Story and photos by Ron Hendricks, Contributing Writer

They are here now! The Over the Counter (OTC) hearing aids. They are being advertised everywhere – the newspaper, TV, even on the radio. Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA COC) does not endorse the OTC hearing aid but we don’t condemn them either. HLAA COC endorses education. Be a smart buyer.
Yes, less expensive hearing aids are now available by mail order. You can get a pair without visiting a doctor, audiologist, or even some hearing aid retailer. Think about it, you can now get a set of hearing aids at home in your underwear! But, will they work? Well, you should take a hearing test, but where? There are on line hearing tests available and even some may be taken over your smart phone. They are not in depth nor will they identify other potential health problems but they can tell if you have MILD or MODERATE hearing loss. * The OTC hearing aid may be for you but here are some points that you need to be certain you understand. There is no “free trial period.” * There is no one-size-fits-all. You may need to try several before you find one that works for you, * Understand the return policy of your seller. It is required to be printed on the box. There may be undisclosed fees so ask first. * This is not your grandma’s hearing aid. OTC aids may have various features but they are still not fully functioning ears. Be an educated buyer. * If your OTC aid does not function as advertised you can complain to the FDA at their website.
In short, if you have moderate hearing loss, you may be able to get a hearing aid that will helpful at a moderate cost but you must be an educated buyer. But, if your hearing loss is greater than mild, you should consult a professional. You are invited to attend the free HLAACOC educational seminar, on February 16, to hear a professional discuss the pros and cons of the OTC hearing aid. HLAACOC seminars are held every third Thursday, 11:30-1PM at the Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36. Come and learn about hearing loss and how to live successfully in the hearing world.

Shipfitter 3rd Class John Donald of of Marietta, Georgia was born in Ball Ground, Georgia in July 15, 1913 and enlisted in Nashville, Tennessee on July, 6 1940. Donald’s duties were Using hand and machine tools of the metal shop for metal construction; to lay out metal sheets/sections for repairs to ship’s structure. Duties also included bending, repairing, and fitting pipes, tubing, and structural sections. Donald also maintained tanks and watertight fixtures along with performing tasks associated with forging, welding and soldering. His promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment, Seaman 2nd Class: Nov. 6, 1940, Seaman 1st Class: May 1, 1941 and Shipfitter 3rd Class: Sept. 1, 1941. He was lost Dec. 7, 1941 on The USS Oklahoma at Naval Base Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Awards and Decorations included 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. John Donald was re-intered in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., on February 9th.

Canterbury Voices will reprise jazz legend Dave Brubeck’s To Hope! A Celebration for the first time in 15 years, with guest artists The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, culminating in a celebration of Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson’s final performance at the Civic Center Music Hall on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 PM. To Hope! artfully combines elements of pure jazz with a setting of the Roman Catholic Mass, a sacred expression of joy and hope and possibility.
“I am excited about coming to Oklahoma City with The Brubeck Brothers Quartet to perform To Hope!, one of my father’s greatest achievements as a serious, classical composer.” says Chris Brubeck. “It is an uplifting, powerful musical and spiritual experience for the audience and performers. This piece is alive and ever-changing, along with its beautifully composed choral passages and gorgeous melodies.”
“This is one of Brubeck’s most beloved pieces for large chorus, soloists, and orchestra. I am so excited to bring the Brubeck Quartet back to OKC.” says Dr. Randi Von Ellefson. “It is filled with Brubeck’s joy of life, of music, and his fervent faith.” The concert event will also include three vocal soloists and members from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Canterbury Voices Executive Director Pam Mowry says, “I can’t believe this is Randi Von Ellefson’s last Civic Center concert! He is leaving such a lasting legacy – what a remarkable journey in Oklahoma City. His positive energy and expert musicianship has brought joy to this organization and our musicians over the past 19 years. You simply won’t want to miss it!” Canterbury will host a champagne reception for Dr. Ellefson in the Civic Center lobby immediately following the performance.
Tickets are now on sale and group discounts are available. Call the Box Office at (405) 232- SING or visit https://canterburyokc.com/ for ticket information.

Helen (Reese) Head

(RIGHT) Helen (Reese) Head celebrated her 100th birthday with sons Dale & Danny in Ponca City. She was the English teacher & head librarian of Shidler High School for 37 years. Congratulations to the venerable, legendary Mrs. Helen Head, retired educator, who mentored young struggling readers & was honored as a “Friend of Education” by Ponca City Schools.

Fred Holden

(LEFT) WWII Veteran Fred Holden of Bixby was born & raised in Bluejacket. This Purple Heart recipient owned Holden Trailers in Broken Arrow, loves RV travel, family reunions, steak and cherry pie. Since work was his hobby, he advises “Don’t be lazy!”

Ina Belle (Barker) Marshall

Ina Belle (Barker) Marshall of Ponca City enjoyed her family from all over the U.S. help her celebrate her 100th birthday!She is a lifelong Methodist, volunteered at the Thrift Shop in Grove & at hospitals in
Grove & Ponca. She has traveled extensively, loves happy family gatherings, ice cream, pie and skillet fried chicken. Her words of wisdom: “Have a happy attitude! It will make all the difference in your life!”

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CENTENARIAN?
If you know of a Centenarian you would like to honor, please visit http://centenariansok.com/ and download, complete and submit our form. One of our team members will contact you directly with the next steps.

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.

A new luxury senior living brand has acquired Wickshire Senior Living to bring its unique model of resort-style accommodations to Norman.
Unlike traditional senior living facilities, Luxe Life offers an amenity-rich environment with spacious suites, a salon and spa, a wellness center, concierge services, personalized activities and restaurant-style dining with menus created by an on-site executive chef. There is also professional medical care, including memory and respite care, available for people who need it, as well as 24/7 access to nursing staff.
Luxe Life is the latest venture from Chicago-based Ignite Medical Resorts, which combines uncompromising luxury and rapid rehabilitation in a high-end setting. Ignite operates three locations in Oklahoma, one of which is adjacent to Luxe Life in Norman.
“Luxe Life is a natural extension of the Ignite brand,” said Tim Fields, the companies’ CEO and co-founder. “Whether someone is coming from one of our medical resorts or simply making an exciting lifestyle change, they’ll receive top-tier hospitality and expert service. It’s just like home — only better.”

The company recognizes the importance of a nutritious and delicious dining program, even inviting residents to join the culinary committee to suggest recipes. Happy hours will include delicious chef-driven cuisine and cocktails indoors or on the patio at Fireside Grille.
“Our Luxe Chef will whip up indulgences from around the world and can accommodate all allergies and specific dietary needs,” Fields said. “We’ll also offer chef demonstrations, culinary events, wine and cheese gatherings and catering for special occasions. By focusing on quality, fresh ingredients, residents will feel like they’re eating at a five-star restaurant every day.”
The company is currently renovating the facility to provide resort-style living, with a Luxe Café proudly brewing Starbucks coffee to open this summer. Renovations won’t disrupt resident life.
The facility is boutique-sized and intimate offering a limited number of suites. Suites are still available but filling up fast. To request a tour and secure your space, visit
https://www.luxelifeseniorliving.com/.
Luxe Life Senior Living allows residents to live life to the fullest and join a community with purpose. People can live at Luxe Life independently or with assistance, and memory care services and respite care are also available. The facility offers a full-service, amenity-rich environment with spacious suites, restaurant-style dining, concierge services, 24/7 access to nursing staff, a wellness center, a salon and spa and more. For additional information, visit https://www.luxelifeseniorliving.com/.

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.

Commissioner Mulready Sets the Record Straight

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has become aware of inaccurate and misleading communications affecting Oklahoma consumers. Several large employers have sent letters to their employees with erroneous information regarding changes to their CVS/Caremark prescription program.
One of the most troubling inaccuracies is the claim that the law in Oklahoma no longer allows for 90-day prescriptions. The law (HB2632, creating the Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Act) in Oklahoma does allow for the filling of 90-day supply prescriptions. However, it is against the law to incentivize patients to fill prescriptions through mail order rather than their pharmacy of choice. Furthermore, some letters claimed that the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner would begin enforcing HB2632 on February 23, 2023. The Oklahoma Insurance Department has been enforcing this law since September 2020.
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready stated, “It is concerning that these misrepresentations are being spread to employees in Oklahoma. The facts are that as part of a legal settlement with CVS/Caremark, letters were supposed to be sent out to consumers explaining their options for prescriptions and instead of clarifying, the letters that were sent have only spread more misinformation to the citizens of this great state.”
The Oklahoma Insurance Department has issued $3.5 million in fines to pharmacy benefit managers and overseen $700,000 in reimbursements to local pharmacies since enforcement of this law began on September 1, 2020.
OID is committed to ensuring the people of Oklahoma have access to accurate information regarding their healthcare needs. We urge Oklahoma employers to verify the accuracy of their communications before sending them to their employees.

From Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

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