Oklahoma City Zoo is exclusive stop in OKC for the Adult Swim series’ “Don’t Even Trip Road Trip” tour

You won’t need a Mr. Meeseeks to make the perfect Date Night a reality. After a successful introduction in June, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the return of Date Night on Monday, October 14, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The Zoo will be open exclusively for adults 21-and-older to explore, enjoying the beautiful Oklahoma fall with a multitude of activity options, including a special appearance by the Rickmobile, making its only Oklahoma City stop on the nationwide “Don’t Even Trip Road Trip” tour. The Rickmobile is like the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, but instead of a hotdog, the vehicle is shaped like Rick and Morty’s mad scientist, Dr. Rick Sanchez. It opens to reveal a mobile merchandise shop, with t-shirts, figurines, toys and more from Rick and Morty and other classic Adult Swim series. The Rickmobile mobile shop accepts only credit/debit cards for purchases, no cash or checks.
“Rick and Morty is an absurdly awesome animated series and we’re thrilled to host the Rickmobile’s only stop in Oklahoma City,” said Greg Heanue, OKC Zoo chief marketing officer. “The Zoo’s successful Date Night event series connects adults with wildlife in bold new ways, so hosting the wildly popular series’ tour at this event makes complete sense.”
In addition to Rick and Morty team trivia, Date Night attendees can explore the Zoo, attend a sea lion presentation, sing along with karaoke, play outdoor games, ride the endangered species carousel and enjoy drinks at multiple locations throughout the park. Special menus will be featured at Zoo eateries.
Date Night tickets are now available at okczoo.org/datenights for $25. Each ticket includes one free drink. Food is not included. No one under 21 years old will be admitted. Official federal, state or tribal identification showing both date of birth and a photo is required for entry. Attendees are welcome to dress as their favorite characters from the series, but no face masks or weapons (real or fake) will be allowed.
Rick and Morty is an animated series from Dan Harmon (Community) and Justin Roiland that follows a scientist and his grandson through a multiverse of adventure, calamity and comedy. Its upcoming fourth season premieres on Adult Swim in November.
Wubalubadubdub… don’t miss Date Night fun featuring the Rickmobile at the OKC Zoo! 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. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 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, Instagram and YouTube or by visiting the Zoo’s Blog. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

Each year, across the country, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls. That’s why the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Sept. 23. This year’s activities will focus on the teamwork needed to prevent falls effectively.
Every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of fatal and nonfatal injury among older Americans. Every week in Oklahoma, approximately 124 adults age 65 and older are hospitalized and 11 die from a fall. Acute care hospital charges alone total more than $250 million a year.
Falls are not a normal part of aging, and an individual has the power to prevent them. The OSDH offers the following tips on simple tips to prevent falls:
Exercise regularly. Exercises that improve strength, balance, and coordination are the most helpful in lowering the risk of fall-related injuries.
*Speak up. Talk to your doctor about fall risks and prevention. *Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review both prescription and over-the-counter medications for side effects and interactions. The way medications work in the body can change with age. Some medications or combinations of medications can contribute to drowsiness or dizziness, which increases the risk of falling. *Have vision screenings at least once a year. The wrong prescription eyeglasses or health conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, limit vision and may increase the risk of falling. *Reduce hazards in the home that may lead to fall-related injuries. *Keep floors clean and clear of clutter where people walk.
*Maintain adequate lighting throughout the home, especially near stairways. *Remove throw rugs or use non-skid throw rugs in the home, and use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower. *Install handrails on stairways and grab bars in bathrooms. *Keep regularly needed items in easy-to-reach places that don’t require the use of a step stool.
The Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance program has been proven to reduce the risk of falls. Throughout Oklahoma, many individuals have been trained as Tai Chi instructors and teach Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes to older adults. This exercise program focuses on improving functional abilities, such as balance and physical function, to reduce fall-related risks and frequency of falls. Oklahoma seniors are invited to join one of the more than 90 open Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes across the state.
To receive more information on classes and how to prevent falls, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at (405) 271-3430 or visit http://falls.health.ok.gov.

About one in five licensed drivers in the United States is over the age of 65. Driving is one of the last points of independence some seniors have to give up. This makes it difficult when a family has to have the conversation with an elderly loved one about whether or not it is safe for them to continue driving.
“It is a major life change,” said Faye Beam, coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Central Oklahoma’s Provide A Ride (PAR) program.
Provide-A-Ride is a free medical transportation program for seniors who are no longer able to drive to doctor’s appointments. Volunteers pick up seniors, take them to their appointments, wait with them, and return them home. Currently, volunteers take PAR clients to more than 300 physicians in the Oklahoma City metro area.
“I receive calls often from children concerned about their elderly parents driving,” Beam said. “All families face similar scenarios. Children become caregivers for their parents, and they worry about their well-being and safety.”
Some of the red flags Beam hears from family members about their elderly parents and driving include: parents getting lost, vision problems at night, easily distracted while driving, developing fear related to driving, or unable to keep up with the expenses of owning a vehicle.
Beam wants families to know that PAR can be a reliable, safe alternative form of transportation for their loved one and encourages family members to have their loved one call and talk with her about the program.
“I always try to make clients feel at ease and comfortable and in charge of scheduling their transportation to medical appointments,” she said.
As with new things, the PAR clients get used to their new form of transportation and most make friends with the volunteer drivers, Beam said.
“They have interesting conversations, and many look forward to the time spent with their Provide-A-Ride drivers,” Beam said.
Beam suggests taking gentle baby steps with elderly parents about the subject of driving.
“Give mom and dad time to think about giving up their vehicle,” she said.
Currently, the PAR program has 683 active clients and 55 volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers choose their schedules and receive free supplemental liability insurance coverage and mileage reimbursement. If you would like more information for a loved one who can no longer drive or if you would like to sign up to be a volunteer driver, contact Faye Beam at 405.605.3110 or email her at [email protected].

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) recently awarded a three-year grant to the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, part of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine. ACL is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The grant will help fund implementation of a statewide program for falls prevention.
Lee Jennings, M.D., geriatric medicine specialist, will coordinate the program, which integrates complimentary components: Tai Chi Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TCQ: MBB), and Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) in an effort to decrease the likelihood of falls and improve mobility among older Oklahomans and those with disabilities.
“In addition, OHAI will train volunteer class leaders to enhance program sustainability. Our objective is to build sustainable partnerships with organizations, such as hospital systems, long-term care facilities and insurance providers,” Jennings said. She is also principle investigator on a study related to the grant-funded program.
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Monday, Sept. 23, is about preventing fall-related injuries. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, posing a threat to life and quality of life.
In connection with the national emphasis, OHAI will host a Facebook live event from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event will include healthcare professionals in a discussion of the adverse impact of falls, how to prevent them as well as practical tips for creating a more secure environment. The event will also feature video demonstrations of TCQ and SAIL classes.
Keith Kleszynski, Ph.D., associate director of OHAI, explained that the SAIL program is new to OHAI and relatively new to Oklahoma. “We selected this program for its emphasis on physical activity and its appeal to those inclined toward more rigorous exercise,” he said. “It represents a strategic move to reach more male participants.”
Currently, 79 percent of OHAI tai chi participants are female; however, the risks associated with falls and injuries are not limited by gender.
SAIL was developed to improve strength, balance and fitness – all critical components in one’s ability to remain physically active and reduce the risk of falls. It can be done seated or standing. Tai chi incorporates slow and controlled movements that also increase balance and flexibility.

by Susan Price – www.NursingHomeAbuseCenter.org

Individuals who have limited mobility or who are confined to a bed or wheelchair are at a high risk of developing bedsores. What starts as inflammation can quickly turn into a painful wound that is difficult to treat. What’s more, once bedsores are established, the patient is at risk for infection, sepsis, gangrene, and amputation. These complications can be fatal.
Bedsores most commonly develop on bony prominences, or parts of the body that come into the most contact with a bed, chair, or other surface. Common places bedsores develop include the heels, elbows, tailbone, and shoulder blades.
Fortunately, bedsores are preventable. Caregivers who follow the standards of care for repositioning, skin care, diet, and exercise can help prevent bedsores among patients.
Exercise to Prevent Bedsores
Exercise is a great way to help prevent bedsores. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the skin. This helps prevent bedsores by keeping skin and underlying tissue healthy and well oxygenated. Exercises don’t have to be strenuous in order to be effective. Here are some examples of the type of exercises that can help prevent bedsores. · Ankle Stretches – Ankle stretches are a great way to improve circulation and range of motion. Caregivers assist with ankle stretches by holding the heel and ankle, and slowing bending and moving the foot around. · Arm Lifts – Arm lifts can be done with assistance, or solo. Raise the arm as high as possible (and comfortable), and hold it for ten seconds. Arm lifts can be easily customized depending on the patient’s needs. · Leg Lifts – Leg lifts are a great way to improve circulation and encourage flexibility and range of motion. These exercises can be done with the patient on their back or side, depending on what is most suitable. The leg is slowly raised even with the hip, and is held there for 10-20 seconds as is comfortable and appropriate. · Palm Stretches – Palm stretches are a simple way to improve circulation in the lower arm and hand. With this exercise, the patient opens his or her hand as wide as possible extending the fingers. Then, the patient touches each finger to their thumb slowly before extending the finger again.
Doing these exercises a few times each day, or even once a day, can reduce the risk of a patient developing bedsores.
Exercise as Part of a Healthcare Plan
Exercise is most effective at preventing bedsores when it is part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
Caregivers can also help prevent bedsores by making sure patients have adequate food and hydration, access to medical care, and assistance with hygiene.
Bedsores often develop on parts of the body that are covered with clothing or linens. Caregivers should perform routine skin checks to look for signs of a developing bedsore. Once a developing bedsore is stageable, it is dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
Of course, you should never start an exercise regimen for yourself, or for someone you are caring for, without talking to a doctor first. Exercise should be performed with the guidance of a doctor who knows about the overall health of the patient.
Sources: www.nursinghomeabusecenter.org/bedsores/
www.accessrehabequip.com.au/blog/post/21-how-to-prevent-bedsores%3A-exercises-for-pressure-care-patients/
https://advancedtissue.com/2015/06/4-effective-exercises-for-bedridden-patients/
https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.org/stages-of-bedsores/

A single lung transplant in 2010 allowed Enid native Harold Holden to share a funny quip with a large audience in 2017. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was inducting Holden into its Hall of Great Westerners.
As the first artist from Oklahoma to be so honored, he said “Seems a little strange to be receiving one of my own sculptures here.”
That quip brought a positive response from the audience. They saw the irony in one of the most revered sculptors of horse and rider in the West to receive as his award his own iconic sculpture. What else would the Hall of Great Westerners give their honorees except a small Holden bronze of a cowboy sitting a horse?
In 2009 the world-renowned sculptor and painter of horses and cowboys was not taking on new work. The U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran’s pulmonary fibrosis lung disease was getting the better of him.
Medical experts at the time said it was not advisable to give a 69-year-old a lung transplant. The staff at the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at the INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, said they were wrong.
Conventional wisdom questioned the aging cowboy’s survivability. Luckily the folks at the Zuhdi Institute saw something different. They saw a viable candidate for a lung transplant. They saw a wonderful support network, headed by a devoted wife Edna Mae, and Holden’s vital philanthropic spirit that was busy supporting many of Oklahoma’s worthy causes.
So, from that live saving surgery in 2010 until now, Holden, known as H to everyone, has proven them right. The Western artist has outlived the idea of survivability to become a model of thrive ability as he went on to create some of his largest works as an artist.
And now, at 80, he opens a new chapter in thriving by sculpting three heroic size bronzes to grace the Oklahoma State University campus. These three larger than life statues will round out his total of 25 monuments around the country and be his largest impact on any one location, his alma mater.
Holden sculpted his first bronze statue for OSU in 2012. Only 18 months after his life-changing transplant, he donated his creation of the “We Will Remember” memorial of a kneeling cowboy with his hat in his hands, staring at a black medallion of OSU’s Spirit Rider surrounded by 10 stars.
He donated his design of the plaza with three walls holding the images of the 10 men who died in an airplane crash on January 27, 2001 in Colorado. The images of the 10 men associated with the OSU basketball team have their families’ tributes etched into the same black Indian granite as a memorial at the crash site.
OSU players Nate Fleming and Daniel Lawson; pilots Denver Mills and Bjorn Fahlstrom; broadcaster Bill Teegins; publicist Will Hancock; radio engineer Kendall Durfey; trainer Brian Luinstra; manager Jared Weiberg; and director of basketball operations Pat Noyes died in the crash. Again, Holden donated the rights to create 50 small replicas of the memorial for the families and donors. Now almost a decade after being given a new lease on life Holden is sculpting OSU royalty.
He is creating a one-and-a-half life size bronze T. Boone Pickens, a one-and-a-quarter life size historically correct Frank Eaton (Pistol Pete’s namesake) and a one-and-a-half life size Barry Sanders. OSU’s athletic director Mike Holder has commissioned the series.
Holden still mentions the seven-person team in conversations about his transplant. “To wake up after surgery with a new lung…and essentially be given a second chance at life is overwhelming” Holden said recently.
His gratitude to God and the medical team is memorialized by a six-foot bronze sculpture he donated in appreciation. His “Thank You, Lord” recasting of a cowboy thanking the heavens just outside the INTEGRIS Baptist emergency room entrance was unveiled in 2012.
He has started the Pickens and Eaton pieces, but his studio size will not allow him to do all three together. He hopes to complete the Pickens statue this year and the Eaton sculpture by Spring of next year. The Holdens live on a small 65-acre ranch outside of Kremlin, Okla. His studio is one of the most prominent buildings on the property. He still owns horses and raises cattle, as ranching and riding was the lifeblood of his art career.
“I became a Western artist because I was raised in the life style, riding horses and being a cowboy.” Holden said recently. “Paint and sculpt what you know and I loved everything about the West and being a cowboy.”

story and photos by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Full circle.
Nancy McCurdy smiles when the words come out of her mouth.
She smiles because she’s comfortable in the fact that she’s following in her mother’s footsteps as a resident of Tealridge Retirement Community.
Nestled right on the 200-acre Oklahoma Chrisitan campus is Tealridge Retirement Community, a full-service, private and locally-owned community providing independent, assisted living & memory care services to the
Community of Edmond.
Nancy McCurdy’s mother, Velma LaFaver, was a charter member of the Tealridge Community back in 1990, likely the third or fourth resident to move in.
When she moved in there was a nondescript pew in the common area.
“Our grandkids thought it was great and they would go down and play on it and have a good time,” McCurdy said.
A few years later, Tealridge held a garage sale to benefit the activity fund.
Mccurdy and her husband noticed the pew was for sale. Nancy told John to load it up and the pew wound up in the couple’s home and eventually playhouse.
The kids continued to play on it growing up.
When the time came to downsize and the McCurdys to make their next move it was the couple’s decision to move to Tealridge.
It was John’s idea to take the pew.
206D was McCurdy’s mother’s room. The McCurdy’s now live a floor above.
“We have a similar view to what she had,” she said. “We’ve come full circle.”
Nancy McCurdy’s mother hailed from southwestern Oklahoma – Lone Wolf to be exact. The move to the big city was a planned one.
“We were very pleased and happy and so far we’ve been very pleased with Tealridge,” Nancy McCurdy said.
The McCurdy’s visited several places but they both kept coming back to Tealridge, which was only two miles away from their current residence. They’ve lived in Edmond for 33 years.
One of their daughters lives nearby.
They hired Senior Transitions, a local moving company catering to seniors making a move, to get everything – pew included – moved over.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
There’s something special about looking out the window of the McCurdy’s apartment.
Knowing her mother looked out over the same pond, filled with fish and ducks, has a calming effect on her.
Nancy McCurdy was a registered nurse by trade. She helped found the Hope Center Clinic of Edmond, an organization helping those in crisis in the area.
“They decided they wanted to start a clinic and I had been in health education for a long time,” she explained. “I got the job and we started this clinic. It helped people who didn’t have insurance, mainly pregnant women.”
McCurdy took care of hundreds of her fellow Edmondites.
She failed at retirement the first time, going back for another four years.
“I’ve always been in nursing,” said the 40-plus-year nurse. “When I retired the last time I told them that was it.”
John dated Nancy while she was attending the Mercy School of Nursing in downtown Oklahoma CIty at 12th and Walker. The Granite native met Nancy in southwestern Oklahoma but transferred to the University of Oklahoma to be closer to her.
He graduated with a degree in industrial engineering.
The two wed when he moved back after a semester. Nancy quit school briefly.
He worked for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville. He found a better fit at Tinker Air Force Base before earning his Master’s degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio.
Wright Patterson Air Force Base was his next job site and also where Nancy finished her RN degree.
The two raised four children in the Dayton area.
After 15 years of cold weather the McCurdys moved back to Oklahoma and settled into Edmond.
“One of the reasons we moved back was to be closer to our parents and our relatives,” said Nancy, who sent two of her children through nearby Oklahoma Christian University. “This has been our home ever since.”
John actually worked for Tealridge, putting his commercial driver’s license to drive residents
“I enjoyed that,” he said. “I don’t know if the residents did but I did.”
And so when the time care Tealridge seemed like a natural fit, for Nancy’s mother and for her and her husband.
“She loved every minute of it,” Nancy said. “We were really concerned about her making an adjustment but when she got here they played bridge and did all the things she liked to do and she really enjoyed it. We were really happy with that move.
“We plan to be happy with our move, too.”