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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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 Greg Schwem

The art of face-to-face communication took a huge hit due to the pandemic, and it has sadly also affected my favorite solo traveling game.
I’ve titled the game, “Walk Into a Bar and Get One Person Off Their Phone.”
I often find myself alone in strange cities and, rather than ordering room service and bemoaning the fact that the hotel TV package doesn’t include Netflix, I choose to explore my surroundings; trips that culminate in solo dining at restaurant bars. Brewpubs are my favorites, but I recently eliminated gluten from my diet and now must endure strange looks from brewmasters when I belly up to their establishments and order an apple-infused seltzer.
I choose a seat immediately next to, or if the bar is empty, one stool away from another patron. I prefer solo customers like myself, as they are usually scrolling their phones. I’ll say this about the cellphone: It eliminated the scarlet letter that often comes with dining or drinking solo. Instead of projecting a sad, “I have no friends,” vibe, you can pass yourself off as an important business person, albeit one with no friends and whose “business” is watching funny cat videos.
From there, it’s “GAME ON!” As an ice breaker, I might ask my intended targets what they are drinking or seek their reviews on whatever culinary dish has been placed before them. If they respond, I might make a comment about what is on the TV, although I have my limitations. Before I enter an establishment, I look at the screen and ensure the answer is “no” to the following questions:
1. Is “Wheel of Fortune” on?
2. Are the patrons actively watching it?
Recently I dined at a Chicago-area tavern known, among locals, for having some of the best barebcue ribs in the city. I will not name the establishment, for the bar only contains 10 stools and my chances to snag one diminish if I reveal the identity. Seated next to me were two bros in their late 20s, alternating between scrolling their phones and glancing at the Buffalo Bills/Cincinnati Bengals playoff game. I pounced.
“Which one of you has a dog in this fight?” I said, gesturing at the TV.
“He does,’” said Jordan, gesturing to his friend Paul, who stopped scrolling.
“Are you from Buffalo or Cincinnati?” I asked.
“Neither,” Paul said. “Just a die-hard Bills fan.”
From there, the floodgates opened. I learned Jordan was cajoling Paul to move to Chicago; Jordan had just gotten married; Paul liked the idea of marriage but was content (like all Gen Z types) with his dog.
It was such a pleasant encounter, particularly because my last three attempts at this type of interaction resulted in the following:
1. A woman in the Houston airport thought her Instagram account was, apparently, more interesting than anything I had to say.
2. A guy in a Grand Cayman tiki bar falsely accused me of “hitting” on his male friend. His UGLY friend, I might add.
3. A 50-ish woman in Miami suddenly became a huge TikTok fan after my opening line was, “Since this is the Miami airport, let me ask you…how many days have you been delayed?”
I thought it was funny.
I so long for the days when most of society was friendly, inquisitive and curious. Now we hide behind our social media accounts and within our AirPods. We can always find somebody more intriguing on our phone than the person sitting next to us. It is both infuriating and depressing.
My favorite writer, David Sedaris, once wrote that teenage boys would never want to be seen talking to an old man. I agree with that. But teenage boys do not sit at bars. Full grown adults do; and, if you are reading this, rest assured that I want to hear your stories.
I can look at my phone whenever I want, but this will most likely be my only encounter with you and it will only last until my check arrives. So please indulge me, or other strangers who strike up conversations in public establishments. If the conversation turns uncomfortable or creepy, just put in your AirPods or FaceTime a relative. But you may begin a friendship, strike up a business deal or discover you grew up in the same town if you make a little eye contact and then take it one step further.
Hell, you may even learn where to find the best barbecue in Chicago.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)

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.

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

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!

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.