Story and photos by Mike Lee, Staff Writer

As far as he can figure, 75-year-old Leroy Saiz is on his third retirement.
But there’s one job he doesn’t plan on giving up, even though he doesn’t get paid a dime.
After retiring a third time earlier this year, Saiz says he couldn’t imagine giving up volunteering for the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command food pantry.
“I decided to do something instead of getting bored,” Saiz said.
There’s never time for boredom now with Saiz pouring his 25-years of Safeway experience into the pantry, which feeds hundreds of Oklahomans each week.
“The people are really grateful for the food they get and you put a smile on their lips and get a lot of hugs and kisses,” Saiz said. “You get more blessings than anything else. They’re really grateful.”
On Tuesdays and Thursdays you can find Saiz and fellow seniors helping stock the pantry for the Monday, Wednesday and Friday visits.
Thousands of pounds of food are handed out free of charge to needy Oklahomans.
Saiz began volunteering with the Salvation Army through the Angel Tree program. Found in local companies and corporations, Angel Trees are decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child in need of presents. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags.
From there he went on to help with the Exodus House, a transitional housing program from women leaving prison.
But he’s really found his niche at the food pantry.
“It keeps me active and one of the things because of my grocery background I’ve been able to help some of the other volunteers make work a little easier,” Saiz said. “Some of them are amazed at the little techniques I show them on stocking.”
Liz Banks, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army, says volunteers like Saiz are a blessing for the Christian organization. She remembers how one client mentioned to her that they didn’t want to leave the pantry because Leroy made them laugh and feel good about themselves despite the fact they had to come in for food.
“Leroy is a fine Christian gentleman,” Banks said. “Leroy has a sweet, kind disposition who loves people. He treats each volunteer the way he wants to be treated – with respect.”
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. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Nearly 33 million Americans, of which 139,000 Oklahomans, receive assistance from The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command 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 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command is a proud partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Fridays are when the pantry gets really busy. Anywhere from 70 to 100 people are served
“For me, it’s the joy on peoples’ faces,” Saiz said. “A lot of people live alone so they don’t have too much interaction with strangers, but when you talk to them it’s a new face and new voice that makes them feel good. You show them you care.”
The biggest need Saiz sees on the days he works is manpower.
“We need more volunteers. That would help,” Saiz said. “We have companies that will send their employees out to volunteer but it’s not something you can count on. We’re a little short because some of the people have surgeries or get sick. That cuts into our regular crew.”
But there’s never a shortage of smiles and that’s why Saiz has no plans to retire.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Banks at 246-1107.

Story and photo by Vickie Jenkins
Meet Carol Lorance, retired nurse of 46 years and presently an artist and owner of Dragonfly Silks. What a fascinating person! Working in the medical field for so long, she retired and traded in her passion for nursing into passion for art.
Lorance was born in Joplin, Missouri. Her first job was at a hospital, working as a CNA. At that time, she was doing pretty much the same things nurses were doing; taking care of the patients, medication and vital signs. Enjoying being a CNA, she decided to further her career and become a nurse. After she became an RN she worked for several hospitals, Home Health, as a private duty nurse and was also a traveling nurse. She enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Florida and Hawaii. When she returned to Oklahoma, she worked at several hospitals, including Guthrie, Deaconess and Mercy. She was fond of being in the medical field but now, it was time for her to retire.
“What was your favorite thing about being a nurse?” I ask. “I enjoyed the closeness that I developed to the patients. My favorite moment was when the patient got better and got to go home.” “What is your favorite thing about being an artist?” “It’s the love I feel, like an inner glow. I am my own person and I don’t have to be anywhere else. It’s fun and it keeps me busy.”
‘What is the most important lesson you learned when you were a nurse?” “I learned to be patient with the patients,” she laughed. “Be a reliable worker and show up on time,” she added.
Before retiring, Lorance knew that she wanted to stay busy and do something else in her life. She had always been fond of photography and painting. It was one night when she came home from a late shift at the hospital. Flipping through the channels on TV, she came upon a demonstration of silk painting on an art show. She was instantly captivated by it, wondering if she could do silk painting. She ordered supplies, bought an instruction DVD and joined the silk painting guild in the UK via the internet. “My first two pieces weren’t great but they weren’t too bad either,” she comments.
Lorance has a degree in Graphic Design from Oklahoma City, OK and has shown her paintings at 50 Penn Place, Art Gallery in Oklahoma City, the Frontier Museum and G Gallery and Glass in Guthrie, OK. She is currently at the Red Dirt Gallery when she is not participating in arts festivals and other shows. Asking Lorance where she gets her inspiration for her art work, she replies, “I get different ideas from the environment and try to do things a little different than most people. If you have noticed, most artists paint flowers and garden scenes. Not that those paintings aren’t pretty but I just try to paint things a little different. I look at lots of images on the computer and study them.”
“How would you describe yourself in 3 words?” I ask. “I am a hard worker, very reliable and an artist.” “What is the most important lesson you have learned as an artist?” “Don’t take life too seriously, have fun and loosen up. Paint in abstract and be happy.”
Lorance’s hobbies include traveling, computers, photography and of course, art. “I was in sixth grade when I became interested in photography. I even had a dark room,” she said. When asked if Lorance’s daughter went into the medical field or into art work, she gave me a no. “My granddaughter is getting a degree in business and art,” she replied. “Just about every time my granddaughter came to my house when she was little, I always made sure we would make a craft or paint or do a cute little project. I think she got her artistic abilities from me,” she grinned.
Asking if Lorance stayed in contact with any of the nurses she worked with over the years, she told me there are quite a few that get together once a month for dinner and catch up on the many memories that they share.
Carol Lorance is a wonderful artist and it is apparent that she puts her feelings and passion into her unique work. Her beautiful paintings, gorgeous silk scarves, colorful pillows, decorative coasters and cutting boards can be found at Dragonfly Silks at Red Dirt Gallery, 13100 Colony Pointe Blvd. Piedmont, OK.

Artsy Rose Academy offers artsy fun for everyone

Story and photo provided
Kimberly Scott has always had a creative flare. As a small child, she turned recyclable items into artwork, loose pictures into scrapbooks and sidewalks into colorful murals.
“I could never sit at home and watch a television program or movie without working on some kind of creative project,” Kimberly shared. “It drove my family crazy.”
Not much has changed since then. These days, Kimberly spends her “down time” creating lesson plans for 480 elementary school students, as well as planning classes, camps, birthday parties and special events for Artsy Rose Academy, the art enrichment studio she recently opened in northwest Oklahoma City.
Artsy Rose is a dream realized for Kimberly. She knew, at the age of 18, when working at a similar establishment in Midwest City, she would one day manage her own studio. Kimberly continued to work in various Oklahoma City metro art programs as she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Immediately following graduation, Kimberly accepted a certified teaching position at Ralph Downs Elementary School, where she has been teaching Art for nine years to children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. She was recognized as her school’s “Teacher of the Year”, 2013-2014 and the Downtown Rotary Teacher of the Month in January, 2015.
Kimberly knows art is not only fun, it is also a great catalyst to a better understanding of all school subjects and a wonderful way for people of all ages to express creativity and individuality. “Young children are natural artists; they don’t let lack of confidence keep them from trying. They get so much joy from using their creativity and imagination, and seeing a project completed”, Scott explains. “As people get older, they have a tendency to doubt their talents and they lose touch with their creative side. Artsy Rose Academy is a non-judgmental, encouraging and supportive environment. I want art to be fun, relaxing and exciting for everyone.”
Artsy Rose Academy, located at 7739 W. Hefner Rd., offers ‘artsy fun for everyone’. “You and Me” classes offer a great opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren, or parents and children, to bond through creativity and fun. “Canvas and Cupcakes” classes are another opportunity for adults and little artists to spend time together, creating masterpiece canvases while enjoying tasty cupcakes. Knowing companionship and activity are key to staying young and energetic, Kimberly would love to see more senior adults participating in classes at Artsy Rose and plans to schedule ongoing “Canvas and Cupcakes” for seniors, age 55 and older. Artsy Rose will also offer a variety of summer camps for children, ages 5 – 14. Campers can choose from photography, theatre, room and fashion design and, of course, art with various themes and mediums. Half day camps will be offered in the morning and afternoon. Fridays will be FUN DAYS, all day, with varied activities, including outside play, board games, crafts and much, much more.
Kimberly, aka Artsy Rose, loves to explain how she chose the name for her dream-come-true establishment, “My middle name is Rose, my great-grandmother’s name was Rose, my grandmother is Maureen Rose, my daughter is Ava Rose, my brand new niece is Amelia Rose … and I have always been ‘artsy’. It really couldn’t have been anything else!” She is excited and ready to share her love and passion for art, and help people of all ages discover and rediscover their creative side. For more information, visit www.artsyrose.com, or call 405.603.8550.

Story and photos provided
James Hawkes survived an interview with notoriously abrasive four-star Adm. Hyman Rickover, served in the U.S. Navy on a nuclear submarine, is the retired CEO and chairman of Eaton Vance and is a recreational pilot. One thing he hasn’t been able to check off his bucket list is attending the commencement ceremony to receive his aerospace engineering degree at the University of Oklahoma. Honored as this year’s Distinguished Graduates Society member, Hawkes will finally be able to add that last one to his list of accomplishments.
“Celebrating the achievement of earning a college degree is a privilege we want all of our graduates to experience,” said Thomas Landers, dean of the OU College of Engineering. “We are honored that Mr. Hawkes has chosen this moment to celebrate a milestone event.”
From 1960 to 1964, Hawkes attended OU on a Naval ROTC scholarship, completing his aerospace engineering education in the College of Engineering. Originally from Georgia and having never been farther west than the Georgia-Alabama state line, Hawkes looked forward to his Oklahoma adventure.
“I enjoyed college life in just about every way,” Hawkes said. “From Navy serviceman to CEO businessman, the skills I learned and experiences I had at OU have been very influential in my life.”
But before he could walk across the stage to receive his diploma, the Navy required his service immediately. Within a week of completing his undergraduate education, Hawkes missed commencement to drive to New London, Connecticut, where he would serve four years in the Navy. Hawkes’ deteriorating eyesight would destine him to the nuclear submarine program rather than his desired position as an airman. His naval service ended in 1968, just as funding for the U.S. space program was winding down and many engineers were being laid off. While many of his colleagues and contemporaries were looking for work as taxi cab drivers and delivery men, Hawkes attended Harvard Business School where he earned a master of business administration degree. Soon after he combined the analytical, problem-solving and management characteristics of his two seemingly unrelated degrees to join the investment management team at Eaton Vance.
Hawkes spent the next 37 years climbing the corporate ladder at the investment management firm, eventually serving at the top rank for more than a decade. After retiring from Eaton Vance in 2007, he now serves as chairman emeritus.
He isn’t able to travel to Oklahoma often, but this weekend will be special for Hawkes when he flies his plane into Max Westheimer Airport, where his dream of flying was realized, he took his first flying lesson and made his first solo flight. He will also finally attend an OU commencement.
“I’m honored to join such an accomplished group of graduates,” Hawkes said. “It’s fitting to revisit my roots at OU, where my future in engineering and leadership began.”

NewView Oklahoma has been awarded $20,000 from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Services for the Elderly iFund Grant Program. This grant will be used to support NewView’s Safe and Healthy Meals Program.
The overarching goal of the Safe and Healthy Meals Program is to keep unsupported seniors in their homes longer by helping them reach their full potential for independent meal preparation – from fixing a sandwich or a bowl of cereal, to heating food in a microwave, to using a stove or oven, to prepare a hot meal. Less dependent on others and more confident and safe in the kitchen, participants receiving this training will be able to live healthier lives with greater independence in their own home.
“We’re delighted to be awarded this grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation,” said Lauren Branch, NewView’s President and CEO. “These funds will enable us to expand the Safe and Healthy Meals Program to our elderly clients and allow them to develop the skills needed to remain active and independent in their own homes.”
Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. The Services for the Elderly iFund grant represents a compilation of donations made by donors to benefit an organization offering direct services to individuals to help them continue to live independently. Two additional iFund grant programs provide support for organizations providing access to health care and providing opportunities for children. For more information on these grants, please visit www.ifundokc.org.
To learn more about NewView Oklahoma’s programs, or clinical services operated by the organization, please visit www.newviewoklahoma.org.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

The best decision I ever made was to become a mother because that allowed me to become a grandmother and that’s the best job in the whole world.” Diana Schaeffer, RN

To give my life to God. Sherry Pack

I would have to say to give my life to the Lord. Nancy Karum

The best decision I ever made was to marry my husband, Steve. Nycke White

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) recently held a renewal dedication for its Heartland Memorial Tree Grove, which was originally planted in May 1995 in memory of the seven US Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees who perished in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Governor Fallin was on hand to help dedicate the new generation of redbud trees that were planted to replace the original ones.
The grove, located on the ODAFF grounds, is built in the shape of a heart, surrounded by native stones from all 77 Oklahoma counties which symbolize strength through unity. Seven redbud trees represent the USDA employees who perished, a whitebud tree represents lost innocence and a bur oak tree symbolizes the tenacity of the Oklahoma spirit. A granite marker lists the names of everyone who died in the bombing, including the seven USDA employees: Olen Bloomer, Jim Boles, Peggy Clark, Dick Cummins, Adele Higginbottom, Carole Khalil and Rheta Long.
“As the daughter of a USDA employee who lost her life in the bombing, it is very special to me that our Agriculture employees and community have continued to remember the tragic events of April 19, 1995,” said Blayne Arthur, Deputy Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry. “The Heartland Grove is truly a living memorial to those that were lost that day.”
Others who spoke at the grove dedication included Jim Reese, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture; Blayne Arthur, Deputy Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; Mark Bays, Urban Forestry Coordinator, Oklahoma Forestry Services; Ray Vaughn, Oklahoma County Commissioner and Susan Winchester, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation.
Participants included family members of the USDA employees who lost their lives in the bombing, Arbor Day Kickoff Celebration attendees, member of the Oklahoma Urban & Community Forestry Council and ODAFF employees. The event was officially recognized by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

by Vickie Jenkins
Sommerset Assisted Living and Memory Care Senior Community is a place you are sure to feel welcome. Recently, I talked with Yvonne Gutierrez, Life Enrichment Coordinator for the Memory Impaired and Progressive Care units. It’s easy to see why the residents love it here. Yvonne is very energetic, enthusiastic and enjoys spending time with the residents of Sommerset. She has been the Life Enrichment Coordinator for the last 3 years.
Yvonne enjoys spending time with the residents as they meet to share conversations, discussing the latest news, reading, playing dominoes and working puzzles. “There is a time and a place where the women like to get pampered, getting their hair done and getting the perfect manicure. They look forward to that,” Yvonne says. “It makes each one of them feel very special,” she adds. The Memory Care and Progressive Care residents enjoy a family day on the second Saturday of every month.
Asking Yvonne what her favorite thing is about being the activity director, she replies, “I love seeing the residents having fun and enjoying their time together. I look forward to the many activities that we have and I enjoy talking to all of the residents. We really get to know each other. Most of all, I like the hugs. Something so small but it goes so far. I love my hugs.” “If you were describing yourself in 3 words, what would they be?” I ask Yvonne. “I am definitely outgoing, very vocal, and I am always ready to help someone.”
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 65. Estimates vary but experts suggest that as many as 5 million Americans age 65 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning; thinking, remembering, reasoning and behavior abilities to such an extent that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia is severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.
P.K. Beville, a geriatric psychologist and founder of the nonprofit senior citizen advocacy group Second Wind Dreams created the Virtual Dementia Tour, an experiential kit used to simulate the symptoms of age-related Alzheimer’s and dementia to help caregivers better identify and cope with their resident’s behavior and needs.
In the last few months, Yvonne Gutierrez and Connie Flowers, Director of Marketing and Admissions have been working on setting up the Virtual Dementia Tour at Sommerset. A walk-through exercise is given where 5 tasks are to be completed. The latest results show that out of the 5 tasks assigned, the average person accomplished 2. The most common comments were: angry, confused, powerless, embarrassed, scared and rethinking what their loved ones go through.
I also spoke with Dave Gooshaw, Clinical Special Education Coordinator of EMSA. He was very pleased with the Virtual Dementia Tour. He suggests that all caregivers go through this exercise program. “It was very interesting and it let me know what it is like for anyone that has Alzheimer’s is going through. I’ll have to admit, when I finished, I was frustrated by not completing all of the tasks, but it also made me aware of how a person with Alzheimer’s must feel. I am thankful that Sommerset has this program available. Overall, I consider the Virtual Dementia Tour fascinating.”
Sommerset is one of the few healthcare facilities in Oklahoma that has the Virtual Dementia Tour. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, and this is impacting your family, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to participate in this exercise. You may feel lost, scared and frustrated, but you will feel closer to your loved one and better prepared to help them.
If you or someone you know would like to experience the Virtual Dementia Tour, please contact Yvonne or Connie at 405-691-9221 to schedule an appointment.