The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is thrilled to announce that Niki, the Zoo’s 13-year-old Indian rhino gave birth to a healthy calf at 3:25 a.m. today, Friday, October 23, 2020. This new arrival is the first calf born to breeding pair Niki and father, Arun, 29, and the sixth Indian rhino, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, born at the OKC Zoo. The OKC Zoo has been home to Indian rhinos since 1981.
The calf was born in the early morning inside the Zoo’s rhino barn at Sanctuary Asia and discovered by caretakers when they arrived to start their day. An initial visual exam performed by the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams determined that both mom and calf are doing well. The calf is strong, standing on its own and nursing. At this time, the gender of the calf is still unknown as it continues to stay close to mom, enjoying some quality bonding time with her.
“We are very excited to welcome a new addition to our rhino group and to see that calf and mom are doing excellent,” said Rachel Emory, OKC Zoo’s curator of elephants and rhinos. “Indian rhinoceros are listed as a vulnerable species, so every successful birth is important, not just to us, but to the population as a whole.”
Mom Niki came to the OKC Zoo in 2009 from the Bronx Zoo and father Arun, 29, arrived from the Fort Worth Zoo in 2019 as part of a a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP programs were developed by AZA to oversee breeding management and sustainability of select animal species within AZA-member zoos and aquariums. The Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia is also home to adult, female Indian rhino, Shanti, 32, who also came from the Fort Worth Zoo with Arun.
The gestation period for Indian rhinos is approximately 16 months. The average birth weight for an Indian rhino calf is 120 pounds. Newborn Indian rhinos lack the distinctive horn of the adult rhino. Instead, they have a flat, smooth oval plate that eventually forms into a horn.
Native to northern India and southern Nepal, Indian rhinos are currently listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Through conservation programs, wild populations over the past century have recovered from under 200 animals to approximately 3,600 today. However, there is a continuing decline in the quality of their natural habitat and the species continues to be illegally hunted for its horn.
The OKC Zoo is helping save Indian rhinos by supporting the International Rhino Foundation’s efforts to protect vulnerable and critically endangered rhinos and their habitat in India with money from the Round Up for Conservation Fund. The Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program encourages guests to donate their change from any Zoo purchase to help protect wildlife and wild places around the world. Plus, the Zoo’s American Association of Zookeepers chapter has raised more than $373,000 for rhinos in Asia and Africa through its fundraising efforts since 1990.
The Zoo will continue to share updates on the rhino calf and mom, Niki, on social. Weather permitting, the two could be visible to guests from their habitat at Sanctuary Asia as early tomorrow!
A sweet treat just in time for Halloween, come out to the Zoo this fall and meet our new rhino calf! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets. Zoo tickets are limited each day to ensure safe social distancing among guests. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC 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. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. 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 a member. Memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org or any place admission is sold in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza during regular business hours. To learn more about this event and Zoo other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

by Greg Schwem

I am sitting on a wooden chair about the height of one used by a second grader because, after more than 30 minutes of standing and waiting, it was the only seat available.
I am drinking coffee at 10:30 a.m., but not because I am particularly in the mood for caffeine, or any beverage for that matter. I felt guilty talking a seat without making a purchase. Many seat-fillers around me don’t seem to share my guilt.
I am listening to the establishment’s playlist featuring not a single track I recognize. My music identification app tells me the song currently playing is “Chrysalis” by Empire of the Sun. Neither the song nor band title seem appropriate for my surroundings.
I am encircled by individuals whose phones are recording every moment of waiting in line, followed by every monetary transaction, followed by every moment of searching for an open seat.
I am at the world’s largest Starbucks, located on Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue, just two blocks north of a Starbucks and two blocks south of another Starbucks. Keep that in mind, Starbucks customers, if all you are seeking is your daily dose of java or chai. Actually, the Starbucks in the middle might not even serve your favorite; the menu is, uh, different here. “Cardamom Long Black for Katherine is ready! Katherine? Katherine?”
But if you’re in Chicago, have already visited the world’s tallest building and the largest indoor aquarium, and now you want to experience the world’s largest place to wait in a sea of humanity, straining to hear your name called so you can, in my case, pick up a $7 latte (that drink is still on the menu) and then hope it’s not the victim of an errant elbow as you wade back through the line in search of a seat, then this Starbucks is for you.
As I write this column, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi, other sore-footed patrons are eyeing me so enviously that I’m considering photographing my chair and posting the image in the “For Rent” section of Craigslist.
“World’s Largest Starbucks” is the more common name for this coffee behemoth, officially known as Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago, and featuring a lengthy slogan slapped on billboards scattered throughout the city: “The experience. The spectacle. The craft. The coffee. In a word, it’s epic.”
“Epic” might not be the first word I would use to describe the 35,000-square-foot establishment, formerly home to Crate & Barrel, purveyors of contemporary furniture and housewares. Now, instead of craving a mocha-colored couch, customers seek mocha-flavored drinks. When they aren’t posing for selfies and posting Instagram stories.
No, the word I would use is, “wait,” as in, “Wait in that epic line.”
Seriously, I’ve seen shorter lines at Disney World. My kids never braved lines like this to cavort with Santa. Lines at airports to rebook flights cancelled by January blizzards seem tame by comparison. And, yet, nobody, sans me, seemed to mind waiting for Pizza al Taglio, chilled tiramisu or nitrogen gelato.
“Now we’ve been to the world’s largest Starbucks and the first one, in Seattle,” said Belinda Schmidt, 72, of San Antonio. Schmidt and her husband Ron were in town for their granddaughter’s middle school music concert at McCormick Place. Ron waited 20 minutes for two lattes, a cinnamon roll and a bottle of water while Belinda found two adjoining seats next to me.
“We met a nice family behind us,” Belinda continued. “They used to live in Seattle but wanted to come here because they hadn’t been to a roastery.”
Me neither. Well, maybe I have. In Paris. Or Vegas. Right now, I need to use the restroom but am afraid to leave my seat. Belinda graciously offered to watch my valuables while I went in search of relief.
I will eventually return to Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago. The clamor, and the lines, have to dissipate at some point, right?
Or maybe I’ll just be that lonely-looking guy at one of the nearby Starbucks. At least I know there will be a seat waiting for me.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com.)
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)

www.newbyvancemobility.com

Story and Photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Do you want to catch a glimpse of your past and relive precious memories? Stepping into 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall feels like traveling back in time, where every corner is filled with the charm of yesteryear. Nostalgic treasures from decades gone by surround you, offering a delightful mix of retro signs to vintage furniture and classic fashion pieces. As you wander through the aisles, you’ll find items that bring back memories to the simple times. The displays invite you to explore, making each visit and experience where the past and the present blend together, leaving you with a feeling of timeless connection to history.
Meet Dusty and Cindy Gardner, the passionate owners of 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall, located at 4848 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK. As the largest vintage and antique mall in Oklahoma City, OK it offers an inviting space for treasure hunters and collectors alike. With over 35,000 square feet of thoughtfully laid out displays, the mall is a haven for those seeking timeless pieces, from mid-century furniture to nostalgic decor. You are sure to find something unique and interesting to remind you of the past. There is spacious room to explore and discover hidden gems.
When asked what inspired Dusty and Cindy to open a vintage mall, Cindy smiled and explained, “ Dusty has always been fascinated by old, forgotten items, always searching for rare antiques,” she said. “What began as a small hobby quickly grew into a full-blown passion and before we knew it, we were needing more space, outside of our home,” she added. “We found the perfect place. We love the excitement of our customers when they discover their long-forgotten treasures. We’ve also fallen in love with the community and all of the incredible people who have come into our lives. Today, the mall has 127 vendors and on our big sale days, we welcome over 2,000 people through our doors.”
Cindy explained their vision behind creating 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall, sharing how they wanted to build a space where both vendors and customers could feel appreciated and valued. “We envisioned a community where passions could grow, where vendors could thrive and customers could find unique treasures that gave them that personal feeling.” She went on to say that their journey was guided by faith. “We began to pray for direction and clarity, trusting that through faithful prayer, the right path would unfold. Little by little, our dream became a reality and now, we have a place where everyone can gather, prosper and connect in meaningful ways, and keeping our focus on God in everything we do. This commitment to faith and community has become the heart and soul of 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall, where business thrives and relationships flourish,” she said with a smile.
When asked if she believed there would always be a demand for antiques, even with the growing popularity of modern design, Cindy responded thoughtfully, “I truly believe there will always be a desire for antiques,” she said with confidence. “After all, antiques carry stories and memories that can’t be replaced by modern pieces. Modern designs has its place, but antiques offer something unique, a sense of nostalgia and the chance to hold a piece of time in your hands. I think that the emotional connection is something people will always seek.”
When asked about their personal favorite item in the store, Cindy smiled and thought for a moment before answering. “Well, I’m pretty sure Dusty’s favorite is the vintage gas pump we have. He’s always been fascinated by unique, industrial pieces like that.” she shared. “As for me I’d have to say my favorite is the authentic stagecoach we have on display. It’s such a striking piece of history. Every time I look at it, I think of the stories it could tell and the journeys it’s been on. Now, we both have a soft spot for the big buffalo that stands proudly in our store. It’s one of those pieces that really catches peoples attention when they walk in.”
Overall 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall strives to be remembered as something far more than just another antique mall. They aim to be a place where history, community and passion come together, offering an experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who walks through their doors.
3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall, is more than just a place to find unique treasures; it’s a bridge that connects generations, sparking curiosity and nostalgia in young and old alike.

By Nick Thomas

The 15th Turner Classic Movies Film Festival is scheduled for April 18-21, in Hollywood. Canceled for a couple of years due to the pandemic, no one was more pleased to attend the festival when it resumed in person two years ago than actress Diane Baker, a popular guest at many of the past festivals.
“I love them!” said Baker from Los Angeles, who noted that the 2020 and 2021 events had been held virtually.
The five current TCM hosts (Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Eddie Muller, and Jacqueline Stewart) will be on hand to introduce dozens of movies during the four-day event as the classic film community rallies around this year’s “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” festival theme (see www.filmfestival.tcm.com).
A prolific film and television actor, producer, and college teacher, Baker remembers when the TCM cable channel came into existence 30 years ago this month and its first host.
“I was there the night of the announcement at the Writer’s Guild Theater in Los Angeles,” she recalled. “Roger Mayer (the late Columbia Pictures, MGM, and Turner former executive) came on stage to announce Turner Classic Movies was going to be launched and with no commercials, and that Robert Osborne (1932-2017) would be the new full-time host.”
During his subsequent two decades with the channel, Osborne became the beloved public face of TCM due to his genial on-screen nature, mellow comforting voice, and encyclopedic knowledge of the entertainment industry.
“I’d known Robert since I was 19 years old,” said Baker. “He studied journalism at the University of Washington but came to LA to try acting and lived in the neighborhood where I was growing up – Sherman Oaks.”
When attempting to secure her first Hollywood contract, Baker even read audition scenes with Osborne.
“I was offered a contract and he was not!” said Baker, who signed with Twentieth Century Fox and soon began filming her first feature, 1959’s emotionally charged “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Osborne, she says, accompanied her to the premiere.
Filmed almost entirely on a cramped stage setting to reproduce the confined attic where the Frank family hid for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Baker still vividly recalls her role as Anne’s sister, Margot, seven decades earlier.
“Mr. Stevens (director) wanted us to be there most of the time even if we weren’t in the scene because it was claustrophobic and he wanted that feeling of being a family closed off,” she recalled. “He was very kind and gentle with us newcomers (and) used to give me little peppermint candies so I would be confident and less nervous before a scene. I’ll never forget getting a beautiful box of yellow roses when the filming ended, from Mr. Stevens.”
She also recalls the last time she met with Osborne. “We stayed friends until he passed away and I saw him in his apartment just two weeks before. He was in a wheelchair, and we just talked and talked. I’ve always been involved with TCM and Robert was their rockstar.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and writes features, columns, and interviews for newspapers and magazines around the country. See https://www.getnickt.org.