By Nick Thomas

For those of us who lived through the 70s and 80s, the comedic impressionist Rich Little was everywhere on television. While he guest-starred in many classic TV shows, Little will always be remembered for his hilarious appearances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast TV series in the 1970s and early 80s.
“I look back on those Dean Martin Roasts – and I did 24 (about half) of them – with much affection,” said Little from Las Vegas where he has been a long-time resident. “Aside from Ruth Buzzi, I’m the only regular from the show who is still alive. I’m blessed to still be working.”
Turning 85 later this year, Little has been delighting audiences with his visual and vocal celebrity impressions for the past 7 years during his residency at the Laugh Factory comedy club on the third-floor showroom of the Las Vegas Tropicana hotel. He recently extended his autobiographical one-man show into the new year and will continue performing “Rich Little Live” four evenings a week.
“Originally, I planned to be there only a couple of weeks, but it just took off,” he said. “I’m doing shows at 6:30 pm Sundays through Wednesdays now.”
Little also recently updated his 2016 semi-autobiographical book, “Little by Little: People I’ve Known and Been” (see www.therichlittle.com).
“I added new chapters, including one on Don Rickles who passed away a few years ago, made some corrections, and gave it a new cover,” he explained. “I also mention a lot of other people I didn’t talk about the first time around. It’s not really a biography, but rather a collection of the funny things that have happened with me and the celebrities I’ve known through the years.”
Originally from Canada, Little credits Mel Tormé for helping him crack the U.S. entertainment scene when the singer secured him a spot on “The Judy Garland Show” in early 1964. Garland’s spontaneous joy at Little’s impressions of Jimmy Stewart, James Mason, and others was contagious and the rookie comedian was soon crowned the premier Hollywood impressionist. This year, he will also receive a special honor from his native home.
“I will be receiving the Order of Canada that recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to our nation throughout their lives,” said Little proudly. “I guess they found out I was still living and decided to give it to me! I have dual citizenship with Canada and America and became a U.S. citizen about 10 years ago.”
In addition to his entertainment impressions, Little is known for poking fun at presidents, particularly Reagan and Nixon. He added Biden to his current routine, but doesn’t do Trump or Obama. While his impressions have never been mean-spirited, he’s aware that contemporary political humor can be divisive.
“People are more sensitive now and everything has to be politically correct, so it’s a little tougher to imitate politicians these days compared to 30 or 40 years ago,” he says.
Nevertheless, as he heads into a new year with his updated book, recognition from his home country, and headlining at a major Las Vegas hotel, the demand for his live shows confirms that Rich Little continues to impress.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.

Story by Joyce Clark, Executive Director – Saint Ann Retirement Center

As a single woman in her 60’s who is also the director of a senior living campus, I often hear friends and residents comment on the challenges of finding love after reaching an age of experience. The fact is there are many more single women than men age 65 and better. The guys hold an advantage and simply have more to choose from to meet their romance needs. That means a woman interested in finding love might benefit from a strategic approach to broadening her circle of potential candidates.
The benefits of finding love later in life are numerous. Companionship and emotional support can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of health issues such as depression and heart disease. A partner can also provide financial and practical support, making it easier to pay bills and navigate life.
Finding love at any age can be challenging, but it is possible to find a new partner even after age 60. Below are a few suggestions to help single folks succeed in their search for a mate. I may try out a few of these recommendations later this year and get back with you readers on my experiences. Call me at (405) 721-0747 Ext #301 and let me know if you have any fun or interesting stories or tips to share!
BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION: Focus on developing self-love, clear communication skills, flexibility, and appeal. These are essential to attract someone and to maintain a healthy relationship.
JOIN SENIOR DATING WEBSITES OR APPS: Online dating can be a great way for older adults to connect with others. Look for reputable dating apps or websites and be sure to protect your personal information. Be honest about yourself and about what you are looking for in a match. This will help increase the chances of finding a compatible partner.
PRACTICE SELF-CARE: Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally will make you a more attractive and confident partner.
BE ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY: Get involved in your local community through volunteering and helping out at events. This can help you meet new people and find potential partners.
BE CONFIDENT: Believe in yourself and your ability to find love and to be loved. Confidence is attractive and can help you make a connection with someone.
DON’T RUSH: Take your time in getting to know someone and building a relationship. Love takes time to develop, and it’s important to be patient and allow things to blossom naturally.
HAVE FUN: Remember that finding love should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy the journey.
GET OUT AND SOCIALIZE: Join clubs, groups, or organizations that align with your interests. Look for local events and activities that are geared towards seniors, such as dances, book clubs, church classes, and fitness groups. This will give you the opportunity to meet new people who share your passions. It’s important to be active and engage with others in the social activities you join. Be open to conversations and make an effort to get to know people. Don’t be afraid to ask someone out for coffee or a meal to get to know them better. Saint Ann Assisted & Independent Living has numerous entertainers and fun things to do. You are welcome to come join the fun. Life enrichment calendars are typically on the website:
https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/ or you can call Lisa at (405) 721-0747 Ext #322 to have calendars emailed to you.

BE OPEN-MINDED: Don’t limit yourself to a certain age range or type of person. You never know who you might connect with.
DON’T GIVE UP: Finding love takes time and patience. Keep an open mind and continue to put yourself out there.
TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY: Expanding your horizons can be interesting and fun. Joining a club or group that focuses on a hobby you enjoy is a great way to meet new people.
SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL HELP: If you are struggling to find love, consider seeking out the help of a professional matchmaker or dating coach who can help you navigate the dating scene.
TAKE A CLASS: Sign up for a class that interests you, such as a cooking class, photography class, or dance class. This can be a great way to meet new people and find someone who shares your interests.
ATTEND EVENTS: This can include community festivals, fairs, concerts, or art shows. These events can provide a relaxed and fun atmosphere to meet new people and make connections.
CELEBRATE YOUR AGE: Embrace your age and all that it represents. You have a lifetime of experiences and wisdom that makes you unique and valuable.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
INVOLVE FRIENDS & FAMILY: Ask others to connect you with someone they think may be a great match.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS: Be open and truthful with yourself and others about what you are looking for in a relationship. This will help you find someone who truly matches your needs and wants.
LOOK FOR OTHER WAYS: For example, recently a woman placed a personal advertisement in Senior News & Living classifieds seeking a compatible man. She reports she has had tremendous results. Taking initiative and action to find love might open more doors and expedite success.
Joyce Clark is the Executive Director of Saint Ann Assisted & Independent Living in Oklahoma City. Saint Ann is an affordable and fun community that has new levels of care, including short-term respite stay. The beautiful home is a ministry of The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and people of all faiths love living at Saint Ann. Call Lisa at (405) 721-0747 Ext #322 or visit the website https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/ for more information about assisted or independent living.

Story and photo by Lisa Gonzalez, Contributing Writer

As we age, managing financial matters can become more challenging. But staying on top of our finances is essential for avoiding financial fraud, minimizing debt, and making the most of our retirement savings. If you think your senior loved one is struggling with money management, it might be time to step in and offer to help with their financial matters. Today, Senior News and Living explores some common signs that your senior loved one may be struggling with their finances as well as some steps you can take to help out.

Look for Signs of Financial Management Issues

Financial management issues aren’t always obvious, even to close loved ones. Keep an eye out for some common signs that your senior loved one may be having a hard time tending to their financial responsibilities:

• Unopened mail lying around the house.

• Purchases that are out of character.

• Unexpected changes in their investment portfolio.

• Large bank withdrawals or transfers between accounts.

• Taking longer than usual to pay bills and complete other everyday financial tasks.

• Paying the same bill more than once.

• Repeatedly calling the bank for passwords and pin numbers.

Some of these signs might also indicate that your senior has become a victim of financial fraud or financial exploitation. If you suspect this is the case, AgingCare.com recommends gathering as many details as possible and reporting your suspicions to local law enforcement.

Help Your Loved One Sell Their Business

If your senior loved one runs a business and they’re struggling to keep up with their business finances, this could be a good time to sell. Help your loved one prepare their business for sale by getting a professional business valuation. A business valuation will provide an objective perspective on the company’s value, void of any sentimental value your loved one may assign to it. A valuation is also important for arriving at a realistic asking price that buyers think is fair.

Obtain Power of Attorney

Getting a general power of attorney will enable you to act on the behalf of your senior loved one both financially and legally. You’ll be able to sign documents on their behalf, open or close bank accounts, withdraw funds, pay bills, cash checks, and even enter into contracts for utilities and services.

Be sure to approach your loved one with power of attorney discussions while they’re still able to make their own decisions. Since this can be a difficult conversation, work to build trust before broaching the topic. Offer to help with financial matters and decisions to show that you care about what’s going on in their life. Most importantly, avoid pressuring them, placing blame, or shaming them for their financial struggles.

Consider Relocating

Handling all of this long distance can be pretty daunting – if not impossible – and frequent car rides or plane trips can be exhausting, as well. If you feel like you might need to be closer to your loved one for a while to see that everything gets done right, you might want to look into buying a house in the area. Do some online research to see properties with your preferred amenities as well as price, and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions when you go to look at the house.

Take Over Regular Financial Tasks

Whether or not you have power of attorney, you can help your senior loved one with a number of regular financial tasks like paying bills or monthly budgeting. This is easier to do with a joint bank account. GetCareful.com recommends considering the pros and cons of a joint account before moving forward. While a joint account will allow you to monitor transactions and help your senior loved one with their finances, it can also create complications with taxes, estate planning, and social security benefits. Consider talking to a financial advisor about this decision to ensure it’s the right move for your family.

Many seniors need help with financial management at some point. If you have a parent, sibling, or spouse who is struggling with their finances, offer to lend a hand! Discuss their options, be respectful, and let them make decisions on their own. Whether you end up helping them sell their business or paying their monthly bills, your assistance will go a long way toward improving their financial well-being!

Senior News and Living provides readers a fresh publication filled with news and features with resources for the mature reader. Contact us today for more info!

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

The annual Friends of the Metro Library Booksale in February is growing as senior volunteers step up to face the challenge of a crowd so large that organizers needed to limit the number of shoppers allowed in the largest building at the same time.
The used book selection was the most extensive ever seen at the book sale, as was the number of shoppers. Fortunately, the “Better Books” section in the smaller building had no entry restrictions during the day. Thousands of book lovers lined up early on Saturday, February 25, well before the 9 a.m. opening in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds.
Heather Zeoli, Metro Library System director of development said, “This event is growing every year, and we are proud of our volunteers, including Ellen DeFehr, who is working at the back of this building today.”
It was undoubtedly a record crowd for Saturday, but estimating the number of shoppers at an event when the crowd never ends is difficult.
Many customers from out of state see the book sale as a do-not-miss event every year. In the crowd shopping the better books area, one senior customer said he had never missed a book sale. At the table for books by Oklahoma authors and books about Oklahoma, he was so excited that he was willing to brag about his good fortune this year.
John Carpenter, 68, was proud of what he found on offer this year. “I am buying a book written and autographed by Bobby Murcer (May 2008 autobiography, “Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes” published by HarperCollins),” Carpenter said in an interview. “Murcer was a Southeast High School baseball player who replaced another superstar Oklahoman, Mickey Mantle, in the New York Yankees outfield. It is amazing to buy this donated book in such great condition with his autograph. It is as amazing as finding his autographed 1966 rookie card, except this is from the end of his career in the limelight since he died only two months after it was published.”
Carpenter, a Choctaw resident and retired Oklahoma probation and parole officer, has become a well-known local yoga and spin teacher since retiring in 2011.
The sale’s popularity has led to a competitive atmosphere among shoppers, who know this is a once-a-year opportunity to find great deals on books and other media. Despite the frenzied atmosphere, the sale remains a favorite among book lovers and bargain hunters alike, offering a unique opportunity to discover new authors and titles while stocking up on beloved favorites.
Customers come to shop for various reasons. Some try to select bestsellers, classics, collectibles, and research books needed for school. Others seek to complete personal libraries in certain subjects, while parents strive to enhance their children’s reading exposure. The children’s section was swamped all day.
Providing a diverse selection of paperback and hardcover books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and more for every demographic of customers this year, the sale’s theme was “Books Bring Us Together.” The books featured many subjects—fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, biographies, medical, westerns, romance, children’s, encyclopedias, reference and foreign language books. Several thousand big print books were offered with the larger point-size fonts needed to make reading easier for those with weak eyesight.
Despite the vast number of books on offer, the sale is organized by many senior volunteers in a way that allows customers to navigate through the different sections of tables easily. The literary sale has become a special event in Oklahoma and beyond, offering book lovers a chance to discover new titles, expand their collections, and connect with like-minded individuals. The sale’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the written word. Its continued popularity was a testament to the passion and dedication of its volunteer organizers and supporters.
Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly. They went to great lengths to ensure that the thousands of books were well organized by subject and shoppers could easily find what they wanted. With so much on offer, getting lost in the sea of books could be easy, but the volunteers were always ready to help.
The sale raised money to support the Metropolitan Library System. In its 43-year run, the Friends had given more than $5 million in grants to the system.

New service for patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

A new outpatient infusion treatment center for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has opened at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. The center is part of Mercy’s efforts to expand gastroenterology services in the metro area.
Dr. Hussein Bitar, a gastroenterologist who specializes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, joined Mercy last year with the opening of the Mercy Gastroenterology and IBD Center, the only dedicated IBD center in the state.
“There’s a lot of excitement in this field with new treatments regularly coming on the market, and many are delivered intravenously,” said Dr. Bitar. “Having a dedicated infusion center for patients just down the hall from where they get lab work, imaging and visit our team in the clinic is a unique care model that makes the experience for patients much easier and streamlined. We’re proud to be the only center in the state with this service.”
Patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis struggle with painful symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, anemia, weight loss and fatigue. Many of these symptoms cause patients to experience severe dehydration. In addition to having access to the latest biologic infusion treatments, they’ll be able to get IV fluids and iron infusions as needed in the new center.
“We see a lot of really complex patients in various stages of their disease process, and many come to us for second or third opinions,” said Dr. Bitar. “Our long-term goal is to create a medical home where they can receive all their care in one location, and this infusion center is another step in that direction.”
Click here for more information about Dr. Bitar and Mercy’s IBD Center in Oklahoma City, or call (405) 752-3900.

Story by Jake Strickbine

The freedom to come and go as she chooses is just one of the many things Alva Lee Holmes loves about living on her own.
At 97, Holmes knows having her own apartment is somewhat of a luxury. Part of an independent senior living community, it’s a life she doesn’t take for granted.
“I was 97 last month and to me I’m in good health and I didn’t used to be. When I was younger, I wasn’t,” Holmes said.
A few years ago, she was struggling with her health, worried she wouldn’t be able to live on her own much longer.
“I had a tumor in my thyroid, and I lost weight something terrible and my doctor never asked me why I was losing,” she said.
That’s when she learned about Valir PACE, a local program that is revolutionizing care for seniors who would otherwise require nursing home care.
Holmes saw a friend was benefiting from the program, so she quickly signed up, too.
“PACE is a holistic vision of taking care and a wellness program being proactive and not just chasing the injury, chasing whatever is wrong with an individual, but treating the whole of the individual,” said Jake Brownlow, President of Oklahoma City based Valir PACE.
It is a personalized and comprehensive approach that includes doctor visits, physical and occupational therapy, meals, medication, and transportation — an approach that allows seniors like Holmes to remain independent.
“I’m a lot healthier now than I was before I came,” she said.
Illness, falls and other injuries can quickly result in seniors losing their independence.
In fact, more than 17,000 Oklahoma seniors currently live in nursing homes. Yet, 48% of those homes rank below the national average for care, according to Medicare.gov. So finding a better option is a priority for many seniors.
February is National Senior Independence Month, a time when senior independence advocates stress that with the right care seniors can live independently longer.
“That’s the benefit of this program, it lengthens that time that they’re able to spend with their family and their care circles, with their church, with their friends and their neighbors,” Brownlow said.
In some cases, the Valir PACE team is even able to help seniors make necessary improvements to their homes, such as adding safety bars in bathtubs and showers, and ramps to help them get in and out of their homes.
PACE delivers medications to participants each week, helping ensure they don’t miss a dose due to cost or other factors.
It’s given Holmes the freedom to live life the way she wants, while still getting the care she needs.
“I don’t think I would be in this good of health if I didn’t come here to Valir PACE. I really don’t know that I would be here,” she said.
The program is currently working to help more seniors across Oklahoma get the care they need to remain independent longer. They recently opened a new Alternative Care site in Choctaw. And, they have plans to open additional sites across the state.
To learn more about the program, visit http://www.valirpace.org/ or call 405-609-3688.

By Lisa Gonzalez

There’s a common misconception that as one ages, one must slowly and gradually rely on others more to get by. But this doesn’t always have to be the case, especially if you still want to contribute to society in some way. Today, Senior News and Living shares some tips you can use to help you to adjust to independent living, while still being a meaningful part of your community.

Free up some space

It may be necessary to advise your senior loved one to downsize in order to free up some money for the future.

• Sort through the old to make room for the new. You may have to help your loved one ⦁ sort through their belongings so they hold onto only what is necessary.
• Consider storage if they are unsure of what to give away. This can avoid pressuring them into making decisions they may not be ready for.
• Sell valuable items online through eBay and Amazon to build up a nest egg of savings.

Starting afresh

Your loved one may still need to say goodbye to those things or places they are most familiar with, such as their home.

• Help them to get a realistic figure at which to list their home on the market.
• If the profit from the sale is good, this could make it easier to put down a down payment on a new home.
• Start looking at retirement villages and communities first so they feel more comfortable in their environment.

Help them to embrace technology

Technology can be a beneficial tool for seniors to help them navigate (literally) life in general.

• Show them the value of apps that can help make life easier for them, such as Pill Monitor and MedWatcher.
• Teach them how to find their way around with Google Maps.
• They can also use technology to stay in contact with friends and family as well as meet new people.

Make sure they relax

Moving or changing lifestyles can be stressful. Helping your loved one find ways to cope with the stress of change could help them transition into independent living more quickly.

• Show them the value of doing a hobby to help distract them in a moment of anxiety or worry about the future.
• Try not to pressure your loved one to move faster than they’re ready to, as this can give them time to process the situation.
• Assure them that you are there for them whenever they need you. This can give them the confidence they need to thrive on their own.

Encouraging your loved one to be self-sufficient is one of the greatest gifts you can give to them as they learn to make do and rely on themselves day by day.

Senior News and Living has been supporting seniors in the Oklahoma City Metro area for nearly 20 years! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble welcomes guest violinist YooJin Jang as it presents the fourth concert of its 20th anniversary season on March 28 at First Baptist Church, 1201 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City. The ensemble will perform a pair of demanding trios for violin, cello and piano and a jazz-inspired Sonata for Violin and Piano.
YooJin Jang is Assistant Professor of Violin at the Eastman School of Music. Winner multiple competitions, she has been praised as “a performer without fear or technical limitation” with “fiery virtuosity.” She is has appeared with numerous prestigious orchestras and is also a passionate chamber musician. YooJin is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music.
“Masterworks Revisited” Program:
* Franz Joseph Haydn, Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major, Hob. XV:27
* Maurice Ravel, Sonata for Violin and Piano, No. 2 in G major
* Johannes Brahms, Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major
Musicians: YooJin Jang (violin), Jonathan Ruck (cello) and Amy I-Lin Cheng, piano
Haydn’s Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, published in 1797, is one of his most demanding pieces for keyboard. The main theme of the final movement, wrote music critic James Keller, “hops from register to register all over the piano’s keyboard [leaving] the performer practically breathless and the listeners grinning.”
Ravel wrote his jazz-inspired Sonata for Violin and Piano between 1923 and 1927, at a time when W. C. Handy’s band was introducing jazz and blues to adoring crowds in Paris. The following year the Frenchman traveled to New York and met a young George Gershwin, with whom he spent several evenings in Harlem soaking up the American sound.
Brahms completed his Piano Trio No. 2 violin, cello and piano in 1882 and showed it to his friend Clara Schumann, who particularly praised its phrasing and fluid thematic development. The confident composer told his publisher that they had “not yet had such a beautiful trio from me and very likely have not published its equal in the last ten years.”
The ensemble will perform at First Baptist Church, 1201 N Robinson in Oklahoma City. Free parking is available north and southwest of the building. Handicap access is available through the door under the awning on the south side of the building.
The Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble is Oklahoma City’s foremost presenter of classical chamber music. For more information, visit us at
https://www.brightmusic.org/.

From Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn [email protected]

Chicago is a fascinating city with a history documented in its architecture. Known as the second city, it is second to none. The best way for a visitor to extract the most information and enjoyment, in the least amount of time is by taking one of the many tours offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The plethora of tours are listed on their web site and should be consulted before your visit, and if possible reserved before your arrival. http://caf.architecture.org/tours
One of their many walking tours is a personal and up close tour of the city, and one of the best ways for interaction with the locals and getting an inside glimpse of buildings, you’d normally pass by. The CAF supplies amplified personal speakers with ear attachments, so that you can usually hear the qualified and experience laden docent clearly. If a 2 hour walking tour is not in your comfort zone there are a couple of bus tours that can give you an over view of the city, and specific architecture styles. Also the boat tour through the north and south sections of the Chicago River is a treat, as you glide beneath the architectural treasures, and hear historic narratives personified in terracotta, brick, iron, steel and glass. The boat tours are offered several times a day, and on fair weather days may sell out.
Every visitor should take a leisure walk through and around the recent Millennium
Park, where not too long ago was an unpleasant railway yard. Located between the downtown skyscrapers and Grant park with its Buckingham fountain, the new park is home to the appealing “bean” stainless steel concave/convex sculpture along with a wading pool fountain book ended by LED encrusted monoliths, and other traveling sculpture exhibits, along with a modern outdoor amphitheater.
The newly opened Elysian Hotel, by architect Lucien Lagrange, offers elegance in a combination of old world ambiance and luxury with Chicago helpfulness. The white minimalist marble lobby atmosphere continues through the 28 stories of hotel rooms and most likely to the upper levels of residences, in this high rise accommodation. The complimentary Lexus courtesy car is a boon to guests needing a ride to their appointment, although taxis are readily available not only at Elysian’s circle drive, but throughout Chicago. I never had a problem hailing a taxi for my hotel return, especially on Michigan Avenue.
The Elysian 2 star Michelin RIA restaurant, along with their Balsan Grill, and the most congenial Barnard’s bar, should be enjoyed and savored, as well as their extensive SPA, complete with a men’s atelier. http://elysianhotels.com/
For other dining delights, try the views of Signature 95, on the 95th floor of the Hancock Tower, and the Cite on the 70th floor of Lake Point Towers, and the Deca restaurant in the open lobby of the Ritz Carleton.
In the Ritz Carlton complex of Water Tower Place the Broadway Playhouse theatre is housed, making your dining and evening entertainment an easy match. Chicago is rich in visual stimulation which can inspire the soul and if not careful tire the souls of your feet. Chicago is best experienced in small doses, encouraging you to return again and again.
For more Chicago trip planning visit:
https://www.choosechicago.com/.

Hights can be invigorating. Gourmet food and drink is definitely invigorating. Put them together at Chicago’s gourmet restaurant, Signature 95, atop the John Hancock Building, and you have a combination worthy of photographic heaven.
Easy to make reservations to this popular upscale venue with the online reservation program of Open Table. I’ve used it several times as the only option offered at some elite establishments and have never been disappointed in its accuracy. My Chicago visit was in the spring when Michigan Avenue was awash in sunshine and tulips. This sunshine came in handy for this Martini Portrait.
It is almost impossible to photograph through double pane E glass, which is often found in modern buildings, if you are after a clean and not reflecting image. So when I saw the sunlight streaming in one side of the restaurant I knew I had to screw up my camera courage and “go for it.” As with my camera in hand and on a personal mission, I feel I am privileged with “camera courage.”
The sunlight was perfect at the start of the buffet line but this was near noon time. The stack of plates made a perfect pedestal and shadow surface for this image of a special blue Chicago Martini. As this was at the start of the buffet, I needed to photograph and quickly so as not to be asked to step aside, which would have been hard to do, as I had to be on my knees to be at my preferred angle for this ideal composition. Cheers!

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
3110 N.W. 15 Street – Oklahoma City, OK 73107
https://realtraveladventures.com/?s=terry+zinn
https://realtraveladventures.com/?s=zinn
http://new.okveterannews.com/?s=TERRY+ZINN
www.martinitravels.com

Herman Schmidt was born in Alexander, Kansas on Oct. 22, 1913. After growing up in Sheridan, Wyoming Schmidt was enlisted in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 15, 1937 attaining the rank of Gun (GM3c) with duties including the assembly, maintenance and repair of guns, gun mounts, and gun ports and took charge of guns and gun crews. Schmidt also handled and stowed ammunition and handled mines and depth charges before the authorization of the mineman rating.
Promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment, Seaman 2nd Class: Oct. 15, 1937, Seaman 1st Class: Oct. 16, 1939 and Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class: June 12, 1941.
Herman Schmidt was lost Dec. 7, 1941. His duty station was the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) Sept. 25, 1937 and Naval Training Station San Diego, CA June 17, 1937.
Awards and Decorations* include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star), American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Herman Schmidt was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Feb. 23.