Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

Most people may only think of Mount Rushmore when they think about South Dakota. While it is not to be missed there are other attractions which need to be recognized.
The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark. In Deadwood
you can ponder the truth at the foot of Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah cemetery (along with Calamity Jane’s), tour Adams Museum and House, pan for gold at the Broken Boot Mine, choose from various guided tours, or take a self-guided walking tour into the past that puts the Wild West into perspective. You may even run into an incarnation of Wild Bill himself, either at the number 10 saloon or on horseback inspecting main street.
And there’s plenty of casinos for your gaming pleasure along with some fine eateries. One such is Kevin Costner’s Diamond Lil’s, where I had a pleasant Martini during sunset over main street. Costner’s memorabilia and costumes from his films are on display throughout the dining room, and if that was not enough finery, the top floor hosts a fine dining restaurant complete with piano and beveled glass décor.
Deadwood, South Dakota, is full of surprises such as Costner’s founded and funded Museum of the Tatanka (Buffalo) Museum right outside of town. Even with expert Lakota interpreters, displays of costumes worn in “Dances With Wolves”, and historic explanatory panels, the best part of Tatanka is the monumental 17 part sculpture of an Indian hunt near a buffalo jump. With wafts of movie theme music and the rustling of Dakota grass, this hill top venue is the pride of South Dakota, itself. Hats off and congratulations to Kevin Costner for giving back to America with the preservation and inspiration found at Tatanka: Story of the Bison interpretive Center and Sculpture. (For more information you may visit http://www.storyofthebison.com.
Up to 60 million Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. By the close of the 19th century, it was estimated that less than 1,000 bison survived.
This is their story… “I believe today that this place is bigger than the dream I had for it. What it means to anyone that comes here will be up to them. Tatanka was not designed as the white man’s version of the Native American. Rather it stands as a centerpiece for two cultures, one whose very lives depended on the buffalo and one who saw it as a means to an end. It recognizes and accepts that this is our mutual history. It can also represent the chance to move forward.” Kevin Costner, Attraction Founder/Owner
The badlands is another South Dakota wonder. (www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm) Roaming among the many outcroppings of natural time sculptured stone you are transported to another world. Containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 37-28 million years old, the evolutionary stories of mammals such as the horse and rhinoceros arise from the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires.
Hill City calls itself the Heart of the Black Hills. The history of Hill city reaches back into Pennington County’s oldest archives. In 1876, it was the first settlement established in conjunction with the initial discovery of Black Hills gold in French Creek, 13 miles south of where Hill City sits today. Miners came from far and wide to prospect in and around this small mountain town, now referred to as “The Heart of the Hills.” Although the first settlement in the count, it was the second community to develop in the greater Black Hills area, springing up shortly after the town of Custer.
In addition to livening up the local scene in the dark of winter, Open Stage Concerts gives new talent and seasoned acts alike a supportive place to hone their craft. It also helps local promoters find and hire performers for summer shows and festivals. Local and regional singer/songwriters and poets are regulars, but storytellers, dancers, jugglers, and joke tellers are welcome too. The audience’s free-will donations help support their scholarship program and art education grants for local kids.
Open Stage concerts at the High Country Guest Ranch will be held February 9 and 23, and March 9 and 23, with doors open at 5:15 pm with the buffet starting at 5:30 pm.
Other Hill City attractions are the Museum at Black Hills Institute and the Black Hills Institute of geological Research and the South Dakota State Railroad Museum which might quench your curiosity.
While on your way to other South Dakota sights you may wish to explore Deadwood and Hill City.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

A new chapter is unfolding in the Tealridge retirement community history.
Oklahoma Christian University recently sold its Tealridge retirement community located at 2100 NE 140th Street in Edmond to a local group with big plans for this well-known senior living community on the university campus.
The new group owns and manages the Tealridge Assisted Living & Memory Care Community in Edmond as well as the University Village Retirement Community in Tulsa among other communities.
However, leadership is based locally in Edmond.
“With the addition of the Tealridge independent living community, we are now able to offer our residents a full care campus with housing options ranging from independent living apartments to assisted living and even memory care services – all in one location,” said Jon Paden, who leads the new group.
The sale took almost two years to complete given Oklahoma Christian’s desire to find the right buyer and ensure the community continued to be managed and owned by a group with integrity as well as shared values and beliefs.
The new owners are already starting to reinvest in the community with over $1 million funded for building improvements which will include updating all resident apartments, dining and social areas.
“We are excited to build on the great Tealridge reputation for quality in the Edmond community and we are blessed to be able to invest the money and resources needed to really create a special, yet affordable retirement option.” added Paden.
Daily operations will be managed by Melissa Mahaffey the new Executive Director at Tealridge Retirement Community.
While she has extensive senior living management experience, Mahaffey credits her success from a genuine passion for improving the lives of her senior residents.
She also serves on the Oklahoma Assisted Living Federation.
“I am so excited to be a part of the next chapter at Tealridge.” shared Mahaffey. “We have the resources and vision to really create a place that builds on Tealridge’s great reputation while updating things to be on par with the best rental communities in Edmond.”
In addition to the great residents that already call Tealridge home, Mahaffey is building a team focused on placing a strong emphasis on customer service, hospitality and convenience for retirees regardless of what phase of life they are in, Paden added.
To find out more about Tealridge you can go online at tealridge.com.

by Bryan Painter

Muskogee – A lot of people say they are thankful for what time has taught them. However, Kelly Wiedel, who ranches with husband Bart in eastern Oklahoma, has a lifetime of experiences to back that up.
There are simple things she has learned.
Take for instance haying.
“I’ll never forget the day when my father-in-law Jim Wiedel said I had tractor driving in my blood because I asked him if I could rake again,” Kelly Wiedel said.
She also won’t forget what she learned one day when she was out haying.
“When raking hay with a tractor without a cab, stay away from bumble bees,” she said.
Wiedel has painted countless feet of pipe fence and gateways.
“From that I have learned to always paint with the wind at my back,” she said.
There are also things she’s learned that weren’t so simple, such as the first time her husband was ever involved in a vehicle accident. She was a passenger.
“It caused me to get vertigo and after time with it not going away and many different tests and scans of my head,” she said, “we found out that I had a brain aneurism and had to have brain surgery. So the wreck was a blessing because it saved my life.”
Perhaps it was all those experiences and more that led her to place a sign in their dining room that reads, “It may not be the easy way, but it’s the Cowboy Way.”
On a Sunday morning
Kelly was only 6 years old when she met this lanky boy named Bart at church on a Sunday in the early 1970s. Her family had just moved to the area and as it turned out, she grew up living roughly 10 miles from his family’s cow/calf and haying operation.
Kelly and Bart married in 1984 and started out with a small cow/calf operation near Muskogee. Three years later they became partners with his parents and together the families had 400 momma cows.
In between then and now, they have purchased more land and cattle. They have taken on the management of another 1,000-acre ranch.
Beverly Delmedico has known Kelly and Bart for several years.
“I don’t know of a couple that is closer together than Bart and Kelly,” she said. “They do absolutely everything together. They are just something else. I love Bart and Kelly both.”
Very proud of their family
Wiedel has another sign hanging on the wall, “Home is where the herd is.”
While they are proud of their ranch, they are extremely proud of their family. Others have recognized the Wiedels as well.
Kelly and Bart’s family received the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s District Six Farm and Ranch Family Recognition during the organization’s 77th annual meeting on Nov. 17.
They have three children, James Robert Wiedel, Jared Jay Wiedel and Lacy Miller, along with six grandchildren.
So, Kelly Wiedel says this about agriculture.
“It has given me a life to work beside my husband and raise our children in a way of life that has made them want to continue to live their lives in agriculture,” she said. “Our two sons have cattle of their own and work with us in the hay field. Our daughter and her husband have their own cattle operation about 45 miles away. We hope that our children and grandchildren have learned that hard work will make them better people.”
There is that word again, “learned.”
Life on an agricultural operation provides its own forms of continuing education.
There are the enjoyable lessons.
“I am most happy on the ranch when it is spring time and all the baby calves are running around,” she said.
Then, there are the challenging lessons.
“We went through a bad drought and had to bale cornstalks to provide hay for our cattle, because we sold more hay than our fields made because of the drought,” she said.
A key part of that comment is, “We went through…” They didn’t stop, they didn’t turn back. They put on their work gloves and they “went through.”
So how does Wiedel summarize the lessons learned so far in life?
Kelly Wiedel said, “It takes a person who is willing to put in a lot of time and hard work to make a ranch successful.”

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

On the darkest days, sometimes all it takes is a single ray of light to turn everything around.
For the last 20 years, Louise Colbaugh, 90, has shined in the Oklahoma City metro, volunteering at metro hospitals.
Colbaugh is closing in on three years volunteering at Community Hospital in south Oklahoma City but before that she gave 17 years at Hillcrest and eventually St. Anthony.
“I enjoyed it,” she said of her decades of unpaid service. “I don’t know. It’s just a way of life after awhile, you get up and go. You don’t sit at home and watch television or whatever.”
Colbaugh stayed home until almost 45, rearing a son and a daughter before heading out into the workforce.
Her son moved on to the paper products industry in Houston. Her daughter is close by in Moore and retired herself.
Her great granddaughter has already graduated college and is going on to pursue her degree as a physician’s assistant.
Attending graduation for her great granddaughter was a moment she’ll never forget.
“Wonderful and proud,” beamed Colbaugh, who also has two younger great grandchildren.
After raising kids and before volunteering she went back to school and studied accounting. She worked in the accounting department at Shepler’s western store.
As her husband’s health faltered, she decided she needed better insurance. She worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a civilian in the accounting department, eventually in the AWACs division.
Numbers were numbers, but only a lot more zeroes were at the end of those military budgets.
Colbaugh and her husband celebrated 51 years of marriage before he passed.
“It was bad,” she said of the end. “He had so many heart surgeries before he died. They tried to do surgery on him again and he never came out of it.”
For most who spend time with a loved one during an extended illness, the hospital would be the last place they would want to spend more time. Too many hours of fear and pain.
Colbaugh ran towards it.
“It’s just a way of life. It’s like another home to me,” Colbaugh said. “It gives you a purpose to get up in the morning. You know you’re going to meet people and you’re going to talk. I just like to do it.”
It’s an opportunity for Colbaugh to pour into others. She has stories to share. She’s felt the same feelings.
“It may be something like getting them a cup of coffee or a warm blanket,” Colbaugh explained. “I enjoy doing it and I enjoy talking to the people. It’s satisfying I can help people.”
“Like I say, it’s a way of life for me now.”
Colbaugh’s journey to Community Hospital began when St. Anthony closed its gift shop. A few of her fellow volunteers made the trip as well.
“Some people they’ll sit home and don’t do anything and then they wonder why they feel so bad,” Colbaugh said. “If they only knew how satisfying it was they would run for it really. That includes men and women. I work with both.”
“And there’s always somebody coming in and they see what you’re doing and they want to volunteer, too, but it’s getting farther and farther in between.”
Community Hospital has two campuses featuring a comprehensive range of medical services offering nursing care in a close-knit, compassionate community.
“You get paid. You get paid with gratitude and the thank-you’s you get,” Colbaugh said. “Men especially say ‘thank you for being a volunteer.’ That just makes me feel good.”
“And Roxy (Kostuck) our manager she is so good to all of us. She has Valentine’s parties and she gave me a 90th birthday party and it was wonderful.”
She immediately used the gift certificate she received to splurge on a cashmere sweater.
Colbaugh typically volunteers every Monday and Tuesday, coming in at 8 a.m. and working until 2 p.m.
She grabs the cart filled with complimentary items and goes room to room checking on patients and their families asking if they need anything.
From there she goes to the surgery waiting room.
“I go in and see what I can do for them,” she said. “And then I come back and Roxy always has something. I wrap a lot of gifts. They give away so much I can’t believe a hospital does that.”
As you might expect, Colbaugh is a big fan of volunteering her time. She’s quick to share her experience when others ask.
“I would tell them they would appreciate coming up here once they started,” Colbaugh said. “It would be good for them and they would get lots of exercise. I think they would love it.”

by Major Lesley Norman, Risk Reduction Officer, Oklahoma City Fire Department

At the beginning of the year, we set goals to make positive improvements in your lives. Most people never consider improving safety around their residents. The Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) has a few safety suggestions for 2019. Ensure the following safety recommendations are completed to provide a safer year for you and your family at home.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom/sleeping area and one outside those areas. Smoke alarms should also be installed on every level of the home including basements. The Oklahoma City Fire Department “Project Life” smoke alarm program allows Firefighters to install smoke alarms at no charge for qualifying residents of Oklahoma City. Contact 405-316-2337, www.smokealarmsokc.com or www.Gratisalarmasokc.com to request smoke alarms. Residents outside of Oklahoma City can contact your local fire department or Red Cross. The hearing impaired can contact the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), 888-885-5588 or email abletech@okstate.edu. OkAT will install smoke alarms with strobe lights and bed shaker for qualifying Oklahoma residents. Apply at www.okabletech.okstate.edu.
Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created from incomplete combustion of natural gas, propane, methane or gasoline. Running vehicles and generators also produce CO. Make sure gas appliances are professionally serviced every year to avoid possible CO leaks inside your home.
Fire extinguishers should be located in a kitchen, garage or both, ready to extinguish small fires. If there are smokers in the home, consider additional locations. Small “ABC” extinguishers can be purchased from the local department store and are disposable. Review the manufacturers’ recommendation for a disposal date. Always call 911 or have someone call 911 before extinguishing a fire. When using the extinguisher apply the PASS method for extinguishment, stand six to eight feet from the fire. P – pull the pin, A – aim low at the base of the fire, S – squeeze the lever slowly, S – sweep from side to side. An OKCFD training video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_ZYolzwMX4 or follow instructions provided with the extinguisher.
Fire drills should be practiced monthly while testing your smoke alarm. The OKCFD has a program called “EDITH,” Exit Drills In The Home. The EDITH program’s purpose is to inspire residents to develop an exit plan for their home. The exit plan should include two ways out of every bedroom, a meeting place outside the home, and practicing the fire drill. Practice your exit plan around your mobility and the plan should be shared with everyone sleeping in your home.
Fall prevention measures should include installing grab bars inside your home if you or other family members have a fall risk. Suggested location for grab bars is near toilets and bathtubs. Make sure you have a clear path to the restroom from your sleeping area. Use your walking aid or lift chair on those days you feel weaker than normal. Speak with your physician if your strength starts to fade. Begin this year making fire and fall safety improvements a priority in your life.
* According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working.”
Additional fire safety information is available at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education.

What brings you joy in your life? Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command

What really brings me joy is when my three boys have success in their personal life. Rick Dimit

The fact every day I can come here and have an opportunity to be Jesus’ hands extended. Dee Watts

Staying active … and playing pinball. Hugh Osborn

Seeing my friends every day and having my family close and working here brings me joy. Deanna Waltens

As new state leaders are sworn in today, John D. Doak reflects on his eight years as Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner. Doak was elected the state’s 12th insurance commissioner in 2010 and was re-elected for a second term in 2014.
“I’m honored that Oklahomans chose to elect me to represent them, both in terms of insurance company solvency and ensuring fair claims handling,” Doak said. “I’ve been privileged to witness the courage and resilience of Oklahomans in the face of difficult natural disasters. It’s also been a pleasure to work with our state Legislature and governor and to travel to every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, meeting and working with the people who live there.”
During his tenure, Doak has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and how it can help Oklahomans. He started a field representative program to reach every corner of the state. He also made it a mission to have boots on the ground as soon as possible after a disaster. Many times Doak himself would visit with storm victims to reassure them that his office was there to help, if needed.
Another issue Doak worked on during his time in office was lowering the rate of uninsured motorists. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the country. Just a few months ago, the OID announced it would host the Auto Insurance Verification System which allows law enforcement to verify a driver has insurance in real time.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is that, as I leave the OID, it is now being recognized as a global leader in insurance regulatory issues,” Doak said.
Doak’s recognition that government must be ready to accept new and innovative ideas and products has helped frame that thinking. His belief that the OID should not only to protect consumers but allow the free market process to bring new quality products to consumers is recognized by many leaders worldwide.
More of Doak’s accomplishments include:
*Recovering $27,675,828 for Oklahomans since 2011
*The passage of House Bill 2308 which allows the OID to construct and own an office building
*OID employees earning more than 160 professional designations
*Co-hosting the National Tornado Summit since 2011
*The passage of the Insurance Business Transfer law
*Developing an earthquake education requirement for insurance professionals
*Testifying before a U.S. Senate sub-committee about insurance fraud
*Helping launch the University of Tulsa Cyber District
“I wish the best to the new leaders of our state, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready,” Doak said. “Commissioner Mulready has already proven that he is a dedicated public servant with expertise in the insurance industry, and he will continue that tradition in this new role.”

By Darlene Franklin

“Why should I be afraid?” Israel’s greatest warrior king, David, asked in Psalm 27.
These past few months, I could have given him a few reasons from the “disease that stalks you in darkness” (Psalm 91:6, NLT) category. It started with a pulmonary embolism that could have taken my life and progressed to a succession of less threatening but still uncomfortable and debilitating ailments, most recently the need for cataract surgery.
Given my propensity to anxiety, I decided to proactively arm myself with encouragements not to give in to fear. When I opened my Bible, I discovered that every time it tells me to not be afraid, it also gives a reason.
If often also gives additional instruments. “Just” do this instead. As I adjust my attitude, my fear level drops.
“Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:13 NLT bold face mine and also in the paragraphs below)
In the words of the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, “No doubt the universe is unfolding exactly as it should.” Given time, most issues will resolve themselves.
Yes, there are times I’m supposed to get to work or even go on the offensive. But I start by standing still. I’m not in control, and why do I want to be? God is so much more powerful than I am on every level.
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) The phrase “stay calm” follows on the heels of “standing still” in the Bible, suggests the two work hand in hand. “Stand” involves physical action, to maintain an upright position while on one’s feet, without wavering. In this case, “stay” works more like “to be.” I can stand still because I am calm.
“Still” implies calm. I am undisturbed by outside forces, not showing or even feeling strong emotion, e.g., fear.
“Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.” (Psalm 91:8 NLT.)
Take a look at the larger picture. When the doctor told me, I had blood clots in my lungs—not one but two—I was unaware that that I had already passed the first test to survival. I hadn’t died in a heart attack as soon as they developed.
Recently, I spent eight hours in emergency room because of chest pain which turned out to be nothing worse than gastric difficulties. Over the long hours I spent watching the ER fill, empty, and fill again with new patients, I opened my eyes to those in much worse shape than me. I could afford to wait while newborn babies sick from pneumonia cried feebly and accident victims hovered on the brink of life and death.
“Just remember what the Lord your God did.” (Deuteronomy 7:18-21 NLT)
Remember the past. Was I frightened the last time I went through a similar experience? When the doctor warned me that the surgery was very serious, implying “and you could die.” Of course! I was afraid, but at peace—and I survived.
The more often something like that happens, the easier it becomes to remember God’s in control. Whether I live or die, I can trust him. The heart and mind connect what I’m learning from my Bible study and what’s happening in my life more clearly. Past experience increases my confidence that God has a purpose behind the current trial that’s tempting me to fear.
“Just have faith.” (Mark 5:36 NLT)
This guideline feels obvious—except the person who was told to have faith had every reason to doubt. Jairus, a leader in his synagogue, had come to Jesus when his daughter was deathly ill. Before they reached the house, he received word that his child had died.
Jesus’ response to the news? “Just have faith.” Minutes later He raised the girl from the dead. But if I had been Jairus in that moment, I would have felt like screaming, “I had faith. I came to you.” Undercurrent: You failed me.
Jesus encouraged Jairus to continue in the same faith he’d started out with. To trust God even in his bleakest moment. And sometimes I’ll be called on to trust in the face of massive disappointment, impossibility, and personal pain.
The next time fear comes knocking at the door, let’s remember these five principles so we can face those challenges with courage. God is on our side, and He’s always more powerful than what’s happening.

WALK BY FAITH, By Lisa Sydnor

Volunteers are the life-blood of non-profits. They may serve as board or advisory council members, in janitorial or maintenance positions, clerical, fundraisin, communications or as stockers in a food pantry. In other words, any position within the organization. On April 19, 2018, the Independent Sector, in partnership with IMPLAN, announced that the latest value of a volunteer hour is $25.69 – up 2.2% from 2017. That figure, estimated from data collected in 2017, shows the incredible contributions volunteers make to our communities and our country. Currently, 63 million Americans volunteer about 8 billion hours of their time and talent to improve people’s lives and the natural world. With the new value of volunteer time, these Americans are contributing approximately $197.5 billion to our nation.
When someone says, “I am JUST as volunteer”, they are truly missing the significant impact they have on the nonprofit world.
RSVP – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – has served Oklahoma County since 1973. In 2017, 130 nonprofits in Oklahoma County were the beneficiaries of 136,700 service hours from 707 volunteers; a financial impact of $2.9 million.
Beth Patterson, Executive Director of RSVP of Central Oklahoma, said that the need for more volunteers is critical to help local nonprofits meet their missions and the needs of their clients. RSVP recruits and trains senior volunteers for agencies, such as; American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Project 66 in Edmond, City Care’s Whiz Kids (tutoring), Upward Transitions Travelers Aid at Will Rogers World Airport, and RSVP Provide-A-Ride.
In 1994, RSVP started Provide-A-Ride, a service providing low-income seniors free transportation to medical appointments. RSVP volunteer drivers, age 55 and older, utilize their own vehicles, choose their own schedules, select the geographic areas they want to serve, receive free supplemental accident and liability insurance, and mileage reimbursement. In 2017, 85 volunteer drivers provided 7,476 rides or 261,660 miles driven to medical appointments for 367 seniors.
Provide-A-Ride participants must be 60+ and schedule rides in advance. Maintaining their independence and dignity, being self-sufficient, keeping medical appointments and becoming friends with the drivers are a few of the benefits participants receive through the program. For the drivers, knowing that they performed a much needed and valued service for someone, ensuring that they get their prescriptions filled and alleviating often burdensome transportation costs is what it is all about.
This program is so successful because of the people; that personal touch. One example is RSVP volunteer driver Pat Nebgen, “I do this to give added meaning to my life; to give back; to share my day with someone. The smiles, hugs and lively conversations are added benefits.” Pat began volunteering at RSVP after the death of his wife of 47 years. And, because of Don Blanding, who began volunteering in January 2017; “I enjoy driving and love that I can help seniors live more independently. I greatly enjoy being a part of RSVP. The elderly seniors that we serve are truly dependent on someone else for transportation to their medical appointments. They are always so appreciative of the help they receive. It makes me feel good to see how thankful they are.”
Some participants have shared their thoughts and appreciation:
· Provide-A-Ride volunteers are angels on wheels. Thank you for your kindness in my time of need. Angie G.
· The volunteer drivers are so friendly and courteous. I feel like I’ve made new friends. Now I look forward to my appointments because of them. Mildred M.
· RSVP Provide-A-Ride has made all the difference in ensuring I get the proper care my doctors want me to have. Jerri B.
· I am 91 and have macular degeneration so I can’t drive anymore. Provide-A-Ride volunteer drivers are my eyes on the road now, and I am so grateful. Ida Jean K.
· Provide-A-Ride is a bright cheery ride for those of us who are not able to drive anymore. Nan G.
· I don’t know what I would do for rides to my doctors without Provide-A-Ride. Loretta A.
· If I didn’t have Provide-A-Ride I wouldn’t be able to go to my medical appointments. Deborah M.
· I’ve lost my husband and children, and I don’t have family close enough to help me. Bless you for caring for us! Billie B.
If you are struggling with having reliable and affordable transportation to medical appointments, call RSVP to learn of your options. If you are looking for an avenue by which to give back to the community, what better way than to provide reliable, free transportation for fellow seniors. This is truly a win/win situation and the bonus is making new friends.
RSVP will recognize approximately 300 volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 17, 2019, at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Bennett Event Center. Sponsorships are available. To learn more about becoming a Provide-A-Ride participant, find out more about local volunteer opportunities with RSVP, or become a sponsor for the volunteer recognition, call 405-605-3106 or email beth.patterson@rsvpokc.org.
RSVP is a part of the Corporation for National Service and a United Way of Central Oklahoma partner agency.

The Oklahoma History Center is honored to present Colonial Williamsburg’s Katharine Pittman in a portrayal of America’s “Lady Washington,” Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The performance will be Thursday, February 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will take place in the Chesapeake Event Center. Admission costs are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers. There is no reserved seating, so early arrival is recommended. Tickets may be reserved by calling 405-522-0765. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.
Katharine Pittman has been an actor/interpreter for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for six years. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and holds degrees in theater and history, and performed for many years around the country in musicals and operas. However, history was always her passion and, when given the opportunity, Pittman developed the Martha Washington portrayal and became one of the Nation Builders for Colonial Williamsburg.
While in Oklahoma, Pittman will make an appearance at the annual Colonial Day event at the Oklahoma State Capitol and Revolutionary Day in Tulsa.