Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

On September 20th, the Oklahoma State Fair lived up to its theme, “The Place to be in ‘23,” when it hosted the “Out of This World Seniors Day” at the Fair, providing activities planned for older fairgoers.
Senior citizens 55 and older celebrated near-space travel with free admission to the fairgrounds on their special day. Many otherworldly experiences were offered to the audience throughout the day.
Many games and contests entertained senior fairgoers who preferred to kick back indoors on the hot and sunny Wednesday in the Modern Living Building. All were entertained by many acts from the space-themed stage and by visiting booths featuring alien and flying saucer decorations.
“I want to share our feedback so far is that this year was our best senior day ever,” said Lisa James, CompleteOK community liaison and event committee member. “I want to thank everyone so much for being a large part of making that happen; we appreciate all of you.” In saying this year’s was the best yet, James added, “I believe the variety of exhibit offerings for our seniors was the best I’ve ever seen.”
The day of activities, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings designed especially for the golden agers was packed. The entertainment kicked off at 10 a.m. and finished with Elvis tribute artist Mike Black at 7 p.m.
The Special Events Area at the south end of the Modern Living Building featured outlandish interpretations of many space motifs, including four larger-than-life green aliens with humans trapped inside the costumes.
Sponsor OG&E energized the day while many of the booths donated door prizes and offered giveaways designed especially for the golden ager.
This 46th annual Senior Day at the Fair saw the Okie Stompers’ well-choreographed group display their combination of tap with line dancing as their ten performers dazzled in special out-of-this-world T-shirts. After a quick costume change to a more patriotic outfit, they displayed their ultimate toe-tapping’ clogging when they performed again at 11 a.m.
The one-minute video entries from area independent and assisted living and long-term care communities of their residents “In Motion.” were shown all day to allow the public to select the winner.
Along with the many senior-oriented booths making their services available, “Senior News and Living” gave away their September issue at their booth all day. The publication supplied two door prizes from the stage and small glider planes at their booth.
Although official attendance numbers have not been released yet, “Senior News and Living” sales executive Amanda Miller gave away 900 copies of their publication in their bags before the last 100 were available for pickup without a bag.
The audience participated in themed activities on the decorated stage. At 1 p.m., audience singers took the stage to perform in the “Out of This World Karaoke Contest.” The audience was treated to Gary Aylor’s singing performance at a Robert Goulet quality level. Archwell Health provided his prize.
Activities planned for the day that saw 4,000 seniors last year included a robust lineup of free health screenings. Major organizer OU Health provided memory and depression screening. Passport Health offered Flu, 65+ Flu, vaccines and B-12 shots while more than $10,000 in door prizes were given away in three sessions.
Many seniors picked up a ticket for each session to win one of many donated gifts These multiple drawings in the morning, the early afternoon and then again in late afternoon saw many happy seniors celebrate on their way to the stage to receive their prizes.
The 26-member Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma award-winning a cappella men’s chorus sang several Americana ballads from the stage four-part close-knit harmony for the crowd at 4 p.m. without accompaniment.
The event chairs filled up as Elvis tribute artist Mike Black drew a packed house in the late afternoon. Back from his popular performance last year, Black sang Elvis Presley’s songs at 7 p.m.
The volunteer Senior Day committee works from January through September, planning an excellent event for Oklahoma Seniors 55 and over.
Adjacent, the Oklahoma Senior Games demonstration area was busy all day, with many waiting to play Pickleball on a demonstration court. As America’s fastest-growing recreational sport, it is being widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Elizabeth Rogers has experienced a lot in a short period of time.
A Chiara malformation – often detected after birth – led to brain surgery later in life for Rogers, a mother of two and registered nurse.
A defect in the base of her skull allowed brain tissue to slip into her spine.
Severe headaches and neck pain led to her losing range of motion.
She could barely turn her head. The pain was unbearable.
“During the moment having that severe pain I knew there was no way I could live my life,” she said.
At the time, it seemed as if her life might be over, even though she’d only been on this earth for nearly four decades.
“Now I just feel so much better. I’m so thankful they had an operation that would actually help and not live in pain on a daily basis,” she said, looking back at the November 2019 surgery.
So at a relatively young age, Rogers had already faced what she thought might be the end.
The experience, which spawned resilience and perseverance gave her a newfound lease on life.
One she promised she wouldn’t squander.
Growing up, Rogers always wanted to be a doctor. There was something about healing others that drew her.
Growing up with a respiratory therapist for a mom, Rogers knew the hands and feet of medicine truly were at the bedside.
A lunch meeting with her mom at the hospital cafeteria solidified her path.
“Just that moment I realized my heart was in healthcare,” she said.
A nurse since 2004, Rogers has poured her passion into helping others facing their end as a clinical manager for TenderCare Hospice in Norman.
“I like to serve people. It’s my passion to help others,” she said. “I just like to take care of people.”
Owner Brian Wilson ensures that caring for seniors is the company’s passion.
As a Medicare-certified agency, the company’s focus is solely on creating comfort for both patients and their families.
Tailoring care plans to the specific desires and needs of patients is first priority, while also preparing families for the road ahead.
Compassionate nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers are available 24-hours-a-day for on-going support. With an extensive geographic service area covering 29 counties and ability to deliver care at home, nursing home, or assisted living center, TenderCare Hospice is the choice of doctors and families across Oklahoma.
“Being a hospice nurse has really changed my outlook on life in general,” she said. “I had never had elderly care on my radar ever but when my kids got into school I thought I would try home health.
“From there, I just grew fond of the elderly. They can give you so much.” The prospect of entering hospice care frightened her.
“Once I got into it I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life,” she said. “These patients give you so much. It’s just amazing.”
“They thank us for what we’ve done but really it’s us that need to thank them. You learn that even though you’re going through hard times you’re going to get through it.”
Learning the stories behind each individual are some of the best parts of Rogers’ profession.
The joys, failures, successes and sorrows add depth to others’ lives.
“You realize they’ve gone some of the same stuff you have to go through whether it be financial, health, loss. Then you realize you’re going to be able to make it,” she said. “They teach you what life is really about.”
Rogers always tells her new nurses there’s no way you can understanding living without helping someone die. And learning how they live adds depth to your own life.
“Stories like that bring a whole lot to your life,” she said. “You realize you can get through this. This is not going to be the death of me. Other people have gone through this and it’s going to be OK. That’s probably the thing I enjoy the most about hospice, getting to know the people and learning from them.”
“It’s just an amazing field.”

Story by Darl Devault, Feature Writer

Described as a realignment and costing half a million dollars, the new section of the MAPS 3 West River Trail (WRT) opened the first week in May. This reopening allows its multi-use travelers access to and from downtown Oklahoma City on the trails after being closed for 22 months.
For seniors trying to make a decisive quality of life recovery from pandemic restrictions this reopening is important. Seniors got outside more for exercise during the pandemic. Bicycling and walking was two of the major explosions in growth. Seniors who are bicycling and walking more say their pent-up demand to safely ride their bicycles to and from the Boathouse District and downtown Oklahoma City is strong.
“My long bike rides each week often took me almost downtown, so the closure of the West River Trail was a huge inconvenience,” said Steve Persa, who lives across from the Lake Overholser Trail. With the trail closed I was forced to ride north, which took me into traffic, which is no fun at age 78.”
The WRT had been closed in the area since late spring of 2019. It was closed because of severe erosion from near-record heavy spring rain and resulting high North Canadian River flow next to the Rush Peterbilt Truck Center. The high rains moved the bend in the river closer to the truck center. Low-lying flat areas along the North Canadian River in El Reno, Yukon and west Oklahoma City in Canadian County were flooded by those heavy rains.
Although it looked safe to traverse from the trail after the heavy rains, it was not safe. Where the trail skirted the truck center property to the west, the river had eroded and dug out under the embankment below. This part of the trail posed a liability exposure to the city and endangered users. This caused the city to close it out of an abundance of caution in case it fell into the river.
The closure was from its western-most point at the Reno Avenue trailhead to Safari Point at Crystal Lake near SW 8th Street and Rockwell Avenue. This was about 3.3 miles of the 7.5-mile trail.
The new realignment section makes the trail longer than the posted 7.5-miles now running from NW 10th Street west of Council Road to SW 15th Street at Meridian Avenue. There it connects to the east to the Oklahoma River Trails to continue downtown. The North Canadian River is named the Oklahoma River through Oklahoma City’s downtown area.
Originally completed in 2015, the trail’s new realignment construction began in January of this year to reroute the trail east between the truck center and Interstate 40. The new trail features large, long concrete barriers protecting it from the embankment just north of the truck center. It turns south at 8700 W Interstate 40 Service Rd. and continues south next to Cara Lane to go west along SW 8th Street to reconnect to the existing trail.
“Cyclists have missed the use of the trail for the almost two years it was closed, because it is easier than riding to Lake Hefner and back,” said Dixie Duff, a retired nurse who rides here bicycle every other day in the area. “The West River Trail is preferred because of its east-west route, making it protected from Oklahoma’s strong south winds in spring and summer and winter’s strong and cold north winds.”
The WRT is one of the three trails created by tax dollars from MAPS 3. (The other two trails are Will Rogers and Lake Draper.) This is a more rural trek, taking users along the North Canadian River and around Crystal Lake well away from streets and traffic. The trail offers parking at NW 10th Street on the west end, Reno Street or Crystal Lake midway through the scenic trail.
This trail is a part of the more than 90 miles of Oklahoma City’s multi-use trails. The trails system offers recreation and exercise along a network of 10 interconnected trails that can take users to almost every point in the city.
Using the Better Streets, Safer City Sales Tax, the city has been adding bike infrastructure and resurfacing multiple trails around the city these last two years. Latest figures show 56 percent of Oklahoma City residents live within a half-mile of a park or trail. Oklahoma City averages one park for every 3,995 residents.
The good-for-all-skill-levels WRT offers several activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcomed but must be kept on a leash. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail system. This kid and stroller friendly trail is ideal for family nature trips. Many residents walk and run the trail while taking in the many river views.
It is a venue of unexpected ruggedness with some of its close-in, tree-lined boundaries in some sections. Parts of the trail fit the description of a nature trail. Most of the other city trails are open and windswept.

Now through Christmas night at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular creates a free holiday drive-through wonderland of twinkling lights celebrating the magic of the season with more than 100 animated light displays.
“The City of Midwest City is excited to bring Holiday Lights Spectacular back for the 2021 holiday season,” said Josh Ryan, communications and marketing director. “The lights are an important holiday tradition for families in eastern Oklahoma County. Despite the many challenges we had in getting the show running this year, we knew it was a challenge we had to overcome.”
The lights at the popular destination giving visitors plenty of the Christmas spirit to enjoy shine brightly each night through Christmas night (Dec. 25). The holiday light’s shimmer will be viewable from the comfort of personal vehicles in a driving tour from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 6-11 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Joe B. Barnes Regional Park comes alive with secular and religious displays featuring the vibrancy of a majestic 118-foot Christmas tree Illuminated with more than 9,000 LED lights and topped off with a dazzling 8-foot star.
Visitors can enjoy driving through more than one million sparkling lights, many of which are animated. This seasonal celebration of animation is the hallmark of the display’s dazzling winter wonderland claim to fame.
The lights of every color spectacular features the animated illumination celebration of a dancing forest light show performing to traditional holiday music. Visitors tune their vehicle radio to a specific frequency to hear the holiday music that accompanies the animation.
The one-of-a-kind Santa fly fishing in a 20-foot-tall waterfall with gliding fish and prancing animals is a unique feature of the loop through a quiet wooded area. Elves are seen baking their Christmas confections in the animated Candy Cane Company.
The Park is transformed into a lighted wonderland where visitors can see anything from the Nativity scene to Santa playing soccer. Visitors drive through the park and experience the displays while in the warmth of their car. The estimated drive time for completing the tour is 20-30 minutes.
This family tradition began in 1995 with just 44 displays and has grown to be what at one point was the largest animated lights display in a five-state region.
The Park, 10 minutes east of OKC at 8700 E. Reno Ave., is easily found from I-40. Head north on Douglas Blvd. to find the lit snowflakes heading west on SE 15th St. to the entrance south on Century Blvd between Midwest Blvd. and Douglas.
Admission is free, thanks to the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce and many merchants. The Holiday Lights Spectacular runs on sponsorships and donations. Donations are appreciated onsite or contact organizers.
With easy access from I-40 and just 10 minutes east of Oklahoma City, visitors and their family will want to make this an annual tradition for years to come.
For group arrangements for the light show, including guided group tours and itinerary planning and more general information call 405-739-1289 or visit Holiday Lights Spectacular | Midwest City Oklahoma. Organizers thank sponsors for their support that allows them to present this community service to the public.

By Nick Thomas

If reading bedtime stories to the grandkids is a cherished family tradition, Eddie Muller has an unusual tale to share this holiday season: a gritty feline sleuth searches for a stolen artifact while encountering a host of seedy underground characters prowling through a shadowy urban setting.
If that sounds like the plot from 1940s film noir cinema, you’re no dope. In his first published children’s book, “Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmallow Monkey,” the Turner Classic Movies host has channeled his film noir expertise onto the pages of a new book for kids aged 4 and up.
Toning down the traditionally dark stylized themes from early crime fiction thrillers was a no-brainer for Muller https://www.eddiemuller.com/ and Running Press Kids publishers https://www.runningpress.com/. The result is a cute mystery tale with animal characters that cleverly reference popular classic noir films, including one of the best from 1941.
“‘The Maltese Falcon’ seemed a perfect template,” said Muller from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Film noir themes revolve around the most diabolical and dastardly motivations that are not suitable for a children’s book. But many are detective stories, so the idea of a simple quest, like a treasure hunt, seemed adaptable for kids.”
Just like private detective Sam Spade’s search for the precious ‘Falcon’ statuette, Kitty Feral pursues a stolen artifact (a Marshmallow Monkey) and along the way, interacts with some interesting characters, driving the plot. (Kitty is also on a mission to locate kidnapped crime-fighting partner Mitch the Mutt).
When originally approached by (co-author) Jessica Schmidt with the idea, Muller says he jumped at the opportunity provided the artwork would emulate the style of classic noir film. Drawn by Forrest Burdett in glorious noir-ish black-and-white and distinctively skewed viewer angles, the Oregon-based artist added a splash of vivid blue highlights to Kitty who roams the dark alleys, deserted city rooftops, and eerie waterfront in search of a missing Marshmallow Monkey – a stolen sweet treat.
While obviously aimed at children, adults familiar with classic movies will enjoy the subtle references to noir films. For instance, Kitty begins the search at the Acme Book Shop – similar (but naturally less risqué) to a Humphrey Bogart scene right out of 1946’s “The Big Sleep.”
A dockside warehouse image captures a scene from “99 River Street,” a theater marquee acknowledges producer Val Lewton’s “Leopard Man,” and there are plenty of obvious references to “On the Waterfront,” “Casablanca,” “Shakedown,” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice.”
As for the book’s cast of supporting characters, rotund owl boss Casper Nighthawk and sleazy Wilmer the Weasel represent villainous Kasper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet) and Wilmer Cook (Elisha Cook Jr.) from “The Maltese Falcon.” Sinister leather-clad Johnny Gila is distinctly reptilian, a nod to William Talman’s title role in 1953’s “The Hitch-hiker.” “People have said he looked like a Gila monster,” notes Muller. And speaking of “Perry Mason” actors, there’s even a character representing Raymond Burr’s villainous roles (but we’ll leave that one for readers to uncover!).
As for Kitty, the character is modeled after actress Ella Raines, especially her sultry role in 1944’s “The Phantom Lady,” even though Muller doesn’t formally acknowledge Kitty’s gender in the pages.
“Kitty was clearly inspired by Raines – a smart, independent woman intent on solving a crime herself in the film, not the typical femme fatale character,” explained Muller. As a bonus, if reading the story to kids, grandparents can test the youngsters’ powers of observation by asking if they can spot something intentionally omitted from the artist’s images of Kitty!
Of course, most of the book’s film references will be beyond young readers, but Muller thinks adults reading the story to their little ones will enjoy opening up a monochromatic world not usually seen on cellphones, laptops, or while gaming. And, perhaps, some may even come to appreciate the screen imagery in classic films enjoyed by their parents and grandparents.
“Since the book came out, I’ve attended film festivals that lasted several days and people told me they were buying the book for their grandkids,” recalls Muller. “They’ve returned a second day, reporting they read it to them and that the kids loved it. So that’s really gratifying.”
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/.

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you explain the differences between the coronavirus and seasonal flu? I’m 70-years-old, and usually get a standard flu shot, but would like to find out what else I can do to protect myself this winter.

Worried Senior

Dear Worried,
Great question! Because of the dual danger of Influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that this fall and winter could be the worst ever for public health. Understanding this, knowing the differences and similarities between the viruses, and knowing what you can do to protect yourself is the best way to stay healthy and safe through this difficult time.
Flu vs COVID
Because many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, so testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. With that said, here are some similarities and differences you should know.
For starters, seasonal flu symptoms come on pretty quickly, whereas COVID-19 develops gradually over a period of a few days and then either fades out or gets worse. Common shared symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue and even chest pain. Pinkeye and a dry cough are associated with COVID-19, while it’s now thought that a fever is more likely with the flu, as are diarrhea and nausea.
Many people are having their temperatures taken these days before entering public spaces. But fever occurs in only half of COVID-19 cases. Fever does not rule out COVID-19, but the absence of fever makes flu unlikely.
You’re also unlikely to have a runny or stuffy nose with the flu, but you may with COVID-19. What sometimes happens within the nose with COVID-19 is loss of smell and, often as a consequence, loss of taste, too.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website ?at CDC.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.
How to Protect Yourself
While there is currently no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. So, stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, wear a mask and keep at least 6 feet away from other people. And every time you come home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
There’s also evidence that suggests that people who are deficient in vitamin D may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, than those with sufficient levels. So, make sure you take in around 800 to 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D from food or supplements daily, and get outside as much as you can.
And to help guard against the flu this year, you should consider getting a flu shot that’s specifically designed for people 65 and older. The “Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent” or the “FLUAD Quadrivalent” are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot offers. You only need one flu shot, and if you haven’t already gotten it, you should do it now because takes up to two weeks to build immunity after you receive it.
Pneumonia Vaccines
If you haven’t been vaccinated for pneumonia, you should also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccines. Both flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans, and kills around 50,000 people each year. But these numbers could be much higher this year.
The CDC recommends that all seniors, 65 or older, get two vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered one year apart, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection.
Medicare Part B covers both flu and pneumonia shots.
To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location.
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.

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good online hearing tests? My husband has hearing loss, but I can’t get him to go in and get his hearing checked, so I thought a simple online test could help him recognize he has a problem. What can you tell me? — Loud Talking Linda

Dear Linda,
There’s actually a growing number of very good online and app-based hearing tests available that will let your husband check his hearing on his own. These tests are a quick and convenient option for the millions of Americans that have mild to moderate hearing loss but often ignore it, or don’t want to go through the hassle or expense of visiting an audiologist for a hearing exam.
Who Should Test?
Hearing loss for most people develops gradually over many years of wear and tear, which is the reason many people don’t realize they actually have a hearing problem.
Anyone who has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say, especially in noisier environments or over the phone. Or, if you need a higher volume of music or TV than other people, should take a few minutes to test their hearing.
Self-Hearing Tests
Online and app-based hearing tests can serve as a great screening tool. They are not meant to be a diagnosis, but rather to give you an idea of how bad your hearing loss is and what can be done about it.
For most do-it-yourself hearing tests, you’ll be advised to wear ear headphones or earbuds and sit in a quiet spot.
You also need to know that there are two different type of tests available. One type is known as pure-tone testing, where tones are played in decreasing volumes to determine your specific level of hearing loss. And the other type is known as speech-in-noise or digits-in-noise (DIN) where you’ll be asked to identify words, numbers, or phrases amid background noise.
Where to Test
If your husband uses a smartphone or tablet, two of my favorite app-based hearing tests are the hearWHO app created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test app. Both apps are free to use and are available through the App Store and Google Play.
HearWHO allows users to check their hearing status and monitor it over time using a DIN test, while Mimi uses pure-tone and masked threshold tests to give you a detailed picture of your hearing abilities.
There are also a wide variety of online hearing tests your husband can take on a computer.
Some top online tests – all offered by hearing aid manufacturers – for speech-in-noise or DIN tests can be accessed at ReSound (resound.com/en-us/online-hearing-test) and Mircle Ear (miracle-ear.com/online-hearing-test).
And some good online hearing tests for pure-tone testing are available by Signia (signia.net/en/service/hearing-test); Ergo (eargo.com/hearing-health/hearing-check); and MD Hearing Aid (mdhearingaid.com/hearing-test).
All of these hearing tests are completely free to use and take less than five minutes to complete.
What to do with Results
If the tests indicate your husband has hearing loss, it’s best to think of that as a starting point. He should take results to his doctor or an audiologist for further evaluation.
Many insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine hearing exams, however original Medicare does not.
If his hearing loss is mild to moderate, he should look into the new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are available this fall online and at retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens and CVS.
OTC hearing aids don’t require a prescription or medical examination for purchase and they’re much more affordable than traditional hearing aids you buy through an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist.

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.