Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you provide some tips on how to choose a good estate sale company who can sell all the leftover items in my mother’s house? Inquiring Daughter

Dear Inquiring,
The estate sale business has become a huge industry over the past decade. There are roughly 22,000 estate sale companies that currently operate in the U.S., up nearly 60 percent from just 10 years ago. But not all estate sale companies are alike.
Unlike appraisal, auction and real estate companies, estate sale operators are largely unregulated, with no licensing or standard educational requirements. That leaves the door open for inexperienced, unethical or even illegal operators. Therefore, it’s up to you to decipher a good reputable company from a bad one. Here are some tips to help you choose.
Make a list: Start by asking friends, your real estate agent or attorney for recommendations. You can also search online. Websites like EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org let you find estate sale companies in your area.
Check their reviews: After you find a few companies, check them out on the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), Angie’s List (AngiesList.com), Yelp (Yelp.com) and other online review sites to eliminate ones with legitimately negative reviews.
Call some companies: Once you identify some estate sale companies, select a few to interview over the phone. Ask them how long they’ve been in business and how many estate sales they conduct each month. Also find out about their staff, the services they provide, if they are insured and bonded and if they charge a flat fee or commission. The national average commission for an estate sale is around 35 percent, but commissions vary by city and region.
You may also want to ask them about visiting their next sale to get a better feel for how they operate. And be sure to get a list of references of their past clients and call them.
Schedule appointments: Set up two or three face-to-face interviews with the companies you felt provided you with satisfactory answers during the phone interviews.
During their visit, show the estate liquidator through the property. Point out any items that will not be included in the sale, and if you have any items where price is a concern, discuss it with them at that time. Many estate companies will give you a quote, after a quick walk through the home.
You also need to ask about their pricing (how do they research prices and is every item priced), how they track what items sell for, what credit cards do they accept, and how and where will they promote and market your sale. EstateSales.net is a leading site used to advertise sales, so check advertising approaches there.
Additionally, ask how many days will it take them to set up for the sale, how long will the sale last, and will they take care of getting any necessary permits to have the sale.
You also need to find out how and when you will be paid, and what types of services they provide when the sale is over. Will they clean up the house and dispose of the unsold items, and is there’s an extra charge for that? Also, make sure you get a copy of their contract and review it carefully before you sign it.
For more information on choosing an estate sale company, see National Estate Sales Association online guide at NESA-USA.com, and click on “Consumer Education” then on “Find the Right Company.”
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with no cure. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, patients typically live only 12-18 months after diagnosis.
But a new discovery from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Rheal Towner, Ph.D., offers new hope in fighting this deadly cancer, which claimed the lives of Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy.
In pre-clinical experiments at OMRF, Towner discovered that a protein called ELTD1 is present in the most aggressive glioblastoma tumors. Towner then tested how the tumors would react to an antibody known to counteract the effects of ELTD1.
He found that the compound slowed the process of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, which is key to tumors’ ability to spread and kill.
“This drug seems just as promising, if not better than, what is currently considered the standard of care,” said Towner. “Few therapies exist for treating glioblastoma, but this could provide a step in the right direction.”
If proven effective in further trials, said Towner, “This could provide overall treatment with fewer side effects and better results than we see in current drugs.”
The new findings were published in the journal NeuroOncology.
Towner will continue to look for ways to use the new treatment in combination with other drugs to boost their effectiveness and better target tumors.
“One problem with drug treatments for tumors is that it’s hard to get the drug to the tumor site,” he said. “If we can regulate that process with targeting ELTD1, we might be able to use it to deliver other drugs directly to the tumor and, hopefully, eliminate it.”
If researchers succeed with this tumor-targeting method, Towner said they will begin testing it on other tumors associated with breast, pancreatic or other cancers.
Funding for this research was provided by National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant number 5P20GM103636-02, and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the NIGMS, grant number 5P20GM103639. The NIGMS is part of the National Institutes of Health.

by Major Lesley Norman, Risk Reduction Officer, Oklahoma City Fire Department

At the beginning of the year, we set goals to make positive improvements in your lives. Most people never consider improving safety around their residents. The Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) has a few safety suggestions for 2019. Ensure the following safety recommendations are completed to provide a safer year for you and your family at home.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom/sleeping area and one outside those areas. Smoke alarms should also be installed on every level of the home including basements. The Oklahoma City Fire Department “Project Life” smoke alarm program allows Firefighters to install smoke alarms at no charge for qualifying residents of Oklahoma City. Contact 405-316-2337, www.smokealarmsokc.com or www.Gratisalarmasokc.com to request smoke alarms. Residents outside of Oklahoma City can contact your local fire department or Red Cross. The hearing impaired can contact the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), 888-885-5588 or email [email protected]. OkAT will install smoke alarms with strobe lights and bed shaker for qualifying Oklahoma residents. Apply at www.okabletech.okstate.edu.
Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created from incomplete combustion of natural gas, propane, methane or gasoline. Running vehicles and generators also produce CO. Make sure gas appliances are professionally serviced every year to avoid possible CO leaks inside your home.
Fire extinguishers should be located in a kitchen, garage or both, ready to extinguish small fires. If there are smokers in the home, consider additional locations. Small “ABC” extinguishers can be purchased from the local department store and are disposable. Review the manufacturers’ recommendation for a disposal date. Always call 911 or have someone call 911 before extinguishing a fire. When using the extinguisher apply the PASS method for extinguishment, stand six to eight feet from the fire. P – pull the pin, A – aim low at the base of the fire, S – squeeze the lever slowly, S – sweep from side to side. An OKCFD training video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_ZYolzwMX4 or follow instructions provided with the extinguisher.
Fire drills should be practiced monthly while testing your smoke alarm. The OKCFD has a program called “EDITH,” Exit Drills In The Home. The EDITH program’s purpose is to inspire residents to develop an exit plan for their home. The exit plan should include two ways out of every bedroom, a meeting place outside the home, and practicing the fire drill. Practice your exit plan around your mobility and the plan should be shared with everyone sleeping in your home.
Fall prevention measures should include installing grab bars inside your home if you or other family members have a fall risk. Suggested location for grab bars is near toilets and bathtubs. Make sure you have a clear path to the restroom from your sleeping area. Use your walking aid or lift chair on those days you feel weaker than normal. Speak with your physician if your strength starts to fade. Begin this year making fire and fall safety improvements a priority in your life.
* According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working.”
Additional fire safety information is available at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education.

INTEGRIS is joining other hospitals and health centers around the country in a national effort to produce a stable supply of generic drugs. The venture is designed to address the growing frustration caused by persistent shortages of simple yet vital medications.
Utah-based not-for-profit generic-drug company Civica Rx is spearheading the initiative. “Drug shortages have become a national crisis, with patient treatments and surgeries canceled, delayed or suboptimal,” says Martin VanTrieste, chief executive officer of Civica Rx. “We thank these organizations for joining us to make essential generic medicines accessible and affordable in hospitals across the country.”
The benefit of the Civica Rx initiative is expected to be two-fold. Hospitals will not only have access to generic drugs that are frequently in short supply, but they will also be able to purchase those medications at a reduced cost. A savings that can then be passed along to patients.
“We are excited to be a partnering member in this venture,” says Tommy, Ibrahim, M.D., chief physician executive at INTEGRIS. “We enjoy a proud tradition of being a leading-edge health care provider known for a pioneering spirit that has paved the way for many medical firsts and technological advancements. We believe this initiative is another example of that. It is an innovative approach to providing quality, accessible, more affordable medicine to the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Civica Rx plans to bring 14 hospital-administered generic drugs to market in 2019. The overall vision is to become a model generic drug company that provides high-quality Food and Drug Administration-approved products at affordable prices.

As new state leaders are sworn in today, John D. Doak reflects on his eight years as Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner. Doak was elected the state’s 12th insurance commissioner in 2010 and was re-elected for a second term in 2014.
“I’m honored that Oklahomans chose to elect me to represent them, both in terms of insurance company solvency and ensuring fair claims handling,” Doak said. “I’ve been privileged to witness the courage and resilience of Oklahomans in the face of difficult natural disasters. It’s also been a pleasure to work with our state Legislature and governor and to travel to every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, meeting and working with the people who live there.”
During his tenure, Doak has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and how it can help Oklahomans. He started a field representative program to reach every corner of the state. He also made it a mission to have boots on the ground as soon as possible after a disaster. Many times Doak himself would visit with storm victims to reassure them that his office was there to help, if needed.
Another issue Doak worked on during his time in office was lowering the rate of uninsured motorists. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the country. Just a few months ago, the OID announced it would host the Auto Insurance Verification System which allows law enforcement to verify a driver has insurance in real time.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is that, as I leave the OID, it is now being recognized as a global leader in insurance regulatory issues,” Doak said.
Doak’s recognition that government must be ready to accept new and innovative ideas and products has helped frame that thinking. His belief that the OID should not only to protect consumers but allow the free market process to bring new quality products to consumers is recognized by many leaders worldwide.
More of Doak’s accomplishments include:
*Recovering $27,675,828 for Oklahomans since 2011
*The passage of House Bill 2308 which allows the OID to construct and own an office building
*OID employees earning more than 160 professional designations
*Co-hosting the National Tornado Summit since 2011
*The passage of the Insurance Business Transfer law
*Developing an earthquake education requirement for insurance professionals
*Testifying before a U.S. Senate sub-committee about insurance fraud
*Helping launch the University of Tulsa Cyber District
“I wish the best to the new leaders of our state, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready,” Doak said. “Commissioner Mulready has already proven that he is a dedicated public servant with expertise in the insurance industry, and he will continue that tradition in this new role.”

Harry and Betty Wales are quick to tell you that in 1954, when God called them to serve, He promised to provide for them in their faithfulness and He has always done so. Betty and Harry worked their farm in Iowa for 20 years. When they received their separate callings, both struggled against accepting God’s call and did not share the news with each other for several weeks. Harry was content in his role of farmer. Betty knew speaking to a congregation was not her gift. Betty laughed as she related her profound relief when Harry told her he had been called by God to the ministry; she then understood her role was to be by his side, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the ministry. Harry preached to Nazarene congregations across the southwest for more than 40 years before retiring in Oklahoma City in 2000.
Throughout his ministry, Harry worked two jobs, enabling Betty to stay home with their two daughters. Together, they served the Lord living each day with the promise that God would provide for all their needs. Although retired, Harry has continued his ministry at the Warr Acres Senior Center (4301 Ann Arbor) for more than 18 years offering support through prayer, teaching Bible study classes, and sharing God’s word. Diane Maguire, coordinator at the Warr Acres center, describes Harry as the ‘chaplain’ of the center. He is always willing to share in joy or sorrow. Betty also continues serving others by making coffee at the senior center every morning, helping with lunch. Harry and Betty are truly extraordinary volunteers, goodwill ambassadors, and faithful to their calling.
In November 2018, Harry and Betty celebrated 69 years of marriage. At the glorious ages of 90 (90 is the new 70!) and 87, respectively, Harry and Betty remain firm in their faith that God will continue to provide. Falls have taken a toll on both Harry and Betty this past year. Harry can no longer remodel old houses to provide additional income or to make them habitable for his family. Hospitalizations and the need to be in a rehabilitation care unit with mounting medical bills add to financial concerns.
Unfortunately, working every day for more than 60 years does not guarantee you a comfortable retirement. Since retiring, Harry and Betty rely on the monthly financial support of their daughters, a pension from the church, and the graces of past congregations. When the air conditioning in their home went out this past summer, a former congregation stepped in to replace the irreparable system. Those who know Harry and Betty best, will tell you it is a joy and honor to help them. Their optimism and complete faith that God will provide shines in all they do. Because friends are doing yard work, helping them exercise, making minor home repairs and providing other needs, they are surviving retirement.
Surviving is defined as remaining alive. Merely surviving retirement is never the goal – it’s not how we envision ourselves living out our mature years. Surviving is not comfortable nor is it fun; surviving can be unnerving. Sadly, too many seniors merely survive retirement. The struggles are real, but you are not alone.
Advance 2-1-1 Oklahoma is an easy-access system designed to offer information about and referrals to community services for both those who need help, and those who provide help. Find out what is available by calling 211, or, try out the new text service “211OK” by texting your zip code to 898-211. In Oklahoma City, Sunbeam Family Services, Catholic Charities, Legal Aid, Neighborhood Services Organization and The Salvation Army are a few agencies that stand ready to assist seniors, as well as, more than 60 food pantries.
Senior News and Living OK has a dedicated phone line for you to ASK LISA questions or share information; please call 405-631-5100, Ext. 5 and leave your name, phone number, and a message regarding your concern.
AFTERTHOUGHTS with Lisa
About four years ago, I was in the emergency room with family members, discussing the dangers of falling with a gentleman and his wife. The gentleman and I had both fallen that evening and were waiting our x-ray results. My son walked in and asked, “Mom, how bad was your fall?” Without hesitation, the gentleman said, “Young man, it is inappropriate to use obscene language in present company.” Raucous laughter followed as he explained, “FALL” is our new four-letter word. All agreed that a “FALL” was to be avoided at all costs!
Winter weather is very unpredictable in Oklahoma; avoid wet or icy sidewalks and driveways. If you must be out in the weather take care of YOU; broken bones are no fun and recuperation is difficult!! Use your cane, walker, or a helpful arm when you must be out in the weather.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Going and doing. That’s what brings Becky Grantham the most joy.
And at 70, the former professional cyclist has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Grantham has a passion and love for people. Quite simple she loves living, working, working out, riding her bike out on the road and being healthy and fit.
She qualified for the 2013 National Senior Olympics in cycling and she plans to start rowing lessons this summer, with hopes of being on a Masters team.
“I love teams in anything,” she said. “I love to learn, grow and spending time with family and friends. I love fresh flowers, organic whole foods, good wine, music and the great outdoors. I love challenges and lots of adventure. I adore and cherish my children and grandchildren.”
Her life story reads like one straight out of Hollywood.
She earned the nickname “Fire Starter” from colleagues with her solid record of launching new products and start-up ventures. Her enterprising spirit allowed her the opportunity to own and manage a successful talent agency and develop into a sought-after casting director in a state not well represented in the field.
She continues to find success in many different industries. As a founding partner in BAR M MUT LLC in Oklahoma, she developed an award-winning marketing program that targeted ranchers, farmers, hunters and commercial nurseries within an eight-state region becoming the top dealer in the nation.
She excelled in the medical industry for more than 15 years, having the distinction of being recruited and promoted by industry leaders.
A lover of the arts, fitness, health and outdoor living, she has cycled century rides (100 miles in length) for many fundraising events and even enjoyed a couple of years as a professional cyclist for a philanthropic team out of Texas.
She took the gold medal in Oklahoma’s 2012 time trial and road race in her age division.
Other passions include being an accomplished competitive rider of Show Hunters and Jumpers, as well as being a whipper-in for Fox Hunting.
The love of gardening led her to achieve a Master Gardener accreditation.
As an advocate for others, she’s held many leadership roles within her church and community serving and lobbying for the wellbeing of children and woman. In addition, she has volunteered on missions to Honduras and within inner-city Oklahoma City and is a strong and passionate advocate against domestic violence.
“Very rarely do I see someone my age out there cycling,” said Grantham, who now works as a relationship developer at Laura Lynn’s Home Care. “Even at my age to train for a century ride takes a lot out of me. I have to train long and consistently so that I’m really prepared.”
Training for a century ride requires lots of time on the bike as well as time in the gym.
“Whenever you cycle year after year after year your muscles almost get locked up so you have to do exercises in the opposite direction to keep from locking up,” she said. “All of a sudden your legs aren’t working like they did. I don’t remember that me being a big deal when I was younger but it is becoming a bigger deal to me I’m noticing.”
“Every chance I get I try to ride on the road but I’ve gotten to the point where I’m becoming more of a fair weather rider. When I was younger I would get out and ride in 40-degree temperature without thinking twice but now I like it in the 50s at least.”
It was her son who got her hooked on cycling. Her first bike was the one he had when he was 12.
“It was a horrible old bike but I figured if I could ride that and enjoy it …” she said. “I just kept increasing the quality of my bike over time.”
“Probably the thing I enjoy the most is my psyche and the endorphins, it’s not just for the moment. If you cycle a lot you have more energy than you can imagine. It’s very upbeat. It’s endorphins that bring about contentment and happiness.”
And she kept increasing her mileage.
Grantham uses all that energy to keep up with her eight grandchildren, one great granddaughter and three children.
She wants to inspire others to do what they love and remain active.
It’s worked for her for her entire life.

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

A book club series offered by the Salvation Army is helping bring seniors together.
Diane Maguire, Senior Programs Coordinator, North District, began the book club last year that met once a month and brought in various scholars to discuss what participants would be reading.
“The group that was involved was very interactive,” Maguire said.
This is the second offering for the Salvation Army. The initial group wrapped up in November.
“Based upon feedback from a lot of seniors from the first one it just seemed they really enjoyed it,” Maguire said. “The whole thing is socialization here, even the book club the heart of it is socialization. I talked to a couple of the scholars and they mentioned this was an excellent series. Because they had already interacted with the group it just kind of fell in that this would be perfect.”
In December, the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Command announced that it will host Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma!. The series of reading and discussion programs are made possible through a grant from Oklahoma Humanities with generous funding from the Inasmuch Foundation and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.
The Salvation Army’s Warr Acres Senior Center, 4301 N. Ann Arbor, will be the venue for the five-part series, Friendship. The series will explore the subject of friendship and its power to enrich and sustain our loves.
The titles in the series include: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson; The Chosen by Chaim Potok; The Color Purple by Alice Walker; Turtle Diary by Russell Hoban; and Recovering: A Journal by May Sarton.
The first reading and discussion group is set for January 17th from 9-11 a.m. with Harbour Winn leading the discussion of Jacob Have I Loved. Participation is free, however seating is limited.
“We are very excited to be offering this reading and discussion program once again,” Maguire said. “The discussions and open dialogue our participants have been having, not only with the scholar, but also with each other are both interesting and thought provoking. I am extremely thankful to Oklahoma Humanities for investing in our senior population with this program.”
“This is how I view it: if it changes one life it’s impactful,” Maguire said. “You have seniors that love playing dominoes or love line dancing but then you have seniors who need to be intellectually stimulated because maybe of their background, love for reading or they can’t do the other things.”
“Some of them needed that intellectual challenge and that really answered to the stimulation they were looking for.”
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma has been serving the elderly population for more than 50 years. There are currently four senior centers in the Oklahoma City metro area serving approximately 350-425 seniors each week.
The centers are open to anyone age 55 or older, free of charge. Wellness activities, lunch, Bible study, and reading and discussion groups are all a part of the current programming taking place.
The mission of Oklahoma Humanities (OH) is to strengthen communities by helping Oklahomans learn about the human experience, understand new perspectives, and participate knowledgeably in civic life. OH is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we strive to stimulate discussion, encourage new perspectives, and to actively engage people in the humanities disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy and ethics.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
The mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Nearly 183,000 Oklahomans receive assistance from The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.
About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyokcac.org.
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command is a proud partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.