Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

Travel is still a challenge, and no more so than international cruising. I personally have a tentative booking for July of 2022, which may or may not come to fruition. It might be more practical to take a cruise closer to home, or one designated as domestic. It’s never too early to plan and dream.
As you can tell from the title I had a near 3 week tour of the North East which was an all-consuming adventure of over 1100 miles, 32 locks and many city visits via Blount’s Grande Caribe small ship cruise. Blount specializes in traveling where large ships cannot go and giving their guests exceptional access to destinations approachable by rivers in North America. Blount cruises are ideal for Senior citizens. (More details about my cruise, next month, in Part Two.) It’s always a good idea to arrive early for any cruise ship departure, as you’d hate to miss the boat because of airline or weather delays. I did that with my 3 night stay in one of my most enjoyable city explorations in Old Montreal.
Taking the suggestion of Montreal Tourism, I stayed at the upscale boutique Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel, in the middle of historic yet modern old town. The hotel offered all the amenities expected with a flare and style for which you always wished. The dining, bar, concierge, bell men, Internet access, housekeeping and staff all were the best of the best with efficient and congenial service. Le Saint-Sulpice is indeed a pleasant and quiet oasis from your Montreal touring.
Being my first time in Montreal, I enjoyed my morning car tour by expert guide, Ruby Roy, who showed me many Montreal iconic sights. They included the past Olympic and Expo venues, several overlook vistas of the Montreal skyline, an exposure to the variety of unique architectural styles of its neighborhoods (where the design of street lights change with each neighborhood), the Atwater Farmers market and of course topping off with a visit to the 1823 Notre-Dame Basilica (entry fee), which is only half a block from my Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel.
It’s said that Montreal has over 6,000 restaurants, but as only having 3 days, I was pleased to accept the challenge and sample a few, most in Old Montreal and within walking distance. Many were near the main street of Old Montreal, Saint Paul Street, East and West. The street is filled with enticing upscale art galleries, shops and other businesses housed in vintage Montreal facades. At times I felt I was strolling through a European city, exhibiting its sophisticated culture. A short distance from Le Saint-Sulpice is the Montreal Museum of Archeological and History, a must to see for its original foundations of Old Montreal, and to explore its history through a labyrinth of exhibition narratives. The experience of taking in their multiple image movie was a welcome diversion and informational. A real treat is the very popular museum café, Restaurant l’AArrivage. The concierge at the hotel retrieved the last table available for my noontime respite, where the food was economical and delicious along with a variety of local people watching. So as not to be disappointed reservations, even for a noon time meal, is a must at most all Montreal restaurants.
My other dining pleasures included: Helena, is a very popular and crowded venue offering a Portuguese style menu. Chez L’Epicier has an elegant atmosphere and food presentations which started off with a Kir Maison of sparkling apple cider, cranberry and maple, to accompany their amuse bush of a sweet macaroon and chocolate mint. This may be their “eat dessert first” philosophy. Ask for their Club Sandwich, which is a dessert of sweet delights presented as if it were a sandwich. Perhaps the best taste in all Montreal was their Roasted Butternut Squash (tasting like peaches!) with sour cream and walnut crumble.
Osteria Venti, was again a very popular restaurant. It seems everyone in Montreal eats out all the time. The service here was congenial and I must say that they followed my Martini instructions to the letter without hesitation. It seems in Canada in particular, that martinis are stirred not usually shaken, so my detailed instruction (ice on the pond) was welcomed, as they wanted to please this customer, as they also did with my meal of oven roasted half chicken, rustic peperonata, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil.
I needed to take a taxi to Chez Ma Grosse Truie Cherie – but it was worth it to dine on their onion soup, pork tenderloin encrusted (pork is their specialty), a hazel nut crème Brule, and accompany all with either an apple Martini or their special drink created by the bar tender, David, a martini of Montreal gin, herbs and a hint of maple syrup. To know that most of their interior is from recycle materials including bowling alley wood made into table tops, is an added treat.
Back at Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel your choice of breakfast dishes at the St Clair restaurant is extensive, and who doesn’t need an early morning wake up for a full day of touring? If weather permits you might eat out on the patio, or if not, inside the enclosed terrace offering floor to ceiling windows. Having this hotel as your elegant, secure and convenient home in Old Montreal is a comfortable way to enjoy the city. There is even a Christmas shop halfway between the hotel and the Notre-Dame Basilica, and a liquor store across the street. Old Montreal…my new favorite haunt.
Next is Part Two – Blount Cruising on the New York Canal System.
Until then check out: www.mtl.org/en, www.lesaintsulpice.com, www.blountsmallshipadventures.com, www.restauranthelena.com, www.chezlepicier.com, www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/plan-your-visit/larrivage-restaurant, www.osteriaventi.com

AAA reminds drivers to stay cool behind the wheel; avoid engaging with aggressive drivers

Whether it’s gesturing, shouting, threatening-or worse-anger behind the wheel is becoming far too common on America’s roadways. Aggressive behaviors, ranging from speeding to acts of violence, pose a threat not only to other drivers but to passengers and pedestrians as well.
“Road rage is the term we use to describe extreme anger and aggression behind the wheel,” says Rylie Mansuetti, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “Not only are these displays of hostility unsafe for those on and near the roadway, but a growing number of these incidents are turning deadly.”
Aggressive driving versus road rage
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the term “aggressive driving” first began to emerge in the 1990s to describe a category of unsafe driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, running traffic lights, tailgating and driving at excessive speeds.
Road rage occurs when aggressive driving behaviors become extreme or violent. Examples range from angry gesturing and cursing to confronting, sideswiping and brandishing of weapons and other violent actions or threats.
While aggressive driving behaviors are traffic violations, road rage behaviors other than gesturing and shouting are criminal offenses.
Earlier this year, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund released its latest analysis of road rage shootings in the U.S., finding that such incidents have continued to increase every year since 2018.
In 2022, 554 people were shot during road rage incidents nationwide, resulting in 413 injuries and 141 deaths-twice the numbers from 2018. The incidence of road rage shootings last year equates to one person being wounded or killed in a road rage incident every 16 hours.
The same data revealed there were 3.8 people shot per 1 million residents during road rage incidents last year in Oklahoma, putting it third among five states with the highest rate of people shot in road range incidents. These states-New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin-make up 8% of the U.S. population, but 20% of road rage shooting victims. In 2023 to date, one victim has been killed and another three injured during road rage shootings.
Reasons for road rage
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some people are more prone to road rage than others. These high-anger drivers are more impulsive, engage in hostile thinking and are more likely to seek revenge over a purported wrong. While these drivers may behave appropriately on a quiet country road, the APA points to research indicating traffic congestion and other environmental factors can more easily set off road rage behaviors.
Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once within the previous 30 days. In a related study, the Foundation found potentially aggressive actions-such as tailgating, erratic lane changing or illegal passing-are a factor in up to 56% of fatal crashes.
While there are undoubtedly numerous reasons behind the growing problem of over-aggression behind the wheel, research from AAA and NHTSA point to a number of likely contributing factors:
Traffic congestion. No matter the cause, on-the-road delays and rising traffic congestion are frustrating for all. But some motorists have extremely low tolerance for delays, leading to tailgating, erratic lane changes and other aggressive behaviors.
Running late. A seemingly endless stream of errands and obligations weigh more heavily on some drivers than others, contributing to a pattern of aggression behind the wheel.
Anonymity. Some drivers feel insulated and detached from the outside world when in their vehicle, giving them a feeling of anonymity. For some, this causes an erosion of inhibitions to antisocial behavior, while the vehicle itself gives them a sense of power.
Changes in acceptable behavior. Just as other “norms” have changed over time-music, fashion, politics-human behaviors behind the wheel continue to evolve. It can become more acceptable to have less regard for law enforcement and fellow citizens as drivers “look out for number one.”
“Drivers should consider whether any of these scenarios apply to their own actions behind the wheel and take measures to resolve them. Learning techniques for stress-relief, better time management and anger control could help keep you and others safe,” Mansuetti says. “Think twice before making a rude gesture or laying on the horn and you’ll dodge a potential road rage incident.”
Avoiding road rage
While it isn’t possible to control another driver’s behavior, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of road rage. AAA has these tips for avoiding aggression on the roadways:
Practice polite driving habits. Follow the rules of the road and be courteous to others. If you inadvertently make an error that affects another driver, give a wave and smile. That simple act will often defuse a potential aggressor.
Slow down and let the aggressor pass. When you pull to the side or change lanes and let an aggressive driver pass, they will typically be glad they’re on their way and not try to engage further.
Keep your cool. Remember, you’re not the police. Even if a driver is doing a poor job, it is not your job to correct them. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt and don’t take their errors as a personal attack. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not make eye contact, display anger or engage in any way.
Lay off the horn. Save the horn for an emergency situation or tap it lightly if you need to alert a driver to a changed traffic signal. Do not use it to “call out” the driving behaviors of others.
Don’t drive under distress. Avoid driving if you’re angry, upset or fatigued. Never drive impaired.
Be realistic about your travel time. Consider the amount of traffic you’ll likely encounter and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination without speeding or driving aggressively.
Call 911 if you’re threatened. Aggressive drivers can be reported to local police, but if an aggressive driver threatens or attacks you, call 911 immediately. Do not make eye contact or engage in any way. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, convenience store or other public location with witnesses. Never drive home with an aggressor following you.
“Remember, driving isn’t a competition, so there’s no need to ‘one up’ another driver. Your only win should be staying safe,” says Mansuetti. “Keep your focus on your own driving and avoid actions that could make you a target of aggression from others.”
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63 million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit https://cluballiance.aaa.com/.

By Eddie Roach, VillagesOKC media

Commitment. Discipline. Effort. Pride. Toughness.
Those are the character traits which are inscribed on the base of a monument to 1st Lt. James Robert Kalsu that will be unveiled March 29, Vietnam era Veterans Day, at the Del City High School stadium, which bears his name. On the same day, a documentary will premiere about the football star who gave up a promising career to honor his commitment to the U.S. Army and lost his life in service to his country in Vietnam.
“Uncommon Character – the Legacy of James Robert Kalsu” is a film about Kalsu, a stand-out student and Del City High School football star, an All-American at the University of Oklahoma, and Rookie of the Year for the Buffalo Bills, who became the only active professional athlete killed in action in the Vietnam War.
Documentary producer Gary Banz, director of Veterans Initiatives at VillagesOKC, says, “This story is important for many reasons. Foremost is that each new generation needs to know their own history and appreciate the sacrifices which have been made so they can live free and enjoy the benefits of that freedom.” He hopes it will inspire future generations of Del City students and motivate them on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
“The statue is a constant visual reminder of James Robert Kalsu’s personal story,” Banz said. “The documentary expands the audience of the Kalsu story. After more than 50 years, the public at large has become more open to reversing the manner Vietnam Veterans are recognized for their service.”
Kalsu’s story of humility, character, and valor has been told several ways over the 50+ years since a mortar round took his life in July 1970. Now, a documentary by local filmmakers explores the Robert
Kalsu story and how his life impacted so many – in sports and in service. Former teammates and battle buddies were interviewed for this project. All spoke of Kalsu’s character.
Kalsu was born in Oklahoma City with deep Czechoslovakian immigrant roots. His boyhood home was located on Southeast 59th St. in the Mid-Del school district. During his developmental years, he attended Townsend Elementary, Kerr Junior High, and Del City High School and considered Del City his home. His character traits were shaped by a strong extended family, a Catholic faith tradition, and his teachers in the Mid-Del school district.
Nearby Tinker Air Force Base, established during World War II, was the place of employment for thousands including Kalsu’s father, Frank. It was the perfect setting to raise a young man of character destined to become an All-American Hero. As a constant companion with his father who coached little league baseball teams, young Kalsu embraced serving others.
He was recruited in 1963 by legendary coach Bud Wilkinson at the University of Oklahoma, but
Wilkinson retired before Kalsu could play for him. By the 1966-67 season, the All-American Kalsu led the Sooners to a 10-1 (7-0 in Big Eight Conference play) season and a win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. Team Captain Kalsu earned the respect of his teammates. Former teammates said his no-nonsense, team-first approach was loved by all and made an impression on players and coaches.
Teammate Steve Owens, future Heisman Trophy winner, said Kalsu was a natural born leader. “When he talked, we listened.” Team quarterback Bob Warmack said he was a little kid in a big man’s body that led by example. Coach Barry Switzer, offensive coordinator, remembers him as quiet and on time, and a mature leader well liked by teammates and coaches.
Kalsu was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1968. He started nine games that season and was voted as the rookie of the year by his teammates. While at OU, Kalsu was a member of the school’s Army ROTC program. After graduating, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant but was not called to active duty. However, not long after the Bills 1968 season ended, the call came. At the time, numerous pro athletes were eligible to be drafted but opted for the reserves, or because of their high profile careers managed to avoid the draft with deferments.
In November 1969, after additional artillery training at Fort Sill in Lawton, 2nd Lt. Kalsu found himself assigned to the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” and leading soldiers operating Firebase Ripcord high in the mountains of central Vietnam. At the time, Kalsu and his wife, Jan, had an infant daughter, and she was pregnant with their second child. In the early months of his tour of duty, Kalsu was promoted to first lieutenant. In May 1970, Kalsu joined his wife in Hawaii for a brief R&R retreat.
By late July, Firebase Ripcord was besieged by North Vietnamese Army soldiers who had surrounded the base. For days, the NVA frequently mortared the base, which kept Kalsu and his troops primarily in their bunkers. On July 21, 1970, Kalsu was killed by a mortar round that landed a few feet from him. Two days later, Jan Kalsu gave birth to their son, James Robert Kalsu Jr., in Oklahoma City.
When enlisted soldier Alfred Martin, who experienced combat at Firebase Ripcord with Kalsu, was asked to describe his commanding officer, he replied, “a gentleman in officer clothing.”
Dedication Day for the Kalsu monument is Friday, March 29, with a revealing ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the stadium site. At 1:30 p.m. in the Del City Performing Arts Center (PAC) there will be a Vietnam-Era Veteran pinning ceremony and premier of the documentary. A reception will follow in the PAC lobby.
“Uncommon Character” is the second documentary written and produced by Banz which honors Veterans. It is the third the 78-year-old retired educator and former Oklahoma State Representative has produced with his grandson, Nathan Livingston, a 25 year-old cinematographer. The Robert Kalsu Legacy Group is the idea of Navy Capt. John Keilty (retired), a Junior Naval ROTC teacher at Del City High School and includes other community leaders. They are raising funds for the monument. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing of Del City and Willowbrook Construction are building and erecting this project.

Joyce Clark

Campus Director at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living in OKC.

Story by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Joyce Clark said going to work is not just a job, but a ministry to her.
She was self-employed/CEO of Achievis Senior Living Associates for about 25 years until she took the reins as Campus Director at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living at 7501 W. Britton Road in Oklahoma City almost two-and-a-half years ago.
“I’ve always loved my career. I’ve developed seven assisted and memory care communities in Oklahoma and consulted across America. I’ve created and now I’m managing a true community asset, a true blessing to people,” Clark said. “In my decades of work, I’ve tried hard to be a positive impact on the lives I have touched but I have experienced it is also vice versa.”
Clark said she knew at a young age that she wanted to have a career in healthcare.
“As a young teenager I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, and that eventually led to becoming an assisted living administrator, one of the first ones in Oklahoma, early, when it was newer,” she said. “Serving as an administrator married my love of healthcare with development and management and seniors.”
Clark said Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is a fun and friendly community that improves people’s lives and offers solutions to their problems, and she is proud to be part of that mission.
“Any home that puts people first will be successful,” she said. “My “people first” philosophy incorporates employees as well as residents and their families. Fun, mutual respect, cooperation, and communication all factor into creating a culture where people want to live and work.”
The Saint Ann campus features 120 independent living and 50 assisted living apartments as well as a convent and chapel.
Also known as Saint Ann Retirement Center, the assisted and independent living campus is owned and operated by The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, a not-for-profit Catholic organization. People of all faiths are welcome and enjoy living at Saint Ann.
Clark said Saint Ann is an affordable place to live.
“We are affordable. There’s no big buy-in fee like other high-quality homes, and frankly, I feel like we’re at the top of senior living in the United States,” she said. “Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is reasonably priced and all-inclusive. We have a 24-hour concierge, outstanding meals, transportation, housekeeping, and much more. Assistance with personal care and medications are available in assisted living or thru third-party providers, one of which offices inside independent living. For anyone looking to move to senior living, she advises them to check out the vibe, check out the culture, and talk to residents. “My residents are my sales staff. When they see somebody touring Saint Ann, our residents are quick to share how happy they are.”
Clark said the daily life of a campus administrator can be strenuous. She said it is important to control the expenses of operations so that an acceptable profit is earned to be successful and financially strong.
“For me, the job’s demands and stress are offset by the joys of blessing others and improving the lives of residents and employees,” she said. “Administrators must be able to lead and manage a diverse group of people. Successful directors have the capability to effectively handle a tremendous variety of responsibilities ranging from resident care, staffing, regulatory compliance, sales, and financial tracking to property maintenance, and operations management. They must be great at communication, shoveling paperwork, conflict resolution, time management, priority setting, and people pleasing. I love the variety of my job and also orchestrating large projects like the remodel currently underway.”
Clark said Saint Ann offers a variety of activities and programs for residents to enjoy.
“We have many different things to do every day” she said. “Saint Ann’s life enrichment calendar is packed with activities. We have exercise, Tai Chi, speakers, crafts. bands, entertainers, llamas, sip and paint, games, volleyball, and much more.”
Clark said Saint Ann residents are also provided transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, and excursions like going to movies, theatre, Braums, seeing Christmas lights, scenic drives, restaurants, and the casino.
“Saint Ann’s life enrichment team work hard to provide a variety of daily activities so folks can choose what they want to do,” she said. “In addition, Saint Ann provides daily Mass and a non-denominational service on Sunday. Residents also enjoy hymn singing, Bible study, and whatever else they ask us to organize.”
Clark said it is a blessing to work at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living.
“It’s such a blessing to work here and to be a part of all this. We are an amazing, wonderful team,” she said. “We’re here for each other and we all work very cohesively. The residents are lovely and active in many daily functions and special events. Residents are the focus of everything my staff does. I truly cannot adequately express how precious the culture and people are who live and work here at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living.”
For more information call Lisa at (405) 721-0747, Ext. 322 or visit
https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com.

New red panda cam connects fans with endangered wildlife during Zoo closure

While the Oklahoma City Zoo is closed due to the unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency, it remains committed to connecting people to its animals and expert caretakers, and creating moments of wild wonder for all to enjoy during these uncertain times. Beginning Tuesday, March 24, enjoy an exclusive real-time look at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s red panda family with the Zoo’s new red panda cam online at www.okczoo.org/redpandacam. The Zoo’s red panda cam will stream live daily through Friday, May 1, with optimal viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. When temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, the red pandas are given exclusive access to their indoor habitats, outside the camera’s field of view.
Experience a virtual visit to the OKC Zoo’s red panda habitat at Sanctuary Asia from the ease of your smartphone, computer or tablet to watch Thomas, 6, and Leela, 5, plus their offspring Khyana and Ravi, 9-months, play, eat and engage with their caretakers. Youngsters, Khyana and Ravi, are always on the move climbing and exploring their habitat, providing hours of viewing enjoyment. In October, Khyana underwent an amputation of her hind, left leg, due to a congenital deformity. She is thriving and continues to do everything her four-legged brother, Ravi, can do–watch and see!
Known for being great climbers, red pandas spend most of their lives in trees, even sleeping in branches. Red pandas grow to be about the size of a typical house cat. Their bushy, ringed tails add about 18 inches to their length and serve as a type of blanket keeping them warm in cold mountain climates.
Though previously classified as a relative of the giant panda, and also of the raccoon, with which it shares a ringed tail, red pandas are currently considered members of their own unique taxonomic family—the Ailuridae. The red panda is listed as an endangered species. Only an estimated 10,000 remain in the wild, and their habitats in remote areas of the Himalayan Mountains, from Nepal to central China, are being threatened by deforestation, agriculture, cattle grazing and competition for resources. The OKC Zoo participates in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as a cooperative effort among AZA-accredited zoos throughout North America to help promote genetic diversity through species management.
Stay connected to your Zoo each and every day with “OKC Zoo @ Two”. This new digital series provides an online safari of the Zoo through caretaker chats, veterinary exams, behind-the-scenes animal encounters and more! Segments are posted on the OKC Zoo’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and at okczoo.org/okc-zoo-at-two daily at 2 p.m. CT. They include pre-produced stories as well as live broadcasts allowing viewers to submit their questions to be answered by Zoo caretakers. On Thursday, March 26, red panda fans won’t want to miss a special red panda caretaker chat featuring more information about this unique species and their new habitat at the OKC Zoo!
Fans wishing to support the OKC Zoo and mitigate the significant cost of the temporary closure can pre-purchase general admission tickets and Zoo-It-All tickets online at okczoo.org/tickets at a 20% discount. These tickets will be valid to use any day before March 31. 2021. The public can also support the OKC Zoo by making a donation at okczoo.org/donate towards the Zoo’s general operating fund or by becoming a ZOOfriends members at zoofriends.org/membership. All active ZOOfriends memberships will be extended for the length of time the Oklahoma City Zoo is closed to the public, including those purchased or renewed during the closure.
Indefinitely closed to the public for the well-being of Zoo guests, team members, ZOOfriends members, volunteers and, of course, the animals in our care, safety is our top priority every day at the OKC Zoo, particularly with the emergence of COVID-19. Zoo officials will continue to closely monitor this developing situation and follow guidance from federal, state and local health officials to determine the Zoo’s reopening date.
Get all the cuteness you can stand with the Zoo’s Red Panda Cam! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

story and photos by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Winter is coming.
So are changes to virtually every Medicare plan as the annual enrollment window opens.
For several years, MCM Insurance has helped seniors in our community navigate what can be murky health care insurance waters as time ticks down on a decision they will have to live with for an entire year.
“The biggest thing we want seniors to know is that every plan changes in some way, every year,” said MCM owner Ginny Curtis. “They need to know what those changes are before they enroll or stay on the same plan. “They also need to make sure they’re not paying too much for the benefits.”
As 2019 begins to wind down, one of the most important times of the year for seniors is here. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs annually from (Oct. 15-Dec. 7). AEP is a time in which current Medicare beneficiaries can choose to change part of their coverage. They can change their Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and/or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). It’s a time to reevaluate based on their benefits, health, and finances. If they find a plan that is a better fit for their needs than their current plan, they can then switch to, drop or add a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
October 1 is the date consumers can start looking over new plans.
During AEP Curtis’ agency goes into overdrive to make sure that everyone that needs help facilitating the changes coming their way is reached.
“It’s very important to us that each person that comes through our agency chooses their plan based on their specific needs,” said Curtis. During an appointment with the agents from MCM, they will compare plans based on the customer’s list of medicines and doctors to narrow down which plan will cover all their needs the best.
In addition to individual appointments, MCM offers no-cost Navigating Through Medicare informational sessions around the metro.
The hour-long informational sessions allow people to become more familiar with the ins and outs of Medicare in a low-key setting.
“I think the big thing we focus on is people know why they made a decision or why they stayed,” said agent Jennifer Melton. “They need to know that.”
Melton recalled a recent conversation with a client who has had the same supplement and drug plan since turning 65.
“That’s OK, but it’s also problematic in that premiums for Part D can be over $100 whereas the average right now is just around $35. They just stay on that because they feel like that’s what they’re supposed to do,” she said.
Answering those questions and comparing plans is paramount.
“The cool part about dealing with a group like us is they can come in here without the fear of just being enrolled or sold something,” Melton said. “We consistently tell people ‘nope, that’s good, stay on that – even if they’re not our client.”
“I feel like it’s a safe place for them to come and say ‘I’ve been on this forever. Is this what I should be doing or do I need to do something different?”
While many appointments are scheduled in the comfort of client homes, Curtis staffs the office at 2232 W. Hefner Road in the Village so that clients can walk in anytime 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and speak with an agent directly without an appointment. During AEP they extend their hours.
Having those free conversations can take a load off of someone’s mind, especially when health care costs are eating into their retirement savings.
“You don’t want to change for the purpose of changing but when it comes to Advantage plans because the plans change and the drugs change every year they need to know the plan they’re going to be on next year will work as good as the plan this year and not all of them will do that,” Curtis said.
“That’s what I want, a whole bunch of savvy seniors that have done their research and know what they’re doing.”
MCM also has agents in Tulsa, Claremore and Lawton. You can reach the OKC office by calling 405-842-0494. You can also view their calendar and get more info on their website at www.mcmmedicare.com as well as www.navigatingthroughmedicare.info.

www.mcmmedicare.com

By Nick Thomas

Chances are, every time velvet-voiced Johnny Mathis takes center stage during his current US tour, the atmosphere could turn Misty.
Sure, some devoted Mathis fans might swoon teary-eyed with waves of emotional nostalgia witnessing the 86-year-old singing icon in person, but many will just dutifully sway to the familiar soothing melodies as the veteran performer delivers his signature ballads such as “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” “Chances Are,” and, of course, his 1959 hit – “Misty.”
Interrupted briefly by the pandemic last year, Mathis continues his 2022 Voice of Romance Tour with stops around the country (see www.johnnymathis.com). Although the viral menace is still lurking, it has not deterred the soulful singer from performing this year.
“Well, it’s what I do,” said Mathis from his home in Los Angeles during a tour break. “Except for earlier in the pandemic, I’ve been touring since I recorded my first album in 1956.”
Currently in his 66th year as a recording artist, the Mathis career statistics are impressive, including 79 original albums, 43 singles on the Billboard Pop Chart, 5 Grammy nominations as well as a 2003 Lifetime Achievement Grammy and songs used in over 60 films and television shows.
Then there’s his historic 1958 Greatest Hits album, released just two years after his debut album, which became the first Greatest Hits album issued by any pop artist.
“Mitch Miller was responsible for that,” said Mathis, referring to the conductor and record producer best remembered for the 60s musical show “Sing Along with Mitch” on NBC. Mathis signed with Columbia Records in 1956 and to cash in on the growing Mathis phenomenon, Miller wanted to release a new album in the late 50s but the singer was in Europe. Mathis had scored big with recent hits, so Miller bundled several together on one record and “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” would spend almost 10 continuous years on the Billboard Top Albums Chart.
Ironically, Mathis’s signature song, “Misty,” didn’t appear on the 1958 compilation since it would be featured the following year on his “Heavenly” album. Written by Errol Garner (music) and Johnny Burke (lyrics), Mathis first heard the tune at the Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco where he grew up.
“I used to go there as a teenager to watch the singers and the owner would let me sit in the back where no one could see me,” recalled Mathis who would eventually be discovered singing at the club. “Garner would perform several times a year and play this wonderful tune (Misty) on the piano with no lyrics. His piano introduction was about a minute and a half with all sorts of chord changes and, oh man, I loved hearing it.”
Later, Mathis learned Burke had added lyrics to the melody. “Columbia usually chose all the songs for me to record but as soon as I got a chance to select something, I recorded Misty.”
While Mathis acknowledges the influence of many professional and personal buddies throughout his career, one always stands apart.
“I began singing because my dad sang,” says Mathis. “He was my best pal and my true blessing is that he lived long enough to see my success as a singer.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

https://www.navigatingmedicare.com/

Chronic pain can be quite common among older adults as they face conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy. Treating pain in older adults requires special considerations, however, especially when it comes to opioids.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center recently received a $2.5 million federal grant to tailor methods of treating chronic pain to the older adult population – with an emphasis on decreasing the use of opioids – and to disseminate those best practices to primary care clinics across Oklahoma. The grant is from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the lead federal agency charged with improving the safety and quality of America’s healthcare system.
In recent years, the OU Health Sciences Center has made significant contributions to the medical profession’s understanding of the risks and benefits of using opioids to treat chronic pain. However, much of that work has focused on the general population, rather than older adults specifically. This grant will allow physicians and researchers to concentrate solely on older adults, and to establish standards of pain management that prioritize non-opioid medications and treatments.
“The older population has a much different relationship with opioids than the younger population does,” said one of the grant’s three principal investigators, Zsolt Nagykaldi, Ph.D., Director of Research for the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the OU College of Medicine. “In the younger population, the No. 1 problem is typically misuse, while in the older population, the bigger problems are interactions between opioids and other medications and other health conditions, as well as a higher risk of falls.”
There are numerous reasons for limiting or avoiding opioid prescriptions in older adults, said co-principal investigator Steven Crawford, M.D., Senior Associate Dean for the OU College of Medicine. Metabolism slows as people age, which can increase the effects of opioids. Conditions like emphysema and sleep apnea complicate the use of opioids, Crawford said, and other medications may interact poorly with opioids. Opioids also cause constipation, which can affect the body’s systems and eventually lead to serious issues.
However, there are many alternatives to opioids. Non-opioid medications may be an option, although care must be exercised with anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of internal bleeding, among other complications, Crawford said. There are many non-pharmacologic possibilities, such as physical therapy, topical agents, acupuncture, massage, meditation and exercise. Those are also important options if patients are decreasing their opioid use slowly over time.
“Regular physical activity is very important for managing chronic pain because pain gets worse if people sit for a long time,” said geriatrician and co-principal investigator Lee Jennings, M.D., Chief of the Section of Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine, OU College of Medicine. Jennings is also director of the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI), which provides gentle exercise opportunities and falls prevention classes (including via Zoom) across Oklahoma. OHAI’s free programming will be emphasized as part of the overall program.
“It’s not easy to treat older adults with chronic pain, so this grant will allow us to help patients and their physicians to understand and have access to alternatives to opioids,” Jennings said. “It’s very important to have safe opioid prescribing practices and to make sure that patients understand the risks, but we have to think through other ways to manage pain. It’s not always possible to make someone totally pain-free, but we also don’t want to put someone at risk for a fall because they’re taking a medication that has a sedating effect. We want them to continue doing the activities that enrich their lives. We don’t want people to stop doing the things they enjoy because that can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which ultimately leads to poorer health.”
Because primary care clinics provide most of the care for older adults with chronic pain, the OU Health Sciences Center will be working with up to 50 clinics across Oklahoma. Community panels, comprised of both patients and clinicians, will provide insight into the needs specific to each area. The OU Health Sciences Center has an extensive network of relationships with rural clinics across the state to share best practices and provide hands-on assistance; this grant will enable further outreach on a topic that’s important to many Oklahomans.
“New medical guidelines, if they follow the natural course of things, can take years to become wedded into the practices of clinics,” Crawford said. “This type of program allows us to accelerate that process by working with clinics to improve the quality of life for their patients.”