Daily Living Centers Offer Veterans Opportunities For Social Engagement, Volunteer Events

Story by Van Mitchel, Staff Writer

Daily Living Centers Inc, a nonprofit Adult Day Service Provider that serves adults with developmental disabilities, senior adults, and veterans, based in Oklahoma City, previously celebrated Veterans Day in a meaningful way- giving back to their community.
Each Daily Living Centers location completed a service project to serve local veterans. DLC is a proud member of SHINE, Start Helping Impacted Neighbors Everywhere, a volunteer program created by Oklahoma County Commissioner, Brian Maughan.
The Bethany Center created thank you cards to give to the VA Living Center in Norman. The Bethany participants and staff had a cookie and punch party with the veterans at the VA Home in Norman while dropping off the cards.
The South Oklahoma City Center visited the OKC VFW, located at 4605 South Pennsylvania, to decorate for Veteran’s Day.
“Citizens for SHINE (Start Helping Impacted Neighborhoods Everywhere) encourages non-profits and businesses to recognize their employees, participants, or residents volunteer efforts. It is great to see members of Daily Living Centers giving back through SHINE. Every bit of litter pick-up, every flower planted, and every hour invested in a better community pays dividends for us all, stated County Commissioner Brian Maughan.”
In 2021, Daily Living Centers joined the Citizens for SHINE Program. Since then, their participants have completed over 60,000 volunteer hours.
“We have a volunteer SHINE program, and a lot of our veterans are a part of that where they can give back to the center or the community,” said Amanda Dirmeyer, Daily Living Centers President & CEO. “They can volunteer here in the center where some of them just help with rolling out the silverware or preparing for activities, or we actually will go out and clean up a park or maybe stock shelves at a food pantry. We have a Navy veteran who even started a choir here.”
Dirmeyer said Daily Living Centers is grateful to serve participants from all walks of life and to be able to meet their individual needs.
Since 1974, Daily Living Centers (DLC) has provided rest and hope for caregivers. They are Oklahoma’s first and leading non-profit adult day provider for senior adults and adults with disabilities ages 18 and older. There are three locations that offer nonresidential affordable day services for over 200 participants 246 days a year in an environment that enhances mind, body, and spirit. While attending DLC, “participants” enjoy healthy meals, exercise programs, socialization, activities, and outings that meet their individual needs.
Dirmeyer said they have a fleet of vehicles including limos and wheelchair accessible vans that provide door-to-door transportation and medical rides.
She said many of the participants have physical and/or mental limitations or suffer from isolation and depression.
Common diagnoses found in those DLC serve include dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Caregivers often say that DLC services are “lifesaving.”
“Our populations are adults with developmental disabilities as well as senior adults,” Dirmeyer said. “We feel it is important for caregivers to know that veterans can attend our centers through VA funding. They need to be established with the VA and have a VA physician who will provide a consult in order to start attending a DLC center.”
Dirmeyer said DLC offers meals, exercise and art therapy, as wells as help with personal care if anyone needs assistance in the restroom or bathing services.
“We have breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack every day. A variety of different types of exercise classes are offered including chair Zumba, yoga, cycle classes, and more,” she said. “We do a lot with music therapy and art therapy. Our participants, they’re very creative, and so we can do things with painting, crafts, and puzzles. Games and reminiscing activities are great to stimulate the mind. Weekly community outings are planned for each center which include libraries, parks, museums, and big events such as the circus.”
Dirmeyer said the VA will pay for veterans to attend DLC.
“A lot of people are not aware that the VA will pay for our services, and they’re able to come here,” she said. “They build friendships and meet with other veterans and swap stories. It’s beneficial for them because we recognize them for their service.”
Dirmeyer said she has a passion working to help seniors.
“My passion has always been to work with seniors, and I’ve been in the senior healthcare field for about 22 years now,” she said. “My biggest goal is to spread the word everywhere because this service is so vital, especially to caregivers.”

For more information regarding Daily Living Center’s services, contact Ragan Franklin at (405) 792-2401 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dailylivingcenters

Story and photos provided by Carmen Daugherty
Supervisory Public Affairs Officer – OKC, VA Health Care System

On Sunday, October 22, the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs, local community, family and friends gathered at the Charity Free Will Baptist Church to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II Veteran and Pastor Lonnie Evert DaVoult. Brother Lonnie was recognized with the distinguished title of Veteran Centenarian.
Born on October 20, 1923, Brother Lonnie was the founder and 33-year-Pastor of the Charity Free Will Baptist Church. DaVoult was drafted in the U.S. Army in January 1943, and he served in the Signal Corps during World War II.

“I was grateful for serving and to the Army for giving me the opportunity to drive all over Europe,” said DaVoult. His WWII military assignment was to deliver messages to the front lines and because of his service to the nation, he was highly decorated, was wounded in action, and is the recipient of the Purple Heart Award.
“My secret to long life is because I gave myself to God, to continue teaching and preaching his mighty word and you have to stay active to stay alive,” DaVoult said. Preaching is a joy for him and he has been doing it for 73 years and doesn’t see himself quitting anytime soon. Seeing and listening to his sermon, anyone would be envious of this centenarian’s energy, passion and enthusiasm.

DaVoult was presented with a Letter of Appreciation and coin from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. OKC VA Chaplains Office presented Brother Lonnie with a lapel pin, letter, portion of a flag (to carry it with him from a grateful nation) and hand-made quilt.
The OKC VA believes 100 years on this earth is a milestone worth celebrating and it is a priority to recognize as many Veteran centenarians as possible.
The OKC VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement program called the Centenarian Celebration Project is a special initiative honoring Veterans turning 100 years old.
Congratulations to Brother Lonnie DaVoult. The OKC VA wishes you to have many more years of preaching and teaching as you continue to inspire those around you.
Charity Free Will Baptist Church is located at 2900 S Westminster Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73130 https://www.charityfwbc.com/.
For more information about the OKC VA CDCE Centenarian Celebration Project, please contact the OKC VA website at https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/, contact OKCPublicAffairs@va.gov or visit the VA main page at
https://www.va.gov/ Home | Veterans Affairs.

Story and photos by Van Mitchell, staff writer

Anna Covey, Community Liaison with VIPcare, said pop-up resource fairs like the one held for veterans Nov. 16 at the American Legion LeBron Post 58 in Guthrie allow them to learn more about both VA benefits and community resources and benefits available to them, including value-based healthcare.
VIPcare and Senior News and Living sponsored the Guthrie event, and more resource fairs are planned for 2024.
“VIPcare is committed to delivering compassionate and preventive healthcare, a standard that our veterans rightfully deserve,” Covey said. “This level of exceptional healthcare is something everyone should have access to.” Covey explained that VIPcare specializes in primary care for individuals 65 and older. They accept most Medicare Advantage plans and work personally with insurance plans to ensure military families receive the coverage they need and deserve.
“We believe in better healthcare as opposed to ‘sick care,’” Covey said. “VIPcare eliminates potential healthcare burdens by offering same-day appointments and transportation assistance to and from appointments. Because our doctors only see an average of 12 to 15 patients a day instead of the industry standard of 25 to 35, they’re able to spend more time with patients, sometimes up to 30 minutes. This allows for a different mindset and a different way of providing care. At VIPcare, it’s about time. More time with the patient. More time to care.”
Steven Sibley, Senior News & Living Account Executive and Retired/Disabled Veteran, said he was approached by VIP Care about co-sponsoring community-based resource fairs.
“This is all about partnering with our advertisers, bringing their services and resources to the communities where they serve and our readers live,” he said. “We also brought in representatives from the VA, the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, and invited several of Guthrie’s local resource providers, like the Chamber and a veteran owner barbershop. They were all excited to participate.”
Steve Gentling, Guthrie’s Mayor, a veteran and post member himself remarked, “Events like this is great. Bringing these resources to the communities where veterans live is the best way to not only educate them, but it also shows them how much we care and honor their sacrifices.”
Mark Cope with Nerve Renewal attended the Guthrie event, and said veterans currently make up 5 to 10 percent of their patient load. He said attending resource fairs allows veterans to learn about Nerve Renewal services.
“With the VA we are in the process of educating their doctors about our services,” he said. “Once we have an opportunity to inform them about this treatment option, the numbers of our veteran patients should increase.”
Cope said Nerve Renewal treatments are FDA-approved.
“We are using a drug-free treatment which involves electrical stimulation combined with a vitamin B-12 complex nutrient blend,” he said. “We’re utilizing equipment to depolarize the nerve cell membrane, which basically shuts the nerve signal down. While that is happening, the nerve is open to receive nutrients from the Vitamin-B injection. What we’re doing is nourishing those nerves.”
Cope said another aspect of the treatment is when they turn the nerve signal off, it sorts of resets the brain and the nerves so they are not firing as much, reducing nerve pain during the treatment.
“We find about 80 percent of our patients have lasting relief when they complete the entire treatment program,” he said. “If a veteran has been diagnosed with neuropathy, they simply need to request a community referral from their VA primary care provider or neurologist, tell them about Nerve Renewal and that they want to come to us for treatment. I think that resource fairs are great for educating veterans about all the different services that are available to them.”
Kim Vincent, the Post Adjutant, was thankful for all who attended and supported the event.
“We were honored to host so many resource providers, and see so many veterans and family members”, she said. “This has been a vision for quite some time, so when Steve Sibley and I first met a few weeks ago, he acted quickly to pull it off. I am beyond thankful for his work and professionalism in doing so.”
Sibley, a Medicare Product Specialist for Veterans, who co-owns Sibley Insures with his wife, said he was pleased with the turnout at the Guthrie Veteran Resource Fair.
“We had 22 resource providers and probably twice that many veterans and their spouses,” he said.
For more information about Nerve Renewal visit https://nerverenewalnow.com/.
For more information about VIP Care visit https://getvipcare.com/oklahoma/.
For more information about Senior News and Living visit https://okveterannews.com/.
For more information about Sibley Insures visit https://www.sibleyinsures.com/

The brain has plasticity and can grow at any age – if you use it.
Seniors in Oklahoma City took this “use or lose it” message seriously all year long.
More than 55 people every month took advantage of free sessions called Senior LifeSkills Learning workshops. These are the people, age 50 and more, who take personal responsibility for continued learning. Senior LifeSkills Learning topics ranged from “How to Fall Correctly” to “Get a Grip on Improving Your Brain,” to “Insider Tips on Doctors Visits” and much more. All the presentations are based on approved and tested research, but presented for practical application and in “plain English.”
One of the popular workshops involved identifying and differentiating certain smells. This demonstrates strong brain activity. The sense of smell is one of the first things to change as Alzheimer’s disease takes root, even before other symptoms appear. The workshop offered a simple but valid standardized “scratch and sniff” screening to encourage intentional training of the brain to recognize smells.
VillagesOKC organizes and promotes these monthly 90-minute events in cooperation with Our Lord’s Lutheran Church which provides the space.
In order to circle the city with learning opportunities, VillagesOKC also created three Positive Aging days of learning at local campuses. The first Positive Aging was held at Rose State College, then in June one was held at Southern Nazarene University, and most recently Positive Aging: Love Your Brain was held at MetroTech Springlake campus. Combined attendance at the Positive Aging and LifeSkills Learning events totaled 839.
More than 220 individuals came for a day of learning from local professionals such as Bruce McIntyre from the Parkinson’s Foundation and Richard V. Smith, MD, Neurosurgeon at Mercy. Dr. Smith gave the latest in stroke information and prevention. Dr. Jonathan Vestal reminded attendees to “do what you did at first” – hold your head high, look straight ahead when walking, shake hands often and break bread together. He even had the crowd standing on one foot to improve balance. These daylong events were free and included a light lunch and a movie. All had one focus: improving the brain.
Everyone wants a better brain. The Netflix documentary, “Living to 100” illustrates how people around the world are living long and living well. And it all starts in the brain.
The brain represents who we are, which is why so many are eager to learn about ways to improve the brain. In the last Positive Aging event of the year, we watched the documentary, “My Love Affair with the Brain,” which is the story of Dr. Marian Diamond and her 60 years of brain research and teaching at the University of California at Berkeley. She succinctly summarized the way to keep the brain growing and improving: diet, exercise, something new, something challenging and love.
Here in Oklahoma, there are many organizations which do a magnificent job of helping when seniors are in need or in crisis. Although VillagesOKC members do help each other as good neighbors, VillagesOKC’s focus is uniquely education. We are in the business of prevention. Empowering the 370,000 adults 50 and older in greater Oklahoma City to first take personal responsibility and then help another as the very best way to provide for everyone. The village movement encourages learning so each can make the best personal choice. Learning leads to planning for the bumps in life and this leads to serving others.
In three words, VillagesOKC members: Learn. Plan. Serve.
To learn more about http://www.villagesokc.org/, call or text 405.990.6637 or email info@villagesokc.org.

RIVERMONT INDEPENDENT LIVING IN NORMAN ANNOUNCES THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS SERVED REACHES 999 … 1,000!

Rivermont Independent Living, a residence of Legend Senior
Living®, announced today that the number of residents who have made the community their home has reached 1,000. Residents 999 and 1,000 are husband and wife, Bill and JoAnn Oliver, so they share the title. Legend Senior Living, headquartered in Wichita, KS, owns and operates over 50 Legend and Windsor residences in six states.
The Olivers are lifelong Oklahoma residents who have been married for 66 years. They have two children, three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service at various places in Oklahoma, performing training. They settled in Norman when the postal training center opened here.
“What we like most about Rivermont is the atmosphere and the people,” said Bill. “All the people are accepting of others that come in. The food is good! And we enjoy the ability to sit outside and enjoy the outdoors.”
Joann cites going out to eat as their favorite activity and appreciates the Rivermont location, out of the hustle and bustle of the metro area but close to many good places to eat and things to do.
Plus, easy highway access takes them straight up the road to their church, the Alameda Church of Christ.
“We’re so happy to have Bill and Joann at Rivermont,” said Residence Director Rita Myers. “And we’re proud to have served many older adults with the Legend trademark of vibrant independent living. The Olivers make the most of it!”
“Our daughter was a big influence in our choice of Rivermont, and we’re so glad we chose so well,” said Joann. The Olivers have been avid travelers throughout Europe and Colorado on many off-roading and skiing adventures. Living at Rivermont allows them to maintain their active lifestyle minus the home maintenance.
Rivermont Independent Living is located at 800 Canadian Trails Dr, Norman, Oklahoma 73072.
Legend Senior Living® is a privately held senior housing and services company based in Wichita, Kansas. Legend grows the number of properties it owns and operates every year, now numbering more than 50 – independent living, assisted living, memory care, and personal care – in Florida, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

For more information about Legend Senior Living® visit https://legendseniorliving.com/find-a-community/oklahoma/

Beth Patterson to Retire After 41 Years of Matching Older Adults with Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

A come-and-go retirement party is scheduled to honor long-time RSVP of Central Oklahoma Executive Director Beth Patterson. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 14 at 351 N. Air Depot Blvd., Suite O, Midwest City. Patterson will retire at the end of December.
This year, RSVP of Central Oklahoma celebrated 50 years in the community matching older adults with meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities. Patterson has led the organization for 41 of its 50 years.
During her four decades, Patterson has linked the skills and talents of 6,700 older Oklahomans with more than 500 local nonprofit organizations in need of volunteer support. In the time under her direction, the volunteer members who make up RSVP have contributed 8.9 million volunteer hours to help make central Oklahoma a stronger and healthier community.
“As we reflect on Beth’s years of service and her unflagging dedication to improving and celebrating the lives of older Oklahomans throughout Central Oklahoma, we are reminded of the incredible impact of her kindness and compassion that spreads so far beyond what we can measure,” said RSVP Associate Director Laura McRaniels.
Patterson moved to Oklahoma from Minnesota in 1984. She and her husband, Kelly, recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. They have three grown sons, and three grandchildren. Patterson is a community volunteer member, having served as a volunteer with Catholic Daughters, Meta Fund, Relay for Life, and currently with the Midwest City Lions Club.
In case of inclement weather, the retirement party will be held on December 19.
Since 1973, RSVP of Central Oklahoma has helped older adults 55+ continue to live with purpose and meaning by connecting them with rewarding community volunteer opportunities. RSVP is a partner of AmeriCorps Seniors and the United Way of Central Oklahoma. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call Laura McRaniels at 405.605.3110 or visit rsvpokc.org. You can also follow RSVP on Facebook at facebook.com/RSVPokc.

The City of Norman’s Adult Wellness and Education Center opened its doors to the community at on November 13, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Norman Forward Quality of Life Initiative. This event was eagerly anticipated and took place at 602 N. Findlay Avenue in Norman.
The ribbon-cutting will happened at 11 a.m. with an art dedication for a mural in the natatorium entitled “Vibrant Connections” by Oklahoma artists Tiffany McKnight and Aunj Braggs taking place immediately after. “Vibrant Connections” celebrates the interconnectedness of people through a colorful palette set against an Oklahoma landscape. A luminous path symbolizes shared experiences that unite us, guiding us towards a destiny of togetherness and understanding.
Operated by Healthy Living Norman, the Adult Wellness and Education Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote wellness, education, and community engagement. With a wide range of programs, classes, and services to enhance the well-being of adults 50 or better in the Norman area, this center is a cornerstone of the community.
“We believe that a healthy community is a thriving community. The Adult Wellness and Education Center will serve as a hub for adults in Norman to come together, learn, and grow, promoting a stronger, more vibrant Norman,” said Jason Olsen, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’re grateful to Healthy Living for their partnership in bringing this center to fruition. Together, we’re shaping a healthier, happier future for Norman, one person at a time.”
The project has been in the preliminary process for over a decade, reflecting the city’s dedication to creating a facility that truly serves its residents. Input from various parts of the community has been a crucial aspect of the design process, with surveys, workshops, and ad-hoc boards providing valuable insights and shaping the center to meet the community’s diverse needs. The $14 million facility includes a walking track, warm saltwater pool, multi-purpose rooms for classes and exercise, cardio equipment, several classrooms for art, a strength training area, and a teaching kitchen, all housed within a spacious over 30,000 sq. foot facility.
Among the many programs and activities offered at the center are personal training, group exercise classes, pickleball, drawing and painting, pottery, mixed media, floral design, and healthy cooking classes. In addition to these enriching programs, the center will host events such as seminars, movie nights, and festivals.
The grand opening marked the beginning of a new era in the community for the adult residents of Norman. Attendees enjoyed live music, informative facility demonstrations, and a local food truck will be on site.
For more information about memberships, classes, and the Adult Wellness and Education Center, please visit https://www.healthylivingnorman.com/. To find out more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, contact the Norman Parks and Recreation Department at 405-366-5472 or parksrec@normanok.gov.

Navigating the complexities of financial planning for later life need not be daunting. The keys to a secure future lie in understanding the available tools and making strategic choices that bolster your financial resilience. This discourse from Senior News & Living delves into some essential measures that can shore up your financial base, allowing for peace of mind as you look toward retirement and healthcare needs.
Ensuring Income Through Insurance
It’s prudent to lay the groundwork for financial stability by securing insurance against unforeseen health events. Disability and long-term care insurance are pivotal; they act as bulwarks that shield your savings from the significant outlays that can arise from health adversities.
These policies can be the difference between a protected nest egg and financial strain because they give you support when you need it most. Remember to check resources like Senior News & Living for recommendations on Insurance providers, assisted living facilities, and more!
Strategic Investment Choices
Allocating assets with sagacity can lead to financial growth that sustains you through your retirement years. A portfolio that spreads risk and embraces various growth potentials stands as a cornerstone for enduring prosperity. Engage a financial consultant to tailor an investment approach that echoes your future aspirations so you can balance growth with stability.
Leveraging Educational Advancements
Cultivating your professional capabilities can significantly enhance financial stability and set the stage for increased revenue opportunities as you move toward retirement. A strategic investment in education, especially in sought-after fields, facilitates a seamless transition into new career paths.
By opting to get an online degree in computer science, you can leverage the convenience of digital education to refine a skill set that is highly valued in the modern marketplace. This commitment to continuous learning can not only rejuvenate your career but also provide a competitive edge that translates into a more robust income trajectory.
Establishing a Health Savings Reserve
A Health Savings Account stands out as an intelligent mechanism for managing medical expenditures. Contributions to this tax-advantaged vessel not only prepare you for future healthcare costs but also provide immediate fiscal benefits. This strategic reserve is an instrumental part of a well-rounded healthcare financial strategy.
Professional Financial Planning Collaboration
Partnering with a financial planner can illuminate the financial landscape and allow for astute choices across investment vehicles, retirement planning, and fiscal management. Their expertise can steer you toward a secure financial journey, ensuring your strategies align with your vision for the future.
Establishing a Fiscal Buffer
Maintaining a robust emergency fund serves as an essential safeguard and mitigates the financial jolts of unforeseen expenses. Diligently accumulating this reserve provides a barrier against the temptation to disrupt long-term investments or resort to borrowing, thereby ensuring the integrity of your economic base. This proactive strategy instills a sense of financial security and helps you navigate life’s unpredictable fiscal waters with confidence.
Social Security Timing for Optimal Benefit
Strategically postponing Social Security claims can be a prudent exercise in patience, leading to a significant increase in the benefits you receive over time. By delaying these benefits until reaching the full retirement age—or even beyond—you position yourself to benefit from a more substantial financial cushion during the retirement phase of life. This intentional approach ensures that when the need for these resources peaks, they’re at their most robust, giving you greater security in your later years.
Daily Savings for Long-Term Security
Effective saving is a cumulative process; even modest daily efforts can lead to substantial fiscal reserves. By implementing mindful budgeting practices, eliminating non-essential expenses, and harnessing savings opportunities, you can gradually build a formidable financial bulwark without necessitating drastic lifestyle changes.
Building a dependable financial edifice for retirement and healthcare is an active process that demands forethought and consistency. Embracing a comprehensive approach that includes insurance coverage, informed investment, and savings strategies, alongside a partnership with a financial advisor, lays the foundation for a resilient financial future. Take steps today to cement your security for tomorrow, knowing well that your future is a reflection of the choices you make now.

Paul Perryman

(Right) 100 years old. Paul Perryman of Claremore is a military veteran having served for 3 years in the US Army during World War II. Paul spent time with the Army in Scotland, England and France. He was married to his wife Mary for 75 years. Paul has these words of wisdom to us: Save Your Money!

Velma Landley

(Left) 100 years old. Velma Landley in Claremore was in the Civil Service in the Panama Canal Zone during WWII, was an accountant who lived & worked in 5 different states then became the C.F.A. of a manufacturing facility. She accomplished all of this beginning in the 1940’s when very few women worked outside the home, worked in Yellowstone Park two summers & retired in 1987.

Myrtle Parriman

(Right) 100 years old. Myrtle Parriman of Tulsa is a member of Ranch Acres Baptist Church, Horseless Carriage Club, Rebecca & Moose Lodges. She has volunteered for Alan Davis Ministries for 25 years and enjoys ballroom dancing, country music, holidays & fried chicken.

Anna Poling

(Right) 100 years old. Anna Poling of Yukon was a school teacher, retiring in 1986 and volunteered throughout her home community. Christmas was Anna’s favorite holiday because she made her own gifts.

KNOW A CENTENARIAN?
If you know of a Centenarian you would like to honor, please visit https://centenariansok.com and download and submit our form.

Free Stroke Awareness
Community Education

A stroke happens every 40 seconds and is the number one cause of disability in the United States. A stroke can happen to anyone and the number of strokes are increasing in ages 20-55. BE A STROKE HERO! Free Training available. Simple, practical, teachable techniques for your community groups. Learn how to recognize the early warning signs of stroke in less than one minute. Learn what to do and what not to do in a stroke emergency. Learn simple, effective ways to lower your stroke risk. Please contact Stephanie Simpson, BSN, RN, Integris Health Stroke Community Educator at stephanie.simpson@integrishealth.org or 405-673-2247 for fliers or to schedule a free 25 minute stroke awareness education session with your community group.