UCO Recognized for Service to Military-Connected Faculty, Staff and Students

The University of Central Oklahoma was designated a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monday, Feb. 19, in a ceremony held on UCO’s campus. Central was awarded this honor for its longstanding commitment to serving military-connected faculty, staff and students, specifically those who were wounded in combat.
“It is an extreme honor for the University of Central Oklahoma to receive this designation as a Purple Heart University,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“This designation represents the dedication of UCO to serving those who have served. We are grateful to our military-connected students, faculty and staff for their service and sacrifice and are honored to help them as they pursue their next steps.”
To become a Purple Heart University, institutions must develop a purposeful approach to supporting not only those who are military affiliated, but also those who have sacrificed themselves in some way to defend our nation and earned a Purple Heart. Institutions must also meet and exceed standards in providing aid and programming to support Purple Heart recipients’ academic endeavors.
“UCO is honored to receive this recognition of our Purple Heart recipients and military-connected students,” said Tom McShane, director of TRIO Student Support Services – Veterans at UCO.
“We are grateful to the Military Order of the Purple Heart for this designation, which acknowledges our veteran and military-connected students, and the services UCO provides to them.”
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is chartered by Congress for combat-wounded veterans and is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat or by an act of international terrorism.
“We are honored to have UCO as a Purple Heart University,” said James Battles, Oklahoma State Department junior vice Purple Heart commander and Purple Heart chapter 820 commander.
“Having UCO support the military and those who have sacrificed for our freedoms humbles me and my fellow veterans. Having UCO support their military students and staff shows the military community that they are not alone in their service and sacrifice for their nation.”
UCO prides itself on our commitment to military-connected students, which is evident in our multiple national rankings and awards.
UCO ranks as a top 100 institution nationwide for providing services and support for military-connected students for the eighth consecutive year on the 2023 Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges” list. Central was also named a gold-level Military Friendly School in the public universities category with more than 10,000 students by Viqtory Media’s 2023-24 Military Friendly Schools list. In 2023, Central was awarded a grant from the Boeing Foundation to address the emotional, physical and educational needs of military-connected students.
Central provides services and support for veterans and military-connected students through the Veterans Higher Education Resource and Opportunity Center (VetHERO) and federally funded programs. These programs provide services such as assistance with educational benefits certification, enrollment services, mentoring and campus and community engagement opportunities.

Dear Savvy Senior, What types of funeral benefits are available to old veterans? My 83-year-old father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Planning Ahead 

Dear Planning,
Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration actually offers a variety of underutilized burial benefits to veterans as well as their spouses and dependents.
Most U.S. veterans (both combat and non-combat) who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge are eligible for burial benefits. To verify your dad’s discharge, you’ll need a copy of his DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.” If you don’t have it, you can request online at Archives.gov/veterans.
Here’s a rundown of some of the different benefits that are available to veterans that die a nonservice related death.
Military Cemetery Benefits: If your dad’s eligible and would like to be buried in one of the 155 national or 119 state, territory or tribal-operated cemeteries (see VA.gov/find-locations), the VA provides a number of benefits at no cost to the family, including: a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave and perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a United States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
If your dad is cremated, his remains will be buried or inurned in the same manner as casketed remains.
But be aware that funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not taken care of by the VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family, but some veteran’s survivors may be eligible for burial allowances.
The VA also offers a memorial web page called the Veterans Legacy Memorial for any veteran buried in a national, state, territorial or tribal cemetery. This allows families to post pictures and stories of their loved one online as a way to remember and honor their service.
If you’re interested in this option, the VA has a pre-need burial eligibility determination program to help you plan ahead before your dad passes. See VA.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
Private Cemetery Benefits: The VA also provides benefits to veterans buried in private cemeteries. If your dad chooses this option, the VA benefits include a free government headstone or grave marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are again the responsibility of the family, and there are no benefits offered to spouses and dependents that are buried in private cemeteries.
Military Funeral Honors: Another popular benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private cemetery is a military funeral honors ceremony. This includes an honor guard detail of at least two uniformed military persons, folding and presenting the U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s survivors, and the playing of Taps.
The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests. Depending on what you want, certain forms may need to be completed which are always better to be done in advance.
For a complete rundown of burial and memorial benefits, eligibility details and required forms visit Cem.va.gov.
Burial Allowances
In addition to the burial benefits, some veteran’s survivors may also qualify for a $948 burial allowance and $948 for a plot to those who choose to be buried in a private cemetery. And $231 for a headstone or grave marker allowance. To find out if your dad is eligible or to apply, see VA.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Metropolitan Library System continues to share exciting programming in March. Continuing are Crowns Tea events, plus the addition of Women’s History Month events, a book signing with Gwenna Laithland also known as Momma Cusses on TikTok, STEAM Break activities, and a special virtual discussion through the library’s partnership with the International English Library in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Women’s History Month at the Library
“Celebrate the Women of Oklahoma: A Film for Women’s History Month” March 7, 6:30pm at Belle Isle Library (5501 N. Villa Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112) Oklahoma’s history is rich with pioneering women who broke barriers and made lasting impacts. From the “Wild West Women” of the late 1880s to the first woman elected to political office in the state, a transformative high school coach, and a community-focused banker, these women’s stories are celebrated in an award-winning OETA series.
March 16, 10am at Downtown OKC Library (300 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102) Join us this Women’s History Month for a journey into the past with Clare Westmacott as she delves into “And Now I Am All Alone,” the upcoming memoir of her grandmother’s diary and experiences during World War II. Clare Westmacott will lead a thought-provoking conversation on March 16 at the Downtown OKC Library, offering insights into Klara’s life, frustrations, fears, and hopes for her children in London and Germany during the war, as documented from 1940 to 1944. This discussion promises to shed light on the varied experiences of women during World War II. Join us from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the 46th Star Auditorium. Join us at noon for refreshments and community-building. Registration is required and guests can attend in person at the Downtown Oklahoma City Library or virtually via Zoom. Reserve your spot today at https://www.metrolibrary.org/womens-history-month.

Crowns Tea at the Library
“The Crowns Tea” hosted by Thick Descriptions celebrates the rich heritage of church hats, inspired by the book “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats.” Attendees showcase splendid headpieces, creating a vibrant tapestry of diversity. The event invites reflection on the historical significance of church hats, fostering intergenerational connections. “The Crowns Tea” transcends fashion. To experience the magic of The Crowns Tea, register at hello@thickdescriptions.org or call 405-397-0584.
* Sat, March 2, 2pm at Belle Isle Library (5501 N. Villa Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112) * Sun, March 3, 2pm at Bethany Library (6700 NW 35th St., Bethany, OK 73008) * Sat, March 16, 2pm at Del City Library (4330 SE 15th St., Del City, OK 73115)

Book Signing: Momma Cusses with Gwenna Laithland
March 7, 7pm at Midwest City Library (8143 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City, OK 73110) Join us for a special event and book signing with Gwenna Laithland, local author and creator of @mommacusses on TikTok. She’s known for her funny and honest take on modern parenting. Attendees can be among the first to grab her new book, “Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kids Need Therapy.” Copies of her new book will be available from Full Circle Bookstore at the event.

STEAM Break at the Library
Metro Library locations will host “STEAM Break” events celebrating Science, Technology, Art, and Math during STEAM month.
About Metropolitan Library System: The Metropolitan Library System provides library services for more than 800,000 residents of Oklahoma County. We have 19 physical locations as well as 24/7 access to our digital resources as metrolibrary.org.
Additional Contact : Zoe Travers, Internal Communications Coordinator, (405) 606-3751, zoe.travers@metrolibrary.org.

Seaman 2nd Class Cecil Thornton, born in Rogersville, Alabama, who died during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, will be buried with full military honors in the Civitan Cemetery in Rogersville, Alabama on March 11 at 10 a.m.
As Seaman 2nd Class, Cecil Thornton’s duties included performing ordinary deck duties in connection with the upkeep and operations of the ship, such as painting, cleaning, and polishing of the ship’s brightwork; the collection and disposal of garbage; maintenance and repair of various types of equipment. He also handled ropes and wires; stored and secured items; assisted with the movement of cargo on and off the ship. He stood watches as lookout, telephone talker, messenger, or similar duties. Also was member of a gun crew.
Awards and Decorations include Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medals.
Duty Stations were: USS Oklahoma (BB 37): 03/29/1940 and Naval Training Station Norfolk, VA: 12/15/1939.
Promotions include: Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: 04/14/1940

Joyce Clark

Campus Director at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living in OKC.

Story by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Joyce Clark said going to work is not just a job, but a ministry to her.
She was self-employed/CEO of Achievis Senior Living Associates for about 25 years until she took the reins as Campus Director at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living at 7501 W. Britton Road in Oklahoma City almost two-and-a-half years ago.
“I’ve always loved my career. I’ve developed seven assisted and memory care communities in Oklahoma and consulted across America. I’ve created and now I’m managing a true community asset, a true blessing to people,” Clark said. “In my decades of work, I’ve tried hard to be a positive impact on the lives I have touched but I have experienced it is also vice versa.”
Clark said she knew at a young age that she wanted to have a career in healthcare.
“As a young teenager I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, and that eventually led to becoming an assisted living administrator, one of the first ones in Oklahoma, early, when it was newer,” she said. “Serving as an administrator married my love of healthcare with development and management and seniors.”
Clark said Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is a fun and friendly community that improves people’s lives and offers solutions to their problems, and she is proud to be part of that mission.
“Any home that puts people first will be successful,” she said. “My “people first” philosophy incorporates employees as well as residents and their families. Fun, mutual respect, cooperation, and communication all factor into creating a culture where people want to live and work.”
The Saint Ann campus features 120 independent living and 50 assisted living apartments as well as a convent and chapel.
Also known as Saint Ann Retirement Center, the assisted and independent living campus is owned and operated by The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, a not-for-profit Catholic organization. People of all faiths are welcome and enjoy living at Saint Ann.
Clark said Saint Ann is an affordable place to live.
“We are affordable. There’s no big buy-in fee like other high-quality homes, and frankly, I feel like we’re at the top of senior living in the United States,” she said. “Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is reasonably priced and all-inclusive. We have a 24-hour concierge, outstanding meals, transportation, housekeeping, and much more. Assistance with personal care and medications are available in assisted living or thru third-party providers, one of which offices inside independent living. For anyone looking to move to senior living, she advises them to check out the vibe, check out the culture, and talk to residents. “My residents are my sales staff. When they see somebody touring Saint Ann, our residents are quick to share how happy they are.”
Clark said the daily life of a campus administrator can be strenuous. She said it is important to control the expenses of operations so that an acceptable profit is earned to be successful and financially strong.
“For me, the job’s demands and stress are offset by the joys of blessing others and improving the lives of residents and employees,” she said. “Administrators must be able to lead and manage a diverse group of people. Successful directors have the capability to effectively handle a tremendous variety of responsibilities ranging from resident care, staffing, regulatory compliance, sales, and financial tracking to property maintenance, and operations management. They must be great at communication, shoveling paperwork, conflict resolution, time management, priority setting, and people pleasing. I love the variety of my job and also orchestrating large projects like the remodel currently underway.”
Clark said Saint Ann offers a variety of activities and programs for residents to enjoy.
“We have many different things to do every day” she said. “Saint Ann’s life enrichment calendar is packed with activities. We have exercise, Tai Chi, speakers, crafts. bands, entertainers, llamas, sip and paint, games, volleyball, and much more.”
Clark said Saint Ann residents are also provided transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, and excursions like going to movies, theatre, Braums, seeing Christmas lights, scenic drives, restaurants, and the casino.
“Saint Ann’s life enrichment team work hard to provide a variety of daily activities so folks can choose what they want to do,” she said. “In addition, Saint Ann provides daily Mass and a non-denominational service on Sunday. Residents also enjoy hymn singing, Bible study, and whatever else they ask us to organize.”
Clark said it is a blessing to work at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living.
“It’s such a blessing to work here and to be a part of all this. We are an amazing, wonderful team,” she said. “We’re here for each other and we all work very cohesively. The residents are lovely and active in many daily functions and special events. Residents are the focus of everything my staff does. I truly cannot adequately express how precious the culture and people are who live and work here at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living.”
For more information call Lisa at (405) 721-0747, Ext. 322 or visit
https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com.

story and photo by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Finding the right financial advisor to handle your investments can be challenging for anyone, including seniors.
Mike McCall, a financial advisor with Blue Crest Financial, located at 1300 North Walker Avenue, Suite 200 in Oklahoma City, said transparency is important to him and his clients.
“I’ve been doing this for 23 years,” he said. “Everyone’s had different experiences in life. They may have gotten burned buying an annuity. They may not have a financial advisor. They may not know who to trust. They might’ve had an experience where they put their money in banks and the bank crashed. I don’t have a cookie cutter approach to planning. I sit down with a client, interview them, and find out what’s important to them. I try to find a solution to make it fit. So maybe telling that story might be something that they consider. “
McCall has worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Metlife Securities Inc, Mml Investors Services, LLC and Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company.
“MML is my broker dealer, and the office that I’m in is Blue Crest Financial Group,” he said.
MML Investors Services, LLC performs a broad set of services, including financial planning services, portfolio management for individuals and small businesses, portfolio management for institutional clients, pension consulting services, selection of other advisers, educational seminars and other services.
McCall offers total financial needs analysis through a network of experienced professionals with expertise in:
• Retirement analysis and programs
• Estate strategies
• Employee benefit and retention services
• Business continuation strategies
• Trust services*
McCall said his senior clients are generally concerned about interest rates, stock market investments, and they’re more inclined to do safer investments.
“The number one concern for people is running out of money in retirement. And, that’s quickly followed by, I don’t know what to believe,” he said. “When you look at marketing today, it’s usually trying to scare the hell out of you. Like going to gold, the world’s collapsing. People don’t know who to trust, and so they need a guide and an advisor. So, a good way to look at me and my practice would be your general practice doctor, the guy you go to for checkups every year, because I’ve got a wide breadth of knowledge in a lot of different areas, I’ll run some tests to ask some questions, find out what’s bothering you, and then we may need to go to a specialist. I don’t want to just sell you a product. I’m more interested in building a relationship.”
McCall said he gives clients the options of what financial planning route they want to pursue.
“I have a process for financial planning, whether we do a fee-based plan or we do an annual review strategy with no fee. I’m going to approach it both ways,” he said. “I’m going to be your guide. I’m going to figure out what are you trying to accomplish, show me where everything’s at right now, and then I’m going to go through and find the best route up that mountain. There might be two or three routes we can take, and I’ll explain that to you.”
McCall also outlines to customers or prospects how he gets paid.
“If they understand that we operate in a levelized commission world, we’re not married to one company, and then our company has a process, a procedure called best interest contract,” he said. “In other words, as a fiduciary, I’ll act in the best interest of my client. Explaining to people my legal status as far as my licensing is concerned, I think that helps. It goes a long way in easing the client’s mind. Either the company’s paying me overcharging the financial fee, and I kind of let the client decide which route or path they want to take because everybody’s different. I think explaining that to somebody goes a long way.”
McCall said he enjoys building relationships with his customers.
“You really need to develop a relationship with that person,” he said. “Transparency means full disclosure, spending time talking to somebody, trying to find out what they’re trying to accomplish. When we engage a client, we lay out a calendar of activities, which can be anywhere from quarterly to annual review. Annual review is just once you get something set up. It doesn’t mean we’re only going to talk once during the year. It just means that we’re not going to do a formal review until the end of that year. Now, a lot of seniors don’t have a lot of moving parts. They don’t need a lot of reviews that may be appropriate to do once a year, and then if you get something in the mail or you can talk to somebody. I’ve got a full-time assistant, especially in that age group. They want to talk to a human being so that they can call me and bounce something off of me during that year. It’s what the client needs or wants to accomplish.”
McCall said it is important to research financial advisors before signing for services.
He said one way to know if a financial planner has good reviews is through what is known as a clean Form U4.
The Form U4 is the Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer. Individuals seeking to register as an investment adviser representative (“IAR”) of a registered investment advisor firm typically must use this form to become registered with a state securities regulator. This document is filed electronically via the Central Registration Depository (“Web CRD”) system.
Beyond these basics, applicants are required to self-report information relating to customer complaints, arbitration claims, regulatory proceedings, bankruptcies, certain criminal history record information, certain civil litigation and unsatisfied liens and judgments, among other things.
“I have a clean U4,” McCall said. “It (clean U4s) helps people from getting scammed because advisors out there that don’t have clean U4 and they just need to be aware of the problems that they’ve had in the past.”
For more information about Form U4 visit https://brokercheck.finra.org.
For more information about McCall’s financial advisory services call –
(405) 486-1400.

By Eddie Roach, VillagesOKC media

Commitment. Discipline. Effort. Pride. Toughness.
Those are the character traits which are inscribed on the base of a monument to 1st Lt. James Robert Kalsu that will be unveiled March 29, Vietnam era Veterans Day, at the Del City High School stadium, which bears his name. On the same day, a documentary will premiere about the football star who gave up a promising career to honor his commitment to the U.S. Army and lost his life in service to his country in Vietnam.
“Uncommon Character – the Legacy of James Robert Kalsu” is a film about Kalsu, a stand-out student and Del City High School football star, an All-American at the University of Oklahoma, and Rookie of the Year for the Buffalo Bills, who became the only active professional athlete killed in action in the Vietnam War.
Documentary producer Gary Banz, director of Veterans Initiatives at VillagesOKC, says, “This story is important for many reasons. Foremost is that each new generation needs to know their own history and appreciate the sacrifices which have been made so they can live free and enjoy the benefits of that freedom.” He hopes it will inspire future generations of Del City students and motivate them on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
“The statue is a constant visual reminder of James Robert Kalsu’s personal story,” Banz said. “The documentary expands the audience of the Kalsu story. After more than 50 years, the public at large has become more open to reversing the manner Vietnam Veterans are recognized for their service.”
Kalsu’s story of humility, character, and valor has been told several ways over the 50+ years since a mortar round took his life in July 1970. Now, a documentary by local filmmakers explores the Robert
Kalsu story and how his life impacted so many – in sports and in service. Former teammates and battle buddies were interviewed for this project. All spoke of Kalsu’s character.
Kalsu was born in Oklahoma City with deep Czechoslovakian immigrant roots. His boyhood home was located on Southeast 59th St. in the Mid-Del school district. During his developmental years, he attended Townsend Elementary, Kerr Junior High, and Del City High School and considered Del City his home. His character traits were shaped by a strong extended family, a Catholic faith tradition, and his teachers in the Mid-Del school district.
Nearby Tinker Air Force Base, established during World War II, was the place of employment for thousands including Kalsu’s father, Frank. It was the perfect setting to raise a young man of character destined to become an All-American Hero. As a constant companion with his father who coached little league baseball teams, young Kalsu embraced serving others.
He was recruited in 1963 by legendary coach Bud Wilkinson at the University of Oklahoma, but
Wilkinson retired before Kalsu could play for him. By the 1966-67 season, the All-American Kalsu led the Sooners to a 10-1 (7-0 in Big Eight Conference play) season and a win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. Team Captain Kalsu earned the respect of his teammates. Former teammates said his no-nonsense, team-first approach was loved by all and made an impression on players and coaches.
Teammate Steve Owens, future Heisman Trophy winner, said Kalsu was a natural born leader. “When he talked, we listened.” Team quarterback Bob Warmack said he was a little kid in a big man’s body that led by example. Coach Barry Switzer, offensive coordinator, remembers him as quiet and on time, and a mature leader well liked by teammates and coaches.
Kalsu was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1968. He started nine games that season and was voted as the rookie of the year by his teammates. While at OU, Kalsu was a member of the school’s Army ROTC program. After graduating, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant but was not called to active duty. However, not long after the Bills 1968 season ended, the call came. At the time, numerous pro athletes were eligible to be drafted but opted for the reserves, or because of their high profile careers managed to avoid the draft with deferments.
In November 1969, after additional artillery training at Fort Sill in Lawton, 2nd Lt. Kalsu found himself assigned to the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” and leading soldiers operating Firebase Ripcord high in the mountains of central Vietnam. At the time, Kalsu and his wife, Jan, had an infant daughter, and she was pregnant with their second child. In the early months of his tour of duty, Kalsu was promoted to first lieutenant. In May 1970, Kalsu joined his wife in Hawaii for a brief R&R retreat.
By late July, Firebase Ripcord was besieged by North Vietnamese Army soldiers who had surrounded the base. For days, the NVA frequently mortared the base, which kept Kalsu and his troops primarily in their bunkers. On July 21, 1970, Kalsu was killed by a mortar round that landed a few feet from him. Two days later, Jan Kalsu gave birth to their son, James Robert Kalsu Jr., in Oklahoma City.
When enlisted soldier Alfred Martin, who experienced combat at Firebase Ripcord with Kalsu, was asked to describe his commanding officer, he replied, “a gentleman in officer clothing.”
Dedication Day for the Kalsu monument is Friday, March 29, with a revealing ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the stadium site. At 1:30 p.m. in the Del City Performing Arts Center (PAC) there will be a Vietnam-Era Veteran pinning ceremony and premier of the documentary. A reception will follow in the PAC lobby.
“Uncommon Character” is the second documentary written and produced by Banz which honors Veterans. It is the third the 78-year-old retired educator and former Oklahoma State Representative has produced with his grandson, Nathan Livingston, a 25 year-old cinematographer. The Robert Kalsu Legacy Group is the idea of Navy Capt. John Keilty (retired), a Junior Naval ROTC teacher at Del City High School and includes other community leaders. They are raising funds for the monument. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing of Del City and Willowbrook Construction are building and erecting this project.

Friday morning, January 12th was a cold and windy day in Norman.  Would the Elvis Day Event at the city’s Adult Wellness and Education Center be postponed? When I got there around 11 a.m. the parking lot was nearly full. Inside classes where in full swing and members where milling around, playing cards and billiards, watching TV or simply sitting and chatting.
Aging Services was preparing to serve lunch in the Multipurpose room. Velvet Elvis paintings were in progress in the Dry Craft Room and a few members were working out in the Fitness Center. All of that before lunch!
During lunch Elvis performed on stage!!
Later that afternoon I talked with Katherine Leidy, Healthy Living Norman Branch Manager. I asked her if it was usual for the parking lot to be full as it was when I arrived.
“I would like to think that more people came for the Elvis Day Event but in truth if you come here any day between 11 and 1 it will be full. Aging Services serves lunch during that time,” she said.
But lunch certainly wasn’t the only thing happening there  that day. The gym had people working out on the equipment and walking the indoor track. Others were in the pool exercising and relaxing in toasty warmth during this frigid day.
“Membership is $35 a month. But we do have a sliding scale for those with lower incomes. We also accept Silver Sneakers and Renew Active, which cover the monthly membership fee,” Leidy explained.
Membership includes access to the gym and pool as well as all activities and classes. While some classes may have a fee for materials, entry is included. For instance, during the Elvis Day Events, the painting classes had a small fee but the Cooking Class: A Healthy Twist on Elvis’ Favorites did not. Neither did the Elvis Movie Marathon or Jeopardy: Elvis Edition.
This is an awesome new center geared to 50+ persons to encourage  health, wellness and camaraderie. If you want to just check it out they have a day pass for $10. Check out the schedule of events at www.healthylivingnorman.com.

PS I heard a rumor about Beatle Mania in February!