Story and photo by Van Mitchell. Staff Writer

teve Gentling likes being involved and engaged in the community.
He has served in that capacity as both a private citizen, and as Mayor of Guthrie since 2015.
“When we moved to Guthrie, I got pretty involved with a lot of different community activities,” he said. “I joined the Lions Club right off the bat. I became a member of the ‘89er Day Parade Committee and ultimately chaired it for four or five years. I was chairman of the Logan County United Way for three years, and as a board member of American Legion Post 58. I got involved with a lot of local community activities. making a (good) community even better.”
After Gentling retired as the director of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City, his desire to serve continued.
“When I retired, I still wanted to continue to be engaged and involved,” Gentling said. “Some people came and said, “You might want to think about running for mayor. I hadn’t really thought of it too much. I had been, again, engaged with a lot of community activities, but not with governmental activities. I thought about what I had to contribute, and thought about wanting to make the community even better. So, I decided to run.”
Born in Rochester, Minn., Gentling said early on in his life he decided he wanted to be a hospital administrator.
He went to graduate school at University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri in Health Administration. “They had a VA hospital there in Columbia and I did a residency there, and liked it,” he said. “They offered me a job out of graduate school, and so I joined the VA healthcare system. And then moved around, went from Columbia, to Albuquerque, to Minneapolis, to Madison, to Omaha, to Dallas, to Oklahoma City. I spent 36 years in the VA healthcare system. The last 20 years as as the Director of the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Gentling and his wife Sue have three adult children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all who live in Oklahoma.
“When we originally came to Oklahoma City, we lived in Edmond,” he said. “Then as I got closer to looking at retirement, again, having lived in Minnesota, we always liked to live on, be on the water. I started looking around for some property that was on water and just happened to find a lot on Lake Guthrie. We built a home and moved from Edmond to Guthrie.”
Gentling said his leadership and communication skills have helped him as mayor
“I think I have some skill sets that facilitate bringing people together, focusing on where we are and where we want to be,” he said.”
Gentling said he campaigned on the need to generate more revenue for the Guthrie community and to increase the city’s sales tax.
“In the next year, 2016, we went to the people with a three-quarters of a cent sales tax increase, and it passed,” he said. “It was for 15 years, and will generate about $19 million over those 15 years. From my perspective, I think that was really one of the things that really helped us start to move ahead, start to do some things.”
Gentling said it takes a team effort to build community success, and has high praise for Guthrie’s leadership team that includes new City Manager Eddie Faulkner, and former City Manager Leroy Alsup, the city administration staff, and members of the city council maximizing the resources that are available to the city.
“Leroy and Eddie, I think, are just quality people that have contributed significantly to our community in their administration of the city and of the resources,” he said. “The council, seven different people, sometimes seven different views. I think we’ve been able to come together to do what is best for Guthrie. I think we’ve listened to citizens. And, I think generally we have been pretty much a close-knit council.”
Gentling said Guthrie is tackling its biggest project with a new $20 million wastewater treatment plant.
“That’s the biggest financial project that this community has ever undertaken, and it should be finished in 2025,” he said. “A large project that we just got the go ahead on, which actually was one of my visions back in 2016, was a youth sports complex. We’ve got a $1 million grant, we’ve matched that with $1 million for phase one, $2 million phase one to enhance our youth sports complex. I see it as an economic engine for the community. I see it as it being one of the go-to places for youth and adult softball, baseball tournaments. I see it as a significant revenue generator for our community down the road.”
Gentling said Guthrie is growing with at least 800 new homes being built in the next few years.
“We’ve got four new community developments, housing developments that when they’re all finished will add about 800 rooftops to our community, that’s significant,” he said.
Gentling said he is a positive person, and tries to relay that in everything he does.
“I’m a cheerleader. I am a very optimistic person, so I see the very positives in everything and everybody,” Gentling said. “That’s why I don’t call them problems, I call them opportunities. And some would say, “Well, he’s got his rose colored-glasses on.” Well, if that’s the testament on my tombstone, I’ll be happy with that. Because I much prefer to see the goodness and the positivity rather than the negativity.”

At 77-years old, Cherokee citizen and U.S. Navy veteran Simeon Gipson was pedaling again. This time to the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he qualified to compete. Simeon left Tahlequah to make the nearly 997 mile bike ride on May 29th and received a huge send-off at the Cherokee Nation Headquarters in Tahlequah while Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signing a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, May 30th as “Simeon Gipson Day in the Cherokee Nation” for Gipson’s sustained efforts to encourage physical wellness.

Seniors from Oklahoma participating in the National Senior Games which was held recently in Pittsburgh, PA represented the state well, finishing with a balanced number of medals, 22 Gold, 23 Silver and 24 Bronze for a total medal count of 69, this number does not include the number of ribbons that were won for fourth through seventh place finishers. While the Oklahoma athletes finished in the lower tier of the medal count, they faired well. The state with the highest number of total medals was Florida with 586 with 19 states gathering at least 100 total medals. View the final results at https://nsga.com/results-2023/.
The next National Senior Games will be in Des Moines, Iowa in 2025. Oklahoma seniors can begin preparing for that competition this September through October. While not a qualifying year, preparing this year will get you headed to qualifying in 2024. Check out the list of events and dates the OSG Facebook page or on the website, at https://okseniorgames.com.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Senior citizens 55 and over can celebrate near-space travel with free admission to the fairgrounds on their special day with events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 20. The festivities are in the Special Events Area at the south end of the Modern Living Building at the Oklahoma State Fair.
Sponsor OG&E energizes the day along with others who support the “Out of This World” themed event with alien and flying saucer decorations. Senior activities, a photo booth all day, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings are designed especially for the golden ager.
“Our 46th annual Senior Day at the Fair fits the 55+ fair goer in many ways,” said Cindy Dimit, longest serving committee member. “First, you have access to the total experience of the fairgrounds, while others come to the Modern Living Building to enjoy the Senior Day, never leaving the building because of our many exhibitors, screenings, and entertainment.”
The Okie Stompers kick the morning off with their combination of tap with line dancing as their ten performers dazzle with their ultimate toe-tapping’ clogging and bright outfits show. They perform again at 11 a.m. for late arrivals.
Area independent and assisted living and long-term care communities have created a one-minute video of their residents “In Motion.” The entries were judged, and the top 10 will be shown all day for the public to select the winner.
Along with the many senior-oriented booths making their services available, Senior News and Living will give away the September issue at the booth all day. The publication will supply a door raffle prize from the stage and raffle prize at the booth.
The audience can participate in themed activities on the decorated stage. At 1:20, audience singers take the stage to perform in the “Out of This World Karaoke Contest.” The otherworldly experience is offered to everyone seated throughout the day.
This year again features back-to-back Elvis tribute artists in the late afternoon and evening. Back from his popular performances for the last two years, Mike Black sings Elvis’ songs at 6:30 p.m. The Choctaw resident has opened concerts for major acts Percy Sledge, Eddie Raven, The Grass Roots, Three Dog Night and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Shawn Klush kicks off the most significant tribute to Elvis outside at 7:30 on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage. He has starred as ‘Elvis’ in the award-winning Las Vegas show “Legends in Concert.”
Klush has sung in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour” with Elvis’ former musicians, singers, and friends in major venues in multiple cities. He portrayed Elvis in the “The King and I” episode of HBO’s historical drama TV series “Vinyl” produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger.
Activities planned for the day that saw 4,000 seniors last year include a robust lineup of free health screenings: Blood Pressure Screenings, Blood Sugar Screenings, Pain Management Assessment, Vein Testing, Depression and Memory Screenings, and Diabetic Foot Screenings.
Passport Health will offer Flu, 65+ Flu, Shingles and Pneumonia vaccines at a cost. Attendees are asked to present their insurance card if it covers their shots. They can file to the following plans – Aetna, BCBS and all affiliates (Anthem, BlueLincs, etc.), Cigna, Global, Healthcare Highways, HealthChoice Oklahoma, Humana (Medicare Advantage only), Medicaid/Sooner Care, Medicare/Medicare Advantage, UMR, and United Healthcare (not if the card says “referrals required”).
Those without insurance or a plan not in Passport Health’s network will have to pay at the time of service. Vitamin B-12 injections are $20 cash. The day also features 24 other senior health and recreation exhibitors.
Door Prizes are offered (Registration: Session 1: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Session 2: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Session 3: 3:30 – 6 p.m.) Pick up your ticket at the prize table for a chance to win one of many donated gifts. There will be multiple drawings in the morning, the early afternoon and then again in late afternoon. Each session’s tickets will be discarded after the end of their respective time. Please register again for both afternoon door prize sessions.
“Since January, the volunteer Senior Day committee has been working hard to plan an excellent event for Oklahoma Seniors 55 and over,” said Robyn Holly, Fair Special Programs & Events manager. “We look forward to a successful Senior Day and Fair.”

A full listing of what goes on “Out of This World” is available online at https://okstatefair.com/uploads//senior-day-event-details-2023.pdf

Story and phots by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Volunteer residents and staff will host a free Sip & Shop Craft and Health Fair Extravaganza at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 14, at Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living. Last year, 90 vendors and 1,500 shoppers enjoyed the holiday market.
Campus Director Joyce Clark says Sip & Shop is an excellent example of how the senior living community designs daily life around an emphasis on fun and resident-centered services. She says this year’s market will likely be the most well-attended event ever staged in the 21-year history of the northwest Oklahoma City independent and assisted living community.
“Sip & Shop will be an affordable and entertaining way for people to purchase their Christmas gifts and other items,” Clark said in an interview. “Resident volunteers are actively involved in the planning and management of the market.” “After the market, we have a second celebration by raffling door prizes donated by generous exhibitors to our residents.”
The retail and health exhibitor lineup features many diverse vendors.
Showcases of crafts, food, art, senior services, healthcare, vintage items, and an extensive array of items are offered. “With so much variety, there should be something for everyone,” said Clark. “I personally am attracted to the handmade linens, food, barn quilts, clothes, jewelry, wood crafts, and engravings,” Clark said. “One of the rewarding outcomes of Sip & Shop is how we support and promote local small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Eusebius J. Beltran’s vision of a senior living ministry motivated the Archdiocese to develop the campus 21 years ago. The assisted and independent living center is a not-for-profit Catholic organization serving people of all faiths, featuring a chapel, Chaplain, and daily Mass. It includes 120 independent living apartments, 50 assisted living apartments and a convent.
The “Sip” part of the event will be free apple cider and wine tastings. Put A Cork In It, a local company, will host the wine tastings. The wine venue has been a Bricktown mainstay since 2008, offering award-winning wines.
Archwell Health, Oklahoma Senior Journal, and Put A Cork In It are major sponsors of Sip & Shop. Oklahoma Senior Journal’s radio show on The Eagle 96.9 station will broadcast live from Saint Ann the hour before the event starts. An estimated audience of 22,000 people will hear the program. Organizers say the radio show adds a spark to attract visitors to the fun-filled day.
“Our hard-working dining services staff will make close to 400 lunches for exhibitors, residents, and employees,” Clark said. The neighbor next door to the west, Zion Lutheran Church, will provide overflow parking. Shuttles will circle to make sure people quickly get back and forth.
Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is located at 7501 W. Britton Road in Oklahoma City. Residents of all walks of life enjoy the home’s active lifestyle and caring atmosphere.
Organizers say remodeling is in the works for the cozy campus and is set to begin soon after the Sip & Shop event in October.
For more info, call Lisa at (405) 721-0747 Ext 322 or visit https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/ Independent Living | Assisted Living OKC | Saint Ann Retirement Center

A world-renowned lupus expert at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will lead a study aimed at detecting the disease sooner and preventing the resulting damage.
OMRF is accepting study volunteers for the Autoimmune Drivers and Protectants (ADAPTS) study, which is funded through a $6.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, said OMRF Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Judith James, M.D., Ph.D.
James’ team is seeking volunteers at high risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, because of a family history or a positive autoantibody test.
“Some people have blood markers for lupus but never get sick,” said James, who is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. “Others have the markers and develop some symptoms but never get the full-blown disease, while in others, it ravages the body. We want to better understand why and ideally how to prevent the transitions.”
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system becomes unbalanced and attacks the body’s own tissues. It can result in damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs and is a leading medical cause of death among women of childbearing age. Although only about 400,000 individuals in the U.S. have the most severe form of the disease, perhaps up to 1 in 10 individuals will have blood markers that look like lupus.
The cause of lupus is unknown, but studies have identified links to genes, immune and inflammatory influences and exposure to environmental factors.
James, who leads OMRF’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program and holds the Lou C. Kerr Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research at OMRF, will collaborate with scientists and clinicians from Vanderbilt University and New York University.
“Finding people at high risk of developing lupus before they get sick is a challenge,” James said. “It will require a team approach, using the expertise and the patient samples that each of our three institutions brings.”
Jill Buyon, M.D., director of the NYU Langone Health Lupus Center, will provide samples from study volunteers who, despite being asymptomatic, receive what Buyon called “a double-whammy” diagnosis during pregnancy: they have autoantibodies found in people who have lupus, and these autoantibodies have caused their infants to have lifelong heart damage.
Some of these mothers ultimately develop severe lupus or another autoimmune disorder called Sjögren’s disease, while others develop only mild symptoms or none at all, Buyon said.
“If we can unlock the secrets of what makes someone progress from benign autoimmunity to clinical autoimmunity, that would be revolutionary,” she said. “Then we could tell a woman, ‘You have these factors, so we might want to put you on preventive therapy,’ and in others, we could avoid putting them on medicine unnecessarily.”
By analyzing thousands of patient samples, James said she hopes to discover genetic or environmental protections against lupus.
To volunteer for the study or receive more information, call 405-271-7221. OMRF will enroll individuals for autoantibody testing and potential follow-up into the Oklahoma Cohort of Rheumatic Diseases, a collection of tens of thousands of blood, urine, saliva and tissue samples donated since 2001 by patients in OMRF’s Rheumatology Center of Excellence.

The Oklahoma City Skydance Bridge will join other nationwide landmark bridges as part of a news stamp series by the U.S. Postal Service beginning August 24th. famous OKC landmark will soon grace collectors’ books and the corners of envelopes nationwide. The Skydance Bridge will be featured in a new stamp series (one of four) by the U.S. Postal Service starting Aug. 24.
Inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, Skydance bridge soars over Interstate 40. The bridge is a 380-foot-long pedestrian bridge with a 197-foot-tall sculpture.
The bridge opened in 2012 and connects Upper and Lower Scissortail Park. The bridge was built at a total cost of $5.8 million for the pedestrian use, designed and structurally engineered by S-X-L, a local business. Visit your local post office or shop the USPS online at: https://store.usps.com/store/product/stamp-collectors to purchase these iconic stamps.

There are a lot of people in the 50+ demographic.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census there are more than 370,000 from Guthrie to Norman and Choctaw to El Reno. By 2030, that number will exceed 400,000. That’s a lot of people who have this season of life in common.
We are living longer.
The face of aging is changing, for good. Due to great medicine, people are living longer – some well past a century. Estimates are on any given day 400 Oklahomans are over 100 years old. Many are cognitively sharp. VillagesOKC has members in that esteemed category.
We need to know whom to trust.
Oklahoma City has experienced hundreds of new companies in home health, hospice, healthy living, and specialty services to “help” with all the decisions. Every company’s brochure says “really care.” Which one to choose? VillagesOKC is here to connect seniors and families with trusted healthcare professionals and businesses whom we know personally.
Families want resources too.
Many seniors have loving families with willing support but are not close by -– available within 20 minutes. VillagesOKC is available to fill the gaps.
Retirement Centers, Independent and Assisted Living are an option.
There is a wide variety of senior living options in Oklahoma City. Seeing communities personally and the benefits, considering the benefits and costs is the only way to determine the best choice. VillagesOKC can suggest professionals who help with where to start and what to ask.
Many people want to age in their own homes.
Having trusted connections for home maintenance, insurance, roof repair, the yard, changes in Medicare insurance is helpful. VillagesOKC is also the connection for new friends and positive education.
Why Villages? Why now?
Isolation is deadly. VillagesOKC is the one connection for people across Oklahoma City.
Wherever we reside, getting up each day with a purpose and having daily social connections are as essential as food.

(Note: For a free copy of the US Surgeon General’s recent report on Loneliness and Isolation, call (405)990-6637 or email info@VillagesOKC.org)

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Kristina Tell, RN, knows how important leaving a legacy can be, both in life and in business.
That’s why the executive director for Excell Home Health and Hospice believes her staff is making a difference every day.
“We provide life-changing services and for every one of our employees that is their goal,” Tell said. “We have always been an agency where we have scored well on our surveys that come back. That’s because we really take the time to take care of our patients. You can have the best marketing team in the world and they can go out and sell your product but if you’re not fulfilling that product it’s not going to continue.
“Our legacy is a legacy of excellence and that’s what we continue to strive for.”
Excell is able to offer a continuum of care with both home health and hospice services. If the time comes, patients can seamlessly transfer services without having to give up those important relationships.
“I think going to hospice is one of the scariest words for patients and so for them to be able to have that same nurse transition with them and still go through that time … we’ve seen a really amazing product from that,” Tell said.
Patients suffering from disease progression, frequent emergency room visits, multiple hospitalizations, and/or aggressive medical interventions may also be eligible for hospice care. Hospice care can be discontinued at any time and is a covered Medicare benefit.
Home Health and Hospice offer an affordable way to receive medical care at home. Many who access these benefits are over the age of 65 and are entitled to Medicare benefits which cover 100 percent of the cost of services and associated medication and supply costs. Medicaid and most commercial insurances also provide home health and hospice coverage.
Often, when patients elect home health or hospice, it is their primary physician who authorizes, coordinates and follows their care from start to finish.
Excell Home Care & Hospice works closely with the physician of your choice to provide care. If the patient does not have a primary care physician and needs to be seen by a doctor, the Home Health and Hospice agency has Medical Directors who can visit the patient.
Tell started her nursing legacy in the intensive care unit at OU Medical. Looking for a change, she found Excell in 2010 and accepted a position as a field case manager.
A clinical supervisor role quickly followed before she accepted the position as director of nursing.
A transition in ownership in 2017 placed her in the director of clinical services role leading both home health and hospice.
“I just love our agency. We’re very family oriented,” she said. “I think it really reflects that when our employees are happy so are our patients. We really care about each other and want the best for each other. I think it would be really difficult to leave my family because I see them all as my family.”
In a very mobile industry, Tell and Excell have enjoyed a loyalty from staff that is uncommon.
“I think that’s one of the things that really sets Excell apart, we have a lot of tenure,” Tell said. “Our director of rehab has been there since our doors opened in 1995. We have a lot of nurses that are 20-plus years, LPNs that are 15-plus years. We have a home health aide who has been here for 17 years. We have a lot of longevity and I think that speaks to who we are.”
Each Excell employee knows they are helping patients leave a legacy, and in turn, creating one of their very own.
“I really think it is because we show our employees that we do value them and care for them. That makes a huge difference,” Tell said of her staff longevity. “If they’re just an employee, just another number they’re going to go someplace else, chase that extra dollar. When you really put the time into your employees, getting to know them and their families we spend a lot of time together.”
For more information about Excell Home Health and Hospice, visit https://excellcares.com.

by Terry Zinn

The Gallery at 11 North Central, Idabel, Oklahoma will be serving visual martinis with a photographic canvas art exhibition and sale during the annual downtown Fall Festival, October 7-8, 2023. MARTINI TRAVELS is a dozen or more images from photographer Terry Zinn’s fifty canvas prints presenting cocktails against a backdrop of travel locations. Some of the fifty photographed locations might include, Berlin, Germany; Boone Hall Plantation, South Carolina; Oak Alley and of course Oklahoma City; among other locales. The exhibit was inspired by Zinn in 1995 after having a luncheon with Idabel native and international artist, Harold Stevenson where he recalled his tales of an extraordinary life over his favorite cocktail, the Martini..
The Gallery is the anchor of downtown Idabel, created and owned by another Idabel native, Robert Henderson. The Gallery was opened a couple of years ago after extensive renovation to the historic 1930’s building that had been vacant and dilapidated for years. “We never charge artists a fee to exhibit and / or sell the work at The Gallery. Arts are an important element to our social society. Bringing the arts to the community, while remaining affordable, is an important mission of our work,” explained Henderson.
The Fall festival hosts craft and food vendors, Miss Fall Fest pageant, chili cook-off and corn-hole tournament. Downtown streets will close with live music and entertainment throughout the event.
Zinn will provide a gallery talk at 7 p.m.Saturday, OCTOBER 7th at the reception along with Dian Jordan, Ph.D., of Hochatown, OK.
Martini Travel images have been previously exhibited in Oklahoma City at the Photo Art Gallery and at the 50 Penn Place Gallery. The exhibit will be accompanied by Zinn’s photographic images of Harold Stevenson, Portraits of Harold. Many of these private images have never been exhibited before. They were made with the endorsement from Stevenson which documented his studios, homes and exhibits from 1995 including locations of: Idabel, Oklahoma; Wainscott, Long Island New York; Long Island City; SoHo, New York; Key West, Florida; San Francisco; Dallas and Oklahoma City. In addition to Zinn’s documentation in photographs he has made over 13 hours of taped interviews of Stevenson over the years. That material is the foundation of Zinn’s play, Last Call: All I Ever Wanted to Be Was Tall, which is available for production.
Jordan’s reception talk is highly anticipated as she will discuss the importance of Stevenson’s inclusion in recent exhibitions. Jordan curated Art in Community: The Harold Stevenson Collection in 2020-2021 at the Museum of the Red River, Idabel. The exhibit was then followed by Stevenson being included in New York: 1962-1964 held at the Jewish Museum of New York in the fall of 2023. That exhibition explored art and culture and how artists living in New York responded to the socio-political changes of the time. Stevenson was also included as one of the 35 legacy artists for We Fancy at the 100th year celebration of the Art Students League, NY, also in 2023. Stevenson won a national scholarship to attend the prestigious school in 1949. Jordan has previously spoken on Stevenson’s place in the canon of 20th century art for the Oklahoma Museum Association’s annual conference, the Oral History Association National Conference, and the International Art in Society Conference.
Zinn was employed for twenty-six years as Photography Processing Manager at the Oklahoma Historical Society/State Museum. His work has been published in numerous outlets. He has exhibited at the Oklahoma State Capitol, I.A.O. gallery, 50 Penn Place Gallery, Photo Art Gallery, and on permanent exhibition at the Gallery of the Plains Indian and the Oklahoma Judicial Center.
While in Idabel feel free to visit the Museum of the Red River and the Phil Silva vintage car collection. Or take the nearby drive to the ever popular Hochatown community known for Broken Bow Lake and luxury cabin vacation homes. The near by twon of Hugo is of interest with its Elephant Cemetery.
Zinn resides in Oklahoma City where he is cataloging his works and seeking permanent homes for his collections. He can be reached at t4z@aol.com.