(Right) 100 years old. Patty Kelly Stevens, born in 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, was captured by Japanese soldiers in 1941 and interned in Manila until freed by U.S. troops at 20. She co-authored Waiting for America to share her story and proudly flies the U.S. flag, reminding all to “Honor Your Country!” We celebrate her resilience and love for her nation.
Helen Nigh
(Left) 100 years old. Meet Helen Nigh of Tulsa. She had a career as a commercial artist and her artwork is still in use for the Enid Christmas in July poster. Helen also painted a mural of animals in the Pediatric ward at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. She loves chocolate and Christmas is her favorite holiday. Helen’s words of wisdom to us today are: Never Close the Door.
Beulah Jones
(Right) 100 years old. Beulah (Underwood) Jones of Pawnee, born November 3, 1924, dedicated 40 years to hospital maintenance and community service. A devoted homemaker, she loved gospel music, quilting, and with Christmas being her cherished holiday, strengthening family ties. Her advice: “Nurture health through walking, balanced eating, and diligence; and cherish joy.”
Dottie Pennington
(Right) 100 years old. Dottie (Dorothy) Pennington of Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday with lots of her favorite color – Pink – attire, balloons, cake and more! She was married to a US Air Force Lt. Colonel and moved often to bases around the world. Her extended family calls her Mama Dottie and tells great stories of visiting her on summer vacations. She sang them to sleep with her favorite hymn, Jesus Loves Me. Dottie’s words of wisdom for us today are: Always be Truthful.
Molly Cason Johnson stars as Florence Foster Jenkins in Painted Sky Opera’s production of “Souvenir” at the Civic Center at 8 pm Feb 23-24 and Mar 2-3 and 2pm Feb 25 and Mar 4.
Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com
While enjoying travel destinations and entertainments, I find there are three levels of enjoyment. The first is the anticipation and planning. The second is the actual experience and the third is the reflection on the experience and many times enjoying it again in memory. In addition to travel this can apply to entertainment as well.
With entertainment, whether it’s movies, or sports or live theater, anticipation is a factor of enjoyment. This is also a most variable factor as with live theater, the ultimate presentation depends on many variables not evaluate until the live performance is underway or completed.
Reputation for quality is an important factor when choosing to put down your money for a ticket. One such reputation for high standards are the productions of the Painted Sky Opera company. (www.paintedskyopera.org) Following their artistic success of last years grand opera “Tosca,” the next promise of impeccable talent is with their upcoming production of “Souvenir.”
In place of a traditional musical presentation or opera, “Souvenir” is a two-person play written by Stephen Temperley in 2004 and focuses on the relationship between Jenkins and her long-suffering pianist, Cosme McMoon, who played for her from 1929 until her death in 1944. Like the 2016 biographical film “Florence Foster Jenkins” starring Meryl Streep as Jenkins, “Souvenir” details many important events for the unlikely singer-pianist duo, including their first meeting, their recordings, and their concert at Carnegie Hall.
“I love this show partly because it presents both sides of Florence, who was a truly unique figure in musical history. ‘Souvenir’ shows how ridiculously awful her singing was, but it never mocks her or becomes mean-spirited,” said stage director Rob Glaubitz. “Florence was a good person who genuinely thought that her singing was bringing joy to people. Of course, her singing was indeed bringing people joy, but not in the way she thought.”
Painted Sky Opera features OKC native Molly Cason Johnson as the comically terrible singer Florence Foster Jenkins in “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins” at 8pm Feb 23-24 and Mar 2-3 and 2pm Feb 25 and Mar 4 at intimate CitySpace Theatre in Civic Center Music Hall. Based on real-life events, “Souvenir” depicts the unique story of Jenkins, who achieved fame in the 1940s for her tone-deaf recordings of operatic favorites as well as her sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.
Johnson graduated from Oklahoma City University and performed and taught in Texas for many years before returning to Oklahoma City in 2013. She has performed locally with CityRep and Lyric Theatre among other companies.
“As a classically-trained singer, the chance to sing badly on purpose is a delicious and rare treat for me,” said Johnson. “I have loved the vocal prep. Our cats, however, are not so amused.”
“Souvenir” also features live performances of many of the songs that made Florence Foster Jenkins famous. Jenkins was regarded as the worst singer ever to perform at Carnegie Hall. She was infamously unaware that her concerts were popular only because her audiences loved to laugh at her inept and out-of-tune singing. Despite her lack of vocal ability, Florence was also a major supporter of the arts and a talented pianist who was passionate about the importance of music to all parts of society.
The part of Cosme McMoon is played by recent University of Central Oklahoma graduate Joey Harbert who also shows off his pianistic and vocal skills in this production. Both Johnson and Harbert are natives of Oklahoma City.
It will be as entertaining to take in the Oklahoma audience’s reaction to the play, whether to laugh at the off key singing or have empathy for Jenkins. It may be both, which is the excitement of seeing live theater and experiencing an unknown work.
“Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins” is the second show in Painted Sky Opera’s 2017-18 season. Tickets are $30 for adults, with discounts for students, military, and seniors available in-person at the box office. Purchase advance tickets online at the Civic Center website at http://www.okcciviccenter.com or by visiting or calling their box office at 405.297.2264.
Painted Sky Opera’s 2017-18 season concludes in May with Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers”. For more information, go to www.paintedskyopera.org.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry.
by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer
The first year of Rick Dimit’s retirement went by in the blink of an eye.
By the time the second year rolled around he realized he needed to do something to get the most of out of his retirement.
“I wanted to do community work that was equivalent to about a day for a non-profit,” Dimit said, unfolding the story of how he got plugged into the Salvation Army Food Pantry.
Dimit’s professional life included serving as the human resources director at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. He also served as the equity officer at the University of Central Oklahoma as well as putting his law degree to work as inhouse counsel for the university.
But with all that behind him and more free time than he ever imagined he decided to commit to something once again that was bigger than himself.
“Once you’re down here and see the work they do and meet the people you basically just want to be a small part of their team,” said Dimit, who helps stock the pantry before visitors arrive. “They’re helping people that have desperate needs in a lot of areas of their life. It keeps me connected and makes me still feel like I’m part of a group and I really just appreciate what the organization stands for.”
Dee Watts serves as the social services ministry director. She says volunteers like Dimit are part of her “Salvation Army sunshine.”
“The fact we can get quality volunteers like Rick, they help us do our mission in the fact they’re not only giving people some food but they’re being kind and compassionate. It’s so important to me and the Salvation Army that we leave people intact. When they come they are honored and respected.”
“You might be coming here for something but it’s no different than if I were in that same position I would want to be treated that way.”
Currently The Salvation Army is in need of volunteers to serve in its Client Choice Food Pantry at its Oklahoma City location.
“We have seen an increase in donations for which we are extremely thankful,” said Liz Banks, volunteer coordinator. “With the increase of donations comes an increase in need of volunteers to help stock the shelves in the pantry and to serve clients.”
Dimit admits he may never truly understand the depth of how much the Salvation Army helps those in need.
“I couldn’t believe the pantry, the kitchen and after watching what they do at the holidays and so on I still don’t totally understand what they do but it’s just amazing how much is here to serve the community,” Dimit said. “A lot of people don’t understand that people walk through those doors and they have horrific needs and there is somebody here that if someone can’t address they’re getting another agency to help.”
“It’s just incredible.”
Volunteer duties may include assisting clients as they shop the pantry, preparing items before being placed on pantry shelves, and keeping the pantry shelves stocked. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday at 1001 N Pennsylvania Avenue for the following shifts:
* Monday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Stock pantry) / 1 to 4 p.m. (Assist clients with groceries)
* Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Stock pantry) / 1 to 3 p.m. (Stock pantry)
* Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Assist clients with groceries) / 1 to 4 p.m. (Assist clients with groceries) / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Stock pantry)
* Thursday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Stock pantry)
* Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Assist clients with groceries) / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Stock pantry)
Watts urges people needing assistance to come to the pantry first before they start spending their limited monthly benefits like Social Security or food stamps.
“Let me see how much I can give you first so it will stretch,” Watts said. “That’s less out of your pockets.”
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Liz Banks at 405-246-1107 or via email, liz.banks@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Dimit admits if he can do it anyone can. Watts agrees.
“We can teach them whatever needs to be taught but just for them to be kind and generous and flexible with us,” Watts said of volunteer qualities. “We need someone with a servant’s heart – that nothing is too beyond them or too difficult.”
Home Health Care and Home Care sound the same, but actually they are different. Home Health Care agencies offer skilled services such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. In order to receive these services you must be homebound, and have a doctor’s order telling what kind(s) of skilled care you need. The visits are usually an hour or less, two-three times a week. As long as there is a skilled need, they can also send a home health aide to assist with bathing one-three times a week. This type of service is commonly used for people who have new diagnosis or new conditions in which they would benefit from visits from a nurse or a therapist. Some of the reasons that Home Health Care may be indicated would be: § Diabetes § Wound care § Broken hip or hip replacement § Stroke § Congestive heart failure/ COPD § Frequent falls § New medications
Home Health is covered by Medicare. There is also a benefit for Hospice covered by Medicare.Hospice doesn’t always mean that a patient is lying in a hospital bed waiting to take his or her last breath. As long as a doctor is monitoring a decline of someone with a terminal diagnosis, they are eligible to receive this benefit as long as needed. There is no need to wait until an individual has only weeks left to live to take advantage of this benefit. An example of a terminal diagnosis for Hospice might include: § Alzheimer’s or other Dementia § Cancer § Congestive Heart Failure § COPD § HIV/AIDS § Chronic liver or renal disease
Medicare will pay for medications, supplies, medical equipment, nursing care, aide visits, social work assistance, and chaplain outreach through the Hospice benefits.
Home Care can be received by anyone. It is non-skilled care. A client may be someone coming home after having surgery who just needs a little extra help with meals or laundry, or have someone there to assist them, if they need anything. The typical client is someone who is elderly who is no longer safe to stay at home alone and needs help with their personal care such as bathing, bathroom assistance, dressing, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and meal preparation. Home care can also be companionship. Sometimes just the companionship of another person makes a huge difference. So many times you see the elderly go through loneliness and even depression because they have no one to talk to or to do things with. Services can be adjusted to fit a client’s changing needs, anything from just a few hours a week, all the way to 24 hour care. Home care does not require someone to be homebound, and there is no doctor’s order needed. Home care can work alongside a Home Health Care, or Hospice agency to compliment the services already being offered. Home care is private pay, although here are a few ways you may be able to get some help in paying for the services: § VA Benefits – Homemaker Program or the Aide and Assistance Program § Long term care Insurance § Respite vouchers § Reverse mortgage § Life insurance policy
There are some programs offered to Medicaid recipients also. They can be utilized in a combination of skilled care and non-skilled care. These services have to be arranged by a Medicaid case manager, and provided by a Medicaid licensed home healthcare agency.
To sum this up for you, Home Health is short term, intermittent skilled visits paid for by Medicare. Hospice is care for those with a terminal diagnosis that is declining, and Home care is non-skilled care that can be tailored to the client’s needs and is private pay.
For additional information, please contact Tina Singleton, Right Choice Personal Assistance (405) 595-7066 I hope this is okay.
Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation need the help of minority volunteers to help expand their collection of human blood samples for research. Healthy individuals ages 19-90 are encouraged to participate.
“Our sample collection is a priceless resource that helps us learn more about diseases and identify better ways to treat and even prevent them,” said OMRF physician-scientist and Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D.
The foundation hopes to recruit up to 2,000 healthy African-American, Hispanic and American Indian individuals who are willing to have their blood samples stored and tested for blood markers of lupus, a disease in which the immune system becomes unbalanced and attacks the body’s own tissues. Lupus can result in damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs.
“For decades, we have worked with scientists worldwide to unlock the secrets of autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and others that tend to disproportionally strike minorities,” said James. “By donating these samples for research and further study, these generous people can help us learn more about lupus and other autoimmune diseases.”
The samples collected will be stored in OMRF’s Biorepository, an ultra-cold facility that houses more than 1 million coded biological samples gathered from research subjects over the past three decades. The biorepository serves as a resource for many clinical studies, as well as for multiple research projects around the globe.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the study, please call (405) 271-7221 or email Virginia-roberts@omrf.org.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma has submitted a Qualified Health Plan application, along with rates, for certification in the federally-facilitated exchange for 2018. This is an initial indication that, for the second straight year, only one insurer in Oklahoma will offer exchange products in the individual market.
“There is an incredible amount of uncertainty in the market right now,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Insurers participating in Obamacare have experienced major losses. While we expect a full repeal of this disastrous experiment, insurers have to go by the regulations in place right now. That’s why we’ve seen so many insurers dropping out of exchanges across the country or resorting to double digit premium increases.”
The Oklahoma Insurance Department does not have statutory authority to approve or deny rate increases filed by insurers on the federal exchange. Oklahoma, along with Texas and Wyoming, is a direct enforcement state with no authority to enforce provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to post information on proposed rate filings for consumers to review on https://ratereview.healthcare.gov on Aug. 1, 2017. In compliance with state statutes, OID cannot release or comment on the rates until that time. CMS officials will review the proposed rate changes, determine if they are justified and post final rate information on Nov. 1, 2017 in time for open enrollment.
According to the American Academy of Actuaries, individual market stability, including insurer decisions on participation for 2018, hinges on:
* Continued funding of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) reimbursements.
* Enforcement of the individual responsibility penalty.
* Risk mitigation mechanisms aimed at lowering premiums, increasing enrollment and improving the risk pool.
* Avoiding legislative or regulatory actions that could increase uncertainty or threaten stability.
State Question 756, passed in 2010, amended the Oklahoma Constitution to prohibit laws which compel individuals, employers and providers to participate in health care systems. Because of that legislative change, insurers offering products on the Oklahoma exchange are required to submit rate filing justifications to CMS for evaluation and approval.
History of Oklahoma Exchange Carrier Participation
2017 – Blue Cross Blue Shield
2016 – Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare
2015 – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Global Health, Assurant
2014 – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Global Health, Aetna, Coventry
A fall can happen in a split second, but it may take a lot of time, pain and rehabilitation to recover. Falls can cause injury at any age, but they can be especially devastating for senior adults. As one ages, the risk increases for injury from falling and these injuries may result in hospitalization and long term loss of freedom and independence.
You can reduce your risk for falling. Join Melanie Thorne, RN, with INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Services, as she discusses risk factors for falling and prevention of falls in an educational program, Prevent Slips, Trips and Broken Hips, presented in collaboration with INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center. Following the presentation there will be opportunity for an individual falls risk assessment.
Please call the INTEGRIS HealthLine at 405-951-2277 to make your reservation for one of the following programs.
Wednesday, July 22, 2 p.m. INTEGRIS Health Edmond, Memorial Conference Room, 4801 INTEGRIS Parkway, Edmond
Thursday, Aug. 13, 1 p.m. INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital, Conference Rooms A/B, 1201 Health Center Parkway, Yukon.
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1:30 p.m. INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center, 5100 N. Brookline, Suite 100, Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Famer Rob Braver (left) stands with his former coach Colin Robertson at a November book signing Braver hosted.
Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor
Few in Oklahoma have been more immersed in Oklahoma tennis than Australian ex-patriate Colin Robertson, 77, who came to Oklahoma City on a tennis scholarship in 1966. Seniors can now read about his five decades as a player, instructor, and coach entertainingly told in his heavily illustrated new book, “Sydney to Oklahoma: Tennis, Stories, Travels and More.” (Total Publishing & Media, 2022)
Robertson richly details his playing days at Oklahoma City University in the new book. Seniors who joined the national tennis boom in the 1970s will remember him serving as the first tennis director at the newly opened Oklahoma City Tennis Center. He provided the spark in teaching many players who went on to serve the community as instructors and club managers. His move to instructing and managing at local private tennis clubs paralleled indoor tennis’s dynamic growth in the 1980s and 1990s.
“I was in position over those decades to see tennis really take off in Oklahoma,” Robertson said. “My hiring as the first director of the Oklahoma City Tennis Center in 1966 put me into contact with all the movers and shakers in tennis at that time in central Oklahoma. Many are still close friends to this day.”
The author dedicates two chapters of his book to his years coaching tennis at Oklahoma City University (1987-2002). His insider’s view of the ups and downs of coaching at a college level is revealing and heartwarming. Stories about the parade of international players he coached at OCU are at times hilarious and often inspiring. His teams’ five national championships at OCU testify to the lessons he learned and put to use while guiding the program’s success.
“Coaching at OCU was something I just fell into,” he says, “but those turned into some of the most memorable years of my life. I’m proud of the success of many of those teams, but I cherish more the bond I developed with most of those players—many who had come from outside the United States.”
The second part of “Sydney to Oklahoma” conveys the author’s assessment of the current state of Oklahoma tennis from his court developer and tennis business owner viewpoint. The reader will be surprised and gratified at the progress the Sooner state has made in the last two decades at the public and collegiate levels. The magnificent new facilities at the state’s major colleges are described and shown in striking photographs. Just as notable, the new public facilities in Tulsa and the Oklahoma City metro are detailed. Importantly, Robertson tells how interest and funds were generated to transform collegiate and public facilities.
“The extraordinary new tennis facilities at several colleges and city parks in Oklahoma is a great untold story in the state,” Robertson says. “The national tennis community now sees Oklahoma as a leader in tennis facilities. Surprisingly, many Oklahomans are unaware of just how far the state has come over the last few decades with these new developments.”
Robertson points out Edmond Center Court, the public facility in Edmond, is one facility gaining national prominence. Several tennis notables have called this indoor-outdoor facility the finest public facility in the world. “Edmond has done a remarkable job with their new public facility,” Robertson says. “To be getting praise internationally really speaks well of this tennis center. Again, a part of the great untold tennis story in Oklahoma.”
Over his decades in Oklahoma, the author personally met most of the key players and organizers in Oklahoma tennis—and many renowned players who came to Oklahoma for exhibition matches. His story of Bobby Riggs’s visit to Oklahoma City in the 1980s is unforgettable. He pays tribute to many of these often-quirky tennis personalities in a revealing chapter on Oklahoma’s tennis characters.
Now a tennis consultant at the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Robertson concludes the book with thoughts about the sport and tennis enthusiasts in Oklahoma. He held several book signings in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in late November. He will return to Oklahoma in February for a series of talks and book signings throughout the state.
This book is a must-read for seniors who have played or followed tennis closely in Oklahoma since the 1960s. It richly details the decades Robertson spent inspiring players and developing the sport in the state. Online purchases of this autographed book are available at www.OklahomaBooksOnline.com/colin-robertson.
The green highlights Oklahoma City governed by Mayor Couch. The blue highlights South Oklahoma (south of Reno), separately governed by Mayor Patrick and others until July 1890.
Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor
Built in 1931, the art deco First National Center at right begins an upward sweep to today’s 50-story giant of the plains Devon Tower at left. When first built in 2011 it was the tallest building between Chicago and Dallas. The BancFirst Tower’s steel and glass facade in the center was built in 1971.
Many seniors have read that Oklahoma City was built in a day, although historians will tell you that many facets of its rich Western Heritage have not been brought forward to today. That could not be truer than what is commonly thought of as Oklahoma City’s history.
“The world can find the real story of Oklahoma City online at The First Eight Months of Oklahoma City (okgenweb.net), which provides a factual account of the birth of Oklahoma City in its two halves,” said Larry Floyd, 69. The adjunct U.S. history teacher at OSU-OKC said in an interview, “Research often bears out far more detail and sometimes a more surprising history than what gets published in popular accounts of any historic event.”
Although more than 50,000 settlers swarmed into the 2-million-acre “Unassigned Lands” of central Oklahoma Territory during the land run of April 22, 1889, Oklahoma City was not built in a day, month, or even a year. (story continues below)
https://www.sibleyinsures.com/
Most future Oklahoma City residents came in by train to the Oklahoma Station townsite, arriving from the north and the south. The train coming north from Purcell was one hour late to the central depot for the three largest railways in the Southwest: Rock Island, Katy, and Santa Fe.
Because of this Oklahoma City began as two cities. Soon known as Oklahoma City and South Oklahoma City, this instant Western heritage was energized by people seeking the last of the free land folks had moved west to settle. Part of that heritage was the abundance of land, a fact that complicated the city’s beginning.
Many settlers wanted to claim their 160 acres while living close to the new townsite since it featured transportation and water as the North Canadian River ran through it. The 22 packed railroad cars arriving an hour late from Purcell brought new residents to a townsite already filled by hundreds of new Oklahoma Cityans. They had already staked their claims after arriving first on the train from Guthrie.
Oklahomans have consistently proven themselves resourceful, so the late arrivals set about creating South Oklahoma south of the Oklahoma City townsite. For every description of people staking claims and securing lots, the same took place on a prairie south of Reno Avenue in the new South Oklahoma City.
When G.W. Patrick found the most desirable lots taken and unable to do any better, he staked two lots on the south side of block three. His fellow late arrivals from the train followed his lead.
On April 23, Patrick began surveying south from the section line at Reno Avenue as the Citizens’ Survey began working north. Encountering no conflicting surveys, Patrick’s crew laid out 35 blocks along seven streets, and settlers made adjustments as required.
By Saturday, April 27, the citizens of South Oklahoma elected Patrick mayor and a full slate of city officials. They also drafted and adopted a city charter. Oklahoma City to the north elected Capt. W.L. Couch as mayor on May 1.
According to the City Directory published by the Oklahoma Chief newspaper in August 1889, South Oklahoma contained approximately 1,300 residents compared with about 3,700 north of Reno Avenue in Oklahoma City. The commercial district was mainly in Oklahoma City (except for the south side of Reno Avenue) and was the most densely developed portion of the two cities.
During the 15 months of its separate existence, South Oklahoma City saw three months of public schools, two churches, construction of an ice factory, lumberyards, and hundreds of homes built.
On May 2, 1890, the U.S. Congress passed the Organic Act, which provided for the organization of Oklahoma Territory and governing municipal incorporation. A petition was accepted on July 15, 1890, consolidating Oklahoma City and South Oklahoma into Oklahoma City.
This info is available online at https://www.89ertrail.com/12/# .
Capitol Hill was incorporated as a city in 1905. By then, a strong sense of community and civic activity made this area an economic and cultural force remaining independent until it joined with Oklahoma City in 1911.
The southern part of Oklahoma City continued to provide space to grow in the decade of statehood in 1907, Oklahoma City became the nation’s fastest-growing city from 1900 to 1910 and the new state’s capitol city.
Oklahoma City’s first major park, Wheeler Park, was established on the banks of the North Canadian River in 1903. The park included extensive gardens and places to relax and picnic. In 1904 the city’s first zoo opened in the park. After two great floods swept down the river in 1923, wiping out Wheeler Park, the zoo was relocated. The playground, park, and baseball diamonds were restored.
Oklahoma City’s first airport was built in south Oklahoma City. In 1911, the Oklahoma City Municipal Airfield opened the skies for future travel. The airfield brought new opportunities and visitors to the city, and in 1941 it was rededicated as Will Rogers World Airport.
Oklahoma City has since capitalized on its strategic central location from its beginning to its present status as the crossroads of America. Just like its beginning as a railroad hub, it assumed the crossroads are our nation’s two main interstate highways (I-35 and I-40). They intersect in Oklahoma City and share the same roadway for two miles. Even before the interstate highway system, OKC gained from being on historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Farmer-stockmen found the city’s location along the North Canadian River strategic and its railroad services a lifeline to the rest of the country. Once the area’s largest employer, the Oklahoma City Stockyards and its business district maintain a high profile, it is a tourist destination and unofficial Western heritage center. Although no longer a focal point for local slaughterhouses, the daily cattle auctions still make it the world’s largest stocker/feeder market.
The city has cultivated its place as the centrally located Western Heritage center. It hosts more horse-related shows and competitions each year than any city globally. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is the official steward of that Western heritage. After a recent expansion, it now houses the most extensive collection of Western art and Americana west of the Smithsonian.
Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) announced a 20% retroactive rate increase for Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) and Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) waivered services providers. These interventions, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), are retroactive back to Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Pending approval by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority board, OKDHS is seeking additional interventions for the periods Jan. 1 through Mar. 31, 2021 and April 1 through June 30, 2021. The first payment will be sent in Aug. 2021, with subsequent payments made in 90 day increments.
Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS) include a comprehensive array of services including case management, residential, employment and habilitation services and supports for individuals three years of age or older. HCBS uses a person-centered planning approach where an individual’s team assesses the needs of the individual and develops an annual plan of care to address those needs. Waivers allow the state to offer community-based services as an alternative to institutional or nursing facility services, increasing independence and quality of life for the service recipients.
Waivered services providers are also currently experiencing significant workforce shortages to serve HCBS customers. Higher wages offered by businesses competing for the same labor pool is a primary contributor to the HCBS labor shortage, and the lack of qualified and skilled labor has significantly increased over time, increasing provider costs.
“We are grateful for the retroactive increase as it will help fill the gap in our budget,” said Robin Arter, Executive Director at Think Ability, Inc. “It is a much needed relief in our efforts in supporting Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.”
These temporary add-on payments will help bolster services and address this short-term shortage of qualified staff, allowing providers to meet their immediate needs while OKDHS conducts a rate study to develop a strategy for a permanent solution.
“Our waivered services providers have done a phenomenal job in serving aging Oklahomans and individuals with developmental disabilities in their own homes and communities during a really challenging time,” said Samantha Galloway, OKDHS Chief of Staff and Operations. “These additional funds are a vital, yet short term, intervention to help providers mitigate workforce issues while a longer term solution is developed. We are equally excited about the opportunity to invest additional dollars in things that have a real and immediate impact on people’s quality of life, such as eyeglasses, dental and hearing aid services in a big way that is beyond what has been available in our single year budget historically.”
In addition to the retroactive rate increases, both CAP and DDS will also offer a one-time initiative to purchase eyeglasses and hearing aids, propose development of model smart homes, expand assistive technologies, offer staff education and direct support staff professional development programs, among many initiatives intended to strengthen supports for older Oklahomans and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
To learn more about OKDHS’ Developmental Disabilities Services, including Home and Community Based Waiver Services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/dd/developmental-disabilities-services.html. To apply for services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/dd/areacontactinfo.html.
To learn more about OKDHS’ CAP, including the Advantage Waiver program, or to apply for services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap/advantage-services.html.
