by Bobby Anderson,
Staff Writer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for criminals looking to cash in on those just trying to spread a little holiday cheer.
In November, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Kim Lopez celebrated 31 years in law enforcement.
And for the past several years she has served as the coordinator of the TRIAD program which pairs law enforcement and seniors together in an effort to reduce victimization of the elderly.
She sat down with Senior News and Living to share what criminals are looking for and how you can avoid being a target.
PARK AND RUN
Lopez says the parking lot and the cash register are the two most vulnerable spots for seniors.
“I didn’t get what I have from cop school,” Lopez said. “I went to the professionals and career criminals are very quick to brag about how they selected their victims. Seniors have this vague knowledge of why we always say parking lots are fertile ground. But they need to know which ones and why.
“What I always say is the parking lots you feel the most comfortable in – not good.”
Lopez explained that cops aren’t the only ones who watch people’s body language. When people lower their guard in places where they feel more comfortable their body language eases.
Contrary to what you might believe, parking lots that serve 24-hour businesses are hot spots.
“Career criminals tell me when the drug deal goes bad, the fight is on and the police are in pursuit they want to ditch a car by getting to a parking lot and steal a car,” Lopez said. “They understand something we don’t. Crossing many different jurisdictions in a wide variety of vehicles makes it impossible for us to catch them.”
So consider that the next time you go to a casino, gas station or big box grocery store open 24 hours.
But the No. 1 place to be on your guard, according to Lopez, is the hospital parking lot.
Someone who commits a crime in a small town wants to get to a bigger location as soon as possible.
“People at hospitals are the worst for awareness,” Lopez said. “You’ll see people zoned out of their mind. They’ve been sleeping in a chair, eating out of a vending machine and haven’t showered for two days. They’ve had it. They’re worn out, care worn, and have a laundry list of things of things they are worried about and they’re not paying a bit of attention.
“It’s easier to get someone’s car keys and steal their car in a hospital than anywhere else.”
SCENE OF THE CRIME
Wherever you checkout and pay for your purchases is another favorite spot for criminals.
Getting a shopping cart, even if you’re shopping for something small is a great way to put distance between you and someone looking to gain access to your checks or credit/debit cards.
Cell phones are able to take multiple pictures of the checking account information in seconds. Checks that are written and returned to be thrown away are favorite targets.
If you’re going to continue to write checks Lopez suggests using gel, liquid ink to write with. A criminal can use fingernail polish remover on a previously used check to “wash” it and reuse.
And criminals love to follow around senior men.
“Right there at the register, senior adult men are targeted because they carry way too much cash,” Lopez said.
Lopez has noticed an increase in criminals following senior men around and then using a razor blade to slice a hole in the bottom of the back pocket. The wallet falls, the criminal picks it up and is already several purchases down the road before anyone is the wiser.
Lopez also suggests:
· Getting your form of payment out in the “unmentionables section” of the store and not at the register is ideal.
· Carrying your purse in front of you, with your arm over.
· Use a lanyard wallet you can slip under your shirt.
· Turn your rings around at the register. Don’t advertise what you have so someone can target you.
· Use a pen when punching in your debit card number to prevent the use of criminals using clip-on, heat-sensitive cameras.
· Have your monthly Social Security check direct deposited to one account and set-up an auto transfer to an account linked to your debit card that you use to pay your bills. That way if the card and/or PIN is compromised thieves don’t have access to your entire account balance.

A national rural health organization has chosen Mercy Hospital Watonga as a “Community Star” for its commitment to area residents.
The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) selected 50 rural hospitals across the nation, and Mercy Hospital Watonga was the only hospital in Oklahoma to make the list.
“It is an honor,” said Bobby Stitt, who has served as administrator at Mercy Hospital Watonga since 2012. “In the face of what has been a difficult economy for rural health care, this shows our long-standing commitment to the community and our willingness to serve the people of Watonga.”
Each year, the hospital organizes a holiday season basket drive and collects food, clothes and toys for area families in need. In the summer, Mercy Hospital Watonga hosts a neighborhood block party, complete with a bouncy house, food and games. But it is the hospital’s work with local middle school students that received the attention of the NOSORH. Through a program called “Life Wise,” volunteers help students develop life skills such as better decision-making, communications and relationship-building.
“We’ve really tried to create a space in the community where kids feel safe contacting somebody from the hospital and using our resources,” said Robert Pearson, a native of Watonga who serves as Mercy’s emergency preparedness and safety officer. “We want to help them identify healthy choices in their lives to steer them away from the typical things that get kids in trouble.”
The program meets weekly at the hospital for six weeks in the fall and spring. Since starting two years ago, Stitt estimates hundreds of middle school students have been helped.
“The kids love it and they continually ask to come back,” Stitt said. “It’s a great way to make an impact in our community and with our children.”
The honor caps off a year of awards for Mercy Hospital Watonga.
In August, the hospital earned “Excellence Recognition” for reaching the highest standards in health and prevention for their employees, and the “Gold Apple” award for nutritional food options for co-workers and patients. Both awards were given by WorkHealthy Hospitals, an Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) initiative. The hospital was also recognized by the OHA for providing more than 96-percent of co-workers with the influenza vaccine during last year’s flu season.

A chocolate Labrador Retriever named Penney and a passion for old maps led to a unique business opportunity.
“I am nearing retirement and decided if wanted to retire to the country where Penney would have a place to run, I would need to have a small business to make ends meet,” said Mike Howard, owner of Penney’s Territorial Maps.
After collecting old maps for many years, Howard began copying them and hanging them up at work and in his home. One thing led to another, and before long people were requesting them.
“We have about 30 shops in northeast Oklahoma who stock and sell the maps,” Howard said. “I have really been surprised at how well the maps have been received… The business is expanding to other states, and I now have dealers in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. I should be in New Mexico and Colorado by the end of 2019.”
Howard reproduces the old maps that are artificially aged and then sets them in rustic wood frames. Howard said he loves the reaction his customers have to his maps.
“I love hearing all the stories about their family’s history, looking for long lost towns, or pointing out where their land run claim was,” he said. “I have learned so much history about Oklahoma just talking to customers about the maps. I feel customers love the maps because it gives them a link to the past.”
Established in November 2016, Penney’s Territorial Maps joined the Made in Oklahoma Program this year. To learn more about the business, visit www.madeinoklahoma.net/products/penneys-territorial-maps/ or find them on Facebook.

What do you hope is under the Christmas tree this year? Heritage Assisted Living Center

Just time with my family and friends. Joan Dark

Could I get new eyes? I can work with my hearing, but not my eyes. Jane Carter

I would like to get a chair lift that mounts to a car so I can travel more. Ron Kirby

I’d like a brand new outfit to go to town. Mary Brunnert

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

Allied Arts announces that their 2019 fundraising event, ARTini, will take place on April 12, 2019 at Science Museum Oklahoma from 7 P.M. to 11 P.M. ARTini is one of the year’s most popular fundraising events, bringing together local restaurants, entertainment and artists for a night of fun for a good cause. This year’s event, STAR-tini, will present a galaxy theme—from décor and lighting to entertainment and cocktails—and guests are invited to dress the part.
Having attended and exhibited at several previous ARTini events, I can vouch that this event combines Original Art from abstract to realism for purchase, sampling of fine restaurants’ finger food offerings, and imaginative sips of original and fanciful Martinis made and offered by a number of local venues. The congenial gathering is accented by patrons eager for a good time and to see and be seen by friends of art conscious guests. Music entertainment is usually a staple and there are always surprises such as one year; live mannequins, which were a delightful photographic attraction. Good natured selfies and group photos are encouraged.
Event proceeds benefit Allied Arts and the local nonprofit arts organizations it supports. Each year, Allied Arts contributes to more than 40 organizations that collectively impact more than a million individuals. Allied Arts grantees have programming in all 77 Oklahoma counties—working to ensure that the arts are accessible to everyone from all walks of life.
As a United Arts Fund, Allied Arts works to broaden support for the arts by raising financial support for cultural organizations, encouraging participation and attendance, advocating for arts education and promoting excellence in the arts and arts management. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has raised more than $67 million to advance the arts in central Oklahoma.
ARTini is presented by Catalyst, Allied Arts’ emerging professionals group. Joining Catalyst requires an annual donation to Allied Arts of $300 for a single membership or $500 for a couple. Membership includes ticket(s) to ARTini, as well as networking, learning and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Allied Arts contributes to approximately 40 organizations annually. Member agencies include: Ambassadors’ Concert Choir, Arts Council Oklahoma City, Carpenter Square Theatre, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Thelma Gaylord Academy, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, also Oklahoma City Ballet, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC), Prairie Dance Theatre, Red Earth, Inc., Science Museum Oklahoma and The Sooner Theatre among others.
More than 800 guests are expected to enjoy a sampling of martinis from several Oklahoma City restaurants and partake in one of the largest silent art auctions in the region – featuring work from around 100 local artists. ARTini tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets will go on sale shortly, and sponsors, artists, and restaurants will soon be available. You must be at least 21 and display a valid ID to to enter the event.
For more information, about ARTini or Catalyst, contact Allied Arts at 405-278-8944 or visit alliedartsokc.com.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn

story and photos by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Twice every day, Larry Jernigan, 68, renews his lease on life, working out at The Station at Central Park in Moore.
It’s a gift he gives himself and one his Medicare plan pays for.
“Why not do it when you’ve got it?” said Jernigan, who played football and wrestled at Blackwell High School growing up. “(The Station) is beautiful and the equipment is awesome. I like this walking track up here, especially in the winter. The walking track outside is going to be nice in the spring.
“The aquatics is great, too.”
The Station at Central Park is one of a long list of health facilities in the metro that participate in the Silver Sneakers program which gives free facility access to those age 54 and up.
Stuart Drake is the sales and rental coordinator for The Station. He said the facility has been trying for half a year to get Silver Sneakers certified.
“It’s a good opportunity for us because it brings in a lot more people who wouldn’t be able to afford a pass here,” Drake says. “It’s an opportunity for people to be part of our facility and to take classes with other people. They love the facility because it’s new, it’s clean … and it’s not too busy.”
“From 9 to about 10:30 a.m. they’re about 75 percent of the population that’s here.”
Since December, more than 60 seniors have signed up for the program through The Station.
Silver Sneakers participants get full access to equipment, facilities and the various instructor-led fitness classes offered at The Station.
Hailey Donaldson is one of those instructors and sees the power exercise gives seniors.
“Age should never be a barrier to your health and fitness,” Donaldson said. “I love that Silver Sneakers encourages seniors to keep moving and keep their health a priority.”
NATIONAL REACH
For millions of older adults, the path to improved well-being starts with SilverSneakers Fitness. Founded in 1992 by Mary Swanson, SilverSneakers has been helping its members take charge of their health for more than 24 years by partnering with health plans to provide convenient access to a comprehensive fitness solution.
The program provides access to fitness and wellness facilities, proprietary and group exercise classes led by certified instructors, online resources, social events and a support network of other participants across the nation.
Participants have access to more than 13,000 fitness and wellness centers across the country,.
REAL BENEFITS
According to the SilverSneakers Annual Participation Survey, 84 percent of participants complete moderate to vigorous aerobic activity three or more times per week, a testament to the program’s ability to engage members in their own well-being.
Additionally, 94 percent of participants state that they are in good or excellent health, and 90 percent report more energy to accomplish daily activities.
Members also utilize preventative care more often, are admitted to the hospital less, and have lower overall healthcare costs.
In addition to the physical benefits, SilverSneakers improves mental and emotional well-being through social events, access to health resources and educational seminars and program camaraderie – which keeps members coming back.
In fact, 73 percent of participants attend class with a friend and 49 percent say other members help motivate them to exercise.
Drake said once more seniors enroll he plans on offering more social events to keep seniors engaged between workouts.
During his working years Jernigan spent 18 years as a BNSF Railroad track foreman.
He built and rebuilt the tracks sitting less than 100 yards away from The Station.
“I followed the project as it developed and it just got to be so nice looking that me and my oldest son came in to check it out,” Jernigan said. “Come to find out they accepted Silver Sneakers.”
The Station is a $26.2 million venture approved by Moore residents opened in 2016. Some 53,000 square feet of workout space is situated on the 51-acre site. A 45,000-square-foot aquatic facility is located next door allowing lap swim, classes as well as slides, a kiddie pool and a lazy river.
“My body feels a lot better,” Jernigan said. “Being retired for several years I had to drive myself into doing something but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got people around. You see them doing it and you want to do it, too.”
Currently, one in five older adults is eligible for a SilverSneakers Fitness benefit through the nation’s leading Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans.
You can check your eligibility today by calling toll-free 1-888-423-4632, calling The Station locally at 405-793-5090 or go online to silversneakers.com.