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.

Story and photos by Eddie Roach, Contributing Writer

Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic will mark its one year anniversary with a Community Coffee sponsored by the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber followed by a ribbon cutting and Open House. The event is scheduled for March 23 at the clinic in the Edgewater Medical Center, 3705 NW 63rd St., Suite 101. Community Coffee will be from 8-9 a.m.
“This is a special opportunity to show the community what’s been accomplished in our first year serving patients,” said Tim Bales, CEO and Director of Business Development. “We appreciate the recognition from the Chamber and look forward to showcasing our first clinic – one of three now serving the metro.”
Nerve Renewal is a full-year into it’s plan to open multiple neuropathy clinics in the greater Oklahoma City area. Why so many? Bales said it’s important to have convenient locations and flexible hours because it’s difficult for many patients to travel far because of the persistent pain.
Nerve Renewal provides non-invasive treatments for neuropathy and nerve pain, providing relief from pain or tingling in the feet and hands. Conditions treated include peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy induced neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, phantom limb syndrome and post-surgical nerve pain.
The mission is to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through innovative nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief so that patients reclaim their joy, mobility, and freedom. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral, and treatments are covered by major insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid and the VA.
“Seniors want a larger role in their health care, and Nerve Renewal offers just that,” said Marilyn Olson, executive director of VillagesOKC, a nonprofit which promotes empowered independence and is a mentor to Nerve Renewal.
She said many older adults with neuropathy of the feet are prone to stumble and fall – and falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older.
“Many with neuropathy of the feet are prone to stumble and fall,” Olson said. “Every year, falls result in hospitalization of approximately 7,000 older adults and the death of more than 450 older adults in Oklahoma.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. Those who have peripheral neuropathy often experience pain, numbness, and weakness in their hands and feet. This can affect other things too, like walking or digestion. The cause of peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the person, but it is most commonly caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or trauma to the nerve endings. Some people with this condition describe the pain as stabbing or burning sensations.
Studies show that 80% of patients experience a long-term reduction in pain without surgery or medication through the use of proven Electroanalgesia (EA) treatments provided by Nerve Renewal. The high-frequency energy blocks the pain signal in the injured part of the body, providing lasting relief with no recovery needed.
The treatment regimen is typically from 16 to 24 treatments. Therapy combines injections of pharmaceutical-grade nutrient blend with electroanalgesia to provide relief from symptoms.
In addition to the northwest location, Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics are located at 9821 S May Ave., Suite B, and 4019 N Flood Ave. in Norman. More locations are planned for the near future. https://nerverenewalnow.com/

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.

Dear Savvy Senior,

I am interested in possibly donating my body to science when I pass away. What can you tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up?
Getting Old

Dear Getting,
If you’re looking to help advance medical research, and in the process, eliminate your funeral and burial costs, donating your body to science is a great option to consider. Here’s what you should know.
Body Donations
Each year, it’s estimated that approximately 20,000 people donate their whole body, after death, to medical facilities throughout the country to be used in medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice.
After using your body, these facilities will then provide free cremation and will either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year.
And, just in case you’re wondering, your family cannot not be paid for the use of your body. Federal and state laws prohibit it.
Here are a few other things you need to know and check into, to help you determine whether whole-body donation is right for you: * Donation denial: Most body donation programs will not accept bodies that are extremely obese, or those that have infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, H.I.V. or MRSA. Bodies that suffered extensive trauma won’t be accepted either. * Organ donation: Most medical school programs require that you donate your whole body in its entirety. So, if you want to be an organ donor (with the exception of your eyes), you probably won’t qualify to be a whole-body donor too. * Religious considerations: Most major religions permit individuals to donate both their full body and organs, and many even encourage it. If you are unsure, you should consult with your pastor or spiritual adviser. * Special requests: Most programs will not allow you to donate your body for a specific purpose. You give them the body and they decide how to use it. * Memorial options: Most programs require almost immediate transport of the body after death, so there’s no funeral. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have one without the body. Or, some programs offer memorial services at their facility at a later date without the remains. * Body transporting: Most programs will cover transporting your body to their facility within a certain distance. However, some may charge a fee.
How to Proceed
If you think you want to donate your body, it’s best to make arrangements in advance with a body donation program in your area. Most programs are offered through university-affiliated medical schools. To find one near you, the University of Florida maintains a list of U.S. programs and their contact information at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms. If you don’t have Internet access, you can get help by calling the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700.
In addition to the medical schools, there are also private organizations like Science Care (ScienceCare.com) and Anatomy Gifts Registry (AnatomyGifts.org) that accept whole body donations too. Some of these organizations will even allow organ donation because they deal in body parts as well as whole cadavers.
Once you locate a program in your area, call and ask them to mail you an information/registration packet that will explain exactly how their program works.
To sign up, you’ll need to fill out a couple of forms and return them. But you can always change your mind by contacting the program and removing your name from their registration list. Some programs may ask that you make your withdrawal in writing.
After you’ve made arrangements, you’ll need to tell your family members so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctors, so they know your final wishes too.
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.

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

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 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.

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)

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.

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.