.edu/education to explore the opportunities
today.
David
As the Director of Innovation, Creativity and Marketing for the Campus Stores at the University Of Oklahoma,
David is charged with leading efforts to develop and execute OU’s digital initiative as it relates to the campus
stores and beyond. David came to OU with over 20 years of retail experience from traditional big-box retail to
smaller entrepreneur types of retail with hands-on purchasing, marketing and visionary roles. David’s ability to
think differently and challenge traditional retail strategies has helped OU earn regional and national recognition
as a leader in Higher Education technology stores and technology deployments. David also worked at Apple
Computers and spent countless hours collaborating with universities around the country to integrate new
technologies within the ever-changing higher education landscape.
POTENTIAL
A MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO MANY
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, SUCH AS:
CORPORATE TRAINER OR TRAINING COORDINATOR • SUPERINTENDENT OR PRINCIPAL
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR • COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATOR
AND MORE!
GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO YOUR FUTURE.
820 Van Vleet Oval • Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-1081 • www.ou.edu/education
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo
Sooner Style
By: Cheyenne Simmons
Photos by: Shar Rother
Directly in the heart of the University of Oklahoma campus,
located below the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium,
sits the ever popular and frequently visited University of
Oklahoma Bookstore. The two-story business stocks its shelves
with the latest Sooner fashion pieces, educational books, trendy
trinkets and more, all with reasonable prices for high-quality
goods. Open Monday through Saturday, the bookstore offers
customers access to all things Sooner from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m., closing at 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Additionally, the bookstore is open on OU game days! Every
purchase made from the bookstore benefits OU, allowing the
university to further prosper for the future, something we all
wish to see and be part of.
If you are looking for OU t-shirts, hoodies, pullovers, polo’s and
golf shirts, this is the perfect place to go. While most shirts have
the classic Sooner color scheme of crimson and cream, there
is also a selection of neutral colored pieces. In fact, one of my
favorite t-shirts from the bookstore, one I purchased for my dad
last semester, is dark grey with long sleeves and “OKLAHOMA”
written in white on the front. The neutral color scheme means
he can wear it anywhere, not just OU game days. The bookstore
also offers that design and color in a sweatshirt that will look
great with jeans, tennis shoes and a fitted baseball hat. Another
favorite is the Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt. Black with
crimson and cream writing, it is a timeless and classic sweatshirt
to own.
34 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
If the guy in your life needs something a bit dressier, I suggest
the crimson Ping Performance Polo, a professional and collegiate
look. It would look great with khaki shorts or pants, even starched
denim jeans.
For the ladies looking to spice up their Sooner style, the
bookstore has a wide range of available pieces to choose from.
They range from form fitting to a boyfriend, loose style which I
typically prefer. Champion offers a women’s crewneck sweatshirt
that is extremely flattering on all shapes and sizes. I love that the
design looks a bit worn and antique, adding dimension to the
shirt. Cropped skinny jeans or tailored cigarette jeans with hightop white Converse or vintage cowboy boots will look adorably
cute and game day appropriate when paired with this sweatshirt.
Another top that would look great paired with Converse is the
Collegiate Wear Women’s Ra Ra long-sleeve black and white top.
It has the look of a PINK Victoria’s Secret top, but can be worn by
both young students and older women.
In addition to the sweatshirts and t-shirts, the bookstore has
casual OU dresses. These dresses, typically worn with cowboy
boots, are a staple for many sorority girls on campus. With a
small OU logo on the dress, they are not overpowering in color
and are long enough to sufficiently cover the body
The bookstore has a children’s clothing section as well, offering
both infant and youth sizes. Similar to the men and women’s
clothing departments, there are many of the same pieces in
children’s. For example, the Collegiate Crewneck Sweatshirt,
which I am drooling over, is offered in their sizes!
Also offered are sweatpants, hats, bodysuits, bibs, cheer suits
and so much more.
The OU Bookstore offers affordably priced, good quality
products to customers of all ages and sizes. It is not just a place
for educational books and school supplies anymore. It has
transformed into a two-story world full of Sooner clothing and
unique trinkets for all. Not only do I recommend going to the
bookstore, but I suggest you visit now. With new items constantly
being shipped to the store, many of the winter products are now
on sale—a perfect time to save some cash! Also check out their
website at http://www.bkstr.com/oklahomastore/home to see
specials and discounts..
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 35
As we all know, Oklahoma’s dry winter weather has
certainly taken a toll on our skin.
Our skin has been exposed to harsh weather elements.
Such conditions can cause skin to look and feel dry and
dull. One effective way to brighten, tone and refresh
skin is an exfoliating, deep-cleaning facial. I thought it
was only necessary to have my skin treated at one of
Norman’s most prestigious businesses, Le Visage Day
Spa and Wellness Center located at 3720 W. Robinson
Street, Suite 127 in Brookhaven Village. The spa,
having been in business for over 20 years, offers skilled
technicians to address your every need. Services offered
include: massages, body treatments, facials, waxing,
make-up, lash tinting, nails and spa packages. Open
Monday through Sunday, customers have the option
to choose from numerous technicians, services and
appointment times.
Donna Killian, the aesthetician I was paired with, was
remarkably outgoing and friendly, and possessed a soft
touch. She made sure to fully explain each step and
the health benefits of the process, which I found quite
helpful. She allowed sufficient time prior and following
the procedure in case I had questions or concerns.
a relaxing experience:
Le Visage Day Spa
By: Cheyenne Simmons
The ECHO 2 Oxygen facial I received was infused with
180,000,000 molecules of oxygen per second. ECHO,
which stands for exfoliation, cleansing, hydration and
o2xygenation, provided my skin numerous vitamins,
minerals, essential oils and natural oxygen. Essentially,
it allowed skin under the surface to appear vibrant and
smooth. During the procedure, my shoulders, neck,
lips and face were hand-massaged. While massaging,
even more essential oils and vitamins were infused
directly into my skin. The o2xygenation step used a
small robot-like machine to permeate the lower layer
of skin with oxygen from a hose topped with a blowertype device. The soothing sensation felt like cool water
slowly pouring onto my skin. During this process she
mentioned, “snoring is allowed,” pointing out the fact
that it was quite common and completely accepted.
Immediately following the facial, my skin felt smooth,
light and hydrated. When I saw my face in the mirror,
I was utterly amazed by the sight. It was so extremely
bright that it looked as if I had just ingested pounds of
Vitamin C and had been solely eating green vegetables
for weeks. At a loss for words, I excitedly shrieked, “I
love it. It looks so good!”
All steps, which took a little over an hour, left my skin
feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and hydrated. Even my
troublesome areas that are tough to exfoliate were silky
smooth. Following the appointment, I firmly decided
this was an essential process I need in my skincare
routine, especially in preparation for my wedding. To put
it briefly, my experience at Le Visage Spva and Wellness
Center was undoubtedly noteworthy. Occasionally the
spa offers specials, so be sure to check their website at
www.levisagedayspa.com to not miss out on any of the
great deals.
36 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
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Confident
Creativity
By: Tegan Burkhard
Here, eight to 13 individuals socialize and take their minds off
daily stressors through creative expression. Instructor Jane
Lawson caters weekly lessons to her students’ need for healing,
and modifies activities for those who perform tasks in unique
ways. Class assistants tape down canvases and pieces of
paper for students whose movement is restricted to one arm.
“It’s not just like a regular class,” Elder says. “This is an offering to
the community where deep ties and bonds are formed.”
In the spring, students have the opportunity to display their
artwork in a special Healing Studio Exhibition at Firehouse Art
Center.
Mark Dvorak keeps post in front of his artwork hanging on the
walls of the Norman Firehouse Art Center. He tells visitors that
the food carton cardboard bordering his watercolor paintings
represents recycling issues. He also shares that the angel wings
above his sheep painting symbolize spirituality and his personal
belief in a God, who has given him an artistic gift.
“A lot of the stuff I personally do, I’m trying to communicate my
feelings on issues that I have become aware of,” Dvorak says.
Despite Dvorak and his mixed media’s professionalism, gallery
visitors may be surprised to learn that he only discovered his
for aptitude for art three years ago when he first set foot in
Firehouse Art Center’s Healing Studio class.
After being diagnosed with spastic paraplegia, a condition
that affects the muscles in his legs, Dvorak was referred to the
free, grant-funded and donation-based class. The class caters
to Norman community members with learning differences,
including limited movement, dementia and autism.
“We are about healing and self-expression,” says Douglas Elder,
Firehouse Art Center director. “We don’t ask questions about
what [students] may consider abilities or disabilities.”
38 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
“A couple of my students have actually sold work in the
gallery. You can just see they bloom and they blossom,”
Lawson says. “They glow because they’ve actually sold.
It validates who they are and where they’re going.”
Dvorak now has the confidence to show his work
professionally on Main Street in Norman and in the Plaza
District in Oklahoma City. Elder says Dvorak even shows his
art at the Capitol to bring to light needs of the disabled.
Lawson says other students have gone on to enter their work
and place in county and state fairs.
In addition to boosted confidence levels, some students come
away from the class with a new outlet of expression and healing
that serves them well during tough times.
“There’s been many times I woke up in the middle of the night
not feeling too good and just go in the kitchen, that’s my studio,
and start doing some artwork,” Dvorak says. “And it calms me
down, makes me feel better.”
The Healing Studio Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center,
444 S. Flood Ave, is open until May 29 and focuses on
students’ interpretations of sheep in celebration of the
Chinese Year of Sheep. The exhibition also features Lawson’s
sheep portraits, showcasing her personal love of sheep that
springs from her origins in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Most class supplies are donated or paid for through Norman Arts
Council and Oklahoma Arts Council grants. To make a donation
to help fund future installments of Healing Studio, call Firehouse
Art Center at 329-4523.
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The Eye of the Storm:
A Look Inside the National Weather Center
By: Grant Schatzman
At the southernmost end of the university’s campus, rising over OU’s Norman has several
research complex, stands seven sturdy floors fronted by hail-proof big things to offer
glass. Depending on the time of year, a mid-afternoon visit to the the field, including
building might leave you shivering a little in its long shadow. Your the 450 graduate
eyes might travel upward to the strange antenna at the very top, and
undergraduate
where it stands against a background of undiluted sky.
students of the School
If you ask a student headed inside about the antenna, they’ll tell you of Meteorology.
proudly: the National Weather Center has an awful lot of data to “There is a tremendous
transmit.
job pool right here at
Since Sept. 29 2006, the University of Oklahoma campus has the university,” Hyland
harbored the National Weather Center, an unusual hybrid of federal says. “Every sector
and academic territory. OU’s School of Meteorology has been of meteorology is
around much longer, since 1960, but the opening of the Weather represented.”
Center and the ensuing development of the surrounding research As it turns out, the
complex have helped turn the area into an internationally respected University of Oklahoma
pool of collaboration.
is productive as well as The main atrium at the National Weather Center
As we walk past the bustling security desk, which is doling out badges attractive. If you haven’t heard of phased array radar in relation to
for the day’s three separate conferences, Pat Hyland, the coordinator meteorology, it’s probably because an OU professor just developed it.
Of course, the Weather Center is already
of external relations for the Center, tells
looking beyond that, too. Although
me, “We’re trying to build this as the
many of us won’t ever hear about what
weather capital of the world. There aren’t
comes next, all of us will benefit from it,
many places in the world where you can
especially with Oklahoma’s spring storm
run into this many meteorologists.”
season right around the corner. There
Hyland is an OU alumnus returned home
is a lot to prepare for, and not all of it
from a wayward journey to the Kennedy
is radar-related. The Center is working
Space Center in Florida. The lanyard
closely with social scientists to find out
around his neck holds memories of the
how to communicate risk to the public.
places he has been and the people he has
If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for long,
met, now condensed into small pin-on
you’ve probably seen, or been a part of,
buttons, including one commemorating
The new Oklahoma Weather Lab Student Forecast Office
the problem meteorologists are working
his grandfather’s work on NASA’s Saturn
so hard against.
V rocket. Hyland remembers opening day as the day he gave his
first tour to meteorologist Gary England and a daunting group of “Typically when people get watches and warnings, they go out on
the porch to watch,” Hyland says.
government departmental dignitaries.
To keep people safe, the National Weather Center is faced with
“I was literally shaking,” he says.
interpreting not only weather data, but also the Oklahoman psyche.
After all, there is a lot to present. The Center houses the nation’s
One way meteorologists try to keep residents aware is through ultraStorm Prediction Center, which issues every severe thunder storm
informative apps like Mesonet, which draws from the data of every
watch in America’s continental 48 states. The National Weather
weather station in the state.
Center was a special vision of University President David Boren while
he was still a US Senator, but it wasn’t until the EF-5 tornado on “If you live in Oklahoma,” Hyland tells me, “You should have this
May 3, 1999 that the Center began to become a reality. President app.”
Clinton flew to Moore on May 4 and decided to bring all the nation’s When it comes to weather enthusiasm, though, both staff and
weather experts into one place. Funding began to pour in. The soon- students at the Center can sympathize. One of the ground-lecture
to-be Center broke ground in August 2003 and cut the ribbon three halls is reinforced with 19 inches of concrete, Hyland tells me.
years later.
“Whenever there’s a storm, well, we normally head to the
Because of continued efforts by Boren and the heads of the Center, observation deck to watch.”
partnerships continue into the area. There are now seven Partner’s Whether it gives you a rush or an anxiety attack, weather is a big
Place buildings radiating from the Center, including one based out of part of our lives as Oklahomans. It affects our moods, our activities,
Tokyo that moved here from California. The complex is big enough our houses, and our livelihoods. It is entirely fitting, then, that
that a full 1 percent of Norman is employed in meteorology, Hyland Oklahoma’s National Weather Center should lead the charge when
tells me.
it comes to thunderstorms. Like Hyland says: “It’s what we’re good
at down here.”
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 41
Rolls on Toward an
Artistic Conclusion
By: Christian Potts
The Big Read is in full swing throughout the communities of the
Pioneer Library System, with much more still to come, as local
readers dive into the fantasy classic “A Wizard of Earthsea,” by
Ursula K. Le Guin.
Book discussions are planned in communities throughout
April, with everything building toward a special event at 6 p.m.
Friday, May 8, at MAINSITE Gallery, 122 E. Main St. in downtown
Norman.
This event serves as both a beginning and an ending. It’s the
finale for The Big Read but the opening for a curated display
of works entered in a fantasy art contest put on by the library
system, as well as those of two noted professional artists.
Norman Central, 225 N. Webster Ave., hosts a discussion at 6
p.m. Friday, April 10, an opportunity for readers to learn and
share about the novel prior to taking part in activities with April’s
Norman Arts Council 2nd Friday Circuit of Art Norman Art Walk.
Norman West, 300 Norman Center Court, will present a
discussion at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, led by University of
Oklahoma professor and award-winning author Mel Odom.
The novel is considered one of the classics of the fantasy genre.
Published in 1968, it tells the tale of a young mage and his time
at a school of wizardry. He lives in a land of countless islands
called Earthsea.
It’s a book the author says originally was written for young adults
but has found its way onto bookshelves of young and old alike.
The festivities are part of the monthly Norman Arts Council
2nd Friday Circuit of Art Norman Art Walk and feature a number
of activities.
In 1968, young-adult fiction was a category, but it wasn’t
particularly noticed,” Le Guin said in an interview with the
National Endowment for the Arts. “The first-edition cover flap
says “Eleven and up,” which I think is about right.
An opening reception and awards ceremony for a display of pieces
submitted for the Pioneer Library System’s Fantasy Art Contest.
The contest was judged by Erinn Gavaghan, Executive Director
of the Norman Arts Council, and winners in the categories of
children, adult, and PLS employee will be presented at the event.
“Fantasy crosses generation lines like no other literature. People
who like fantasy tend to begin liking it as kids, and then 20 years
later, they will go back to these books and find a whole new joy
in them.”
In addition to several dozen contest entries on display, the exhibit
also will include works by professional artists Patrick Riley and AK
Westerman.
Westerman is noted for work in various media that features
fantasy and surrealistic elements and compositions. She has
been featured in such venues as the Istvan Gallery and DNA
Galleries in Oklahoma City and galleries around the country,
including Laguna Beach, Calif., and Cincinnati.
The same joy the Pioneer Library System hopes to instill in its
readers now and every day through its programs and services.
The Big Read is a presentation of the National Endowment for
the Arts and managed by Arts Midwest. The Big Read is funded
by grant support from NEA, the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma
Humanities Council, the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation,
Friends of the Norman Public Library and the Pioneer Library
System Foundation..
Riley is a longtime member of the Oklahoma Arts Council’s
teaching artist roster. He works in visual art and is especially
noted for his mask making. He has taught workshops for all ages
across the state and beyond for several decades.
And attendees who are inspired by what they see to make some
creative will be able to do so that night, as artists Curtis Jones
and Alicia Smith will lead a free, family-friendly workshop where
guests can create their own piece of fantasy art to take home.
Prior to the finale, there still are opportunities for readers to get
their hands on a free copy of “A Wizard of Earthsea” and learn
a little more about it as part of scholar-led discussions. April
discussions will take place at seven PLS libraries, including each
Norman location.
42 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Artist Alicia Smith leads a class in the Notan art style at Norman
Public Library West. Four such workshops were offered throughout
the library system as well as several classrooms in the Norman and
Moore Public Schools as part of The Big Read this year.
Oklahoma City artist Jerry Bennett earned the People’s Choice
Award in the Pioneer Library System’s Fantasy Art Contest. Bennett’s
drawing received the most votes in a poll through the library’s
Facebook page during January and February.
This dragon, crafted by Pioneer Library System Public Information
Officer Gary Kramer, was used as an example for the types of entries
possible in the library’s fantasy art contest, hosted in conjunction
with The Big Read.
Shelter from the Storm
By: Lezlie S. Christian
Weather radars are constantly scanning the Oklahoma
sky, keeping an eye out for the inevitable: severe weather.
Meteorologists break into our favorites shows. Storms are “firing
up” and moving into our area. It’s spring time in Oklahoma
and tornado season is upon us. When tornadoes hit the most
vulnerable among us, our children, two short years ago, six
Norman businessmen got together to look at storm shelters with
an eye to accessibility, comfort, and flexibility. Their goal was to
find the best product on the market and bring it to the people in
their community. The Atlas Safe Room was the final solution to
their search.
Seeing frequent problems with older underground shelters,
they sought out a new product with modern solutions. Older
style shelters are typically outside, away from the residential
structure, frequently leak and are often not sealed from rodents,
snakes and other pests. A trip to the cellar could be almost as
frightening as the storm itself. Modern shelters and safe rooms
are now offered in several formats: some inside homes, above
or below ground, and others in the ground outside. Each has its
advantages, but Randy Laffoon, one of the businessmen who
brought Atlas Safe Rooms to Norman, says they chose their
particular product for several important reasons.
These safe rooms, EF5 tested by the Texas Tech wind engineering
department, exceed FEMA standards and provide a level of
safety and accessibility that is difficult to beat. The door, a
known weak point of some above ground safe rooms weighs
450 pounds and opens outward, adding to its strength. The solid
bolt that attaches the door to the structure is one inch thick and
runs the entire length of the door. There are three bolt-locking
mechanisms that keep the door firmly in place.
Accessibility is an important issue to consider when choosing a
shelter or safe room. An in-ground shelter has stairs to navigate;
some quite steep and narrow, making it potentially dangerous
for someone in a rush to take shelter, not just those with limited
mobility. Atlas Safe Rooms also have a ramp that can be laid
over the lip of the entry for a person in a wheelchair to easily
44 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
enter. Offered in various sizes, an Atlas Safe Room can fit inside
a garage and still allow a car access to park there. The modular
design means that your safe room can be tailored to your needs
as well as your structure and can be disassembled and relocated,
if necessary. The company also supplies each safe room with
a combination light and fan that helps with air circulation and
illumination.
Atlas wants to make sure their structures meet the highest
standards, believing that your most precious possession, your
family, needs the best. “It’s the same as an insurance policy,”
Laffoon said, “You want the best you can get for your Family.”
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SPORTS
Soccer Season in Full Swing at NHS
by Tyler McComas
With the weather turning warmer, it can only mean one thing:
soccer season is in full effect at Norman High.
The girls’ team has their eyes set on a big playoff run after
last year’s disappointing season. With a solid core returning,
including nine starters, the Lady Tigers have every right to
have high expectations.
Their goals will certainly be attainable with returning talent
such as OU signee Gracie Koonce and skilled goal keeper
Brennan Hockett. Factor that in with skilled youngsters that
are ready to prove their worth on the pitch in varsity action,
it’s easy to see why the 2015 season should hold a lot more
promise.
After facing a tough early season setback against defending
state champion Norman North in the Cross Town Clash, the
young Tigers squad has rebounded nicely, including a shootout
win over Mustang. But the early season struggles that NHS
might encounter will only prepare them for the playoff run they
undoubtedly have on their minds.
Regardless of the youth the Tigers have, you know that talent
will always be a main stay for the NHS soccer program. Don’t
expect that to change in the 2015 season.
While the girls’ team holds the advantage of returning several
starters, the boys’ team isn’t so fortunate. After losing 10
players to graduation, Head Coach Gordon Drummond is
hoping a core of freshman and sophomores can lead the way
for the Tigers this season.
Timberwolves Sweep the Clash
by Chris Joseph
In Norman, there is always buzz about the soccer teams. The
Norman North boys and girls soccer teams both won their
matches with their cross-town rival Norman High on March 9.
Defending state champions, the Norman North Timberwolves
girls’ team beat Norman High with a score of 3-1. They got
more of a challenge in the first half than they had expected.
The Tigers scored first, but the lead did not last long as the
Timberwolves scored just three minutes later off the foot of
Francesca Ryan from 30 yards out. Within a minute, Haley
Woodard scored the first of her two goals and the Timberwolves
gained control. Woodard added her second goal in the final
minutes, tallying the Timberwolves’ 3-1 win.
As defending state champions just like the girls, the Norman
North boys’ have a target on their backs. The boys struck early
in the cross-town clash with a goal by Cary Pirtle on a great
pass by Jake Neighbors. Jacob Jerles scored a goal that gave
the Timberwolves a two point lead before Sage Moore scored
the final goal making the final score 3-0, in favor of North.
Keep an eye out for the soccer teams this spring. Both the
boys and girls should have a good chance to repeat as state
champions if they can overcome the target they have on their
backs in every game.
46 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
GIRL
When people think about the University of Oklahoma and its rich
athletic tradition, many people first think of the football team.
The basketball team has had some success and baseball has won
a couple of national championships. The women’s programs
have left their mark as well with the basketball team and Sherri
Coale playing in the Final Four for a national championship. Patty
Gasso and the softball team have won national titles, as well.
POWER
By: Chris Joseph
Let us not forget to take notice of what KJ Kindler is doing with
the women’s gymnastics team. The Sooner women’s gymnastics
team has become a powerhouse. The Sooners shared the
national title last year with the Florida Gators.
Coming into this year, the bar had been raised for the program
to go after another one. There will be tough competition as OU
has a target on their backs. They have responded well, taking on
all challengers, including their co-national champion Florida on
March 6.
The Sooners followed up by traveling to the University of
Alabama and knocking off the mighty Crimson Tide. The SEC is
stacked with very talented squads with usually one or more of
their teams competing for the national title.
Coach Kindler, in her 9th season as the head coach, has built
a dynamic team that is equal parts grace, beauty, power and
explosive athletic ability. A former Iowa State gymnast herself,
Kindler has done a great job recruiting talent in a sport where
there are not meets every Friday night across the country like
high school football season. Coach Kindler has blended this team
with athletes that can dominate individual apparatus events and
meld it together for all around and team points.
Perfect scores are hard to come by, but the Sooners have scored
plenty on their way to being the No. 1 team in the country.
March 21 will big the Big 12 Championship and will be held in
Norman, as well as the NCAA Regional on April 4. That leads to
the NCAA Championships being held April 17 through April 19 in
Fort Worth, Texas.
Haley Scaman and Erica Brewer are two power house athletes to
watch as the post season approaches. Scaman scored a perfect
10 on the floor against Florida and Brewer scored a perfect 10 on
the beam in the same meet.
Coach Kindler is showing that girl power is in full force at the
University of Oklahoma. The women’s gymnastics team is
primed and ready to make back-to-back titles. Everyone in
the gymnastics world should take notice of what Coach Kindler
is building here at OU. Get out and support the Sooners….
BOOMER!
48 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 49
50 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
coffee and snacks
tuesday - friday
5 pm - 10 pm
Norman’s Rite of Spring
By: Lindsay Cuomo
been handcrafted or locally grown. The
woodworkers, photographers, painters,
sculptors, glass blowers and more are
from Oklahoma and surrounding states.
Keep in mind that Mother’s Day is the
following Sunday, offers Craighead. You
are likely to find unique gifts to honor the
moms in your life.
For the last 42 years, the ladies of the
Assistance League have worked to make
the annual May Fair Arts Festival a Norman
spring-time tradition. Originally a one-day
event with a county fair theme, May Fair
has grown to a two-day celebration of
creativity through a variety of forms of
artistic entertainment from the visual and
performing arts to the culinary arts.
“May Fair is our gift to Norman,” says Fair
Co-Chair Marilyn Craighead. “We do it
because the community loves it.”
Not just any ordinary day at the historic
Andrews Park, May Fair offers a wealth of
excitement for all of your senses. You and
your family can stroll through the park
while chatting with local artists, watch live
art demonstrations, enjoy performances
by local artists and dine on an elevated
picnic-in-the-park with a few samplings
from fair food vendors or popular food
trucks. You’re even welcome to bring your
pup along, offers Craighead.
On the first weekend in May, fair visitors
can explore the work of local artisans and
craftsmen. Well before local was trendy,
everything at May Fair has by tradition
Each year, the fair features a celebrated
artist. This year’s artist is Hank Grant.
Grant, also an engineering professor at
OU, has only been painting seriously, as
he put it, for three years, a fact that is
likely to surprise you by his work. Grant
was chosen because of the emotions and
memories his works invoke.
“I try to paint from life,” explains Grant “I
paint what I see.”
“His art makes you think of your own
good memories,” says Jennifer Cook, May
Fair Co-Chair. “One of my favorites of his
pieces is a painting of a lake dock which
makes me think of wonderful memories
of my friends and family.”
A few years ago, Grant took a trip to France
where he painted a watercolor painting
every day. Some of those originals will be
available for purchase at the Fair. Grant
plans to have a variety of works at varying
price points.
Kids should also keep an eye out for
Miss Pick-a-Pocket. An Assistance League
member will be walking around dressed
up in a classic May Fair apron stocked full
of treats and prizes, shares Craighead.
There will also be pony rides, a bungee
trampoline, a moon bounce and much
more for kids to enjoy. Popular kids’ band
and Grammy award winning Sugar Free
Allstars will perform that Saturday at 1 p.m.
This year’s Fair will get a new kind of
kickoff. On April 7, the Assistance League
will host a painting program. Even the
most novice painter will have fun as the
class follows the instruction of Hank Grant
in crafting a still life oil painting of their
very own.
The May Fair Arts Festival starts with the
May Fair 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday,
May 2. The Festival will be open Saturday,
May 2, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again
on Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Andrews Park is located at 201 Daws
St. Proceeds benefit the philanthropic
programs of the Assistance League. For
more information, visit www.norman.
assistanceleague.org
Another highlight of the fair is the
Children’s Art Yard, which emphasizes art
education. Sponsored by the Firehouse
Art Center and the Arts Council, kids can
participate in “Adventures in Art,” the
theme for this year’s Yard.
“All of the activities in the Children’s Art
Yard are free,” says Cook.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 53
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By: Tegan Burkhard
Lifetime Norman resident Bree Montoya never imagined her home
city would host an annual, free three-day music festival. Now in its
eighth year as the pinnacle of festivals held in the “City of Festivals,”
Bree serves as Norman Music Festival’s chairwoman and treasurer.
“Everybody is out there having fun enjoying the energy and
momentum that goes along with this thing when everybody is
on the street and together,” Montoya says.
Although the festival started as a one-day event, thanks to the
work of the Norman Music Alliance, it will feature 350 local
and national artists on 15 stages across three days. April 23-25,
Downtown Norman’s Main Street will shut down and shed its
typical car traffic, leaving plenty of space for stages, food, fun,
art, 70,000 festival attendees, port-a-potties, and all the music
your ears can handle.
Saturday night, headliners Ra Ra Riot and Lee Bains III & The
Glory Fires will take over Main Stage on Porter. Natalie Prass,
Grooms, Son of Stan, Johnny Polygon, Native Lights, Elms
and Bowlsey will keep the crowd on their feet from Saturday
afternoon at 1 p.m. until the five outdoor stages shut down at 10
p.m. The ten indoor stages will keep the music going until 1 a.m.
Although the festival’s attendance rates spike on Saturday, music
lovers won’t want to miss the chance to discover new bands
Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. and Friday night from 6 p.m.-2
a.m. Sooner Theatre will spotlight local favorites on Friday night,
including Horse Thief, Pageantry, Idabel, Moongiant and Aaron
Pierce. That same night, the Oklahoma Blues Society Stage
will feature bands like Steve Coleman & Powerhouse, Old #5’s,
Flatland Band and Kristine Jude.
Norman Music Festival (NMF) regulars are familiar with each
stage’s emerging genre trend. The Sailor Jerry Stage by the Train
Depot will be renamed this year, but the stage will still feature
Americana bands. For the first time ever, NMF will host an EDM/
hip-hop split stage, sponsored by Bacardi, featuring the likes of
Crystal Vision and Jabee Williams. The Opolis and Blackwatch
Studios will also combine forces to co-host one stage this year.
NMF gives college students the excuse to put down the books,
but they aren’t the only ones who come out for the festivities.
Local residents and families also make the trip down to Main
Street for the music, art, food and family-friendly activities.
Travelers also trek down to Norman for the festival,
coming from at least as far as New Mexico, Montoya says.
This year, the family-friendly stage and activities for kids will
be closer to the carnival rides and games. Kids can still test out
instruments brought down to Main Street for the day. Aside from
music, NMF attendees can also feast their eyes on the Spectacle
Stage, featuring acrobatic feats and hula hooping tricks. Festival
attendees can still support local artists and food vendors in the
parking lot by The Opolis, but the vendor space will undergo
a name change from the familiar DustBowl Arts Market.
Head over to normanmusicfestival.com for the full schedule,
map, sustaining base member information, and the list of what
not to bring.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 55
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Get Ready to Rock’n Rose at the
34th Annual Rose Rock Music Festival
By: Meghan Whiting
The state of Oklahoma has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty.
From the rolling plains of the prairie grasslands to the jagged cliffs
of the Arbuckle Mountains, there is no shortage of geographical
attractions when it comes to touring the Sooner State. But,
perhaps one of Oklahoma’s most unique features is its official
state rock: the rose rock.
Made from barite rock crystals, Oklahoma’s rose rocks bear a
striking resemblance to the delicate, petalled flower from which
they are named. While these rose-shaped rocks represent the
state of Oklahoma as a whole, there is one city in particular that
takes tremendous pride in this natural phenomenon.
Aptly named the “Rose Rock Capital of the World,” Noble,
Oklahoma is home to not only the most, but the best-formed rose
rocks in the world. To celebrate the bounty of their land, Noble
brings in the start of every May with the Rose Rock Music Festival.
This year, the 34th Annual Rose Rock Music Festival will kick
off Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m with the Rose Rock Pageant and live
musical performances. On Saturday, a parade will march through
downtown Noble, followed by more live music, a car show and a
poker run. On Sunday, the last day of the festival, Discover Church
will host a service beginning at 10 a.m. Then, the finalists from the
Rose Rock Idol talent competition will get to show off their skills.
“It’s like a reunion of all of my favorite bands,” said Noble Chamber
of Commerce member Brian Houck.
Houck has been the entertainment coordinator of the Rose Rock
Music Festival for the past three years. He helps bring back the old
and bring in the new by keeping in contact with previous festival
musicians, and looking for local talent around the Noble area.
“There will be bands from Norman, Shawnee, Edmond and other
surrounding places,” said Houck.
A few musicians that will play at festival include the Damn Quails,
a folk band who describes themselves as “a young band with old
souls,” Camille Harp, a Folk Rock singer with “sincere lyrics and
graceful melodies,” and Edgar Cruz, a Jazz and Blues guitarist
who has been named Oklahoma’s Top Performing Artist and/
or Acoustic Guitarist by the Oklahoma Gazette for more than 15
years. Houck is particularly excited about Kyle Reid and the Low
Swingin’ Chariots.
Music is obviously one of the main attractions, but the three day
event offers many more activities sure to fill up your weekend like
art and crafts vendors, food vendors and a carnival.
“There’s things for all ages to do,” said Tom Thomas, Chamber of
Commerce member. “You see babies in strollers and 90-year-olds
in wheelchairs.”
Thomas has helped make sure the festival is up and running since
2001, and stays from the start of the festival until the very end
each year.
“I look forward to all of it,” said Thomas. “The music, of course,
is always good. I don’t mind getting on the carnival rides either.”
With a free entrance fee, live music and fried food, Chamber of
Commerce Member John Stokes believes the Rose Rock Music
Festival provides the perfect start to the month of May.
“Everybody from Noble comes out,” said Stokes. “But there are
also people from neighboring areas which really makes it a great
community event.”
“They are a swing band and offer a different type of sound,”
Houck said.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 57
VISITNORMAN
A is for April
By: Stefanie Brickman
If months were ordered alphabetically, April would be the first month of the year. In Norman, it could be
argued as the best month of the year for showing off our city’s uniqueness. Here are five April must-do’s
1. 2nd Friday Norman Artwalk, April 10. Downtown Norman will be hopping with open art galleries, live music,
dinner and drink specials and more. Check out the food truck area at the LoveWorks parking lot, located at 127 W.
Main St. to sample some of the best mobile food there is.
2. OU Spring Game, April 11. Sure, there is a football game kicking off at 2 p.m., but before that begins, The
Great Food Tailgate takes place outside the stadium. During that same weekend, the NCAA men’s gymnastics
championships will be taking place Friday and Saturday nights at the Lloyd Noble Center.
3. Mom’s Weekend, April 17-18. While the University of Oklahoma moms are in Norman, take them around to see
the great exhibits at our museums (don’t forget, admission is free at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art), sample
some of our local cuisine, stroll through Downtown Norman and Campus Corner’s unique boutiques and show her
Norman’s great public art pieces.
4. ‘89er Day Parade, April 18. Celebrate Norman’s history as the annual ‘89er Day Parade marches on Main Street.
This year, “Norman: History in the Making” will divide the entries up by decade so that parade goers can actually
see Norman’s history unfold.
5. Norman Music Festival, April 23-25. Ra-Ra Riot, Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires will be headlining this free
festival. The event takes place over three days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) throughout Downtown Norman
with more than 300 bands performing inside venues and on outdoor stages. It’s so ultra-cool that Huffington Travel
named it the best thing to do in Oklahoma.
Of course, these are only five events happening in Norman in April.
So check out VisitNorman.com to read all there is to see, do, eat, experience and more in Norman!
VisitNorman exists to promote the city, to attract overnight meeting, convention, sport and tourism business to the
community, and to enhance and contribute to the overall identity and economic wellbeing of the city. VisitNorman’s
vision is to be the leader who proactively markets and develops Norman as the preferred destination in Oklahoma.
60 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
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64 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
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ANTICS :
April Fools’ edition
By: Jeff Provine
April Fools’ Day is our international
holiday for pranks, but tomfoolery is a
year-round pastime at colleges. Norman
has certainly seen its fair share over the
years. Some are ignoble traditions that
have lasted for years, while others burst
out of the creative minds of students on
the spur of the moment. All of them have
a good story.
In the early days of the University of
Oklahoma, organized fighting, inspired by
the football team who referred to heading
out to practice as “go fight,” spread to
the whole male side of the student body
for an annual tumble. Every year, the
freshmen and juniors teamed up against
the sophomores and seniors. Both teams
had a captain and a rope. Whoever tied up
the other captain first held a year’s worth
of bragging rights. The rules were simple:
anything goes that doesn’t put somebody
in the nurse’s office.
Into the 1920s, when brawls had largely
gone out of fashion on campus, there
were still a few physical challenges to be
met. To be welcomed in the hallowed halls
of education, freshmen were encouraged
to run “the Gauntlet.” Two lines of
upperclassmen formed up outside of the
Field House. Brave first-year students
ran from one end to the other between
them. Old yearbooks show photographs
of upperclassmen armed with paddles,
ropes, or just open hands encouraging
68 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
the freshmen to go as fast as they can.
One could only imagine the whoops and
laughter as young men proved how tough,
and crazy, they could be.
During these early wild days, one of the
most famous pranks in OU history gave
us our ’06 Rock. While on the road from
Oklahoma City in 1906, senior Martin
Kingkade saw a foundation stone fall off
the back of a freight train. The enormous,
angle-cut stone looked like a perfect
addition to the campus Oval, so he and
a group of friends came back with a
wagon and team of horses. Several of
them managed to hoist the stone into
the wagon, which sank axle-deep into
the mud under the weight. Through
frontiersman tenacity, they managed to
drag the stone back to campus, where
they dumped it, took up a collection and
hired a stonecutter to carve “06” into
it as a memorial. The newly beautified
campus received its first class gift, kicking
off a tradition that lasts to this day. The
’06 Rock still stands watch next to the
Old Science Hall, except of course, for the
time it was stolen.
The culprits behind the ’06 Rock bouldernapping were members of a secret
society called the DDMC, the Deep Dark
Mystery Club. After hearing Professor
of Geology Charles N. Gould mention
that “this campus needs something to
wake it up,” a group came together to
be that something. Wearing black robes
and red masks or red robes and black
masks, depending on the year, they met
in a grove of elm trees west of campus
in midnight meetings to plot pranks that
would raise school spirits. One of the
more famous antics was their attack on
the campus newspaper print shop. Early
in the morning as the next day’s issue of
the Daily was being printed, they broke in
and held the editor and printers hostage
until they agreed to stamp every issue
with a DDMC Seal of Approval.
Their raid on the ’06 Rock was one of the
first pranks. They hefted the stone off the
Oval and carted it away to a graveyard,
where they buried ’06 in an occupied
grave, according to some versions of the
tale. The class of ’06 received an obituary,
prompting them to run out and rescue
their rock. It was consecrated and put
back on the Oval, this time with a concrete
foundation to prevent anyone else from
moving the rock again with anything short
of a backhoe.
Continued on page 70
Across the North Oval from the ’06 Rock is Monnett Hall,
informally known as the Law Barn, with its pair of green owls.
While the owls are perhaps the most famous prank on campus,
the interior wall of a closed elevator shaft within Monnett holds
a more legendary prank on a grander scale. Meticulously painted
using multiple gallons of crimson and cream paint over the
course of a long, fretful night, the shaft bears a four-story mural
of a RUF/NEK paddle.
The RUF/NEKs got their name in 1915 when a group of footballers
were cheering so loudly during an early Bedlam basketball
game that a woman demanded, “Sit down and be quiet, you
roughnecks!” Their paddles, shotguns and Sooner Schooner
are well known all over the country, but nowhere better than
at home. Over the years, they have added traditions, including
electing a queen as well as supporting a sister organization, Lil
Sis.
In 1991, the presidents of RUF/NEK and Lil Sis decided that they
wanted to leave a shared legacy in the form of a four-story mural
of a RUF/NEK paddle. According to the Daily, who reported on the
case in 2005, the two popped open the elevator’s ceiling hatch
and hid out until the building was closed. Then they painted,
floor by floor, always fearing the next move of the elevator would
get them caught. Their fretful night paid off with multiple gallons
of crimson and cream paint spread out on the wall for the next
generation of presidents to see. Several people still attest that
the hidden paddle can be found, although officials closed off the
elevator once the prank was spotted.
Dr. Ted Boehm
Dr. Corey Ponder
More visible are
the pranks of the
secretive PE-ET, those
top ten seniors of
each class. In addition
to chalking cryptic
messages, one of PEET’s favorite targets
is the OU Daily. In
spring of 2009, they
spread Easter eggs
with candy, a penny,
and a note saying that
the finder of the egg
had won a prize with
a phone number to call to collect. The number went directly to
the Daily, who unfortunately had no knowledge of the alleged
prizes. In 2013, following a similarly successful 2006 prank, PEET put up posters, sent press releases and even hung a handpainted “We’ll Miss You, President Boren” banner to spread the
false rumor of his imminent retirement.
As OU Press Secretary Brandon Rambo said following the 2006
escapade, the good-natured pranks are welcomed, they “keep
the university alive.”
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As students at the University of Oklahoma prepare to don their
graduation caps and gowns in early May, many worry about an
entirely different outfit. Their education has given them the tools
and background for a successful career, but they need to dress
to impress in order to land their dream job. Sooner Suit Up is
helping students put that concern aside.
The idea behind Sooner Suit Up began when Sharon Alexander,
the director of operations in the college of Arts and Sciences
at the University of Oklahoma, had some professional clothing
she wanted to donate to OU students. She contacted Angelette
Wright with the Center for Student Life to see if she knew
students who needed them.
Students gratefully accepted the donated clothing, which
prompted Alexander to start thinking about the need across
campus.
By: Rebecca Barbee
All University of Oklahoma students are eligible to take
advantage of the reduced pricing. The committee is working on
an application process for when they are able to provide free
clothing.
For those wanting to get involved in Sooner Suit Up and help
provide students with new clothing, Sooner Suit Up is accepting
monetary donations.
“Financial donations would be appreciated. A community
member could donate $200 and outfit a student in an entire suit
to use when interviewing,” Alexander said.
“President Boren leads us in our mission to provide an excellent
education to our students, and I wondered if those students
needed assistance to present themselves professionally,”
Alexander explained.
“Sharon shared her vision with me, and from there we invited
key players from around the Norman campus to help strategize
and develop a plan of action,” Wright said.
Representatives from the Graduation Office, Leadership and
Volunteerism Office, Care Services and Student Life all agreed
they would like to address the issue. Sooner Suit Up was born.
Faculty, staff and friends of the University of Oklahoma donated
gently-used clothing for the cause and held the first Sooner
Suit Up in January of this year. Over 160 students came to the
event. They were excited and grateful to donors for providing
the opportunity.
Norman residents can also help college students by setting
aside their gently-used professional clothing until the next used
clothing event in January 2016. Sooner Suit Up is unable to
accept clothing donations until shortly before the event due to
a lack of storage.
Many of the young men attending the event were unable to find
clothing in their size, but the second Sooner Suit Up event will
change that.
Students interested in Sooner Suit Up can send an email to
[email protected] for information about future events.
Anyone interested in donating can contact Sharon Alexander
at [email protected] for more information, or mail a check
payable to The University of Oklahoma Foundation to 633 Elm
Ave, Norman, OK 73019.
“In August, we will hold the JCPenney Sooner Suit Up. Students
will be able to acquire a complete suit, including shoes, for under
$200, approximately 70% off retail price,” said Alexander. “My
hope is to allow around 50 students to obtain a suit without cost.
I am still seeking support for that part of the initiative.”
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 73
Just Voices
REDLINERS a cappella
By: Arden Stringer
In 2006, University of Oklahoma student Christina Castelli saw
the need for a group unlike one OU had known for many years.
Castelli’s club was a registered student organization run by
students, for students. She named the group “The Redliners,”
making a word play on the term “headliners,” combined with
some OU spirit. Castelli’s group was OU’s only student-led co-ed
a cappella group, meaning that they make all the sounds that a
band would, but solely with their voices.
Nine years later, the group has cycled through multiple presidents
and directors keeping this group alive. The group began with
six members and at its peak had as many as 21. The Redliners
keep their group stocked with
fresh talent through auditions
held at the beginning of
each semester. Prospective
members are asked to do a
small series of exercises for
current members to assess
their vocal ability, after which
they can sing a 30 second
solo of their choice. Those
selected are based upon the
gaps in their soprano, alto,
tenor, and bass sections. After
the members are selected,
the group begins rehearsing.
Keeping with the independent
nature this organization was
founded on, the members have made a habit of arranging all
of their own music themselves, which showcases an altogether
different talent than singing. With growing popularity thanks
to the movie Pitch Perfect and other pop culture phenomena,
The Redliners have been able to draw in larger crowds to their
biannual concerts.
74 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
More than being simply a student club, The Redliners makes a
point of creating a family out of the members with their retreat
that happens within the first month of the semester. The group
takes a small road trip to locations like Turner Falls, Altus, or
Dallas, where they partake in a variety of team building activities
in order to better get acquainted and create the bond that is so
special within The Redliners.
The Redliners’ Spring Concert is at the Oklahoma Memorial Union
in the Meacham Auditorium on Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. where
family and friends of members will be able to see the product of
all their hard work. Director of the group, Bennett Oden, says,
“It’s the culmination of
a semester’s worth of
work, but it’s a lot more
fun to see than our
transcripts.”
Admission to the concert
is free and includes free
snacks and drinks. In
keeping with previous
semesters, the group
aims to please multiple
generations with their
musical set that ranges
from
contemporary
pop songs to less
mainstream
choices
to the golden oldies, making it enjoyable for a whole family.
This semester, their set will include songs from Sara Bareilles,
Dusty Springfield, Florence + The Machine, Earth Wind & Fire,
and more. The Redliners enjoy a diverse and plentiful crowd
and hope to see many new faces at this momentous event.
For more information, find them on Facebook and Youtube.
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By Alexandra Bare
A blackboard above the bar at Blackbird
explains exactly what a gastropub is, and
what it is they specialize in: “The art and
science of good eating and drinking.”
Blackbird Gastropub is located at 575
S. University Blvd on the west side of
Campus Corner. The two-story restaurant
offers plenty of seating, perfect for several
types of occasions, from casual to cocktail.
The modern atmosphere is sophisticated
and stylish against the sea of a traditional
campus.
Blackbird’s menu reflects the pub their
name suggests. From the appetizers to the
dessert, comfort food fills the menu. Mac
‘n cheese is one of the main components
of comfort food, and Blackbird does it
right. Cheddar, Gorgonzola, nutmeg and
cream are mixed together with macaroni
and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs
to offer one of the best mac ‘n cheeses
in Norman. The hot and cheesy dish is
perfect for a cold day or for when you’re
just feeling homesick.
Another popular starter is the Pot Roast
Sliders, pot roast piled on Ciabatta rolls
topped with mashed potatoes and fried
onions. Blackbird takes their mashed
potatoes to a new level with truffle oil. The
rich and decadent truffle oil adds depth to
the family favorite. They stand out where
mashed potatoes can sometimes blend
in.
The Honey Smoked Salmon
Salad is a customer favorite. Bleu
cheese vinaigrette is drizzled over a bed
of spinach mix and dried cranberries,
walnuts, apples and Parmesan.
Upon recommendation I chose the Beef
and Truffle Oil Shepherd’s Pie and jalapeno
cornbread. I was not disappointed. A mix
of ground beef, veggies and fantastic herbs
and spices is topped with a generous
serving of the truffle oil mashed potatoes
and baked. The bottom layer was juicy and
perfectly seasoned, and married well with
the rich potatoes. Meat and potatoes are
a pretty common pairing, but Blackbird’s
twist on it is one of a kind, especially in
Norman.
I chose to sit at the bar to enjoy my
meal and definitely made a good choice.
The bartender, Gianna, gave me her
recommendations as well as customer
favorites for both food and beverages.
The drink menu is made up of a long list
of spirits, especially scotch and whiskey.
They have variations of the drink from all
over the world. You can enjoy a custom
whiskey flight to find your new favorite.
Every other Sunday they offer Scotch
tastings for $25. Customers are given a
variety of Scotches to taste and a plate
of appetizers to help cleanse the pallet
between drinks.
“We have specialty cocktails,” Gianna
explained. “More than just your everyday
vodka and cranberry.”
Stop by Blackbird Gastropub for a
delicious meal or a refreshing drink after
work. It’s the perfect place to catch up
with a group of friends or to just enjoy a
meal at the bar.
The pub-style restaurant and bar also
offers hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, a
variety of salads, meatloaf and roast
chicken. Everything on the menu looked
delicious and it was difficult to choose just
one entrée, which means I’ll have to make
more trips.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 77
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April 2015 • Issue 4 • Volume 14
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located in close to 100 countries and on every continent.
Many of our customers have been with us since the very
beginning. That says a lot about our products and the quality of
our service. It’s the very reason we like banking with Republic.
They value their customers and place importance on the quality
of service they provide. We notice it with all their Bankers.
They always greet us with a smile, and they know us by name.
It makes us feel good to know they really care about who we are.
We do everything with Republic; Andy and Amy take care of
all of our families’ personal and corporate accounts. From the
planning of our new facility to breaking ground, Republic has
walked us through every step of the process. All we have to do
is pick up the phone, and they have a solution. We choose to
Scott Bauman and Sean Bauman of IMMY
with Andy Sherrer and Amy Kennedy of Republic.
bank at Republic for the same reason our customers stay with us;
we get to talk directly to the people who can make the decisions.
Republic makes it easy.”
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Haley Mowdy
ART DIRECTOR
Haley Mowdy
MANAGING EDITOR
Pg. 14 Normanite: Dylan Dawson
by Alexander Mutz
Norman North student finds a place to call home.
Pg. 16 In the Wake of Devestation
by Lindsay Cuomo
Moore residents pitch in to help each other after
another tornadic storm.
Pg. 41 The Eye of the Storm: A look inside the
National Weather Center
by Grant Schatzman
An inside look at the National Weather Center.
Pg. 44 Shelter from the Storm
by Lezlie S. Christian
Atlas Safe Rooms offer a new choice in storm
shelters.
Pg. 22 Junior League of Norman Charity Ball
“Raising the Stakes” benefits those in need in the
Norman community.
Pg. 25 Surviving an Oklahoma Storm Season
by Lacey Swope, News 9 meteorologist
A refresher on how to be severe weather
prepared.
Pg. 48 Girl Power
by Chris Joseph
The Sooner Women’s Gymastics team aims for a
perfect 10.
Pg. 29 Norman NEXT Kickball Tournament and
Fundraiser
The Oklahoma Weather Icon sits down with Boyd
Street to discuss his upcoming project with OU.
Pg. 34 Sooner Style
by Cheyenne Simmons
Find plenty of Sooner treasures at the University
of Oklahoma Bookstore.
Pg. 36 A Relaxing Experience: My Time at Le Visage
Day Spa
Pg. 53 Norman’s Rite of Spring
Pg. 38 Confident Creativity
by Tegan Burkhard
Norman Firehouse Art Center hosts a special
Healing Studio Exhibition.
Carly O’Donnell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Alanna Moore
Shar Rother | Kathryn Shauberger
CONTRIBUTORS
Alex Bare | Rebecca Barbee
Stefanie Brickman | Tegan Burkhard
Rachel Campbell | Leighann Carroll
Lezlie Christian | Jen Elsner
Carleigh Foutch | Taylor Hickney
Chris Joseph | Audrey Lievens
Tyler McComas | Kim Petersen
Jeff Provine | Grant Schatzman
Arden Stringer | Kathryn Shauberger
Cheyenne Simmons | Lacey Swope
DESIGN
Savanna Cometa
Rachel Campbell
Arden Stringer
Joe Wilhite | Randy Laffoon
Tracie Gray | Perry Spencer
PUBLISHER
Joe Wilhite
Pg. 55 Norman Music Festival
by Tegan Burkhard
The Norman Music Festival will feature 350 local
and national artists on 15 stages across three
days.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Pg. 57 Get Ready to Rock’n Rose
by Meghan Whiting
A preview of Noble’s annual Rose Rock Music
Festival.
by Cheyenne Simmons
Simmons discovers a new skincare essential at
Le Visage.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Becs Yeager
For the last 42 years, the annual May Fair Arts
Festival has been a spring-time tradition.
by Audrey Lievens and Haley Mowdy
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Alex Mutz | Meghan Whiting
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
by Lindsay Cuomo
Pg. 30 Gary England Returns to OU
Mark Doescher
WEB DESIGN
by Rebecca Barbee
Relive your glory days for a good cause.
Lindsay Cuomo
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER &
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Pg. 68 Campus Antics in the Early Days
by Jeff Provine
A look back at the infamous ways OU students
show school spirit.
Boyd Street Magazine
P.O. Box 721494
Norman, Oklahoma 73070
Phone: (405) 321-2400
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine
Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd
Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property
of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced
for any reason without permission. Any opinions
expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of
Boyd Street management.
boydstreet.com
/boydstreetmagazine
@boydstreet
April 2015 • Issue 4 • Volume 14
Severe weather is nearly always on the horizon here in Oklahoma. As Oklahomans, we’re
terrified of it, in awe of it, fascinated by it and completely obsessed with it. Regardless
of how you feel about it though, it is incredibly important to understand severe weather,
especially with regards to how it can affect you and your family. As we are teetering into
the edge of the “real” storm season of May, we wanted to make sure to do our duty to
help keep you and your family safe this season. This issue is packed with articles about
severe weather—how to keep your family safe with a plan, storm shelter options, local
organizations dedicated to serving areas affected by severe weather and so much more.
Plus, we have the inside scoop on the National Weather Center and Oklahoma weather
hero Gary England. It doesn’t matter what your angle is on storm coverage, we’ve got
something you’ll enjoy and appreciate.
Editor’s Note
For those whose tastes don’t run along the big and scary, we’ve also got an issue packed
with fun spring things to do in ours and surrounding communities. April is a great time
to get outside, and “The City of Festivals” has more than enough to offer in the way of
the great outdoors. Consider attending Norman Music Festival, the last weekend in April,
a mostly outdoor concert series that takes advantage of sunshine and local talent to
entertain Normanites and travelers alike.
Get out and enjoy the weather while it’s nice, but don’t let that fool you into thinking
there isn’t severe weather lurking around the corner. As a closing, here’s a list of my top
ten things you need in your “go-bag,” for when you have to get to a shelter immediately:
1) Medications: People often forget about this, but if you’re stuck in a storm shelter
overnight, your health needs to be a priority.
2) Chargers: If the worst happens and you have to temporarily relocate, having a charger
handy will let you get in touch with loved ones.
3) Water: I hope I don’t have to explain this one.
Haley Mowdy
Editor-in-Chief
4) Snacks: Nothing is worse than being in a crisis situation with a grumbly tummy.
5) Clean underwear: Again, need I explain?
6) Pet food (if you’re taking shelter with your fur babies too): If you’re stuck in a shelter
or emergency facility for any amount of time, they’re going to get hungry too.
7) Flashlight: For emergency purposes only (like, you know, reading).
8) Cell phones: See #2.
9) Wallet with identification: You want to be able to get out money, have an identity, etc.
even if the storm takes everything else you have.
10) A book: If the storm doesn’t kill you, boredom might. Come prepared.
Stay safe, Oklahomans! Tune into your favorite news channel (ahem, News9 and the
lovely Lacey Swope is my go-to) and enjoy all of the beauty that spring has to offer, but
like my mother reminds me almost daily: Keep your eye on the sky!
10 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
2015
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By: Lacey Swope
Spring is here! As a lover of the Oklahoma outdoors, this means it’s
time to get back outside. The snow and ice have melted and the state is
coming back to life. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and water
temperatures are warming. As many of you know, I am an avid hunter.
Most hunting seasons are closed this time of year, but spring is when
fishing season gets kicked into overdrive. Oklahoma has all kinds of
fish species in our lakes and rivers. One of my favorite fish to catch is a
Spoonbill, or Paddlefish. They range from 30 to 100 pounds and are in
a majority of our lakes and rivers. They look like dinosaurs, and feel like
a herd of cattle when trying to reel them in. Most people just catch and
release them, but you can eat them as well. They have a super fishy
taste, but provide a lot of meat. This time of year, bass are beginning to
spawn, Sand Bass begin to surface and before you know it catfish will be
making their beds as well. Noodling season is just down the road.
For me, the bloom of every new flower lets me know I have several fish
fries in my very near future. However, I know not everyone sees it that
way. In fact, most people see a blooming daffodil and know that months
of allergy meds are just around the corner. For Okies, I am sorry. I’m told
our allergy season is one of the worst across the country. But whatever
you think of when you see the colors creep back into the vegetation, I
hope you enjoy it. Because those spring rains and storms will turn to 100
degree days before you know it!
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Normanite in the Spotlight
Dylan Dawson
By: Alexander Mutz
In the midst of 2013, Dylan Dawson found himself in precarious
circumstances. At the age of 16, he was effectively homeless for
several months. A tumultuous living situation had thrust him out
on the streets, where he lived out of his car for several weeks. He
then began couch surfing for some time, eventually ending up
staying with his older brother. With there not being a lot of extra
space for him, he realized that a change was in order, and began
examining options.
“I came from a home situation that was, at the time, very
unstable,” Dawson said. “Oftentimes I didn’t have much for me
there in terms of actual provision.”
As a high school student, stability outside of the classrooms is
essential. Dylan was continuing his education, but the challenges
he faced when he walked out of the school doors at the end of
the day made things far more difficult than for other students.
After several months, he discovered a program called “Bridges”
that gave him just the help he needed.
The goal of Bridges is to provide teenagers who are facing critical
situations with the ability to live independently through section
eight housing and nutrition programs. For many people like
Dawson, Bridges can mean the difference between having the
means to graduate high school or not. He decided to send in an
application, and several interviews later, he was accepted. For
the first time in a long time, Dawson found the helping hand he
truly needed.
“Bridges made a really big difference in how I was able to
perform in school,” Dawson said. “I had never heard of advanced
placement classes or really understood their purpose. When I
started living at Bridges, not only did my course rigor increase,
but so did the quality of my performance.”
Dawson’s new living quarters consisted of a simple one-bedroom
apartment. Though there wasn’t much to it, his new situation
proved to be exactly what he needed. Only a short time after
he moved in, he found himself investing much more in school,
getting involved in multiple advanced courses and extracurricular activities.
His particular forte is speech and debate, where he has found
himself excelling spectacularly. At the beginning of March, he and
his team competed in the district tournament, where he repeated
as District Champion in his event, Domestic Extemporaneous
14 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Speech. Dawson’s team succeeded so thoroughly that they were
also awarded the Cumulative Sweepstakes Trophy at the end
of the tournament. As a result, he’s qualified for the National
Tournament in Dallas this summer.
“I’ve certainly thought a lot about whether to continue on with
speech and debate, but I have reservations,” Dawson said.
“Children play games when they are young. Though it serves
a purpose, it is ultimately about learning some greater skill.
I’m thinking more about finding ways to apply these skills I’ve
learned.”
As Dawson began approaching the end of his high school days
at Norman North, the question of college came to light. He was
contacted by representatives from a scholarship organization
called QuestBridge, which aims to connect low-income students
with opportunities at higher educational institutions. When
Dawson saw this offer to apply, he knew it was the means he
needed. About 35 schools are partnered with QuestBridge and
finalists for the program are invited to rank their top ten choices.
Those schools receive all of the applications from finalists and
then select who they want to be a part of their school.
Dawson had quite an impressive application to compete with,
featuring advanced placement credits and an award as a National
Merit Finalist. Though he applied at a variety of top-end colleges
around the country, Dawson’s accomplishments allowed him
to be accepted with a full-ride scholarship to his top choice,
Columbia University in Manhattan.
“I feel like I need to have a stint in a large metropolitan area during
my life,” Dawson said. “That was one of the biggest appeals
about Columbia to me. I just need to expand my experiences.”
While his next few years are uncertain, Dawson remains
optimistic about the mystery. He spoke with interest about a
double major program in economics and political science, but
was sure to mention that the world is open to him, and he feels
free to adapt to his changing interests and obstacles. Even the
coming summer is uncertain.
“Bridges will allow me to stay in my current apartment until I
leave for Columbia. I’ve got other options though. Several friends
have extended offers to become their roommate,” Dawson said.
“My sister has also invited me to stay with her, now that her own
son has left for college and a room is available. I’m just not sure yet.”
While his next four school years will take place advancing his
studies at Columbia, Dawson seems especially excited about
where his next few summers will take him.
“The summer after my first year at Columbia, I have absolutely
no idea where I’m going to live,” Dawson said. “And there is
something fantastic about that. I’ll have to do some summer
work, but there is nothing tying me down to any one place. I’ll
have so much time to explore the world and all of my options.”
As he dug deeper, Dawson talked about the ways the events of
his life have affected his worldview and personal philosophies.
In spite of his adversities, he remains strongly optimistic, though
highly existential in his attitude toward life.
Light Up Rotary President Mariann Lawson poses with Dylan
after he won the Four-Way Test Speech competition
“I try to maintain a perspective toward what my goals ought
to be,” Dawson said. “People ask questions like: What is the
meaning of life? What is our purpose? Regardless of how others
might answer these questions, I don’t really think there is a point
to life. It is exactly what we make of it and how we define it.
I think my life needs to revolve around improving the lives of
those around me.”
Thanks to the help of Bridges and QuestBridge, this autumn,
Dawson will begin the next chapter of his life in New York.
Regardless of which specific path he ends up taking, he hopes to
improve himself in one way or another and become everything
he can for the people he cares for.
Columbia University in New York, where Dylan will be attending this fall
In the Wake of Devastation
By: Lindsay Cuomo
Within mere minutes of the unexpected tornadoes on March
25, Serve Moore was already in action, calling on the Oklahoma
community to once again help its neighbors shuffle through
the debris left behind. As Oklahomans, we are no stranger to
disaster, whether man-made or by nature’s power. We are also
no stranger to the Oklahoma Standard. Our communities are
quick to rally around those in need. And that is exactly how Serve
Moore was born.
In response to the devastating destruction on May 20, 2013, a
few church pastors and leaders knew one thing: something had
to been done. With that shared desire, they began where they
could, by connecting those in need with those willing and able
to help.
“People wanted an outlet to help,” remembered Sean Evans,
Moore resident and executive director of Serve Moore. “I simply
put out a call for help on Twitter and a couple hundred people
showed up.”
When city officials asked for help cleaning up the cemetery that
took heavy damage, Evans put out another tweet and a gym full
of volunteers showed up.
16 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
“What we thought would take a week was done in a day,”
recalled Evans.
Over the past two years, nearly 55,000 volunteers have clocked
hundreds of thousands of hours, meeting the needs of more than
2,000 homeowners and residents in Moore and surrounding
areas.
Volunteers have built fences, storage sheds, parks, playgrounds,
gardens and benches, hung drywall, rolled paint, laid tile, nailed
shingles and installed siding.
“Hundreds of homes and public spaces stand renewed because
of volunteer efforts,” shared Evans.
Long after the spotlight on Moore dimmed, Serve Moore has
continued its efforts of hope and renewal. While the damage
caused on March 25 might seem small in comparison, those
families with broken homes and kids without their school feel
the same loss. The smaller scope of the damage means less
outside support.
Continued on page18
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Local businesses like Sam’s Club pitched in on the effort.
“It is really up to us this time,” admits Evans.
At 9 a.m. on March 26, the Moore community center was
teaming with volunteers. Sam Watkins, Moore resident and local
pastor, shared his thoughts on the united community effort.
“We are working together simply meeting people where they are
at,” said Watkins. “Doing whatever needs to be done.”
Other businesses and community organizations helped with the
clean-up efforts. Regional Food Bank provided food and water
for victims and volunteers. The American Red Cross vehicles
could be seen moving about the damaged neighbors. The new
Moore Sam’s Club deployed its employees to pass out water,
make lunches and help wherever they saw fit.
Serve Moore is also looking past recovery and onto renewal,
dreaming of things like art murals and increased bike access
for the community. They have planted trees, mulched parks,
painted fire hydrants throughout the city and built wheelchair
ramps for the elderly, helping wherever there is a need.
Many have asked the same question, from inside and outside
our state. With our crazy weather, why do we still live here? And
for me, the answer is easy. It is our home. So we build our storm
shelters, ready our safety plans and watch the skies every spring,
knowing that we might need to pick up the pieces again. But
being an Okie is worth it.
“There are a lot of people out here helping,” shared one Sam’s
employee. “We been through this before and we are all just
doing our part.”
But, there is still more to do.
“We need volunteers and financial support to help those in
need,” shares Evans.
“When we can pay for expert help, it’s a win-win for everyone,” adds
Evans. “We need to hire licensed electricians to repair damaged lines
so homeowners can get their power turned back on.”
18 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Serve Moore volunteers help homeowners clean debris from affected areas.
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There are a couple rules to keep in mind when you are
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Rule #1: The blade should be a combination of
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Junior League of Norman
Charity Ball
The Junior League of Norman (JLN) had an exciting night “Raising
the Stakes” with their 2015 Annual Charity Ball held on February
21, 2015 at Embassy Suites in Norman. The event was under
the planning and creative direction of Stephanie Courtney, a
professional Oklahoma Event Planner and JLN Member, along
with co-chair Ashley Welke. Guests were treated to the famous
Taster’s Affair showcasing, which included the best dishes from
Norman and surrounding areas, as well as live and silent auctions
and show-stopping entertainment.
“It was important to us that the guests felt like they were
enjoying an experience, and not just attending a fundraising
event,” Courtney said. By offering casino games, a wine pull and
live entertainment, guests are sure to agree that it was a great
time.
Every year the main focus of the Charity Ball is to raise funds
to directly support the Norman community and the projects JLN
serves. The JLN is continually changing and evolving to meet
growing needs in the community, and is grateful for the support
of businesses and individuals alike. The Charity Ball saw record
sponsorships this year and JLN proudly continues to fund the
Baby Steps House, Done in a Day projects, and Food For Kids.
Recently the JLN founded a program called Girl Power, which
focuses on empowering at-risk fifth grade girls with courage,
self-esteem and knowledge.
“It is life changing to witness someone grow and realize they are
important and worthwhile,” said Katie Ihrig, JLN member.
One of the biggest changes to this year’s Charity Ball was the
online and text bidding for the silent auction items. With the
help of inVinci, the software company offering the technology
for online bidding, auction items were available to be viewed in
advance so guests could invite family and friends to bid on items,
regardless of whether they actually attended the event. This
advancement was without a doubt a huge contributor to this
year being one of the most successful Charity Balls to date.
Erin Williford, current JLN president, noted, “I am very proud
of the success of ‘Raising the Stakes.’ The incorporation of the
online auction, the casino gaming tables, a wonderful DJ and
22 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
fantastic restaurants all contributed to this being the best Charity
Ball I can remember. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to have fun
while raising money for our community projects.”
For more information on how you can sponsor or donate
to the Junior League of Norman, please visit www.
juniorleagueofnorman.org or ‘Like’ their Facebook page “Junior
League of Norman.” Junior League of Norman is an organization
of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the
potential of women and improving the community through the
effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose
is exclusively educational and charitable.
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By: Lacey Swope, News9 Meteorologist
Photo by: Mark Doescher
Severe weather can and does happen all months of the year,
but there is a more likely time of year for severe storms and
tornadoes. In Oklahoma, that time is approaching, typically from
the middle of March through the middle of June. Many factors
come into play. When they interact in perfect space and time,
our weather can become volatile. We know those days all too
well here in the Sooner state. It is critical we have a plan. We
joke around that our children learn primary colors, their ABCs
and tornado precautions, but that is actually pretty accurate
in the Southern plains. The more confident we are of those
safety plans and drills, the more likely we will be to implement
them when it counts. However, not everyone in Oklahoma was
raised here. Our weather can be intimidating to say the least,
sometimes it can be terrifying. Spring storms should never be
underestimated and should be approached with the respect that
they deserve. The key to moving through severe storm season is
to stay weather aware and keep your plan well versed.
First, you have to understand that storms can occur any hour of
the day. There have been many night tornadoes. One of the most
dangerous scenarios of all is deadly storms in the dark while
people are sleeping. This is why it’s important to know the risks
with upcoming storms in advance. If your area is under a tornado
watch, take it seriously. If you are under a tornado warning,
which is defined as an eminent tornado or strong rotation, seek
shelter.
up to you and your family to know the safest and closest location
to you. If you have a safe room or an underground shelter, this is
your safe spot. If not, go to the lowest-level, center-most room of
the structure you are in, away from windows and doors. The goal
is to put as many walls between you and the storm as possible.
If you are in a mobile home, leave early enough to find a more
sturdy shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado or flee as the storm
is moving in. Storms do not move in a uniform direction and
often travel at speeds impossible to outrun. We have all seen
the images of what tornadoes can do automobiles. They are not
shelters!
When taking your tornado precaution and getting into your safe
spot, put on adequate clothing: long sleeves, long pants, tennis
shoes and helmets. If you have any type of sports gear, put it on.
From knee pads to chest protectors, this can help keep debris
from harming you. Make sure you have eye protection handy like
goggles or shatter-resistant glasses. I always tell the kiddos they
should look like super heroes when taking shelter from a storm.
These steps can help save your life when our weather turns
nasty. Pick out your safe spot and practice tornado drills with
your family. Stay weather aware and make sure you have
multiple ways to get watches and warnings. As always, we will
work around the clock and our trackers will be out across the
state. Stay with News9 and we’ll keep you advised.
So where do you go? What kind of shelter do you seek? I should
first note that there are no public shelters in the OKC metro. It is
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 25
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority:
We’ve Got Your Back, Baby!
By: Joyce Smith
Every day children go to and from school hungry because there
is no food or too little food at home. Often, their school work
goes undone because it is hard to concentrate when your body
is demanding nourishment you cannot provide.
The members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hope to lessen
the stress for some of these families with, “We’ve Got Your
Back.” This was the theme for the 85th Mid-Western Regional
Conference’s community event, which supports the sorority’s
National Education Enrichment Program to provide one million
backpacks over the next four years. The conference was held at
the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman,
March 19-22.
The sorority recognized officials of each school at its public
program on March 20. Three hundred backpacks filled with
nonperishable food items were distributed to eligible youths in
select Oklahoma City and Norman schools during the weekend,
the majority distributed in Norman. Students at Positive
Tomorrows and Little Light Christian Schools in Oklahoma City
received backpacks. In Norman, middle and high school students
received assistance.
“We found that elementary school students are usually taken
care of by numerous organizations,” said Jan Carpenter-Baker,
mid-western region director, “But the older students, middle
and high school-aged children, are often overlooked. Hungry is
hungry and age does not matter,” she said. “We are here to help.”
Graduate and undergraduate chapters in the region and their
partners were in friendly competition to provide backpacks and
their contents. Donations of Target or Walmart gift cards and
cash were used to purchase food items. The sorority encouraged
businesses and community organizations to join their quest.
Angelette Wright, Junior League of Norman Board Chairman of
the Advisory Planning Committee, said, “It has been exciting
and fun to work with my fellow members of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority. This will have a ripple effect on both communities
and both organizations, allowing others to pay it forward. I am
grateful for a seat at the table.”
To donate to the project or for more information, contact Ayana
Talley, coordinator of the community event, at 405-413-3956 or
[email protected].
26 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Prescription Prevention
Do you have prescription medications left over after you have stopped using of them? Wondering what to
do with them? Well, don’t let them sit in your medicine cabinet another minute longer. The OU Southwest
Prevention Center on OU’s Norman Campus encourages you to use any of the seven medication disposal bins
at police departments and sheriff’s offices across Cleveland County. These medication drop-off bins are in the
lobbies of these law enforcement agencies for you to dispose of unwanted or unused medication. The process
is simple, efficient and anonymous for you, our valued citizens.
Prescription drug abuse is Oklahoma’s fastest growing drug problem. There were nearly 3,900 unintentional
poisoning deaths in Oklahoma from 2007-2012. Of those, four out of five deaths involved at least one
prescription drug.
The OU Southwest Prevention Center encourages you to lock your prescription medications in a locked
container or medication lock box for the added safety of family and friends.
You can find out more details and information on medication drop-off locations around Cleveland County and
some helpful tips to be safer with your prescription medications at www.takeasprescribed.org as well as find
out how to get involved in your community or city’s local coalition http://www.ou.edu/outreach/swpc.html
Take Care and Warm Regards,
The University of Oklahoma- Southwest Prevention Center
1639 Cross Center Drive
Norman, OK, 73019
NORMAN
NEXTball
KICKBALL TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER
By: Rebecca Barbee
to begin an exciting career and foster new
friendships. I am passionate about making
Norman a better place for all residents
and believe that everyone deserves to live
a fulfilling and healthy life,” Sebero said.
Play a few games of kickball, connect with
Norman professionals and support local
charities during the Norman NEXT kickball
tournament on Sunday, April 12. The
tournament is from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at
Griffin Park, located at 1001 E. Robinson St.
Norman NEXT, a program of the Norman
Chamber of Commerce, is an organization
for professionals between the ages
of 21 and 40 who live or work in the
city of Norman. Since the fall of 2011,
the Community Activism Committee
of Norman NEXT has hosted a kickball
tournament in the spring and a playground
games tournament in the fall. The
Community Activism Committee is one of
five teams that make up NEXT. Their focus
is on encouraging young professionals to
become involved in their community and
with social service organizations.
Participants of the NEXTball tournament
have the chance to relive their school days
by spending an afternoon playing games
at the park, while the Norman community
benefits from the friendly competition. To
date, NEXTball tournaments have raised
$7,984.80, all of which has gone to local
charities. “The Norman NEXTball Kickball
Tournament provides Norman NEXT and
community members the opportunity to
enjoy team camaraderie while learning
about and supporting a local non-profit
organization,” explained Heather Sebero,
co-chair of the Community Activism
Committee.
The committee selects a charitable
organization through an application
process to be the recipient of funds raised
by the NEXTball tournaments. The 2015
beneficiaries are One Vision One Voice
and Bethesda.
Previous benefactors
include Community After School Program,
Be Fit and Meals on Wheels. Additionally,
the group has been able to purchase pet
food for Animeals, a Meals on Wheels
program, and outdoor lighting for Second
Chance Animal Sanctuary.
While
the
Community
Activism
Committee of Norman NEXT hosts the
NEXTball kickball tournament, it would
not be possible without the support of
local businesses. The 2015 sponsors are
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Hey Day
and First United Bank. This year’s ball
sponsor is Sooner Legends.
Grab your friends, co-workers and family
(players between the ages of 15 and 17
may participate with a signed parental
waiver) and take your team to the park
for a chance to be this year’s NEXTball
champion! The cost to enter is $150 per
team, and each team needs 15 players.
If you are interested in forming or
sponsoring a kickball team, please send
an email to community@normannext.
com by Monday, April 6. For more
information about other ways to become
involved, please email normannext@
normanchamber.com.
Norman Next members are active and
engaged young professionals who strive
to help local charities and facilitate
positive change in Norman while having
fun together. “As a transplant to the
Norman area, I count myself lucky to have
moved to a place where I have been able
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 29
Gary England
Returns to OU
By: Audrey Lievens and Haley Mowdy
Gary England is a household name for
anyone who’s grown up in Oklahoma.
More than just a meteorologist, he
has cultivated a vivid and famous TV
personality for his viewers, with friendly
southern charm and reliable, easy-tounderstand reports. He refers to this
communication as “Gary-speak.” Anyone
who has heard him knows they can trust
him to keep them interested, informed
and safe when it comes to bad weather.
For England, meteorology has always
come naturally to him. “It’s in the genes,”
he said.
Storms have been a central part of
England’s life since childhood. Growing
up in rural Oklahoma and plagued by
frequent severe weather, he developed
a fascination with meteorology at a very
early age. “Ever since I was little, I loved
storms,” explained England. “They scared
me but I still loved them.”
It was clear how damaging these storms
could be and how unprepared most
people were to withstand them. When
England was growing up, there were
very few meteorologists and very little
awareness concerning the inner workings
of severe weather. Ever a trailblazer, Gary
England went on to revolutionize severe
storm coverage, understanding and
preparedness.
He was the first to use a commercial
Doppler radar to predict storms and
was on the team that created the First
Warning map that would be projected in
the corner of the television screen to alert
viewers of nearby weather threats. With
these and many other groundbreaking
innovations including the first television
storm time-of-arrival system, England
has been reporting to Oklahomans and
keeping them safe for many years through
many terrible storms.
Meteorology is only going to become
more and more innovative, England
predicts. Radar will continue to advance,
graphics will become more detailed
and people will be better prepared than
ever for severe weather with the future
advancements in meteorology.
One of Gary England’s main goals is to
improve severe weather awareness,
understanding and safety. Using his vast
experience in the field of meteorology,
England is the perfect person to take on
a new and ambitious project to inform
citizens about meteorology and severe
weather challenges. “Gary is a lifelong OU
fan and graduate of the University” said
admirer and colleague David Goodspeed,
assistant vice president, digital innovation
at the University of Oklahoma. England
has been working with the University
of Oklahoma, NextThought, and One
University to make a video series
about severe weather, designed to
give people fresh insight about severe
storms, precautions and the basics of
meteorology.
“It’s going to be really good,” England said
excitedly.
He explained that even though most
Oklahomans know basic procedures
during tornadoes and other severe
weather, many of them don’t act on
that knowledge and fail to take the right
precautions when the time comes. This
lack of preparedness has cost many lives in
the past. “You’ve got to take responsibility
for your own safety,” England insisted.
He hopes that this video series will help
people truly appreciate the importance
of being prepared and understand the
severe weather they could face.
Premiering on April 6, on garyengland.
ou.edu, YouTube, iTunes U and on OU’s
innovative learning platform, Janux,
(Janux.ou.edu), this video series is free,
easy to access and available for everyone.
The videos cover what Gary England
calls “soft meteorology”: an overview
of the subject for beginners, using vivid,
yet easy-to-understand examples. “It’s
meteorology without the mathematics,”
he explained.
With England’s usual relatable, reliable
southern charm, these videos promise to
be anything but another dry public safety
announcement. The focus of these videos
will be tornadoes and thunderstorms,
although they will cover other types of
severe weather as well, from hail to flash
floods. Examples of these storms will be
shown with “absolutely phenomenal”
state-of-the-art graphics, England said.
The goal is to ensure that Oklahomans
view these videos and use them as a
tool to learn about severe weather
preparedness, whether they’re viewing
from home, at school, or through
other organizations such as insurance
companies who deal with severe weather
and its consequences.
For England, these videos are only the
beginning. He hopes to create more series
like this one in the future, over a broader
range of weather phenomena, for a much
wider audience. “Just because you’re not
in Oklahoma, it doesn’t mean you don’t
have tornadoes, or severe weather, for
that matter,” said Goodspeed. This video
project is “going to grow into something
really significant,” England hopes, in order
to make a lasting impression on as large
an audience as possible.
“I met Gary when his granddaughter
started at OU in the fall as a freshman,”
remembers Goodspeed. “He came in and
toured our store and we talked about
innovation—mostly how innovation could
be used to benefit our community.” From
this humble beginning, the project was
born. Goodspeed wanted to “tell Gary’s
story,” he said. “What is going to live
on after we aren’t here anymore?” he
asked. “Gary has been changing the lives
of Oklahomans for 40 years, and with
this series we hope to change them for
another 40 more.”
Both England and Goodspeed are
incredibly people-oriented, and they
wanted to work together to create
a “service to the community and all
over Tornado Alley.” They did this by
combining their inherent strengths and
resources. England came to the game
with unbeatable expertise in severe
weather and friends in high places, and
Goodspeed is a master of technology
and user interaction. Joining forces, they
recruited the whole One University team,
NextThought, a technology innovation
organization on campus, and the office
of President David Boren. Gary has a
wonderful relationship with President
and Mrs. Boren. They’ve been invaluable
along the way in helping to ensure that the
entire University community, University
Alumni and the State of Oklahoma finds
this new Sooner Series as another way to
educate and become life-long learners at
the University of Oklahoma, ” Goodspeed
points out.
Far from being just a safety and
preparedness tool, Goodspeed sees
potential for it in the academic community
as well. “I’d love to see it shown in K-12
classrooms and in other higher education
institutions around the state and country,”
Goodspeed hopes. “I want it to be used
as a tool for sparking scientific minds and
creating intellectual curiosity in students.”
“Gary England is the master of telling it
how it needs to be told,” and together
this dynamic team has created a series
of videos that continue England’s legacy
of telling it like it is when it comes to
severe weather safety. As if England
wasn’t already engaging enough, they’ve
even included a blooper reel. “Gary is just
too funny! Some of the outtakes were
so hilarious that we just had to include a
blooper reel.” It doesn’t matter who you
are, you will benefit and enjoy this series.
Be sure to watch and share this new video
series as soon as it rolls out. These videos
promise to be every bit as informative and
exciting as any project Gary England has
undertaken in the past.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 31
By: David Goodspeed
This month, I’m not going to talk about a piece of technology or a solution to a
problem that you or I may have. This month’s article is a special one because it
has to do with the future of our children and what the University of Oklahoma
and the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education are working on together to turn
out some of the best educators that this state has to offer.
In order to provide Oklahoma schoolchildren with the best possible education,
the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education is investing in our student’s education in a way that no other University has done before.
Specifically, they have established a Debt-Forgiveness Program, a merit and
need-based assistance initiative directed toward outstanding students in the
College with significant debt associated with their education. This fund will
target high-need areas in Oklahoma education in order to recruit and retain the
nation’s best students. For each year they teach in the state after graduation—
up to four years—up to $5,000 of their student loans will be forgiven.
It’s a truly amazing program! If students meet the college’s criteria for selection, then graduate and teach in a mutually agreed-upon, high-need area of
education in Oklahoma, the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education will forgive
up to $20,000 of the student’s loans.
As a debt-free graduate, they are required to keep the College updated on their
status as a high-quality teacher in a high-need area in Oklahoma.
REALIZE YOUR
It truly is a WIN! WIN! WIN! all around! The student, now a graduate, wins
and Oklahoma wins by keeping our excellent graduates in the state. And, more
importantly, our children win by having some of the best teachers possible.
OneU is the place to see some of what the College of Education is doing in the
classroom to prepare future educators for their career. You will get a glimpse
into the College and how they are embracing technology in the classroom as
just one of the many tools to produce some of the best teachers the state has
to offer. You will be amazed. The College of Education is so much more than
what you think it is.
Be sure to check them out at ou.edu/education to explore the opportunities
today.
David
As the Director of Innovation, Creativity and Marketing for the Campus Stores at the University Of Oklahoma,
David is charged with leading efforts to develop and execute OU’s digital initiative as it relates to the campus
stores and beyond. David came to OU with over 20 years of retail experience from traditional big-box retail to
smaller entrepreneur types of retail with hands-on purchasing, marketing and visionary roles. David’s ability to
think differently and challenge traditional retail strategies has helped OU earn regional and national recognition
as a leader in Higher Education technology stores and technology deployments. David also worked at Apple
Computers and spent countless hours collaborating with universities around the country to integrate new
technologies within the ever-changing higher education landscape.
POTENTIAL
A MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO MANY
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, SUCH AS:
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GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO YOUR FUTURE.
820 Van Vleet Oval • Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-1081 • www.ou.edu/education
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo
Sooner Style
By: Cheyenne Simmons
Photos by: Shar Rother
Directly in the heart of the University of Oklahoma campus,
located below the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium,
sits the ever popular and frequently visited University of
Oklahoma Bookstore. The two-story business stocks its shelves
with the latest Sooner fashion pieces, educational books, trendy
trinkets and more, all with reasonable prices for high-quality
goods. Open Monday through Saturday, the bookstore offers
customers access to all things Sooner from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m., closing at 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Additionally, the bookstore is open on OU game days! Every
purchase made from the bookstore benefits OU, allowing the
university to further prosper for the future, something we all
wish to see and be part of.
If you are looking for OU t-shirts, hoodies, pullovers, polo’s and
golf shirts, this is the perfect place to go. While most shirts have
the classic Sooner color scheme of crimson and cream, there
is also a selection of neutral colored pieces. In fact, one of my
favorite t-shirts from the bookstore, one I purchased for my dad
last semester, is dark grey with long sleeves and “OKLAHOMA”
written in white on the front. The neutral color scheme means
he can wear it anywhere, not just OU game days. The bookstore
also offers that design and color in a sweatshirt that will look
great with jeans, tennis shoes and a fitted baseball hat. Another
favorite is the Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt. Black with
crimson and cream writing, it is a timeless and classic sweatshirt
to own.
34 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
If the guy in your life needs something a bit dressier, I suggest
the crimson Ping Performance Polo, a professional and collegiate
look. It would look great with khaki shorts or pants, even starched
denim jeans.
For the ladies looking to spice up their Sooner style, the
bookstore has a wide range of available pieces to choose from.
They range from form fitting to a boyfriend, loose style which I
typically prefer. Champion offers a women’s crewneck sweatshirt
that is extremely flattering on all shapes and sizes. I love that the
design looks a bit worn and antique, adding dimension to the
shirt. Cropped skinny jeans or tailored cigarette jeans with hightop white Converse or vintage cowboy boots will look adorably
cute and game day appropriate when paired with this sweatshirt.
Another top that would look great paired with Converse is the
Collegiate Wear Women’s Ra Ra long-sleeve black and white top.
It has the look of a PINK Victoria’s Secret top, but can be worn by
both young students and older women.
In addition to the sweatshirts and t-shirts, the bookstore has
casual OU dresses. These dresses, typically worn with cowboy
boots, are a staple for many sorority girls on campus. With a
small OU logo on the dress, they are not overpowering in color
and are long enough to sufficiently cover the body
The bookstore has a children’s clothing section as well, offering
both infant and youth sizes. Similar to the men and women’s
clothing departments, there are many of the same pieces in
children’s. For example, the Collegiate Crewneck Sweatshirt,
which I am drooling over, is offered in their sizes!
Also offered are sweatpants, hats, bodysuits, bibs, cheer suits
and so much more.
The OU Bookstore offers affordably priced, good quality
products to customers of all ages and sizes. It is not just a place
for educational books and school supplies anymore. It has
transformed into a two-story world full of Sooner clothing and
unique trinkets for all. Not only do I recommend going to the
bookstore, but I suggest you visit now. With new items constantly
being shipped to the store, many of the winter products are now
on sale—a perfect time to save some cash! Also check out their
website at http://www.bkstr.com/oklahomastore/home to see
specials and discounts..
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 35
As we all know, Oklahoma’s dry winter weather has
certainly taken a toll on our skin.
Our skin has been exposed to harsh weather elements.
Such conditions can cause skin to look and feel dry and
dull. One effective way to brighten, tone and refresh
skin is an exfoliating, deep-cleaning facial. I thought it
was only necessary to have my skin treated at one of
Norman’s most prestigious businesses, Le Visage Day
Spa and Wellness Center located at 3720 W. Robinson
Street, Suite 127 in Brookhaven Village. The spa,
having been in business for over 20 years, offers skilled
technicians to address your every need. Services offered
include: massages, body treatments, facials, waxing,
make-up, lash tinting, nails and spa packages. Open
Monday through Sunday, customers have the option
to choose from numerous technicians, services and
appointment times.
Donna Killian, the aesthetician I was paired with, was
remarkably outgoing and friendly, and possessed a soft
touch. She made sure to fully explain each step and
the health benefits of the process, which I found quite
helpful. She allowed sufficient time prior and following
the procedure in case I had questions or concerns.
a relaxing experience:
Le Visage Day Spa
By: Cheyenne Simmons
The ECHO 2 Oxygen facial I received was infused with
180,000,000 molecules of oxygen per second. ECHO,
which stands for exfoliation, cleansing, hydration and
o2xygenation, provided my skin numerous vitamins,
minerals, essential oils and natural oxygen. Essentially,
it allowed skin under the surface to appear vibrant and
smooth. During the procedure, my shoulders, neck,
lips and face were hand-massaged. While massaging,
even more essential oils and vitamins were infused
directly into my skin. The o2xygenation step used a
small robot-like machine to permeate the lower layer
of skin with oxygen from a hose topped with a blowertype device. The soothing sensation felt like cool water
slowly pouring onto my skin. During this process she
mentioned, “snoring is allowed,” pointing out the fact
that it was quite common and completely accepted.
Immediately following the facial, my skin felt smooth,
light and hydrated. When I saw my face in the mirror,
I was utterly amazed by the sight. It was so extremely
bright that it looked as if I had just ingested pounds of
Vitamin C and had been solely eating green vegetables
for weeks. At a loss for words, I excitedly shrieked, “I
love it. It looks so good!”
All steps, which took a little over an hour, left my skin
feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and hydrated. Even my
troublesome areas that are tough to exfoliate were silky
smooth. Following the appointment, I firmly decided
this was an essential process I need in my skincare
routine, especially in preparation for my wedding. To put
it briefly, my experience at Le Visage Spva and Wellness
Center was undoubtedly noteworthy. Occasionally the
spa offers specials, so be sure to check their website at
www.levisagedayspa.com to not miss out on any of the
great deals.
36 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
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Confident
Creativity
By: Tegan Burkhard
Here, eight to 13 individuals socialize and take their minds off
daily stressors through creative expression. Instructor Jane
Lawson caters weekly lessons to her students’ need for healing,
and modifies activities for those who perform tasks in unique
ways. Class assistants tape down canvases and pieces of
paper for students whose movement is restricted to one arm.
“It’s not just like a regular class,” Elder says. “This is an offering to
the community where deep ties and bonds are formed.”
In the spring, students have the opportunity to display their
artwork in a special Healing Studio Exhibition at Firehouse Art
Center.
Mark Dvorak keeps post in front of his artwork hanging on the
walls of the Norman Firehouse Art Center. He tells visitors that
the food carton cardboard bordering his watercolor paintings
represents recycling issues. He also shares that the angel wings
above his sheep painting symbolize spirituality and his personal
belief in a God, who has given him an artistic gift.
“A lot of the stuff I personally do, I’m trying to communicate my
feelings on issues that I have become aware of,” Dvorak says.
Despite Dvorak and his mixed media’s professionalism, gallery
visitors may be surprised to learn that he only discovered his
for aptitude for art three years ago when he first set foot in
Firehouse Art Center’s Healing Studio class.
After being diagnosed with spastic paraplegia, a condition
that affects the muscles in his legs, Dvorak was referred to the
free, grant-funded and donation-based class. The class caters
to Norman community members with learning differences,
including limited movement, dementia and autism.
“We are about healing and self-expression,” says Douglas Elder,
Firehouse Art Center director. “We don’t ask questions about
what [students] may consider abilities or disabilities.”
38 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
“A couple of my students have actually sold work in the
gallery. You can just see they bloom and they blossom,”
Lawson says. “They glow because they’ve actually sold.
It validates who they are and where they’re going.”
Dvorak now has the confidence to show his work
professionally on Main Street in Norman and in the Plaza
District in Oklahoma City. Elder says Dvorak even shows his
art at the Capitol to bring to light needs of the disabled.
Lawson says other students have gone on to enter their work
and place in county and state fairs.
In addition to boosted confidence levels, some students come
away from the class with a new outlet of expression and healing
that serves them well during tough times.
“There’s been many times I woke up in the middle of the night
not feeling too good and just go in the kitchen, that’s my studio,
and start doing some artwork,” Dvorak says. “And it calms me
down, makes me feel better.”
The Healing Studio Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center,
444 S. Flood Ave, is open until May 29 and focuses on
students’ interpretations of sheep in celebration of the
Chinese Year of Sheep. The exhibition also features Lawson’s
sheep portraits, showcasing her personal love of sheep that
springs from her origins in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Most class supplies are donated or paid for through Norman Arts
Council and Oklahoma Arts Council grants. To make a donation
to help fund future installments of Healing Studio, call Firehouse
Art Center at 329-4523.
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The Eye of the Storm:
A Look Inside the National Weather Center
By: Grant Schatzman
At the southernmost end of the university’s campus, rising over OU’s Norman has several
research complex, stands seven sturdy floors fronted by hail-proof big things to offer
glass. Depending on the time of year, a mid-afternoon visit to the the field, including
building might leave you shivering a little in its long shadow. Your the 450 graduate
eyes might travel upward to the strange antenna at the very top, and
undergraduate
where it stands against a background of undiluted sky.
students of the School
If you ask a student headed inside about the antenna, they’ll tell you of Meteorology.
proudly: the National Weather Center has an awful lot of data to “There is a tremendous
transmit.
job pool right here at
Since Sept. 29 2006, the University of Oklahoma campus has the university,” Hyland
harbored the National Weather Center, an unusual hybrid of federal says. “Every sector
and academic territory. OU’s School of Meteorology has been of meteorology is
around much longer, since 1960, but the opening of the Weather represented.”
Center and the ensuing development of the surrounding research As it turns out, the
complex have helped turn the area into an internationally respected University of Oklahoma
pool of collaboration.
is productive as well as The main atrium at the National Weather Center
As we walk past the bustling security desk, which is doling out badges attractive. If you haven’t heard of phased array radar in relation to
for the day’s three separate conferences, Pat Hyland, the coordinator meteorology, it’s probably because an OU professor just developed it.
Of course, the Weather Center is already
of external relations for the Center, tells
looking beyond that, too. Although
me, “We’re trying to build this as the
many of us won’t ever hear about what
weather capital of the world. There aren’t
comes next, all of us will benefit from it,
many places in the world where you can
especially with Oklahoma’s spring storm
run into this many meteorologists.”
season right around the corner. There
Hyland is an OU alumnus returned home
is a lot to prepare for, and not all of it
from a wayward journey to the Kennedy
is radar-related. The Center is working
Space Center in Florida. The lanyard
closely with social scientists to find out
around his neck holds memories of the
how to communicate risk to the public.
places he has been and the people he has
If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for long,
met, now condensed into small pin-on
you’ve probably seen, or been a part of,
buttons, including one commemorating
The new Oklahoma Weather Lab Student Forecast Office
the problem meteorologists are working
his grandfather’s work on NASA’s Saturn
so hard against.
V rocket. Hyland remembers opening day as the day he gave his
first tour to meteorologist Gary England and a daunting group of “Typically when people get watches and warnings, they go out on
the porch to watch,” Hyland says.
government departmental dignitaries.
To keep people safe, the National Weather Center is faced with
“I was literally shaking,” he says.
interpreting not only weather data, but also the Oklahoman psyche.
After all, there is a lot to present. The Center houses the nation’s
One way meteorologists try to keep residents aware is through ultraStorm Prediction Center, which issues every severe thunder storm
informative apps like Mesonet, which draws from the data of every
watch in America’s continental 48 states. The National Weather
weather station in the state.
Center was a special vision of University President David Boren while
he was still a US Senator, but it wasn’t until the EF-5 tornado on “If you live in Oklahoma,” Hyland tells me, “You should have this
May 3, 1999 that the Center began to become a reality. President app.”
Clinton flew to Moore on May 4 and decided to bring all the nation’s When it comes to weather enthusiasm, though, both staff and
weather experts into one place. Funding began to pour in. The soon- students at the Center can sympathize. One of the ground-lecture
to-be Center broke ground in August 2003 and cut the ribbon three halls is reinforced with 19 inches of concrete, Hyland tells me.
years later.
“Whenever there’s a storm, well, we normally head to the
Because of continued efforts by Boren and the heads of the Center, observation deck to watch.”
partnerships continue into the area. There are now seven Partner’s Whether it gives you a rush or an anxiety attack, weather is a big
Place buildings radiating from the Center, including one based out of part of our lives as Oklahomans. It affects our moods, our activities,
Tokyo that moved here from California. The complex is big enough our houses, and our livelihoods. It is entirely fitting, then, that
that a full 1 percent of Norman is employed in meteorology, Hyland Oklahoma’s National Weather Center should lead the charge when
tells me.
it comes to thunderstorms. Like Hyland says: “It’s what we’re good
at down here.”
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 41
Rolls on Toward an
Artistic Conclusion
By: Christian Potts
The Big Read is in full swing throughout the communities of the
Pioneer Library System, with much more still to come, as local
readers dive into the fantasy classic “A Wizard of Earthsea,” by
Ursula K. Le Guin.
Book discussions are planned in communities throughout
April, with everything building toward a special event at 6 p.m.
Friday, May 8, at MAINSITE Gallery, 122 E. Main St. in downtown
Norman.
This event serves as both a beginning and an ending. It’s the
finale for The Big Read but the opening for a curated display
of works entered in a fantasy art contest put on by the library
system, as well as those of two noted professional artists.
Norman Central, 225 N. Webster Ave., hosts a discussion at 6
p.m. Friday, April 10, an opportunity for readers to learn and
share about the novel prior to taking part in activities with April’s
Norman Arts Council 2nd Friday Circuit of Art Norman Art Walk.
Norman West, 300 Norman Center Court, will present a
discussion at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, led by University of
Oklahoma professor and award-winning author Mel Odom.
The novel is considered one of the classics of the fantasy genre.
Published in 1968, it tells the tale of a young mage and his time
at a school of wizardry. He lives in a land of countless islands
called Earthsea.
It’s a book the author says originally was written for young adults
but has found its way onto bookshelves of young and old alike.
The festivities are part of the monthly Norman Arts Council
2nd Friday Circuit of Art Norman Art Walk and feature a number
of activities.
In 1968, young-adult fiction was a category, but it wasn’t
particularly noticed,” Le Guin said in an interview with the
National Endowment for the Arts. “The first-edition cover flap
says “Eleven and up,” which I think is about right.
An opening reception and awards ceremony for a display of pieces
submitted for the Pioneer Library System’s Fantasy Art Contest.
The contest was judged by Erinn Gavaghan, Executive Director
of the Norman Arts Council, and winners in the categories of
children, adult, and PLS employee will be presented at the event.
“Fantasy crosses generation lines like no other literature. People
who like fantasy tend to begin liking it as kids, and then 20 years
later, they will go back to these books and find a whole new joy
in them.”
In addition to several dozen contest entries on display, the exhibit
also will include works by professional artists Patrick Riley and AK
Westerman.
Westerman is noted for work in various media that features
fantasy and surrealistic elements and compositions. She has
been featured in such venues as the Istvan Gallery and DNA
Galleries in Oklahoma City and galleries around the country,
including Laguna Beach, Calif., and Cincinnati.
The same joy the Pioneer Library System hopes to instill in its
readers now and every day through its programs and services.
The Big Read is a presentation of the National Endowment for
the Arts and managed by Arts Midwest. The Big Read is funded
by grant support from NEA, the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma
Humanities Council, the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation,
Friends of the Norman Public Library and the Pioneer Library
System Foundation..
Riley is a longtime member of the Oklahoma Arts Council’s
teaching artist roster. He works in visual art and is especially
noted for his mask making. He has taught workshops for all ages
across the state and beyond for several decades.
And attendees who are inspired by what they see to make some
creative will be able to do so that night, as artists Curtis Jones
and Alicia Smith will lead a free, family-friendly workshop where
guests can create their own piece of fantasy art to take home.
Prior to the finale, there still are opportunities for readers to get
their hands on a free copy of “A Wizard of Earthsea” and learn
a little more about it as part of scholar-led discussions. April
discussions will take place at seven PLS libraries, including each
Norman location.
42 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Artist Alicia Smith leads a class in the Notan art style at Norman
Public Library West. Four such workshops were offered throughout
the library system as well as several classrooms in the Norman and
Moore Public Schools as part of The Big Read this year.
Oklahoma City artist Jerry Bennett earned the People’s Choice
Award in the Pioneer Library System’s Fantasy Art Contest. Bennett’s
drawing received the most votes in a poll through the library’s
Facebook page during January and February.
This dragon, crafted by Pioneer Library System Public Information
Officer Gary Kramer, was used as an example for the types of entries
possible in the library’s fantasy art contest, hosted in conjunction
with The Big Read.
Shelter from the Storm
By: Lezlie S. Christian
Weather radars are constantly scanning the Oklahoma
sky, keeping an eye out for the inevitable: severe weather.
Meteorologists break into our favorites shows. Storms are “firing
up” and moving into our area. It’s spring time in Oklahoma
and tornado season is upon us. When tornadoes hit the most
vulnerable among us, our children, two short years ago, six
Norman businessmen got together to look at storm shelters with
an eye to accessibility, comfort, and flexibility. Their goal was to
find the best product on the market and bring it to the people in
their community. The Atlas Safe Room was the final solution to
their search.
Seeing frequent problems with older underground shelters,
they sought out a new product with modern solutions. Older
style shelters are typically outside, away from the residential
structure, frequently leak and are often not sealed from rodents,
snakes and other pests. A trip to the cellar could be almost as
frightening as the storm itself. Modern shelters and safe rooms
are now offered in several formats: some inside homes, above
or below ground, and others in the ground outside. Each has its
advantages, but Randy Laffoon, one of the businessmen who
brought Atlas Safe Rooms to Norman, says they chose their
particular product for several important reasons.
These safe rooms, EF5 tested by the Texas Tech wind engineering
department, exceed FEMA standards and provide a level of
safety and accessibility that is difficult to beat. The door, a
known weak point of some above ground safe rooms weighs
450 pounds and opens outward, adding to its strength. The solid
bolt that attaches the door to the structure is one inch thick and
runs the entire length of the door. There are three bolt-locking
mechanisms that keep the door firmly in place.
Accessibility is an important issue to consider when choosing a
shelter or safe room. An in-ground shelter has stairs to navigate;
some quite steep and narrow, making it potentially dangerous
for someone in a rush to take shelter, not just those with limited
mobility. Atlas Safe Rooms also have a ramp that can be laid
over the lip of the entry for a person in a wheelchair to easily
44 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
enter. Offered in various sizes, an Atlas Safe Room can fit inside
a garage and still allow a car access to park there. The modular
design means that your safe room can be tailored to your needs
as well as your structure and can be disassembled and relocated,
if necessary. The company also supplies each safe room with
a combination light and fan that helps with air circulation and
illumination.
Atlas wants to make sure their structures meet the highest
standards, believing that your most precious possession, your
family, needs the best. “It’s the same as an insurance policy,”
Laffoon said, “You want the best you can get for your Family.”
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SPORTS
Soccer Season in Full Swing at NHS
by Tyler McComas
With the weather turning warmer, it can only mean one thing:
soccer season is in full effect at Norman High.
The girls’ team has their eyes set on a big playoff run after
last year’s disappointing season. With a solid core returning,
including nine starters, the Lady Tigers have every right to
have high expectations.
Their goals will certainly be attainable with returning talent
such as OU signee Gracie Koonce and skilled goal keeper
Brennan Hockett. Factor that in with skilled youngsters that
are ready to prove their worth on the pitch in varsity action,
it’s easy to see why the 2015 season should hold a lot more
promise.
After facing a tough early season setback against defending
state champion Norman North in the Cross Town Clash, the
young Tigers squad has rebounded nicely, including a shootout
win over Mustang. But the early season struggles that NHS
might encounter will only prepare them for the playoff run they
undoubtedly have on their minds.
Regardless of the youth the Tigers have, you know that talent
will always be a main stay for the NHS soccer program. Don’t
expect that to change in the 2015 season.
While the girls’ team holds the advantage of returning several
starters, the boys’ team isn’t so fortunate. After losing 10
players to graduation, Head Coach Gordon Drummond is
hoping a core of freshman and sophomores can lead the way
for the Tigers this season.
Timberwolves Sweep the Clash
by Chris Joseph
In Norman, there is always buzz about the soccer teams. The
Norman North boys and girls soccer teams both won their
matches with their cross-town rival Norman High on March 9.
Defending state champions, the Norman North Timberwolves
girls’ team beat Norman High with a score of 3-1. They got
more of a challenge in the first half than they had expected.
The Tigers scored first, but the lead did not last long as the
Timberwolves scored just three minutes later off the foot of
Francesca Ryan from 30 yards out. Within a minute, Haley
Woodard scored the first of her two goals and the Timberwolves
gained control. Woodard added her second goal in the final
minutes, tallying the Timberwolves’ 3-1 win.
As defending state champions just like the girls, the Norman
North boys’ have a target on their backs. The boys struck early
in the cross-town clash with a goal by Cary Pirtle on a great
pass by Jake Neighbors. Jacob Jerles scored a goal that gave
the Timberwolves a two point lead before Sage Moore scored
the final goal making the final score 3-0, in favor of North.
Keep an eye out for the soccer teams this spring. Both the
boys and girls should have a good chance to repeat as state
champions if they can overcome the target they have on their
backs in every game.
46 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
GIRL
When people think about the University of Oklahoma and its rich
athletic tradition, many people first think of the football team.
The basketball team has had some success and baseball has won
a couple of national championships. The women’s programs
have left their mark as well with the basketball team and Sherri
Coale playing in the Final Four for a national championship. Patty
Gasso and the softball team have won national titles, as well.
POWER
By: Chris Joseph
Let us not forget to take notice of what KJ Kindler is doing with
the women’s gymnastics team. The Sooner women’s gymnastics
team has become a powerhouse. The Sooners shared the
national title last year with the Florida Gators.
Coming into this year, the bar had been raised for the program
to go after another one. There will be tough competition as OU
has a target on their backs. They have responded well, taking on
all challengers, including their co-national champion Florida on
March 6.
The Sooners followed up by traveling to the University of
Alabama and knocking off the mighty Crimson Tide. The SEC is
stacked with very talented squads with usually one or more of
their teams competing for the national title.
Coach Kindler, in her 9th season as the head coach, has built
a dynamic team that is equal parts grace, beauty, power and
explosive athletic ability. A former Iowa State gymnast herself,
Kindler has done a great job recruiting talent in a sport where
there are not meets every Friday night across the country like
high school football season. Coach Kindler has blended this team
with athletes that can dominate individual apparatus events and
meld it together for all around and team points.
Perfect scores are hard to come by, but the Sooners have scored
plenty on their way to being the No. 1 team in the country.
March 21 will big the Big 12 Championship and will be held in
Norman, as well as the NCAA Regional on April 4. That leads to
the NCAA Championships being held April 17 through April 19 in
Fort Worth, Texas.
Haley Scaman and Erica Brewer are two power house athletes to
watch as the post season approaches. Scaman scored a perfect
10 on the floor against Florida and Brewer scored a perfect 10 on
the beam in the same meet.
Coach Kindler is showing that girl power is in full force at the
University of Oklahoma. The women’s gymnastics team is
primed and ready to make back-to-back titles. Everyone in
the gymnastics world should take notice of what Coach Kindler
is building here at OU. Get out and support the Sooners….
BOOMER!
48 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 49
50 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
Photos by: Mark Doescher
coffee and snacks
tuesday - friday
5 pm - 10 pm
Norman’s Rite of Spring
By: Lindsay Cuomo
been handcrafted or locally grown. The
woodworkers, photographers, painters,
sculptors, glass blowers and more are
from Oklahoma and surrounding states.
Keep in mind that Mother’s Day is the
following Sunday, offers Craighead. You
are likely to find unique gifts to honor the
moms in your life.
For the last 42 years, the ladies of the
Assistance League have worked to make
the annual May Fair Arts Festival a Norman
spring-time tradition. Originally a one-day
event with a county fair theme, May Fair
has grown to a two-day celebration of
creativity through a variety of forms of
artistic entertainment from the visual and
performing arts to the culinary arts.
“May Fair is our gift to Norman,” says Fair
Co-Chair Marilyn Craighead. “We do it
because the community loves it.”
Not just any ordinary day at the historic
Andrews Park, May Fair offers a wealth of
excitement for all of your senses. You and
your family can stroll through the park
while chatting with local artists, watch live
art demonstrations, enjoy performances
by local artists and dine on an elevated
picnic-in-the-park with a few samplings
from fair food vendors or popular food
trucks. You’re even welcome to bring your
pup along, offers Craighead.
On the first weekend in May, fair visitors
can explore the work of local artisans and
craftsmen. Well before local was trendy,
everything at May Fair has by tradition
Each year, the fair features a celebrated
artist. This year’s artist is Hank Grant.
Grant, also an engineering professor at
OU, has only been painting seriously, as
he put it, for three years, a fact that is
likely to surprise you by his work. Grant
was chosen because of the emotions and
memories his works invoke.
“I try to paint from life,” explains Grant “I
paint what I see.”
“His art makes you think of your own
good memories,” says Jennifer Cook, May
Fair Co-Chair. “One of my favorites of his
pieces is a painting of a lake dock which
makes me think of wonderful memories
of my friends and family.”
A few years ago, Grant took a trip to France
where he painted a watercolor painting
every day. Some of those originals will be
available for purchase at the Fair. Grant
plans to have a variety of works at varying
price points.
Kids should also keep an eye out for
Miss Pick-a-Pocket. An Assistance League
member will be walking around dressed
up in a classic May Fair apron stocked full
of treats and prizes, shares Craighead.
There will also be pony rides, a bungee
trampoline, a moon bounce and much
more for kids to enjoy. Popular kids’ band
and Grammy award winning Sugar Free
Allstars will perform that Saturday at 1 p.m.
This year’s Fair will get a new kind of
kickoff. On April 7, the Assistance League
will host a painting program. Even the
most novice painter will have fun as the
class follows the instruction of Hank Grant
in crafting a still life oil painting of their
very own.
The May Fair Arts Festival starts with the
May Fair 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday,
May 2. The Festival will be open Saturday,
May 2, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again
on Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Andrews Park is located at 201 Daws
St. Proceeds benefit the philanthropic
programs of the Assistance League. For
more information, visit www.norman.
assistanceleague.org
Another highlight of the fair is the
Children’s Art Yard, which emphasizes art
education. Sponsored by the Firehouse
Art Center and the Arts Council, kids can
participate in “Adventures in Art,” the
theme for this year’s Yard.
“All of the activities in the Children’s Art
Yard are free,” says Cook.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 53
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By: Tegan Burkhard
Lifetime Norman resident Bree Montoya never imagined her home
city would host an annual, free three-day music festival. Now in its
eighth year as the pinnacle of festivals held in the “City of Festivals,”
Bree serves as Norman Music Festival’s chairwoman and treasurer.
“Everybody is out there having fun enjoying the energy and
momentum that goes along with this thing when everybody is
on the street and together,” Montoya says.
Although the festival started as a one-day event, thanks to the
work of the Norman Music Alliance, it will feature 350 local
and national artists on 15 stages across three days. April 23-25,
Downtown Norman’s Main Street will shut down and shed its
typical car traffic, leaving plenty of space for stages, food, fun,
art, 70,000 festival attendees, port-a-potties, and all the music
your ears can handle.
Saturday night, headliners Ra Ra Riot and Lee Bains III & The
Glory Fires will take over Main Stage on Porter. Natalie Prass,
Grooms, Son of Stan, Johnny Polygon, Native Lights, Elms
and Bowlsey will keep the crowd on their feet from Saturday
afternoon at 1 p.m. until the five outdoor stages shut down at 10
p.m. The ten indoor stages will keep the music going until 1 a.m.
Although the festival’s attendance rates spike on Saturday, music
lovers won’t want to miss the chance to discover new bands
Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. and Friday night from 6 p.m.-2
a.m. Sooner Theatre will spotlight local favorites on Friday night,
including Horse Thief, Pageantry, Idabel, Moongiant and Aaron
Pierce. That same night, the Oklahoma Blues Society Stage
will feature bands like Steve Coleman & Powerhouse, Old #5’s,
Flatland Band and Kristine Jude.
Norman Music Festival (NMF) regulars are familiar with each
stage’s emerging genre trend. The Sailor Jerry Stage by the Train
Depot will be renamed this year, but the stage will still feature
Americana bands. For the first time ever, NMF will host an EDM/
hip-hop split stage, sponsored by Bacardi, featuring the likes of
Crystal Vision and Jabee Williams. The Opolis and Blackwatch
Studios will also combine forces to co-host one stage this year.
NMF gives college students the excuse to put down the books,
but they aren’t the only ones who come out for the festivities.
Local residents and families also make the trip down to Main
Street for the music, art, food and family-friendly activities.
Travelers also trek down to Norman for the festival,
coming from at least as far as New Mexico, Montoya says.
This year, the family-friendly stage and activities for kids will
be closer to the carnival rides and games. Kids can still test out
instruments brought down to Main Street for the day. Aside from
music, NMF attendees can also feast their eyes on the Spectacle
Stage, featuring acrobatic feats and hula hooping tricks. Festival
attendees can still support local artists and food vendors in the
parking lot by The Opolis, but the vendor space will undergo
a name change from the familiar DustBowl Arts Market.
Head over to normanmusicfestival.com for the full schedule,
map, sustaining base member information, and the list of what
not to bring.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 55
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Get Ready to Rock’n Rose at the
34th Annual Rose Rock Music Festival
By: Meghan Whiting
The state of Oklahoma has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty.
From the rolling plains of the prairie grasslands to the jagged cliffs
of the Arbuckle Mountains, there is no shortage of geographical
attractions when it comes to touring the Sooner State. But,
perhaps one of Oklahoma’s most unique features is its official
state rock: the rose rock.
Made from barite rock crystals, Oklahoma’s rose rocks bear a
striking resemblance to the delicate, petalled flower from which
they are named. While these rose-shaped rocks represent the
state of Oklahoma as a whole, there is one city in particular that
takes tremendous pride in this natural phenomenon.
Aptly named the “Rose Rock Capital of the World,” Noble,
Oklahoma is home to not only the most, but the best-formed rose
rocks in the world. To celebrate the bounty of their land, Noble
brings in the start of every May with the Rose Rock Music Festival.
This year, the 34th Annual Rose Rock Music Festival will kick
off Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m with the Rose Rock Pageant and live
musical performances. On Saturday, a parade will march through
downtown Noble, followed by more live music, a car show and a
poker run. On Sunday, the last day of the festival, Discover Church
will host a service beginning at 10 a.m. Then, the finalists from the
Rose Rock Idol talent competition will get to show off their skills.
“It’s like a reunion of all of my favorite bands,” said Noble Chamber
of Commerce member Brian Houck.
Houck has been the entertainment coordinator of the Rose Rock
Music Festival for the past three years. He helps bring back the old
and bring in the new by keeping in contact with previous festival
musicians, and looking for local talent around the Noble area.
“There will be bands from Norman, Shawnee, Edmond and other
surrounding places,” said Houck.
A few musicians that will play at festival include the Damn Quails,
a folk band who describes themselves as “a young band with old
souls,” Camille Harp, a Folk Rock singer with “sincere lyrics and
graceful melodies,” and Edgar Cruz, a Jazz and Blues guitarist
who has been named Oklahoma’s Top Performing Artist and/
or Acoustic Guitarist by the Oklahoma Gazette for more than 15
years. Houck is particularly excited about Kyle Reid and the Low
Swingin’ Chariots.
Music is obviously one of the main attractions, but the three day
event offers many more activities sure to fill up your weekend like
art and crafts vendors, food vendors and a carnival.
“There’s things for all ages to do,” said Tom Thomas, Chamber of
Commerce member. “You see babies in strollers and 90-year-olds
in wheelchairs.”
Thomas has helped make sure the festival is up and running since
2001, and stays from the start of the festival until the very end
each year.
“I look forward to all of it,” said Thomas. “The music, of course,
is always good. I don’t mind getting on the carnival rides either.”
With a free entrance fee, live music and fried food, Chamber of
Commerce Member John Stokes believes the Rose Rock Music
Festival provides the perfect start to the month of May.
“Everybody from Noble comes out,” said Stokes. “But there are
also people from neighboring areas which really makes it a great
community event.”
“They are a swing band and offer a different type of sound,”
Houck said.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 57
VISITNORMAN
A is for April
By: Stefanie Brickman
If months were ordered alphabetically, April would be the first month of the year. In Norman, it could be
argued as the best month of the year for showing off our city’s uniqueness. Here are five April must-do’s
1. 2nd Friday Norman Artwalk, April 10. Downtown Norman will be hopping with open art galleries, live music,
dinner and drink specials and more. Check out the food truck area at the LoveWorks parking lot, located at 127 W.
Main St. to sample some of the best mobile food there is.
2. OU Spring Game, April 11. Sure, there is a football game kicking off at 2 p.m., but before that begins, The
Great Food Tailgate takes place outside the stadium. During that same weekend, the NCAA men’s gymnastics
championships will be taking place Friday and Saturday nights at the Lloyd Noble Center.
3. Mom’s Weekend, April 17-18. While the University of Oklahoma moms are in Norman, take them around to see
the great exhibits at our museums (don’t forget, admission is free at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art), sample
some of our local cuisine, stroll through Downtown Norman and Campus Corner’s unique boutiques and show her
Norman’s great public art pieces.
4. ‘89er Day Parade, April 18. Celebrate Norman’s history as the annual ‘89er Day Parade marches on Main Street.
This year, “Norman: History in the Making” will divide the entries up by decade so that parade goers can actually
see Norman’s history unfold.
5. Norman Music Festival, April 23-25. Ra-Ra Riot, Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires will be headlining this free
festival. The event takes place over three days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) throughout Downtown Norman
with more than 300 bands performing inside venues and on outdoor stages. It’s so ultra-cool that Huffington Travel
named it the best thing to do in Oklahoma.
Of course, these are only five events happening in Norman in April.
So check out VisitNorman.com to read all there is to see, do, eat, experience and more in Norman!
VisitNorman exists to promote the city, to attract overnight meeting, convention, sport and tourism business to the
community, and to enhance and contribute to the overall identity and economic wellbeing of the city. VisitNorman’s
vision is to be the leader who proactively markets and develops Norman as the preferred destination in Oklahoma.
60 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
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ANTICS :
April Fools’ edition
By: Jeff Provine
April Fools’ Day is our international
holiday for pranks, but tomfoolery is a
year-round pastime at colleges. Norman
has certainly seen its fair share over the
years. Some are ignoble traditions that
have lasted for years, while others burst
out of the creative minds of students on
the spur of the moment. All of them have
a good story.
In the early days of the University of
Oklahoma, organized fighting, inspired by
the football team who referred to heading
out to practice as “go fight,” spread to
the whole male side of the student body
for an annual tumble. Every year, the
freshmen and juniors teamed up against
the sophomores and seniors. Both teams
had a captain and a rope. Whoever tied up
the other captain first held a year’s worth
of bragging rights. The rules were simple:
anything goes that doesn’t put somebody
in the nurse’s office.
Into the 1920s, when brawls had largely
gone out of fashion on campus, there
were still a few physical challenges to be
met. To be welcomed in the hallowed halls
of education, freshmen were encouraged
to run “the Gauntlet.” Two lines of
upperclassmen formed up outside of the
Field House. Brave first-year students
ran from one end to the other between
them. Old yearbooks show photographs
of upperclassmen armed with paddles,
ropes, or just open hands encouraging
68 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
the freshmen to go as fast as they can.
One could only imagine the whoops and
laughter as young men proved how tough,
and crazy, they could be.
During these early wild days, one of the
most famous pranks in OU history gave
us our ’06 Rock. While on the road from
Oklahoma City in 1906, senior Martin
Kingkade saw a foundation stone fall off
the back of a freight train. The enormous,
angle-cut stone looked like a perfect
addition to the campus Oval, so he and
a group of friends came back with a
wagon and team of horses. Several of
them managed to hoist the stone into
the wagon, which sank axle-deep into
the mud under the weight. Through
frontiersman tenacity, they managed to
drag the stone back to campus, where
they dumped it, took up a collection and
hired a stonecutter to carve “06” into
it as a memorial. The newly beautified
campus received its first class gift, kicking
off a tradition that lasts to this day. The
’06 Rock still stands watch next to the
Old Science Hall, except of course, for the
time it was stolen.
The culprits behind the ’06 Rock bouldernapping were members of a secret
society called the DDMC, the Deep Dark
Mystery Club. After hearing Professor
of Geology Charles N. Gould mention
that “this campus needs something to
wake it up,” a group came together to
be that something. Wearing black robes
and red masks or red robes and black
masks, depending on the year, they met
in a grove of elm trees west of campus
in midnight meetings to plot pranks that
would raise school spirits. One of the
more famous antics was their attack on
the campus newspaper print shop. Early
in the morning as the next day’s issue of
the Daily was being printed, they broke in
and held the editor and printers hostage
until they agreed to stamp every issue
with a DDMC Seal of Approval.
Their raid on the ’06 Rock was one of the
first pranks. They hefted the stone off the
Oval and carted it away to a graveyard,
where they buried ’06 in an occupied
grave, according to some versions of the
tale. The class of ’06 received an obituary,
prompting them to run out and rescue
their rock. It was consecrated and put
back on the Oval, this time with a concrete
foundation to prevent anyone else from
moving the rock again with anything short
of a backhoe.
Continued on page 70
Across the North Oval from the ’06 Rock is Monnett Hall,
informally known as the Law Barn, with its pair of green owls.
While the owls are perhaps the most famous prank on campus,
the interior wall of a closed elevator shaft within Monnett holds
a more legendary prank on a grander scale. Meticulously painted
using multiple gallons of crimson and cream paint over the
course of a long, fretful night, the shaft bears a four-story mural
of a RUF/NEK paddle.
The RUF/NEKs got their name in 1915 when a group of footballers
were cheering so loudly during an early Bedlam basketball
game that a woman demanded, “Sit down and be quiet, you
roughnecks!” Their paddles, shotguns and Sooner Schooner
are well known all over the country, but nowhere better than
at home. Over the years, they have added traditions, including
electing a queen as well as supporting a sister organization, Lil
Sis.
In 1991, the presidents of RUF/NEK and Lil Sis decided that they
wanted to leave a shared legacy in the form of a four-story mural
of a RUF/NEK paddle. According to the Daily, who reported on the
case in 2005, the two popped open the elevator’s ceiling hatch
and hid out until the building was closed. Then they painted,
floor by floor, always fearing the next move of the elevator would
get them caught. Their fretful night paid off with multiple gallons
of crimson and cream paint spread out on the wall for the next
generation of presidents to see. Several people still attest that
the hidden paddle can be found, although officials closed off the
elevator once the prank was spotted.
Dr. Ted Boehm
Dr. Corey Ponder
More visible are
the pranks of the
secretive PE-ET, those
top ten seniors of
each class. In addition
to chalking cryptic
messages, one of PEET’s favorite targets
is the OU Daily. In
spring of 2009, they
spread Easter eggs
with candy, a penny,
and a note saying that
the finder of the egg
had won a prize with
a phone number to call to collect. The number went directly to
the Daily, who unfortunately had no knowledge of the alleged
prizes. In 2013, following a similarly successful 2006 prank, PEET put up posters, sent press releases and even hung a handpainted “We’ll Miss You, President Boren” banner to spread the
false rumor of his imminent retirement.
As OU Press Secretary Brandon Rambo said following the 2006
escapade, the good-natured pranks are welcomed, they “keep
the university alive.”
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As students at the University of Oklahoma prepare to don their
graduation caps and gowns in early May, many worry about an
entirely different outfit. Their education has given them the tools
and background for a successful career, but they need to dress
to impress in order to land their dream job. Sooner Suit Up is
helping students put that concern aside.
The idea behind Sooner Suit Up began when Sharon Alexander,
the director of operations in the college of Arts and Sciences
at the University of Oklahoma, had some professional clothing
she wanted to donate to OU students. She contacted Angelette
Wright with the Center for Student Life to see if she knew
students who needed them.
Students gratefully accepted the donated clothing, which
prompted Alexander to start thinking about the need across
campus.
By: Rebecca Barbee
All University of Oklahoma students are eligible to take
advantage of the reduced pricing. The committee is working on
an application process for when they are able to provide free
clothing.
For those wanting to get involved in Sooner Suit Up and help
provide students with new clothing, Sooner Suit Up is accepting
monetary donations.
“Financial donations would be appreciated. A community
member could donate $200 and outfit a student in an entire suit
to use when interviewing,” Alexander said.
“President Boren leads us in our mission to provide an excellent
education to our students, and I wondered if those students
needed assistance to present themselves professionally,”
Alexander explained.
“Sharon shared her vision with me, and from there we invited
key players from around the Norman campus to help strategize
and develop a plan of action,” Wright said.
Representatives from the Graduation Office, Leadership and
Volunteerism Office, Care Services and Student Life all agreed
they would like to address the issue. Sooner Suit Up was born.
Faculty, staff and friends of the University of Oklahoma donated
gently-used clothing for the cause and held the first Sooner
Suit Up in January of this year. Over 160 students came to the
event. They were excited and grateful to donors for providing
the opportunity.
Norman residents can also help college students by setting
aside their gently-used professional clothing until the next used
clothing event in January 2016. Sooner Suit Up is unable to
accept clothing donations until shortly before the event due to
a lack of storage.
Many of the young men attending the event were unable to find
clothing in their size, but the second Sooner Suit Up event will
change that.
Students interested in Sooner Suit Up can send an email to
[email protected] for information about future events.
Anyone interested in donating can contact Sharon Alexander
at [email protected] for more information, or mail a check
payable to The University of Oklahoma Foundation to 633 Elm
Ave, Norman, OK 73019.
“In August, we will hold the JCPenney Sooner Suit Up. Students
will be able to acquire a complete suit, including shoes, for under
$200, approximately 70% off retail price,” said Alexander. “My
hope is to allow around 50 students to obtain a suit without cost.
I am still seeking support for that part of the initiative.”
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 73
Just Voices
REDLINERS a cappella
By: Arden Stringer
In 2006, University of Oklahoma student Christina Castelli saw
the need for a group unlike one OU had known for many years.
Castelli’s club was a registered student organization run by
students, for students. She named the group “The Redliners,”
making a word play on the term “headliners,” combined with
some OU spirit. Castelli’s group was OU’s only student-led co-ed
a cappella group, meaning that they make all the sounds that a
band would, but solely with their voices.
Nine years later, the group has cycled through multiple presidents
and directors keeping this group alive. The group began with
six members and at its peak had as many as 21. The Redliners
keep their group stocked with
fresh talent through auditions
held at the beginning of
each semester. Prospective
members are asked to do a
small series of exercises for
current members to assess
their vocal ability, after which
they can sing a 30 second
solo of their choice. Those
selected are based upon the
gaps in their soprano, alto,
tenor, and bass sections. After
the members are selected,
the group begins rehearsing.
Keeping with the independent
nature this organization was
founded on, the members have made a habit of arranging all
of their own music themselves, which showcases an altogether
different talent than singing. With growing popularity thanks
to the movie Pitch Perfect and other pop culture phenomena,
The Redliners have been able to draw in larger crowds to their
biannual concerts.
74 // BOYD STREET MAGAZINE
More than being simply a student club, The Redliners makes a
point of creating a family out of the members with their retreat
that happens within the first month of the semester. The group
takes a small road trip to locations like Turner Falls, Altus, or
Dallas, where they partake in a variety of team building activities
in order to better get acquainted and create the bond that is so
special within The Redliners.
The Redliners’ Spring Concert is at the Oklahoma Memorial Union
in the Meacham Auditorium on Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. where
family and friends of members will be able to see the product of
all their hard work. Director of the group, Bennett Oden, says,
“It’s the culmination of
a semester’s worth of
work, but it’s a lot more
fun to see than our
transcripts.”
Admission to the concert
is free and includes free
snacks and drinks. In
keeping with previous
semesters, the group
aims to please multiple
generations with their
musical set that ranges
from
contemporary
pop songs to less
mainstream
choices
to the golden oldies, making it enjoyable for a whole family.
This semester, their set will include songs from Sara Bareilles,
Dusty Springfield, Florence + The Machine, Earth Wind & Fire,
and more. The Redliners enjoy a diverse and plentiful crowd
and hope to see many new faces at this momentous event.
For more information, find them on Facebook and Youtube.
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Blackbird Gastropub
By Alexandra Bare
A blackboard above the bar at Blackbird
explains exactly what a gastropub is, and
what it is they specialize in: “The art and
science of good eating and drinking.”
Blackbird Gastropub is located at 575
S. University Blvd on the west side of
Campus Corner. The two-story restaurant
offers plenty of seating, perfect for several
types of occasions, from casual to cocktail.
The modern atmosphere is sophisticated
and stylish against the sea of a traditional
campus.
Blackbird’s menu reflects the pub their
name suggests. From the appetizers to the
dessert, comfort food fills the menu. Mac
‘n cheese is one of the main components
of comfort food, and Blackbird does it
right. Cheddar, Gorgonzola, nutmeg and
cream are mixed together with macaroni
and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs
to offer one of the best mac ‘n cheeses
in Norman. The hot and cheesy dish is
perfect for a cold day or for when you’re
just feeling homesick.
Another popular starter is the Pot Roast
Sliders, pot roast piled on Ciabatta rolls
topped with mashed potatoes and fried
onions. Blackbird takes their mashed
potatoes to a new level with truffle oil. The
rich and decadent truffle oil adds depth to
the family favorite. They stand out where
mashed potatoes can sometimes blend
in.
The Honey Smoked Salmon
Salad is a customer favorite. Bleu
cheese vinaigrette is drizzled over a bed
of spinach mix and dried cranberries,
walnuts, apples and Parmesan.
Upon recommendation I chose the Beef
and Truffle Oil Shepherd’s Pie and jalapeno
cornbread. I was not disappointed. A mix
of ground beef, veggies and fantastic herbs
and spices is topped with a generous
serving of the truffle oil mashed potatoes
and baked. The bottom layer was juicy and
perfectly seasoned, and married well with
the rich potatoes. Meat and potatoes are
a pretty common pairing, but Blackbird’s
twist on it is one of a kind, especially in
Norman.
I chose to sit at the bar to enjoy my
meal and definitely made a good choice.
The bartender, Gianna, gave me her
recommendations as well as customer
favorites for both food and beverages.
The drink menu is made up of a long list
of spirits, especially scotch and whiskey.
They have variations of the drink from all
over the world. You can enjoy a custom
whiskey flight to find your new favorite.
Every other Sunday they offer Scotch
tastings for $25. Customers are given a
variety of Scotches to taste and a plate
of appetizers to help cleanse the pallet
between drinks.
“We have specialty cocktails,” Gianna
explained. “More than just your everyday
vodka and cranberry.”
Stop by Blackbird Gastropub for a
delicious meal or a refreshing drink after
work. It’s the perfect place to catch up
with a group of friends or to just enjoy a
meal at the bar.
The pub-style restaurant and bar also
offers hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, a
variety of salads, meatloaf and roast
chicken. Everything on the menu looked
delicious and it was difficult to choose just
one entrée, which means I’ll have to make
more trips.
BOYD STREET MAGAZINE // 77
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