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Resolutions UNPLUGGED COMMITMENT to Fitness Low-Bar Resolutions
Personal Finance
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MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Doug Hill has been a Norman resident since moving here from Kansas City in 1983. He’s an alum of the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma. Hill has been married to Barbara Hill for 45 years and they have two offspring raised here who are now big shots in Chicago and Kansas City. Hill enjoys bicycling, motorcycling, cooking and listening to music from opera to punk rock. Adia Casey moved to Norman from Ft. Worth, Texas, in 2019. She is a Junior at Norman North High school who enjoys writing, photography, music, and hanging out with friends in her free time. She currently writes for Norman North’s newspaper The Howl.
www.NormanMagazine.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023 Volume 13 | Issue 1 PUBLISHER Jeff HAYDEN EDITOR Marise BOEHS CONSULTING EDITOR Melanie WILDERMAN SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Greta SAMWEL LAYOUT & DESIGN Marise BOEHS
Anne Cosgrove Wimberly moved to Norman in 2018. After a lengthy career as a laundress, sweeper, dishwasher, and kid picker upper, she enrolled in graduate school. She is earning her Master of Professional Writing degree from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma and hopes to graduate in December 2023. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, cycling, and gardening, and spending time with her family. Melanie Wilderman is an associate professor of journalism at the Gaylord College of Journalism at OU who got her professional start in community newspapers in the Midwest City/Choctaw area. More recently she writes as a freelancer for a variety of Oklahoma magazines and has written works for the stage in Norman and Oklahoma City. She and her husband, Ted, live in Norman in a multigenerational household with Melanie’s parents and an (ill-behaved) dachshund, Chaco.
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jan GIZA Jennifer JEPSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug HILL Adia CASEY Anne WIMBERLY Melanie WILDERMAN CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kyle PHILLIPS Doug HILL Ted SATTERFIELD @NormanMagOK /NormanOKMagazine
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ON THE COVER
Norman Magazine is a bi-monthly publication of The Norman Transcript. 215 E. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069. (Phone: 405.366.3559. Letters or editorial contributions should be sent to:
Slushee is a three-year-old Australian cattle dog - Labrador mix who lives with the Wimberly family. He takes his owners on walks two to three times a day. Occasionally he shows off his speed by running alongside a bicycle. He loves to visit the dog parks, George M. Sutton Wilderness Park, the Legacy Trail, and pretty much anywhere outside that smells and offers something to look at. Slushee is an excellent trail dog and has visited many of the Oklahoma State Parks. The cover photo is from his visit to the Boston Mountain range in the Ozarks of Arkansas.
Norman Magazine
The Wimberly family adopted Slushee from Second Chance Animal Rescue in 2020. Photo by Anne Wimberly.
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P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to
[email protected]. Norman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission is prohibited.
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CONTE TS
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
Resolutions
WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES
8 ART - RESOLVE TO ENJOY 10 COMMITMENT TO FITNESS
8 OU’s Sooner Bassooners student ensemble perform their next free and open to the public concert at 8 p.m. March 1 in Catlett Music Center.
12 LOW-BAR RESOLUTIONS 16 MICROCHIPS FOR PETS DEPARTMENTS
18 PERSONAL FINANCE New!
New!
22 New! HOME-PROFESSIONAL HELP 24 26 WELLNESS - ZUMBA New! 28 RECIPES 32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THE TEA-UNPLUGGED IN 2023
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ALL OF OUR ACCOUNTS COME WITH
Respect. To truly respect someone, you need to understand who they are—their hopes, dreams, goals, and challenges. Since 1909, the Armstrong Bank family has had the honor of knowing the people of this community and the privilege of serving up financial guidance and accounts to help you succeed. With every solution you’re searching for, know that we’re here for you, and we have your best interest in mind. Respect helps us do so much more for you.
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Resolve to enjoy Norman’s creative energy The arts are here for your pleasure Story and photos by Doug HILL
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y boss said something late last year that made my jaw drop. She’s never set foot inside The University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Further, the charming woman admitted only kind of ever attending Norman Music Festival. The horror on my face couldn’t be disguised. I told her we’d be heading over to The Fred right after our business lunch. This came to mind when thinking about resolving to partake even more in Norman’s arts scenes during 2023. It’s a simple and relatively inexpensive thing to do. For example, both the aforementioned venues always have free admission. We have the privilege of living in an affordable, easy to navigate small city with a distinct cultural narrative. It’s defined both on and off the campus of a major state research university. There is intangible but also foundational importance from the arts here that defines the community, explains personal origins and often values. For many, it’s basically how life works. You don’t have to be an artist, academic, musician, ballerina or journalist to be part of these creative communities. Wanting to and expending the effort to attend or be involved is what’s key. Resolve to get out and do it. As Mississippi Fred McDowell famously sang, “You Gotta Move.” In Norman, access to the arts is possible virtually every day of the year. One place to start is by joining up. OU’s art museum and Sam Noble natural history museum both encourage everyone to be association members. Resonator Institute, a private arts and education entity which “…Exists to inspire and nurture community” accepts donations through Patreon.com subscriptions. Subscribe to Norman Cultural Connection’s newsletter and learn about their frequent events. They’re a society “…Committed to enhancing awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity, social differences, and the wisdom of world cultures. Through outreach, we seek to create a supportive community for the development of personal and collective well-being.” The Depot housed in our working Amtrak train station
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has more than concerts and art exhibitions. It occasionally hosts workshops and seminars as part of their educational mission for all. The friendly and energetic staff organize drawing, painting, and memoir writing workshops along with others. They have a newsletter to sign up for. Firehouse Art Center encourages membership to support their mission of providing free arts education at community events. They have a solid outreach program for schools and veterans which includes a healing studio for folks with “… Varying degrees of cognitive, physical, and learning disabilities at no cost to the participant.” Norman Arts Council is the big fish in this pond. They fund arts education scholarships, organize Art Walks, oversee public art installations and cheerlead the arts at every opportunity.
Norman has a vibrant ongoing cultural narrative that you should resolve to be part of. Become linked to any or all of these communities and others through monetary donations and become part of groups of like-minded people. This will provide frequent and regular avenues to knowledge about special meetings, exhibitions, concerts and other opportunities for you to attend. These will involve fun activities where you’re likely to see friends or make new ones. Often these shindigs albeit with cultural cachet are essentially parties. It’s highly recommended to make connections with Norman’s various arts organizations on social media. That provides a minute to minute link with reminders and changes to upcoming events. If you’re of the opinion there’s not enough live music to hear in Norman, getting hip to the scene and checking your daily Facebook feed will disabuse you of that notion.
Mark your calendars and resolve to attend. It’s easy to stay home on a frigid winter night or sweltering summer afternoon when it seems like the sun is never going to set. But experience shows that regrets are rare for actually going out once the effort is made to show up. In Norman, Second Friday Art Walks are every month in the downtown Walker Arts District. You can attend as little or as much as desired in that generally 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. time span. Art galleries, performance spaces and business offices with special exhibitions invite you to come in and enjoy the sights, sounds and people. Downtown eateries and saloons are hopping and sidewalks full of revelers resemble a resort town for that short time each month. Resolve to go for it. Norman Music Festival, Jazz in June and Medieval Fair are annual events. Mark your calendar. Personally, out of state travel is unthinkable during those weekends. Your neighbors have worked hard to make those events the best they can be. Disappointments in the quality of music over the decades just don’t come to mind. The snarky complaints encountered in the musician community about Norman Music Festival usually trace back to one beef: my band’s application to perform was rejected. Thrilling moments of artistry on stage are too many to list here in both Jazz in June and Norman Music Festival historical recollection. One year it rained a lot at Norman Music Festival. The organizers still found ways to shuffle musicians from typically outdoor venues to ones under roofs and make concerts happen despite the weather. If you want to actually make art or learn how, Norman has you covered there as well. The Firehouse Art Center has a long history of providing instruction by first rate arts educators in a professional studio setting. Tuition is modest. In addition to music concerts, movie screenings and art exhibitions, Resonator Institute gives everyone permission to create art. Every Saturday and Wednesday, Resonator opens its print shop and studio space up to the public for free. Check their website for open hours. Anyone with an interest in printmaking, ceramics or who just wants to work on any art project in a positive and supportive environment should stop by and see for themselves. Those Resonator folks love seeing people create and helping facilitate the art making process.
OU School of Art open house late last year that the public was invited to attend.
City of Norman’s 2022 International Festival brought arts and entertainment for all to Reaves Park.
2nd Friday Art Walks are every month from 6-9 p.m. downtown.
Entertainment and fun at an OU art museum association member event. NormanMagazine.com | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023 9
Commitment
Personal trainers reveal keys to fitness success
Blake Mullen
Pizza’s siren song may be your undoing. It was for Blake Mullen until he got his craving for the delicious savory pie under control. Now he’s the master of pizza, it’s not the master of him. Mullen, 32 and Fadzi Boehs, 26 are personal trainers. They shared their personal histories that led them to helping others achieve their fitness goals.
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Mullen grew up in a low-income household in Noble. “There wasn’t a lot of great food in the house,” he said. “We ate cheap pizzas and tacos. They said I was a growing boy and gave me more food.” Eating habits were formed that did not include moderation. As an adult he could consume two large pizzas and still be hungry. After Noble High School graduation Mullen drove in the trucking industry for thirteen years. He hauled for his grandfather’s company picking up restaurant grease and turning it into biofuel. “I was incredibly sedentary and didn’t move much,” he said. “And had this ferocious appetite. They’d give me food at these greasy restaurants and I kept getting bigger. I could eat pizza every day of the year.” Mullen began contemplating why he’d hit the 440 pound mark. He was married and they had a daughter together. “It occurred to me I was killing my daughter’s father,” Mullen said. “Somehow that struck a chord different to me.” Mullen’s passionate testimonial can recall the delivery of a fire and brimstone preacher albeit a gentle and kindly one. He has a YouTube presence titled “Fat vs World” with dozens of entertaining videos.. “Emotionally I cared very much about people around me but myself not at all,” he said. “In 2019 I decided I needed a change.”
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Mullen had been a high school athlete strong on weight lifting but deficient on the cardio training side. “I tried to get on ‘The Biggest Loser’ (TV show), they said yes, but then cancelled after finding someone who fit their parameters better,” he said. “It pissed me off and I used it as a catalyst to work on my own and now I’m here as a trainer.” Mullen changed his attitude about overeating to view it as an extreme negative. He lost 140 lbs. Nearly dying of Covid-19 last year after 14 days in the ICU helped him focus even more. “I chose life over just existing,” he said. “It was me versus a worse version of me. Most things that are better for you physically are difficult. The most difficult thing was to not eat. I regulated my Circadian rhythms, don’t sleep during the day. I started craving the good stuff like Mediterranean food.” Mullen has lost nearly 200 lbs. total. He consumes a lot of protein shakes, chicken, rice and broccoli. There might be a couple of slices of pizza in the evening but not two whole pies anymore. “By becoming a trainer I can now show people what I’ve learned,” Mullen said. “Push goals further, never stop your fitness journey. In addition to feeling better physically you’ll have better mental clarity. I want to help people transition from bad, negative life practices to a healthier lifestyle.”
to change... Story and photos by Doug HILL
Fadzi Boehs
“I wanted to be a cowboy,” Fadzi Boehs said. He’d grown up near the panhandle in Major County and developed an affinity for ranching while still a teenager. Physical fitness training caught his interest a few years later. “Growing up I was always intrigued with athletic ability and great physiques,” Boehs said. “It would be great to look like that but I didn’t think it was possible that I could actually do that myself until I was around 20. Boehs has been spending his time in gyms for six years and working as a certified trainer for two. He and his wife live in Norman. “There’s nothing special to the personal commitment for physical training,” Boehs said. “No secret to it. In order to be successful in anything you have to do things consistently for a long time before you’re going to see a lot of results. It takes day in and day out work before that happens.” In our society that demands instant gratification, physical fitness cannot be achieved at the click of an icon. It’s a way to live the rest of your life, not just the next eight weeks while losing five pounds of lard. “When I started it wasn’t really about the results,” Boehs said. “I just love working out and being in the gym. So I thought, how can I make money being in the gym. Personal training has been my first step.”
Boehs likes observing his clients change and their satisfaction at getting good physical fitness and mental health as a result. “Seeing people start to understand how possible it is,” he said. “Most people don’t believe they can change their body that much. They think I’m just big-boned, I’m fat, it’s my genes, I’m skinny, slow, weak or whatever. Anything can be improved upon. It doesn’t matter where you start or what your goal is, you can always improve. Generally, there’s something you’re not doing that you could be doing. It’s fun to see people put those things together and learn that they can do it. That’s a huge thing.” Boehs’ training style emphasizes explaining the process rather than just issuing work orders. He doesn’t harass clients into showing up at the gym. If Boehs had wanted to be a salesman he could be closing deals on new Chevrolet Silverados. “I educate clients on why we need to do certain things to get to whatever their specific goals are,” he said. “Once they understand the reasons it becomes a matter of internal motivation to eat right and come to the gym.” Boehs knows that clients who internalize these messages stick around longer and demonstrate more positive results. “Personally I believe that if I think more about the long term success of my clients I’ll be more successful as a trainer,” he said.
“This is one place I’ve been able to develop actual discipline and I’ve experienced incredibly positive things because of it. But I’m not done yet. I’m just getting started.”
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Social media post @thefitnessfadz
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Low-bar resolutions The only way to go for 2023 By Melanie WILDERMAN
There seems to be two dominant categories of people when it comes to making new year’s resolutions.
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Those who make pledges for major life changes, almost religiously, every year. And even though statistically they are likely to fail, they make the same type of proclamations year after year to lose 50 pounds, cut out all sugar and caffeine, put $500 a month in savings or learn to knit. Then, there are the cynical lot of folks who scoff at the first type and ask, “What’s the point?” Don’t you know, you’re just going to find yourself on Feb. 2 having gained three pounds, frantically gulping down a venti mochaccino, pulling out savings to pay for a busted water heater or throwing your new knitting needles directly in the trash in a fit of frustration. (I’m the second type, in case you were wondering—a cynical Cyndi. Whatever the equivalent is to a Christmas “bah humbug,” that’s me at the start of the new year.)
But, despite sarcastic, realist cynicism and humor making up about 90% of my personality, it can become a dark place to dwell if you don’t pull yourself out of it, get some sunshine and hang out with your hopelessly optimistic friends or relatives once in a while. Because, as with most situations in life, balance is the key. So, this low-bar approach to new year’s resolutions is not meant to be either overly cynical or overly hopeful. This approach is for all of us who have come out of the past two years just not quite ourselves. It’s a reminder for us to handle the new year gently, kindly and without mammoth expectations or crushing pessimism.
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Before I get to the heart of these low-bar resolutions, it’s time for the obligatory reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Sorry, we cannot pretend it’s not a thing.) As a society, we lost a lot in the last two years. Most importantly we lost people. Additionally, we may have lost businesses, houses and money. Maybe we lost our sense of security, maybe friendships. And from all this combined loss, when it’s channeled inward, for many, we lost pieces of ourselves, our personalities . . . our spark. And that is what I plan to work on getting back in 2023 and beyond. These “resolutions” are about reigniting my spark, and I hope a little flicker here and there might be useful to others. Are you ready? Remember, keep your expectations in check—that’s the whole point. (That was a bit of sarcasm, which doesn’t translate well in print). My low-bar resolution suggestions include: Thinking of ways to be just a little happier in the moment in 2023 There’s no way I can fathom all the different ways people experience happiness. In fact, when you think about it, finding happiness is an extremely personal journey. A pre-pandemic article by Forbes contributor Alice Walton suggested a variety of small ways to be happier in the moment, and one of these resonated with me—the idea of not always isolating when you are having a bad day (or week or month). I’m remembering a time at work at the university, a particularly bad week, and I was keeping my office door closed and working alone. But, after a few days of this, I decided to move to another office where my student employees work. We didn’t have joint work to do that day, but just being in their presence, hearing their friendly chatting and jokes while they worked, it
pulled me out of that low place. I was more productive and happier that day than I had been all week. I’m going to try to keep actions like this in mind. A simple move from one office to another, down one flight of stairs, to be proximate to other humans—that brought me some happiness. How easy was that? Not focusing on “fixing” ourselves I’m going to take a note from my chiropractor and think of it more as “adjusting” myself. To suggest we need to be fixed implies that we are broken, and that is rarely the case. We may need an adjustment (to our attitudes, our schedules, our habits), but these are just tweaks, alterations. However, I don’t want to make anyone feel badly if they are currently feeling broken. The article from Mental Health America, “Am I broken?” explained that at times when people feel this way, it’s important to acknowledge the feeling. “Validating this feeling allows you to see yourself as human and helps you move forward. You may feel broken in this moment, but you will not feel broken forever.” Let’s try to do a better job in realizing that “feeling” broken and “being” broken are two very different states. If we feel broken and in need of being fixed, we should keep in mind, we probably just need an adjustment. I do plan to adjust my schedule this year to allow for more Zumba classes, as I always feel better when I go pretend for an hour that I can dance like Beyonce. Not focusing on what we’ve lost since 2020 To clarify, I’m not talking about honoring the memory of people we have lost—we should continue to that. However, we should avoid dwelling on what did not happen for us in the last few years. I acknowledge some heavy privilege I had during the worst of the pandemic. I did not lose my job or income, nor did my spouse. Our jobs translated fine to at-home work and Zoom meetings. I was not alone. I had my husband, my parents and two dogs all under my roof. I did not experience, as countless others did, the loss of a close friend or relative due to COVID-19.
However, I did lose some creative and professional opportunities, and for a while, that was consuming my thoughts. I have also been in the habit of berating myself for not writing more during lockdown. It was the perfect time, wasn’t it? Why didn’t I write another novel or a new stage play? I don’t know why. Apparently, it wasn’t the perfect time for me to produce creative works, or I would have done it. But, I think it’s well-past time to simply acknowledge that, quit trying to figure out the “why,” and keep working on current and upcoming creative possibilities. Thinking outside ourselves and our immediate bubbles In that same Forbes article previously mentioned, the writer also suggested to focus on others to improve our happiness. She eloquently stated, “Service is one of the great practices that can boost a person’s well-being in the long-term. Many people know this intuitively, religions and philosophies are founded around it, and observational studies have confirmed it.” I’ve always struggled with this. My best friend, however, constantly makes people’s days with small gesture of kindness. This doesn’t come naturally to me, but, on occasion, I get over myself and channel by best friend’s energy. Recently, a few days before Christmas I was mired in grief over putting down my 14-yearold dachshund. A few days later, my husband and I were grocery shopping, and an older couple, a man and woman, in front of us at checkout had a package of stew meat, but the price wouldn’t ring up. Someone went to check on it for them, but the lines were long, and the couple didn’t want to hold up everyone else, so they said not to worry about the stew meat. I was impressed by their thoughtfulness in not holding up the long line. A few minutes later, as the cashier was ringing up my items, I realized I had the same package of meat, and the same thing was going to happen to me. But right as the cashier was about to ring it up, the other employee came back with the price and the first package of meat. I told the cashier to ring up both for me. I grabbed the original package of stew meet, left my husband in a state of confusion to finish up the
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transaction, and dashed into the parking lot to find the couple. I felt silly, running around people in the crowded store and parking lot. I wasn’t even sure they would still be out there. But I found them. And I gave them the meat. The man hugged me, and the woman joked that he would be much easier to handle now that she could make her famous stew that evening. They insisted on paying me. I tried to turn it down, but they weren’t having it. Guess what? That little act of kindness over $8 of meat left me feeling fulfilled. And that feeling helped cut the grief. And their smiles made me smile. Ugg. So cheesy, but so true. Give up on the idea of returning to whatever was normal before March 2020 Here’s a bit of that sarcastic realist rising up in me: THIS IS NORMAL. What we are living right now is the current state of normal, and whatever it turns into in 2023 will then become normal. We can’t go back (see resolution 3). To quote comedian Aziz Ansari on his stance about the world post COVID-19, “everything is just a little bit sh---ier.”
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Restaurants and other service industry businesses do not have enough employees, it’s a terrible time to buy a house, the price of groceries is ludicrous, and if you risk flying . . . who knows when you will arrive at your destination. But none of us has control over any of this. All we can control is our own actions, how we treat others and ourselves. So, back to the initial thesis of the low-bar new year’s resolutions: handle your goals in 2023 with care and perspective to what we have all been through and continue to go through. If you are prone to ideas of grandeur, maybe pull back just a little and allow yourself to stumble or even fail without berating yourself. If you are prone to back into a corner of despair and cynicism instead of even trying, push yourself out of that corner and give it a little effort. Somewhere in that effort, somewhere in the kindness you show to yourself or others, your spark is still there. My spark is still there.
Happy New Year!
Graphic by Melanie Wilderman
Photo by Ted Satterfield
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o r c Mi Chips for Pets Story and photos by Anne Cosgrove WIMBERLY
R
ose Grimm, the Shelter Director for Second Chance Animal Rescue in Norman, is a strong advocate of pet chipping. Grimm has over a decade of working with animal welfare organizations. Her experiences have led her to discover that most people consider microchipping a pet a luxury even though the process has led to countless successful reunions.
chips are readily available and affordable. Any vet, spay and neuter clinic, some pet stores, and NAW offer microchip insertion services. The most a microchip service should cost is $60. In most cases, it is much less, averaging between $20-$25, Grimm says. NAW offers a microchip service for $10. Pet owners should call NAW prior to bringing their pet to be chipped to make certain the veterinarian is available.
“Many rural shelters, like the ones where we pull animals from, lack resources or capacity of care that we have,” Grimm says. “We chip 99% of the animals that we accept to shelter.”
When a pet is found, it can be brought to any of the mentioned facilities to be scanned for a chip. Chip scans are free of cost. Robertson also encourages people to hold onto a found pet for at least 48 hours. “Most pets are found within a close range of their home,” she says. “Be sure to ask neighbors if they recognize the pet.”
Norman Animal Welfare (NAW) Center Manager Kelle Robertson also sees a significant number of animals that are not microchipped, which makes a reunion more difficult to achieve. “A chip is a means of identification that can’t get lost.” Robertson says. “Our goal is to get animals home without holding them in our shelter. Microchips help us do that.” The only way information from a microchip is revealed is by use of a handheld scanner, Robertson explains. Veterinarians, pet stores, animal welfare agencies and rescues have scanners. “Many people erroneously believe that a chip is a tracking device.” A microchip is a passive device. No information can readily be transmitted to or from the chip. A handheld microchip scanner needs to be used to read a unique identification number that is on the chip. This unique code is linked to one of several databases. Should a pet become lost, stolen, or found deceased, any veterinarian as well as pet stores, pet shelters and welfare agencies, can scan the pet to see if it has a chip. If the pet is chipped, the owner can easily be contacted. Grimm additionally believes that many pet owners consider microchipping a luxury. However, micro-
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Robertson is asking that people refrain from bringing strays to NAW. Currently, the center is over capacitated. Even if it weren’t, Robertson wants to remind citizens that a stay in a welfare center is stressful for animals. “We provide excellent care for our animals,” Robertson says, “but this is a noisy place. Our animals have a lot of new neighbors and are housed in a way that they’re not used to.” Citizens can also post lost pets on social media sites, such as NextDoor Neighbor, Facebook, PawBoost, and others. Both Grimm and Robertson encourage pet owners to make certain that their contact information is up to date in the database that is linked to their pets’ microchips. The most common databases that house microchip information, such as owner name, address, email and phone number, are 24PetWatch, HomeAgain, AKCReunite, and others. All can be found on the internet. Often people will forget to change a phone number, email, or physical address. When an owner can’t be contacted through the information associated with
Slushee and Ivo Wimberly have their chips!
a chip, the organization that adopted out the animal is contacted. Both Second Chance and NAW have received such calls. Often, the animal is successfully reunited with its family. Grimm and Robertson understand that identification tags can be easier for owners to purchase and maintain. However, collars and tags are easily lost. The chip remains with the pet. Should your pet ever get away from you, a microchip is the best bet for assisting with a happy, successful reunion. Chipping your pet is a safe and affordable New Year’s resolution that’ll keep you connected to your pet. Many of us make personal New Year’s resolutions, and often we fail at reaching our goals. Here’s a New Year’s resolution that is easy to achieve, helps individuals, benefits the community, and protects our pets: microchips!
The American Kennel Club explains that a pet microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number and is roughly the size of a grain of rice. The insertion of the microchip is quick, safe, and affordable. The microchip is inserted into the pet’s subcutaneous tissue between the shoulder blades. Over time, the chip may move around in the pet, but always remains harmless. The chip is passive, meaning no information can be transmitted to or from the chip, except when a microchip scanner is used to read the unique code in the chip. The unique code is linked to one of several databases. Should a pet become lost, stolen, or found deceased, any veterinarian as well as pet shelters and welfare agencies, can scan the pet to see if it has a chip. If the pet is chipped, the owner can easily be contacted. NormanMagazine.com
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PERSONAL FINANCE
Financial New Year’s Resolutions Story and photos by Anne Cosgrove WIMBERLY
When thinking of the New Year, many of us make resolutions. Our resolutions often include money. I asked five Norman community members questions about financial New Year resolutions. The interviews include a fifth-grade student, an eighth-grade student, a sophomore in high school, a college junior, and a financial planner. Here is what they had so say:
Eighth Grader, Liam Fisher Q: Do you make New Year’s resolutions? A: Yeah, but I forget them.
A: What stocks would be good to invest in. And what career path would be good to go down possibly.
Q: When Christmas or New Year’s comes do you think about money more than other times? A: Yes. Christmas is a very commercial based holiday. There’s a lot of spending of money, of giving and receiving it.
Q: To achieve what? Do you want an excess of money? Or just enough to be happy and healthy? A: I want a lot of money.
Q: When you receive money, what do you do with it? A: I put it in my wallet or in my drawer. Or both. Q: Where do you get money from? A: Mainly my chores. Q: How difficult is it to not spend cash when you have it? A: It’s easy for me not to spend cash because I always forget my wallet at home when I go shopping . Q: Do you have a big-ticket item that you want to save your money for? A: Maybe a new computer. Q: Do you have a plan for purchasing a new computer? A: I probably have all the money saved up but it’s in my bank account. When I get a lot of money, I give it to my mom and she puts it in my bank account for me. Q: If somebody were to give you a thousand dollars today what would you do with it? A: I’d probably put it in my bank account and ask adults I knew and look up advice for investing. Q: What financial advice do you wish someone would give you?
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Q: Do you have any financial advice you can share with others? A: If you don’t spend it, then you have it.
PERSONAL FINANCE
Fifth Grader Q: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? A: No.
Q: If I gave you a thousand dollars today, what you do with it?
Q: Do you think about money more around Christmas and New Year’s than other times of the year? A: I think about money when I need something. I don’t really want to have money, or a lot of it. I just like to have it when I need to fix something, like my broken controller.
A: I ‘d give it to my mom to keep and take a chunk to spend and then some to save. I just don’t want to go to the store with $20 and get there and find what I want for $30.
Q: When people give you money, what do you do with it? A: I put it in my wallet and save it there. If it’s big money, I put it in my mom’s purse. I take out a little bit to buy something. I look online at Amazon so I know how much something is before I go to the store to buy it. Q: How much is big money? A: A hundred dollars, or two hundred dollars.
Q: Is there a big-ticket item that you are saving for? A: Maybe I could save for tickets to a NBA game or NFL game. Q: Is there any advice about money you wish someone would give to you? A: Mmm, no. Q: Is there any advice about money you can give to other people? A: Maybe don’t spend it all.
College Junior, Hannah Rystedt Q: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions, and do they involve money? A: Yes. I need to stop using my credit card. Then I need to pay it off, little by little. Q: As a college student, how do you pay for books, tuition, housing, groceries? A: I have one paid job now. I was working two, three jobs and it just wasn’t doable anymore. Q: How did you prioritize school over money? A: I decided to prioritize opportunities that will provide experiences for my future, like writing for the OU Daily. Q: Has earning less money been difficult? A: It’s two-fold. For one, I’m not as stressed because I can focus more on school. But on the other hand, I feel the financial stress of having less money. Q: Do you have a big-ticket item you’d like to save for? A: This is something that is not attainable for me right now, but my car is sometimes unreliable.
Q: If somone gave you a $50,000 today, what would you do with the money? A: Oh my gosh! I would pay off my credit card then buy a new car. I’d put the rest into my savings account and refuse to touch it until I graduate from OU. Q: Is there any financial advice you can share with others? A: During my summers, I worked fifty hours a week. I went three months without having a single day off, but I wanted to save enough so that when I returned to school, I had something to fall back on. I learned that if you don’t take a break your body will take a break for you. This is something you can’t control. And very, very, very, hard. Q: Is there any financial advice you wish someone had given you? A: I wish someone had told me to watch my monthly bank statements more. Sometimes an automatic subscription I thought I had canceled wasn’t canceled. NormanMagazine.com
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PERSONAL FINANCE
High School Sophomore, Sebastian Fisher Q: Do you plan to make any New Year’s resolutions? A: I’d probably forget them if I did. I’m not saying I won’t. Q: Do you do any planning with money? A: I’m not super great with planning. Q: When you get money do you spend it right away or do you save it? A: I try to save it for a worthy opportunity. Q: Do you have any big-ticket item that you want to save your money for? A: Usually I put something on my list of things that I want, but if the list isn’t in front of me, it doesn’t exist. I forget about it.
Q: Let’s say you’re at a store and you see something that you want that costs $100 and you have $200 in your pocket. Do you feel compelled to buy it? A: Kind of....I’ll probably wonder around the store again first. If I forget about it, I won’t buy it. Q: If somebody gave you a thousand dollars today, what would you do with it? A: I’d probably take out 30% of it for things that I want and put the remaining 70% in my savings account. Q: What financial advice do you have for others? A: Don’t ignore those who have less than you.
Financial Adviser, Peggy Doviak Q: What is your goal as a financial adviser? A: My goal is to help people integrate their life and their money so that their money can meet the needs they have to live the life they want within reasonable expectations. Q: What are some ways people can save money? A: Look at how much money you get every month and look at where it’s going. Write down everything. The spending breaks down into two categories, non-discretionary and discretionary funds. Non-discretionary funds are the necessary bills, the rent, the food. Discretionary funds include purchases that might not be necessary. Then you carve out a little for savings, even if it’s five dollars a month. I prefer that five dollars to go into the non-discretionary side. Q: Is saving attainable for everyone? A: It absolutely is. Financial guilt and failure come from setting goals you cannot keep. Instead of setting a goal of saving for retirement, try setting a goal of saving for two-weeks’ worth of non-discretionary funds. Eventually you will save enough for one month and you keep going until you have enough saved for
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six months. You can only save based on what you have. Q: How does a person begin their financial journey? A: Think in numbers that are not bigger than your budget. For example, people think they need to save $500 a month for retirement. Then they fail, because their budget doesn’t allow them to do that. Rather than lowering their goal, they give up on saving in general because they’ve failed. Q: What would you do if someone gave you $50,000 today? A: I would give it to an elderly relative to help them pay for potential care in the future. Q: In trying to sum up everything you’ve said, I think of the quote from Apollo 13, “Failure is not an option.” A: It’s true. Financial failure is not an option. It’s caused by the fear of the unknown. Once you see your money and understand your spending habits, your fear will go away. You’ll better understand how to get where you want to be.
New Year, New Chapter By Adia CASEY
A new year presents new opportunities—a chance for reinvention. There’s something appealing about pursuing a shift in oneself whenever the clock strikes twelve.
eenagers today have a unique amount of pressure put on them in today’s world it seems. Pressure that originates from within their own home and circle to even pressure stimulating from the technological world that so many teens today are deeply immensed in. Consitencency with goals can be so difficult when there is an exurbanite amount of things teens feel the pressure to achieve. Ranging from academic goals to physical goals, and emotional goals, there is a variety of things that teens feel the need to focus on to be the person expected of them.
T
Often burnout is easy to come by, it easily becomes overwhelming to juggle and maintain all the goals, and even with the drive and desperation one might have for achieving them, a few goals are likely bound to inevitably fall off. Sometimes motivation just simply isn’t there, and even with it, at times exhaustion can override.
But still, nonetheless, whenever an opportunity is presented for newfound motivation, many will snatch it up. A new year can very much provide motivation as many see it as a time and chance to set goals and challenges for the upcoming year. For whatever reason, there’s something more daring, golden, and optimistic about setting and starting goals on January 1st rather than any other typical day throughout the year. The new year presents the perfect breeding ground for reinvention. It seems as if at some points the teenage years are put on a pedestal, it’s often viewed as a time for self-discovery and figuring out who one is. To those seeking reinvention, the new year could mean that this time
their resolution is made of things related to trying out new hobbies or starting to wear a specific style more true to who they are. Resolutions don’t have to necessarily just be limited to more physical things, for some it could be more about becoming the person they desire to be. Shifting personality, working on becoming a better person, or even fixing the negative internal mindset are all things that just seem a bit more achievable with the start of a new year because in a way the new year can feel like a new chapter. Logically speaking, of course, whenever the clock hits twelve on New Year’s day nothing is legitimately really changing, yet internally the change can feel huge. Trying to achieve goals can get tedious. There’s so much you want to accomplish and so little time. For many teens between school, social life, extracurriculars, and even jobs, time feels so short, and there’s hardly enough time to get through the mandatory things, more or less the things one actually cares about. Goals can fall out throughout the year as it is difficult to even achieve the minimum, but often times resolutions are utilized to try to enforce new goals into one’s life to try and get the habits solidified. The new year posts a chance to get attuned to a healthier lifestyle, of course, you could start that any other regular day spread throughout the year, but sometimes it’s easier to mentally encourage yourself with the new year. Whether it’s going for a thirty-minute walk each day or cutting out sugar, shifting to a healthier lifestyle can look different for everyone, and although it can be difficult to stick with resolutions longer than just through January 1st after the habits are made it will become like second nature. You have the power to change and shift yourself any day of the year, not just during the beginning of a new one, although it sometimes is easier to find motivation near the start of the year.
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THE TEA
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HOME
Buying or selling your home? Seek professional help. Is your new year’s resolution for 2023 to sell your current home and buy your dream home? If so, here are some steps to help you prepare! Owning a home can be a great investment and where you will make so many memories with your loved ones! Buying and selling a home can be overwhelming and scary and most people don’t even know where to start. Leave it to the experts to help make the buying and selling process smooth and pain-free. Let’s make your new year’s resolution a reality. The first thing you should do is reach out to a realtor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t plan on selling or buying right away in 2023, it is helpful to touch base early in the process so they can get to know you and what your real estate goals are. A local realtor is going to be very knowledgeable about the current market conditions, interest rates, inventory and more. These are things you will likely have questions about and will be able to discuss in detail so you can start off by understanding what the selling and buying process will look like. After you meet with a realtor you should have a much better idea about the buying or selling process. The next steps will involve a good faith estimate on the sale of your home or a buyer’s estimate of costs on the purchase of a new home. These estimates will give you a very good idea of what costs are involved when buying or selling including a breakdown of closing costs as well as payment estimates to help you stay within your budget on your new home.
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If your 2023 goal is to sell your current home, the first step is to really examine the current condition of your home. Does it need new paint? Does it need to be de-cluttered? Are there repairs that need to be made? A seasoned realtor has sold countless numbers of homes and will be a good resource in helping you determine what needs to be done to obtain the highest sales price in the shortest amount of time. Here are some of the most effective and affordable ways to prepare your home to sell: Touch up paint where it is worn or chipped. This usually occurs in spaces that are heavily used - kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, etc. De-clutter your space. Clear your countertops, put away all miscellaneous items, and make sure everything has a designated place so it’s easy to pick up. It’s okay for your space to looked lived in but if you don’t use items on a daily basis, consider packing them up and storing them while your home is on the market. And bonus, you’ll already have stared on your packing when it’s time to move! Give your home a deep clean! Nothing can refresh a home like a good clean. Make sure your furniture placement makes sense. Arrange your furniture in a way that makes your home feel open and spacious. Before you home hits the market, you will need to work with your realtor on pricing your home properly. While it may be tempting to look at your “Zestimate” on Zillow or base your price on what your neighbor sold their home for, please let a realtor help you deter-
HOME
mine your home’s value. A realtor will use the Multiple Listing Service to help find specific sales that are comparable in size, age and location to your home to best determine accurate market value. They will also view other sales as well as amenities of these homes to better determine the true value of your home. Once your home is on the market you will receive feedback and updates on market changes. It is your realtor’s goal to make the selling process smooth and keep you fully informed. Is your 2023 goal is to buy your dream home? Are you tired of renting? Or are you looking to upgrade to a larger home for your growing family? Or maybe your kids have left for college and you are looking to down size. Whatever the case may be, the steps will be the same. First things first, you will need to get pre-approved by a mortgage lender. This is an extremely important step that will determine the price range of homes you will look at. The process varies depending on if you are a salaried employee, self-employed, married or single. Where do you find a mortgage lender you might ask? Your realtor is connected with so many amazing local lenders. Having a good mortgage lender is so important to the process of home buying.
You might be worried about the higher interest rates but there are options! Your lender will help you look at interest rates on both fixed rate loans and possible buy downs or adjustable rate loans to help determine what is best for you. Now the fun part! Once you determine exactly what you are looking for in a home, your realtor will set you up on auto-email that will automatically notify you every time a house that matches your criteria hits the market. This ensures you are seeing every possible home that could be your potential dream home. You’ll begin your house hunting journey and hopefully find a home that fits all your needs. Many additional next steps include writing the contract, scheduling inspections, shopping for home insurance, finishing your loan process, closing and beyond. Your realtor will be with you every step of the way and explain all aspects of the process in detail. Remember, your realtor is an expert in this field, you don’t want to go on this journey without one! It is so important to find a knowledgable and experienced realtor that will be 100% hands on and make sure your buying or selling process is smooth and pain-free. Just remember, what ever your Real Estate goals are in 2023, Sallie Vawter and Hannah Wilson with Vawter Real Estate can help you reach them! Helping families find their dream homes is such a special part of our job and we would love to help you find yours. NormanMagazine.com
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WELLNESS
Norman-area fitness instructors speak Story Melanie WILDERMAN ~ Photo Provided
I
n the expansive world of health and fitness, fads come on strong but frequently fade into oblivion (remember Shake Weights?). However, Zumba, the workout phenomenon that started gaining widespread popularity in the late 1990s – early 2000s, has had impressive staying power. On the official website, Zumba.com, the company described how its classes “take the ‘work’ out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party.” Zumba’s history started in the late ‘80s and is credited to dancer/choreographer Beto Perez who was working as an aerobics instructor in Cali, Columbia. He moved to the U.S. in 1999, and according to an Independent article covering the Zumba timeline, two emerging entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, met with Perez in 2001 with talks of creating a company centered around his fitness philosophy. Zumba and Perez’s popularity and success took off from there. Norman offers a wide array of Zumba classes from certified instructors at gyms, fitness centers, and community meeting spaces all over the city. Four of these instructors shared insights as to what drew them to the fitness regiment, why so many people are dedicated to it, and what newbies should know if they are thinking about trying a class for the first time in 2023. Teresa Dotson, in her 11th year teaching Zumba, currently offers classes at the Athletic Loft, and said she loves how the class doesn’t really seem like exercise. “Before you know it, you’re having so much fun. I think of it more like, I’m going to go move my body, and it’s going to be fun. That’s what motivates me. It’s just a wonderful hour of freedom,” Dotson said. The Latin-inspired Zumba choreography was initially created out of four basic rhythms: salsa, reggaeton, merengue and cumbia, and while Dotson likes them all, merengue is her favorite.
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“It’s the fastest one. And you want those up-tempo songs at the height of the workout, and at that point, I’m thinking, ‘yeah, bring it on!’” Yaisa Mann has been teaching Zumba since 2008, and she said it only took five classes as a participant before she decided to get certified to teach it. She also said Zumba helped her get her healthy lifestyle goals on track. “[Before Zumba] I lacked a selfcare routine and had no workout motivation. Yet, every New Year I’d create goals to lose weight, eat healthy and declutter my lifestyle. But the weight of people pleasing always got heavier,” Mann explained. However, she said it all changed for her when she heard the rhythmic music blaring out from a fitness classroom at the gym and decided to join in. “That day I found my tribe and workout vibe with Zumba,” Mann said. A current instructor at 10GYM in Oklahoma City, Mann has offered popup Zumba and other fitness classes at Sooner Mall. In 2021 she recorded a TEDx Talk, hosted at the University of Central Oklahoma on the topic of dance fitness and its connection to a successful life. The various instructors bring different vibes and their own styles to their classes, some with more complex choreography, others preferring a simpler arrangement of the key steps, but central to every class is the importance of the music. “I try to abide by the Zumba class playlist formula of 70% international music, including Latin, belly dance, Caribbean, and other world music, and 30% of whatever the instructor wants. My favorite Zumba styles of dance are salsa, merengue and reggaeton, which is a fusion of reggae, salsa and hip-hop or rap,” Mann said.
to Zumba’s lasting popularity Dotson added that she enjoys asking her participants to suggest songs to add in to the rotation and enjoys when she can tell from their faces that they are simply lost in the music. Sisters Hayley and Hannah Jamil have previously taught Zumba classes in Norman and are now running a bungee fitness studio in Moore. Hannah explained that their time teaching Zumba has been helpful to their current business, as they were inspired by the structure and principles of Zumba choreography. “The way Zumba structures routines and the pace of the class is very effective and easy to pick up on, which is what students need to feel and be successful,” Hannah said. Although the sisters focus more on bungee fitness now, they do offer Zumba classes seasonally, and they both think highly of its fun and welcoming style. “I believe people should try Zumba because of the community, and friendships. The people are supportive,” Hayley said. “You don’t have to go in knowing how to dance either. For me, it was my gateway into fitness.
WELLNESS
It was a fun, carefree environment, and I realized I didn’t need to be embarrassed or self-conscious for not knowing every step.” Seeing that many folks do make exercise-related New Year’s resolutions, the instructors will not be surprised to see new faces in the coming months, and they welcome that. “I would tell those who haven’t tried it, to not overthink it, and don’t be afraid to try new things. I was definitely nervous and unsure when I started getting back into exercising, but after my first class, my tune completely changed,” Hayley Jamil said. Dotson noted she often hears people say, “I can’t dance,” as a reason to not try a Zumba class, but she offers these people a different viewpoint. “It’s not a dance class, it’s a movement class. Just follow what you can do, and if you can’t do some of the steps, just move in any way. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing,” Dotson said. “Everyone else is there for the same reason—to have a good time while burning calories, and that is part of Zumba’s staying power.”
Teresa Dotson, center in blue tank top, captures the end of a Zumba class with her students at the Athletic Loft in Norman. Dotson has been teaching Zumba for 11 years and said she enjoys how the classes don’t feel like exercise, because they are too much fun. Photo provided by Teresa Dotson
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RECIPES
Irish Coffee Step Two good brown sugar and a Add 1 teaspoon of ed m hiskey into the war w h is Ir of re su ea m glass. Step Three the in 1 centimeter of Fill the glass to with well to ir ng black coffee. St brim with hot, stro n sugar. dissolve all the brow Step Four er whipped cream ov ly ht lig ur po ly ul Caref top of n so that it floats on the back of a spoo the coffee. g Step One coffee glass by fillin h is Ir es yn Fo ur Preheat yo ur the r 5 seconds, then po fo er at w ng ili bo it with water out. .
Weather-related flight delays or cancelations are often the cause of much frustration. However, one timely storm nearly 80 years might just have paved the way for a beloved beverage. In 1943, Joe Sheridan was working as a chef at the Shannon Airport in Ireland. According to the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, on one fateful night, a flight bound for Newfoundland was forced to return to the airport in Foynes due to inclement weather. Sheridan was called back to work that night and asked to create a warm beverage for the
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Step Five al ng the cream; optim di ad er aft ir st t no Do and drinking the coffee flavor comes from ugh the cream. Irish whiskey thro
suddenly stranded passengers. Quick on his feet, Sheridan brewed some coffee but decided to add a little whiskey. Asked if the beverage was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan shook his head before indicating his newly minted creation was “Irish coffee.” And thus a legendary beverage was born. This recipe, courtesy of the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, can be great for anyone who wants warm up with their own batch of Irish coffee at home.
RECIPES Cooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful. Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require something to warm you up from the
inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd. Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Crisps Serves 6 to 8 3 to 31⁄2 pounds pumpkin 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric Pinch of cayenne pepper 4 cups vegetable stock Salt and ground black pepper 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish For the pumpkin crisps Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded 1⁄2 cup olive oil
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Leave until cool enough to handle. 2. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and chop the flesh. 3. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender. 4. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed out pan and season well. 5. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using a swivel-blade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels. 6. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.
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RECIPES
Gluten-free bagels for breakfast or anytime
A warm bagel for breakfast or brunch can be a real treat. Bagels can be slathered in butter or cream cheese, or topped with lox. Some people even enjoy bagels as the “bread” in breakfast sandwiches or as hearty sandwiches filled with cold cuts later in the day. Individuals who have to avoid gluten may miss the delicious, authentic taste of bagels. When cravings crop up, these “Everything Bagels” from “Danielle Walker’s Eat What You Love” (Ten Speed Press) are the ideal substitute.
Everything Bagels Makes 6
1⁄2 cup full-fat coconut milk 2 tablespoons finely ground golden flaxseeds 1 tablespoon light-colored raw honey 11⁄2 tablespoons gluten-free active dry yeast 4 eggs 1⁄4 cup melted ghee or virgin coconut oil 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
11⁄2 1⁄3 11⁄2 1
cups arrowroot powder cup coconut flour teaspoons grain-free baking powder teaspoon fine sea salt
Everything seasoning 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 1⁄2 teaspoon white sesame seeds 1⁄2 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse sea salt Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and heat it over low heat to 110 F. Place the warmed coconut milk, the flaxseeds, honey, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment and mix on low speed to combine. Let the mixture sit for 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to foam. Add the eggs, ghee, and vinegar to the bowl and mix on medium speed to combine. Add the arrowroot, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt and mix again until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 1 hour at room temperature. To make the everything seasoning, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Scoop the batter into a 31⁄2inch silicone doughnut pan, filling each cavity twothirds full. Sprinkle the tops with the seasoning and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bagels are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bagels in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then remove them from the pan and cool completely on the rack. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for 6 months.
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RECIPES
Add oats to any meal Oats are packed with nutrition, and rolled or steel cut, are minimally processed and almost always in whole grain form. Oats are notable for their ability to lower bad cholesterol and control blood pressure. They contain beta-glucan, which is a soluble fiber not found in most other grains. It has been shown to suppress appetite and help promote gut health. In addition, oats have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties, which explains why oatmeal baths are popular for various skin conditions. Oats, when combined with low-fat yogurt, fruit or other add-ins, and left overnight to meld, produce a thick and filling breakfast food that is the best mix of oatmeal and smoothie.
Cardamom and Orange Overnight Oats Serves 2 1⁄2 1 1 2 1 1 1⁄4 1⁄4 1
cup plain Greek yogurt cup rolled oats cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk fortified with vitamin B-12 tablespoons chia seeds tablespoon maple syrup teaspoon orange zest teaspoon cardamom teaspoon ground cinnamon tablespoon pumpkin seeds for garnish Orange slices for garnish
1. In a mason jar, mix yogurt, oats, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon. Place the lid on the mason jar and shake. 2. Leave in the fridge overnight. 3. Top with pumpkin seeds and orange slices or other fruit.
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EVENTS
Ongoing
THROUGH FEB. 27,2023
Robert Rauschenberg: Pressing News The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue- Sat ; 1-5 p.m. Sun.
THROUGH JUNE 4, 2023
Factory Obscura’s Synesthesia, The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue- Sat ; 1-5 p.m. Sun.
THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2023
Saraha Sea Monsters, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue- Sat ; 1-5 p.m. Sun. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
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EVENTS
JAN. 4
January & February JAN. 27
FEB. 10
Monthly 1 Million Cups Norman February Strike and The Pharmacist Commerce Building, 424 W. Main St. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 9 a.m. Elm Ave. 7 p.m.
2nd Friday Art Walk Downtown Norman 6-9 p.m.
JAN. 13
FEB. 10
2nd Friday Art Walk Walker Arts District in Downtown Norman 6-9 p.m.
JAN. 13 Synesthesia Late Night Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave. 5-7 p.m.
JAN. 14 Robert Allen Gober at Hollywood Corners Location of event and city: Hollywood Corners, 4712 N. Porter Ave. 4 p.m.
JAN. 14 The Bottom of the Barrel and Jonathan Ashley White at The Deli The Deli, 309 White St. 7 p.m.
JAN. 15 The Guided Sound Journey at The Deli The Deli, 309 White St. 1 p.m.
JAN. 21 405 Brewing Co. Winterfest 2023 405 Brewing Co., 1716 Topeka Dr. 1-4 p.m.
JAN 27 Locust Grove Live at the Resonator The Resonator, 325 E. Main St. 7 p.m.
JAN. 27-29 Sooner Theatre presents Frozen Kids Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 5 p.m. Saturday
FEB. 1
Synesthesia Late Night Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art 5-7 p.m.
FEB. 11 Bridges Prom 2.0: Myths and Legends 8 p.m. Oklahoma Memorial Union
Monthly 1 Million Cups Norman 9 a.m. FEB. 17 Commerce Building, 424 W. Main St. ArtxFacts: Dating with Dinos 6-8 p.m. FEB. 4 Sam Noble Museum Daddy Daughter Dance 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. FEB. 20 Embassy Suites, 2501 Conference Dr Dino Day Camp 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FEB. 4 Sam Noble Museum Medieval Fair Ball 2023 6 p.m. FEB. 21 Oklahoma Memorial Union Little Scientists: Dig It! 9:30-11 a.m. Sam Noble Museum FEB. 4 The Bottom of the Barrel at Hollywood Corners FEB. 23 4712 N. Porter Ave. Volunteer Training: Vertrebrate 8 p.m. Paleo Lab 10 a.m.-Noon Sam Noble Museum FEB. 8 Paleo Spotlight: Our Current Research 6-8 p.m. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave.
FEB. 9-11 Sooner Theatre presents Murder Mystery Studio of the Sooner Theatre 6:30 p.m. NormanMagazine.com
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EVENTS
Weekly
SUNDAY
Tai Chi The Well 10 a.m.
Zumba Classes 6 p.m. The Well Sunday Night Jazz 7-9 p.m. Othello’s of Norman, 434 Buchanan St. Hosty One Man Band at The Deli 7 p.m.
MONDAY
Blues Jam on the Patio Othello’s of Norman 7-9 p.m. The Aints at The Deli 7 p.m.
TUESDAY
Noon Concerts Noon Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Bryan White at The Deli 7 p.m. Open Mic Comedy Night Othello’s of Norman 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
All Levels Yoga 6:30 a.m. The Well
Hot Rod Night Hollywood Corners 4712 N. Porter Ave. 7 p.m. Trivia Night Othello’s of Norman 7:30 p.m. Karaoke Bison Witches 211 E. Main St. 9 p.m.
CMGT at The Deli 7 p.m. Joel Forlenza at Othello’s 5:30-8:30 p.m. Trivia Night at The Meating Place 121 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
Joel Forlenza at Othello’s 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Hot Rod Night Hollywood Corners 4 p.m.
Joel Forlenza at Othello’s 5:30-8:30 p.m.
All Levels Yoga Noon The Well
SATURDAY
TIPS FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Be An Energy Saver
Turn down the temp of your water heater. Seal leaks and drafts in your home. Add clothing and blankets to keep warm. Use LED or CFL light bulbs and unplug unused appliances and chargers.
Reduce Waste
Trade single-use items like cups and shopping bags for reusable ones. Recycle old newspapers into fireplace logs. Purchase rechargeable batteries for your flashlights, etc.
Travel Wisely
Take public transportation when able. Winterize your vehicle by checking fluids, filters, tires, and wipers. Use nontoxic deicers like clean clay cat litter, sugar beet water, pickle juice, sand, etc.
Be Water Smart
Take shorter showers. Don't let water run continuously while preparing food or washing dishes. Scrape dirty dishes instead of rinsing before putting in the dishwasher. Use low-flow fixtures.
For more Tips, visit www.GreenNorman.org. To make an appointment for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, call 405-366-5463 or email
[email protected] 405-292-3731
[email protected]
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BETTER GOLF IT’S TIME TO PLAY
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail boasts 468 holes on 26 exquisite courses throughout the beautiful state of Alabama, and right now, you can save big with remarkable prices on what The New York Times calls “some of the best public golf on earth.” Now that’s better golf!
CUSTOM PACKAGES AVAILABLE » To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444.
RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL // JUDGE COURSE #6
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Come see why customers consider us a Norman Legend!
Dine Inside and enjoy the atmosphere!
Carry Out Available or Order Online
Open Daily 11am -2am Full menu served until 12:30 Corner of Boyd and Classen
www.themont.com 36
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405-329-3330
| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
Family Owned In Business Since 1972
• Access Control and Security Cameras • Custom Key Designs • Open Doors • Change Locks or Make Keys • Dependable • Quality Service Serving & Located in Norman Okla. 24hr Emergency Service Free Estimates
405 329-0508
License #1295
[email protected]
GREEN &CLEAN
S.H. Vaughn Construction
Company p y
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Since 1990
Weed Control & Fertilization
366-7410 | www.greenandcleanlawncare.net
Roofing • Restoration • Remodeling
CALL US TODAY! 405 703-1133 Or Visit us at www.shvconstruction.com
LYON’S FENCE CO.
PRO TREE SERVICE
Fence & Bobcat Services of All Types
1/2 OFF For Seniors Free Stump Grinding & Haul Off With Tree Removal!! 30 Years Experience.
405 314-1313
sured
ed & In Licens
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Get a fresh start in 2023. Since 1993, Sooner Cleaning + Restoration has been serving customers in the OKC metro area. We offer a variety of cleaning services for your home or business, including...
Honesty. Respect. Professionalism. Courtesy. It’s how I treat all my customers. And you can be sure I’ll always do my best to meet your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
CALL ME TODAY.
Julia Chew Agency, Inc Julia Chew, CPCU, CLU, ChFC Bus: 405-329-3311
Air Duct Cleaning
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FAMILY-OWNED
Mold Removal
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Dryer Vent Cleaning
701 Wall Street Norman, OK 73069 www.juliachew.com
Chimney Cleaning
405-329-8999 1101016.1
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TheAnnual Sooner Theatre Presents Murder Mystery 'FUN'draising dinner and show! A Nice, Normall Neighborhood
Murder
Feb. 9, 10 & 11, 2023
Tickets $75/Tables of 10 $750
Tickets on sale now!
A murderously funny, musical fundraising dinner and show for adults only benefiting the programs and productions of The Sooner Theatre of Norman, Inc.
Sponsored by: Armstrong Bank, Eide Bailly, Hartzog Conger Cason, Norman Pediatric Dentistry, Valliance Bank
SoonerTheatre.org | 405.321.9600
ARTFUL INLETS
r u o t g walkin
The Artful Inlets Program is a partnership between the Norman Arts Council, Public Arts Board, and the City of Norman to transform stormwater infrastructure, such as storm drains, bridge crossings, and sidewalks, into works of art by Cleveland County artists. Installations can be found along Legacy Trail and Main Street in downtown Norman and in Lions Park. Scan the QR code for more information and a map of locations! NormanMagazine.com
| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
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PART 1: COMMUNITY PROJECT
LEADERSHIP. FRIENDSHIPS. LIFE CHANGING.
CALLING ALL JUNIORS YOU COULD WIN A TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.!
ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP
JUNE 16-22, 2023
The Oklahoma Rural Electric Youth Tour is an annual, weeklong, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., that is open to select high school juniors (seniors-to-be) who attend schools located in co-op service areas.
Cooperatives are businesses created by like-minded people to address a common unmet need. Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, but they all hold to the seven Cooperative Principles and core values of selfhelp, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. This is what makes the cooperative difference. ASSIGNMENT: Imagine you are granted $500 to create a project benefitting your community. How would you utilize the funds? Create a project proposal outlining your project using the sample template as a basis.
PART 2: COMMUNITY PROJECT PROMOTION An event, fundraiser, or community initiative will only succeed if people know and care about it. ASSIGNMENT: Create a promotional video for your community project*. (Max: 2 min/2 MB) *Find tips for creating your video at www.okcoop.org/ YouthTour Scan here to learn more and apply!
PART 3: LETTER TO A LEADER Oklahoma Youth Tour allows students to see the government working up close. During our day on Capitol Hill, we walk the halls of Congress, visit with members of the Oklahoma federal delegation, and tour the U.S. Capitol. Being an informed and active constituent is an important civic duty. ASSIGNMENT: Write a professional letter to an elected official about an issue important to you. This could be the issue surrounding your community project or an unrelated issue. *Find examples of elected officials and ways to contact them at www.okcoop.org/ YouthTour
PROVIDING TRUSTED TAX, ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Gray, Blodgett & Company, PLLC Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors
629 24th Ave SW • Norman, Oklahoma 73069 • 405-360-5533 • 405-364-3771 FAX www.cpagray.com 40
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| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
Friends don’t leave friends out in the cold. FRIGID TEMPERATURES ARE HERE. PLEASE BRING YOUR PETS INDOORS.
321-3361 ~ 400 24th Ave. N.W. ~ roserockvethospital.com
PEACE
SERVICE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Proudly Serving Oklahoma Since 1946
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MIND WAGGONEERSHVAC.COM 405.329.2076
TRUST 1351 E INDIAN HILLS RD NORMAN
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41
READY FOR YOUR ARRIVAL Relax in Montgomery’s only rooftop pool and spa. Escape to the elegance of Mobile’s historic Battle House Hotel. Come experience Alabama’s top hotels, resorts, and courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stay in eight luxury hotels and play 26 world-class courses from the Tennessee River to Mobile Bay. Laugh, play, explore, and relax in picturesque settings. Pamper yourself in luxury spas. Tee off with family and friends. Walk to area attractions. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine. It’s time to plan your next trip to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444. We will be here awaiting your arrival.
ANNISTON/GADSDEN » AUBURN/OPELIKA » BIRMINGHAM/HOOVER » DOTHAN » FLORENCE/MUSCLE SHOALS
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GREENVILLE » HUNTSVILLE » MONTGOMERY/PRATTVILLE » MOBILE » POINT CLEAR
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Our Mission Our mission is to give each resident a true sense of home and allow them to live each day to the best of their ability.
Dining • Therapies • Activities • Services • Testimonials • Financing
CONTACT US Phone: (405) 527-6531 632 S. E. Third - Lexington, OK 73051 NormanMagazine.com
| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
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YOUR LOCAL GO-TO SPORTING GOODS STORE SINCE 1981 Everything You Need To Be At The Top of Your Game... Now You’ll Find In Your Neighborhood!
Baseball • Softball • Football• Basketball • Wrestling Track and Field • Volleyball • Soccer • Team Uniforms Athletic Shoes & Equipment • Lettering • Letterman Jackets Bat re-gripping • Glove re-lacing •Specialty Services
NOW OPEN AT NEW CITY SHOPPING CENTER 609 N. MOORE AVENUE • 405-672-4230 NormanMagazine.com
| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
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PARTING SHOT
Stella Kaplan skates down the sidewalk at Blake Baldwin Skatepark.
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| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
Photo by Kyle Phillips
The Storm Damage Restoration Experts! Call today for your FREE Inspection.
(405) 237-3433
or Visit us at: www.CamelotExteriors.com Camelot Exteriors is one of the largest residential and commercial Storm Damage Restoration Companies in the country. We specialize in roofing and storm damage restoration. We work with dedication and integrity, and strive for a position of leadership in the roofing industry.
We are the roofing contractor that puts our Clients’ needs first. • RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERTS • METAL ROOFS • ROOF REPLACEMENT • GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS • ROOF REPAIR NormanMagazine.com
| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
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HEALTHY SMILES
for life. SARA K. SPURLOCK, DDS JENNIFER M. JENKINS, DDS & associates
Dental Design Studio offers comprehensive dental care in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. We see our patients as friends and we want only the best for you and your oral health. Using the latest dental care techniques, our dentists and staff are here to create healthy smiles for life! Our state of the art facility allows us to provide the best in dental care for you and your family.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
to come see
405 3216166 dental design studio | www.normandentist.com 48
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| JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023
561 MERCHANT DRIVE, NORMAN, OKLAHOMA