by Nick Thomas

When Universal Pictures assembled the cast of the popular TV series “The Munsters” for the big screen adaption in the 1966 film “Munster, Go Home!” another actress replaced Pat Priest as Marilyn Munster.
“I was devastated not to be in the film,” said Priest from her home near Boise, Idaho. “We were on the set filming the end of the season and the producers sent one of their guys down to tell me. I was 29 and my contract was up for renewal, so I think they wanted a younger actress and didn’t want to pay me more.”
Priest says fellow cast members Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) and Al Lewis (Grandpa) “went to bat for me” but “that’s just the way it goes in this business.”
While her role throughout “The Munsters” series was often small, Priest has always been upbeat about the experience.
“Occasionally, there was a show built around me, but I usually didn’t have a lot of lines and I just accepted that,” she said. “On a positive note, I could learn my three or four lines on the freeway on my way to the studio!”
Nevertheless, Priest still has fond memories of working on the show, although there was a brief early encounter with Yvonne De Carlo (Lily Munster).
“She was a major movie star from the 40s and 50s,” explained Priest. “My first day on the set the two of us were in a scene together and the director asked me to move forward into the light.
Yvonne turned to me and said, ‘Let’s get something straight right now young lady, don’t you ever upstage me.’ Man, I jumped back and didn’t care if I spent the rest of the series in the dark! However, we eventually got along well and often had lunch together. But Fred and Al would always tease her about being a diva.”
Gwynne and Lewis had previously starred in “Car 54, Where Are You?” and Priest says it was clear that the pair had on-screen chemistry.
“They played off one another so beautifully, were best friends, and their families were all very close,” she said. “But interestingly, while the rest of us would later meet at TV conventions and autograph shows, Fred didn’t want anything to do with ‘The Munsters.’ He preferred to be known as a fine actor, not just identified with the Munster character, and would never sign autographs or be interviewed about the show. He wouldn’t even stand beside Al to have his picture taken even though they remained good friends.”
After “The Munsters,” Priest continued in commercials and took on mostly small acting roles, but she looks back on her acting career as a wonderful experience.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to do and gone everywhere I wanted to go,” she said. “I’m 83 now and whatever happens in the future is all just pluses.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 750 newspapers and magazines.

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Indian rhino calf due this fall – Zoo is committed to conserving this rare species

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to announce that its female Indian rhinoceros, Niki, is eating for two! Niki, 13, one of the OKC Zoo’s adult, female Indian rhinos–also known as the greater one-horned rhino–is expecting a calf with the Zoo’s male, Indian rhino, Arun, 29. This will be the first offspring for this breeding pair.

“Rhino births are significant events at the Zoo so we are thrilled to share news of Niki’s pregnancy and cannot wait to welcome this new addition to our herd,” said Rachel Emory, OKC Zoo curator of pachyderms. “The Zoo is committed to the conservation of this amazing species and recognizes the vital role this calf plays in helping ensure our world’s rhino populations survive for future generations.”
The Zoo’s veterinary team confirmed Niki’s pregnancy through hormone monitoring and ultrasounds. She is expected to give birth late October or early November 2020 following an approximately 16-month gestation. This will be Niki’s second offspring to be born at the Zoo and the sixth Indian rhino birth since the species became part of the Zoo’s animal population in 1981. Niki’s first calf, a male, Rupert, born in 2014, now resides at Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana.
Rhino dad, Arun, arrived at the Zoo in February 2019 from the Fort Worth Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation by the greater one-horned rhinoceros species survival plan (SSP). SSP programs were developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to oversee breeding management and sustainability of select animal species within AZA-member zoos and aquariums. The Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia is also home to adult, female Indian rhino, Shanti, 32 who also came from the Fort Worth Zoo with Arun.
At almost 4,000 pounds, Niki appears healthy and her pregnancy is going well. She is receiving excellent care and attention from her caretakers who are working closely with the Zoo’s veterinary team to monitor both mom and calf through ongoing exams and ultrasounds. Caretakers have been working with Niki through positive reinforcement training to ensure she is comfortable with these exams and voluntarily participating in her care.
Native to northern India and southern Nepal, Indian rhinos are currently listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Through conservation programs, wild populations over the past century have recovered from under 200 animals to approximately 3,600 today. However, there is a continuing decline in the quality of their natural habitat and the species continues to be illegally hunted for its horn.
The OKC Zoo is helping save Indian rhinos by supporting the International Rhino Foundation’s efforts to protect vulnerable and critically endangered rhinos and their habitat in India with money from the Round Up for Conservation Fund. The Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program encourages guests to donate their change from any Zoo purchase to help protect wildlife and wild places around the world. Plus, the Zoo’s American Association of Zookeepers chapter has raised more than $373,000 for rhinos in Asia and Africa through its fundraising efforts since 1990.
Stay in the rhi-KNOW and follow the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories for updates on Niki and her little one on the way!
The Oklahoma City Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and an Adventure Road partner. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular Zoo admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visiting okczoo.org.

www.arborhouseliving.com

Themed Event to Celebrate “Route 66: The Ultimate American Road Trip”

HarborChase of South Oklahoma, a new luxury senior living community, is hosting “Route 66: The Ultimate American Road Trip” from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, March 12. In honor of the community’s grand opening, the event will feature live entertainment, community tours, cocktails, chef-prepared cuisine and a celebration of the iconic sights of Route 66. HarborChase of South Oklahoma City is managed by Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA), a regional senior living development and management company based in Vero Beach, Florida.

“We’re very excited to host this Grand Opening Celebration as we formally open the doors to HarborChase of South Oklahoma,” said Willie Ferguson, Executive Director of HarborChase of South Oklahoma City. “This is truly going to be an evening to remember for our friends, associates, residents and family members. This festive event will pay homage to the beloved and iconic ‘Mother Road.’ We look forward to introducing new friends to the unsurpassed hospitality and luxurious amenities of HarborChase.”

During the event, HarborChase of South Oklahoma City will host community walking tours of its grounds and amenities. The celebration will feature live entertainment and a variety of themed food and beverage stations, each one celebrating one of Route 66’s iconic sights or exits. Guests will have an opportunity to win prizes with a series of prize drawings. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, call (405) 259-2309.

Located at 10801 South May Avenue, HarborChase features 24-hour staff, supportive services, scheduled transportation daily, housekeeping service, concierge services and the exclusive Chef’s Fare Dining program with customized dining experiences in multiple restaurants. It also includes HarborChase’s signature Life Enrichment program, designed to provide social, devotional, fitness and recreational opportunities that have a positive impact on residents.

For more information on HarborChase of South Oklahoma City, visit www.HarborChase.com.

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn [email protected]

When one becomes a senior in age and experience, there comes a knowledge of what works for you and what doesn’t, which influences your choices for entertainment and travel. Recently returning from my first cruise of the new decade of 2020, I’ll share some reflections that might prove beneficial to fellow seniors. To add to my professional travel writer credentials, I was not given any special monetary discounts for my editorial evaluations.
As you recall from my Senior News and Living January edition, “To Cruise or Not to Cruise” (https://okveterannews.com/020215/travel-entertainment-to-cruise-or-not-to-cruise/), there were a number of choices one must make when booking a cruise, as it pertains to individual preferences. Even with the convenience of online booking, there is an educational learning time needed as to how each cruise line sets up their own online booking arrangements.
I found the Celebrity online website a bit daunting at first, but after using it first in September of 2019, and becoming familiar with its style, it is a fast and convenient way to book a cruise, with a down payment to reserve your choices. Of course if educating yourself with online booking is not your thing, you might set up a relationship by phone to help you out with many questions that might arise. When I started my booking it was during a bad weather period as some offices were shut down due to the September Hurricanes. With long wait times on the phone, this was not my preferred booking option.
On a peraonl note I chose the Celebrity Equinox Cruise ship as I had a college friend that was employed in their theatrical cast. This gave me a primal interest in the Equinox, so that I might not only enjoy the lux life of cruising the Caribbean but share in the talents of a friend, with his theatrical performances.
With that decision made, and the best specific January dates needed, I got serious as to cabin location and class. Here again many choices and many price levels. With past cruise experiences with upscale lines such as Regent and Royal Viking, I found paying a few hundred dollars more for a high class cabin is a good investment. I discovered Celebrity has an Aqua Class which is just a step down from their top tier of cabins in the suite category. Aqua Class offers the advantage of special boarding and departing options, no extra charge room service, which is so comforting when you are not up to going to one of the many dining options. It is convenient for your time and energy restraints, and Aqua class also offers other exclusive dining options.
Aqua class offers the dining option of the exclusive Blu Dining room with excellent service, gourmet food options and an elegant atmosphere. The only draw back is that it is first come first serve with no reservations, so picking an off peak dining time is recommended.
Other specialty dining options, with an up charge of from $30 to $40 above your cruise charge, includes: Italian, a continental, steak and sushi dining options. Timed reservation are taken there, which can adjust to your own schedule. When booking you are asked if you want early or late dining seating at the all ship option of the silhouette dining room where the menu changes each night. Luncheon options are also available in other venues which I will describe in more detail next month in part two.
You can explore and reserve and pay for shore excursions on line. The pre cruise online shore excursions are very limited, so you might wait on all your choices until you board where an extensive list of on shore tours are offered and can be paid for at the guest services desk several decks below your cabin level. Prepaid tours and dining options are non refundable.
Another choice to be made is your Beverage Package. It’s an economical no worry way to prepay your beverages. You probably already know if you want upscale wines and spirits, or if ordinary brand spirits and wines are more to your liking, or if you only want a soft drink package. This prepaid option goes along with your mandatory gratuity charges, which also can be prepaid so there is no shock at the end of the cruise with your bill, which is billed to the credit card you signed on with. A few days after returning home you will receive an email with an itemized list of your on board charges. I find this most helpful and eases any idea of undue charges. I found no undue charges in my bill. Celebrity is interested in how you evaluate your cruise and sends you a survey. Be sure and be honest for praises and short comings. I did.
Of course with the uncertainty of travel relating to weather and airline delays, you should consider arriving at your port of call city the day before the start of your cruise. An inexpensive hotel in the area is a good insurance policy against ‘missing the boat.’ Celebrity also offers their own travel insurance if you feel the need for health reasons. Requesting a wheel chair for getting on and off the ship is also offered and I recommend such, as there is a long walk up and down the gang way.
Next month I’ll explore my dining and activity and tour options. Feel free to check out the Celebrity website to explore the many ships and destinations Celebrity offers: (www.celebritycruises.com) or call 1-888-751-7804

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
3110 N.W. 15 Street – Oklahoma City, OK 73107
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Decades Old Rule Updated to Reflect Today’s Workforce

Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul announced a new final rule today, modernizing an agency disability rule that was introduced in 1978 and has remained unchanged. The new regulation, “Removing the Inability to Communicate in English as an Education Category,” updates a disability rule that was more than 40 years old and did not reflect work in the modern economy. This final rule has been in the works for a number of years and updates an antiquated policy that makes the inability to communicate in English a factor in awarding disability benefits.
“It is important that we have an up-to-date disability program,” Commissioner Saul said. “The workforce and work opportunities have changed and outdated regulations need to be revised to reflect today’s world.”
A successful disability system must evolve and support the right decision as early in the process as possible. Social Security’s disability rules must continue to reflect current medicine and the evolution of work.
Social Security is required to consider education to determine if someone’s medical condition prevents work, but research shows the inability to communicate in English is no longer a good measure of educational attainment or the ability to engage in work. This rule is another important step in the agency’s efforts to modernize its disability programs.
In 2015, Social Security’s Inspector General recommended that the agency evaluate the appropriateness of this policy. Social Security owes it to the American public to ensure that its disability programs continue to reflect the realities of the modern workplace. This rule also supports the Administration’s longstanding focus of recognizing that individuals with disabilities can remain in the workforce.
The rule will be effective on April 27, 2020.

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation honored Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) recently with its inaugural Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Award.
Cole received the award for his role in championing biomedical research on MS and other diseases. The ceremony took place at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, during a dinner that also raised more than $270,000 for research and patient care at OMRF’s Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence.
During his nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Cole has advocated for biomedical research on the national level. Cole is the former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Under his leadership, the National Institutes of Health’s budget has grown almost $8 billion since 2014.
“Congressman Cole has used his considerable influence to benefit those suffering from disease,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, who serves on OMRF’s board and presented the award to Cole. “Multiple sclerosis is one of many diseases that impacts the lives of Oklahomans, and Tom understands their struggle. It fuels his passion for funding research that ultimately will make a difference for countless Americans.”
MS causes vision problems, tremors, paralysis, painful spasms, imbalance and cognitive changes. At OMRF, more than 3,000 MS patients receive treatment from clinicians, who also team with laboratory researchers in an effort to develop new treatment options.
“Everyone has family members and loved ones who are affected by some form of disease,” said Cole. “Regardless of your politics, funding for biomedical and disease research is always a worthy cause. As I serve in Congress, I will continue fighting to sustain and increase the gains that we have made, so centers of research excellence like OMRF can continue to pursue groundbreaking research to find more cures and treatments that benefit all of society.”
Those efforts, said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D., have indeed made a difference.
“Congressman Cole prioritized research funding and has been responsible for historic increases,” said Prescott. “Because of his leadership, we’re now seeing new and meaningful discoveries that will change—and save—lives.”
The Chickasaw Nation served as the lead sponsor of the event, which also received support from Nancy Ellis, Lou and Jim Morris, Susan and Louis Dakil, the Clyde Evans Trust, and the Scaramucci Foundation.

https://www.caresuitesokc.com/

OU Medical Center at OU Medicine has become the first hospital in Oklahoma to offer robotic spine surgery. The advanced technology allows for the precise placement of spinal hardware during complex spinal operations.
“The capacity to perform robotic spine surgery is another advance in the level of care available to Oklahomans and patients in the surrounding region,” explained Ian Dunn, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dunn was instrumental in bringing this technology to OU Medicine. “This technology improves safety in the operating room and enhances patient outcomes.”
In addition to the newly available technology, Neurosurgeon Zachary Smith, M.D., recently joined the faculty. Smith has specific experience in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Smith completed fellowship training in minimally invasive techniques and complex spine surgery at McGaw Medical Center-Northwestern University, Chicago, and completed his residency at the University of California-Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, where he also earned his medical degree.
Smith is a strong advocate for robotics technology. “Robotics bring greater precision to surgery,” he said. “This technology makes it possible to plan procedures in minute detail, well before stepping into the operating room. In this way, we reduce risks related to the procedure and ensure high-quality care. We look forward to bringing this technology to our comprehensive neurosurgical and orthopedic spine team.”
In addition to greater precision, robotic-assisted surgeries are minimally invasive, meaning shorter recovery time for patients. “The goal of every surgery is to return people to the places and activities they care about,” said Smith.
Robotic assistance in spine surgery complements the well-established use of robotics at OU Medicine in specialties including, but not limited to urology, pulmonology, oncology and general surgery.

Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of legal documents do I need to prepare to help my family after I’m gone? I would like to get my affairs in order but could use some help.  Almost 75

Dear Almost,
All adults – especially seniors – should have at least four essential legal documents to protect yourself and your family. These documents will make sure your wishes regarding your estate are legal and clear and will help minimize any conflicts and confusion with your family and your health care providers if you become seriously ill or when you die. Here are the key documents you need, along with some tips to help you create them.
Will: This document lets you spell out your wishes of how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die, whether it’s to family, friends or a charity. It also allows you to designate an executor to ensure your wishes are carried out and allows you to name guardians if you have dependent children.
In addition to a will, if you own real estate or have considerable assets, another option you may want to consider is a “revocable living trust.” This functions like a will but allows your estate to avoid the time and expense of probate (the public legal process that examines your estate after you die) and helps ensure your estate’s privacy.
Durable Power of Attorney: This allows you to designate someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated.
Advanced Health Care Directive: This includes two documents that spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment. The two documents are a “living will” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable.
You should also consider making a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your advance directive, since advanced directives do little to protect you from unwanted emergency care like CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fill out a state appropriate form and sign it.
Do-It-Yourself
If you have a simple estate and an uncomplicated family situation, there are do-it-yourself resources that can help you create all these documents for very little money. Some options to consider include Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2020 software (available at Nolo.com) that costs $90 and works with Windows and Macs and is valid in every state except Louisiana. And LegalZoom.com, which offers an estate plan with professional legal guidance with an independent attorney for $179.
Get Help
If, however, you want or need assistance or if you have a complicated financial situation, blended family or have considerable assets, you should hire an attorney. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases – especially when writing a will or living trust – which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone.
Costs will vary depending on where you reside, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan that includes a will, power of attorney and advance directive. If you want your estate plan to include a living trust, that can run anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org) and the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC.org) are two good resources that have directories on their websites to help you find someone in your area.
If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see www.FindLegalHelp.org) to find low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

It’s a scene that continues to play itself over and over again whenever folks taste Jerel Jalbert’s barbecue sauces.
The culinary-trained Jalbert has been making BBQ sauce for decades. He tweaked it here and there during his 20 years in the Air Force and brought his love for sauce to the Sooner State when they moved here 20 years ago.
“My two kids said ‘Dad you have this barbecue sauce and you need to do something with it,’” he said.
He decided to take his original sauce and started testing it on groups. The feedback recommended a medium and a hot version were necessary.
It took 18 months to come up with the right spice levels before Papa J’s BBQ launched August 2014.
“We did a lot of test groups and had a lot of people try it. We knew we had a good product but the challenge was getting it processed and getting it ready,” he said. “But everyone seems to really like it.”
FAMILY AFFAIR
Papa J’s is family-owned with Jalbert’s two sons pulling equal weight.
“We’re all part of the company and we’re all owners and each one has a job,” he said.
Eldest son, Jeffrey, serves as the finance officer.
Youngest son, James, is the marketing director.
James jokes there’s absolutely no pressure when it comes to marketing the family business.
“It’s an easy product to market to be quite honest.” Being that we’re such a rare sauce in the fact we’re a whiskey barbecue sauce make it that much easier to really sell and market it. I think it comes down to how you sell it, how you present it to your customers and really come up with a great sales technique to make that happen.”
James’ degree is in marketing. He’s a loan underwriter at a local bank during the day when he’s not hitting up customer’s about the family sauce.
“I knew it was going to be a challenge,” Jeffrey said. “Raising the capital has been difficult. We’re a pretty blue collar family. You don’t make much in the military and on a military pension so there wasn’t a whole lot.”
Jeffrey drew heavily on his contacts as a commercial lender locally. He’s now a chief financial officer for a highway construction company.
“I take a lot of the tools I’ve learned in my current role and try to implement in our small business, the barbecue business,” he said.
This year the focus is on expanding distributorships and getting onto more Oklahoma shelves.
Barbecue-focused businesses are a natural draw but the family would one day like to see the Papa J’s brand at stores like Crest and Whole Foods.
“This year we’ve shifted to try to go to greater volume to increase sales,” Jeffrey said, acknowledging forging those relationships takes time. “Some of those companies want to sell wholesale for $2 or $3. When it’s $4.50 to $5 a jar … I think they’re harder to sell on.
“So it’s trying to find those companies that are willing to specialize a little more and in the quality of that sauce.”
Papa J smiles when you ask which whiskey he uses.
“People always ask what we use and the analogy I use is if you go into a package store whiskey is on levels. The cheap stuff is on the bottom, there’s the mid stuff and your top shelf,” he said. “We’re up there.”
Matriarch Hope tries her best to support her boys in the venture as well as put a lovable face on the brand at the multitude of shows, bazaars and events the company markets at.
“I introduce people by letting them sample. I do hands-on stuff,” she laughs. “The majority of the people love it. I describe the flavor first.”
The original sauce has the most whiskey flavor. The spicy version is a warm spice. The smoking hot is a five-second delayed heat tingle on the back of the tongue.
Forget the syrupy sweet or vinegary tang most sauces leave in your mouth.
Papa J’s sauces have a smoothness that you can definitely tell took a while to arrive at.
Papa J credits that smoothness to the whiskey.
And as to where Papa J’s goes in the future, Papa J has high hopes.
“I hope it’s an inheritance for my kids,” Papa J said. “I want it to grow and really take off. Barbecue in Oklahoma is really competitive. There’s a lot of sauces out there and you have to find that unique niche.”
We think we’ve found that but it’s a challenge to get to those places and have the availability.”
You can find out where to find Papa J’s sauces online at papajsbbq.com or on Facebook.

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