story and photo by James Coburn, Staff Writer

Iris Memory Care is proud to be the premier home-like Assisted Living Community in Oklahoma City to specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. At Iris Memory Care, they believe that their expertise and specialized knowledge of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia combined with their heartfelt compassion creates the best quality of life for loved ones. From the moment of walking through their front door, you’ll feel like you’re in a single-family home complete with familiar sights, soothing sounds, and homey aromas, providing an easier transition for your loved one. For respite care, short-term stays, or long-term stays, Iris Memory Care welcomes you and your loved one with compassion, dignity, and all the comforts of home.
Suzy Masters, LPN takes pride in her work at Iris Memory Care. She wears many hats as she oversees the CMA’s and the residents. “I adore my position here. It is my compassion, radiating a warmth that embraces all who enter. I am truly blessed with an exceptional team, each member possessing their own unique strengths,” Suzy remarked.
Suzy upholds high standards for her caregivers at Iris Memory Care. “I am impressed by the exceptional qualities each caregiver brings to our community,” she notes. “Their respect for our residents combined with their hard work and positive attitude, ensures a nurturing enviroment where everyone feels valued and at ease.” Suzy takes pride in maintaining Iris Memory Care as a comfortable home for residents, knowing the peace of mind it brings to the families. “It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the positive impact we have on their lives,” she added.
Growing up in Denison, Texas, Suzy began her nursing journey at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Later, relocating to Oklahoma, Suzy’s decision to pursue nursing stemmed from a deeply personal experience. “When I was just 8 years old, my father was involved in a motorcycle accident that changed our lives,” she recalls. “Spending countless hours at the hospital, witnessing the care and the compassion provided by the nurses, they became my heroes. Despite the tragedy of my father’s passing at the age of 11, I was inspired by the nurses’ dedication to healing and helping others. From that moment I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives, even at a young age,” Suzy reflected.
Iris Memory Care proudly operates 4 thriving locations in Oklahoma; Edmond, Northwest OKC, Southwest OKC and Nichols Hills. “We currently have forty-two cherished residents calling our community home. Our dedicated caregivers pour their hearts into providing top-notch care tailored to each individual. As we build strong bonds with our residents, we strive to create a family like atmosphere, with deep connections that grow with each passing day. Whether our residents have been with us for years or are new arrivals we ensure their days are filled with engaging activities, and we make every holiday a memorable celebration. Welcoming family and visitors is a cherished part of our daily routine, enhancing the warmth and vibrant of our community.”
Suzy expressed deep affection for her job, emphasizing how much she enjoys every moment spent with the residents. “I eagerly anticipate each workday, knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to engage with the residents. Listening to their stories, witnessing their smiles and sharing in their joy fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s an exchange of care and compassion that enriches both their lives and mine,” Suzy explained.
When asked for advice for those considering a career in the medical field, Suzy emphasized the importance of a genuine desire and compassion for others. “Its crucial to have a true compassion for making a difference in people’s lives,” she noted. “Starting at the ground level as a CNA for a few years can provide invaluable insight into whether this path is right for you. Let this guide your decision about pursuing further education in nursing. Entering nursing school can open up a world of opportunities for growth and exploration,” Suzy advised, her work reflecting both wisdom and encouragement for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Outside of work, Suzy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 3 grown children.

For more information about Iris Memory Care visit https://www.irisseniorliving.com/.

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host a family-friendly seed swap and other activities on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day, which is on April 22. “Something to Grow About” will feature a native plant swap, seed buffet and gardening activities.
Guests can bring labeled seeds and plants for the swap. They will learn about and take home native pollinator plants and seeds. Other activities include building a plant press, discovering natural plant dyes, and learning about soil types and planting techniques. There will be a coloring and craft table for kids. The event will also include contests for bug, bird and bat houses.
Visitors can spend the day on the 500-acre grounds that include Pawnee Bill and his wife May’s 14-room mansion, the original ranch blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn built in 1926, covered picnic tables and a fishing pond for kids. Guests can also drive through the pasture that’s home to dozens of bison and longhorns. The ranch is also home to two draft horses, Dexter and Dallas, who arrived in Oklahoma in January.
“Something to Grow About” is free to attend, but guests must pay admission to tour the mansion.
The event is sponsored by the Gardens on Blue Hawk Peak, Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, Pawnee Nation Agriculture and the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum.
For more information, please call the ranch at 918-762-2513. The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Rd. in Pawnee. Visit PawneeBillRanch.org for hours of operation and admission prices.

Stephanie Clements has joined Mercy as vice president and chief nursing officer at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. She will also serve as community chief nursing officer with strategic oversight over nursing at Mercy hospitals across Oklahoma.
Nearly 2,400 nursing co-workers serve in Mercy facilities across Oklahoma, which represents 32% of Mercy’s workforce in the Sooner State.
“We are really excited to welcome Stephanie to this important role because of her clear connection to our mission and Mercy heritage and her strong background in helping organizations excel,” said Betty Jo Rocchio, chief nurse executive at Mercy. “She brings the lens of an evidence-based bedside nurse into every operational and strategic decision she makes.”
Clements comes to Mercy from Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas where she previously served as CEO and chief nursing officer.
Clements began her career in health care as a registered nurse and worked in a variety of medical specialties including labor and delivery, outpatient infusion, perioperative services, neonatal intensive care unit and medical surgical nursing. She has held every nursing position from floor nurse to charge nurse, and house supervisor to unit manager.
“The future is bright for health care in Oklahoma, and I am grateful to join Mercy at such an exciting time,” said Clements. “I’m so impressed with our Mercy nurses and their dedication to excellence. They are committed to delivering high quality care while also thinking outside of the box to advocate for the patients they serve. Nurses provide the framework around which care is delivered, and I believe our nurses honor that responsibility in all they do.”

Dear Savvy Senior, Next month I am moving to a different state so I can be near my daughter and grandkids. Do I need to notify Social Security and Medicare about the move?
Relocating Grandma

Dear Relocating,
Yes, if you’re a Social Security and Medicare recipient you definitely need to let these Federal agencies know when and where you move so there are no hiccups in your benefits or coverage. Here’s what you should know.
How to Update Your Info.
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement, survivors or disability benefits, it’s required that you notify the Social Security Administration when you move to ensure your deposits continue and you avoid disruptions.
You’ll need to provide them your new mailing address so they can deliver important documents to you like your annual SSA-1099 tax form. And if you’re switching banks or credit unions, you’ll need to update your direct deposit information by providing your new financial institution’s routing number and account number.
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, they too need your new mailing address so bills, correspondence, your Medicare Summary Notice and other statements can go to the right address.
You can update both your Social Security and Medicare contact information online by simply using the “My Profile” tab in your personal “my Social Security” account at SSA.gov/myaccount. If you don’t have an account, you can create one online for free in just a few minutes.
Or, if you need some help or don’t have internet access, you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office and they will make the changes for you.
Medicare Private Plans
You also need to know that if you’re enrolled in original Medicare, you can move anywhere within the United States without losing coverage. But if you have Part D prescription drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan from a private health insurance company, and you move out of the plan’s service area, you’ll have to switch plans or you’ll face losing coverage.
Part D service areas typically are statewide or can extend to parts of neighboring states, while Medicare Advantage plans’ service areas vary by county.
Moving out of a plan’s service area qualifies you for a special enrollment period (SEP) of at least two months to get a new plan. You may also qualify if you move within your plan’s service area and it offers options different from what you had. The enrollment timing depends on when you notify the plan.
If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move. If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
To shop for new Part D and Medicare Advantage plans in your new area, use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare.
You can also switch Part D or Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, which runs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for coverage starting Jan. 1.
Medigap Plans
If you’re enrolled in original Medicare and have a Medigap supplemental policy you usually don’t have to switch plans if you move, but you do need to notify your provider. Some insurers let you keep the rate based on the state where you originally applied for Medigap. Others may change your premiums to coincide with their coverage in a different zip code.

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.

Seaman 2nd Class Raymond Boynton was born May 3, 1922 in Grandville, Michigan and served aboard USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, was buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii on March 20.
In 1941, Seaman Apprentice through Seaman 1st Class encompassed Sailors who were being trained in the basic skills of seamanship. After attaining Seaman First Class, Sailors would be trained in, and assigned to, their unique operational specialties. Duties included knowledge of naval drill duties, knots, steering and signaling, standing watches and gunnery duties.
Promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: Oct. 12, 1940.
Duty Station were USS Oklahoma (BB-37): 09/13/1940 and Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL: 09/10/1940 and Awards and Decorations included the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star) and the World War II Victory Medal.
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

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

Jackson County – Altus Junior College Library, 221 N. Park Ln., Altus

The Altus Junior College Library, designed by architect William Appleby, was completed in 1969. This modern movement building is significant in the area of education for its association with President Johnson’s Great Society legislation. As a politician and former educator who came of age during the New Deal Era of the 1930s, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) believed in the combined forces of education and “an activist government.” Accordingly, LBJ’s Great Society legislation emphasized opportunity through education as “the government’s secret weapon in the fight against poverty and unemployment.” The library building was constructed in 1968-1969 using a 1967 federal grant under the Higher Education Facilities Act.
The nomination was prepared through a grant from the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture titled the “Lynne Rostochil National Register Nomination Grant Program.” The grant program was established in memory of Lynne Rostochil, an architectural historian and photographer who, in her lifetime, passionately advocated for and diligently recorded Oklahoma’s rich architectural heritage.

Tulsa County – Charles and Bertha Blevins House, 1838 N. Norfolk Ave., Tulsa

The Charles and Bertha Blevins House is an excellent example of a property associated with Black Heritage and Civil Rights history, as it embodies the efforts to promote voter registration and participation in Oklahoma’s elections prior to the passage of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act. Involvement in local civic and political organizations by the house’s owners, Charles and Bertha Blevins, contributed to the economic and social development of the Black community in north Tulsa during the mid-twentieth century. Most notably, the house served as a polling place for nearby residents, making voting more accessible and secure for Black Tulsans.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit https://www.okhistory.org.

Dr. Elise Brantley, M.D.

Practicing for almost 15 years, Brantley established Scissortail Dermatology in 2021.

Story by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Dr. Elise Brantley, M.D., owner of Scissortail Dermatology, 3030 NW 149th in Oklahoma City, says one of the biggest concerns her patients have this time of year is dry, itchy skin.
“To improve dry skin, it is important to focus on restoring the quality of the top layer of the skin,” she said. “Use soaps/body washes only in areas that need deep cleansing such as under the arms or in the groin. Moisturizers are most effective after a shower or bath. Pat dry, but leave the skin somewhat damp in the areas that are the driest. Apply the moisturizer to damp skin, being careful not to slip. Many patients find it safest to do this step while sitting down.”
She said creams like CeraVe and Cetaphil are great examples of effective and well-tolerated cream moisturizers.
“Creams are more effective than lotions in keeping the skin moisturized,” she said.
Scissortail Dermatology was established in 2021, but Dr Brantley has been practicing for almost 15 years, over 10 of which have been in the OKC metro area. Her clinic provides care to both North and South OKC. She has several hobbies including creating quilting patterns, which she has turned into an online business.
“My mom was a quilter,” she said. “I wasn’t really that interested in it until I saw this random sampler, crazy quilt that was just wild. It blew my mind.” She dove into the craft and now sells quilt patterns online.
Brantley’s other hobbies of long-distance running, reading, and playing piano keep her busy.
“I took piano (before), but quit in sixth grade,” she said. Now as an adult, her 12-year-old daughter Isabella is following her path in developing her own piano skills. After seeing how much she enjoyed watching her daughter perform in recitals, her husband encouraged her to start taking lessons again at the same time. She and Isabella now enthusiastically perform side by side.
Brantley said her husband Steven, an orthopedic sports medicine physician, and her Scissortail team are the key to her ability to pursue her endeavors.
“My husband’s very supportive.” The staff in the clinic are highly efficient and organized, which allows her time to develop her other interests on her days off.
Brantley is board-certified and has been practicing dermatology since 2009. Her practice focus is evaluation and treatment of growths of the skin with emphasis on skin cancer.
She is a native of Broken Arrow, graduated high school from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and attended the University of Tulsa for undergraduate studies.
She received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma and completed her residency training at the University of Cincinnati where she served as chief resident.
While her husband was completing additional training in orthopedics, she served on the faculty of both the University of Cincinnati and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to Oklahoma.
Brantley initially went to school to become OBGYN, but then did a dermatology rotation and was blown away at how fun it was to make a diagnosis.
“It was cool,” she said. “It’s fun to use your own visual skills to make diagnoses where you don’t always have to rely on labs. It’s just really fun to figure it out with your brain. It’s really fascinating to me.”
Brantley said diagnosing is a learned skill.
“We spend years learning a method of how to look at something (on the skin) and know what it is,” she said. She likens it to car enthusiasts being able to instantly recognize the make model and year of a car. She explains that learning to recognize a car by its characteristics such as bumpers, taillights, hood ornaments can become second nature to someone who observes them on a regular basis. “You just know you, and you don’t even think through why you know it. You just know it.” Brantley named her clinic Scissortail Dermatology to suggest something recognizable.
“I wanted something that felt comfortable and familiar,” she said. “I have scissortails on my kitchen wall, and I was Facetiming with my brother.” Brainstorming together for a name for the new clinic, he noted the bird hanging in the background. He suggested the name Scissortail and it stuck
Brantley said building a doctor-patient trust is important to her.
“It’s important for them to trust me that I have their best interests in mind,” she said. “I talk a lot to my patients about what kind of things interest them. We talk about their grandkids, we talk about their hobbies, we talk about their sun exposure, of course, what they’re doing outside. We actually catch up, they ask me about my daughter, I ask them about whatever projects they’ve been working on. If they’re quilters, we swap quilt pictures. I truly believe that’s the magic of what makes a practice like this work. I know them and they know me, and that builds a trusting relationship where we can actually make good decisions together. The fact that you can take care of someone through their lifetime is really appealing.”
For more information about Scissortail Dermatology call (405) 562-6222 or visit
www.Scissortaildermatology.com

Story and photos by Marise Boehs

With the opening of VIPcare’s newest location in the Moore metro area, seniors now have a new and innovative health care option.

VIPcare has been serving senior communities since 2006 in clinics across the southern United States. VIPcare cares for more than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries utilizing a health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician.

By focusing on a senior care model and increasing access to high-quality care, VIPcare’s model is at the forefront of the future of healthcare, as opposed to the current system the healthcare organization refers to as “sick care.”  Patients are encouraged to see the doctor often instead of only when they are sick, contributing to their success in patient outcomes.

VIPcare’s goal is to always provide a better healthcare experience for their patients: Less time in the waiting room, more time with the doctor, and more time to care.

VIPcare promises to be there when their patients need them the most with same-day, urgent care appointments, 24/7 on-call provider, and transportation assistance.

Anna Covey, Community Liaison with VIPcare

VIPcare is committed to delivering compassionate and preventive healthcare. This level of exceptional healthcare is something everyone should have access to. VIPcare specializes in primary care for individuals 65 and older. “We accept most Medicare Advantage plans and work personally with insurance plans to ensure families receive the coverage they need and deserve.”

We believe in better healthcare as opposed to ‘sick care. 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.

Also, as the Community Liaison, Anna is available to assist with difficult paperwork, insurance, questions and other logistics for patients wishing to bring their primary care to VIPcare.

Jared Adams, M.D, Staff Physician

Dr. Adams is a board-certified primary care physician specializing in Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed his residency at the Lincoln Medical Partnership in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dr. Adams has worked in numerous medical fields, including family medicine, obstetrics, urgent care, and emergency medicine.

KELLY & TANISHA

“When you come in here you will see us every time. We are the staff and we will NOT let you wait in the lobby or in the exam room for more than a few minutes.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

What can I say? This place is as advertised!

In an effort to get the real and full story, I decided to get involved in the VIPcare process and see for myself.

STEP 1: I scheduled an appointment and gave my insurance cards to Tanisha to process. Fortunately, my BCBS policy is accepted by them. So just like that, I was in with an appointment for two days later.

STEP 2: I showed up on time to my appointment. Tanisha greeted me as I came in the door. She was simply sitting at her desk, open to the lobby. No big plastic window barrier or nothing! She had some basic and traditional paperwork for me to fill out, which only took a couple of minutes. We chatted about the weekend and TV sports and kids playing softball while I checked the boxes. It was nice.

STEP 3: Paperwork finished, we went into an exam room. Now, when I say exam room, it is really more like someone’s den or sitting area. No computer. (Just digital scale that lies.) But anyway, Kelly did the basic nurse interview about meds I take and any problems or complaints – like the swollen arthritic joints in my hands. Blood pressure was a little high, and we talked about maybe why it was.

After chatting with her – and it did feel more like a friendly chat than an exam of my vitals – she left her notes on a clipboard on a chair saying the doctor would be in soon.

STEP 4: And, believe it or not, he really did come in soon!

We talked about all the stuff Kelly had made notes about.  And we talked about my fitness program, weight loss so far, and where I want to be going forward.

I am training for a 6-day, 230-mile bike ride starting June 2. I still have some weight to lose. But soon, I will need to focus more on strength and endurance.

Dr. Adams was all about it! We decided to do a blood panel and check back in a month to formulate a plan to get me to my goal.

I could not feel better about my experience with

VIPcare and look forward to working with them to stay healthy, live my life, and ride many more trails – 75 years and counting!!

Story and Photos by Marise Boehs

INCLUDED IN THE RENT seems to be the catch phrase when talking about Carlston Adult Community and its luxury senior independent living. Located near Porter and Robinson, in the heart of Norman, Carlston is safe and quiet and fairly new.

Carlston offers a variety of amenities but the most impressive is the onsite restaurant with open dining. “They can come down to the restaurant and order off the menu,”  said Judy Ernst, Executive Senior Supervisor. “Breakfast is available all day,” she continued. “Our chef is a scratch cook, he cooks it when it’s ordered.”

Also in the restaurant is a coffee bar that has cappuccino, fresh brewed coffee, hot water for tea and hot chocolate. “It is available all the time,” she said. Restaurant meals, coffee and cappucino are all included in the rent.

Basic TV and internet is also included in the rent. “When a new resident moves in, they bring their TV and we hook it up,” she continued.

Washers and dryers are in each apartment. Utilities are included in the rent.

“We have morning and afternoon transportation. A resident can put their name on the list and their destination and we take them there. A doctor’s appointment needs to be scheduled ahead of time and if a resident needs to be in OKC or somewhere farther we use a driving service and we pay for that.” Transportation is included in the rent.

Upstairs offers a fitness room with treadmills, a recumbent bike, and a small barbell rack. Down the hall is a pilates room with instructor. Fitness gym and pilates is included in the rent.

The facility has a variety of game rooms for group activities and quiet sitting areas for reading. The ground floor has a 120-person capacity safe room that has comfy chairs, a TV and a bathroom to ride out the Oklahoma weather when needed.

During March and April, Carlstone is having a move-in special. A one bedroom, one bath apartment is $1999 a month for 6 months.

Call 405-701-2951 for a tour to check it out. See for yourself what’s included in the rent!

Visit us at Carlstone is located at 501 E. Robinson, Norman or https://www.thecarlstone.com/.