Story and photos by John Smith, The Haurun Club

Irish History has now been agreed to be corrected by Armagh Councillors.
On 11 March 1998, Brian and Jason Bolger were convicted of Murder at a local pub in Essex.
The Bolger family relied upon unreliable lawyers, and then, in 2004, Darren Bolger and his mother, Carol decided to investigate the Murder case themselves as amateur detectives.
Darren received the constant infiltration by British Intelligence officers, (females) and female children of military leaders (Admiral of the Fleet) and senior police officers (West Midlands Police) in order to understand what the Bolger family knew of the case.
Whilst their research uncovered some extreme police corruption and malfeasance, Carol went on to research her own family and history of Northern Ireland (Johnston Family) and the Bolger’s of Ireland.
Ms. Johnson (married name – Bolger) discovered that her 3 x Great grandfather was a famous Master Mason from Armagh who had designed and built the Rollo Gillespie Monument at the Square in Comber 1844, and has also researched her three son’s heritage, which begins in Co. Wexford and Dublin where, the Bolger’s (Boulger’s) were landowners throughout the 1900’, then also becoming, media entrepreneurs and historical promoters of what are now, considered and generalised as, the IRA.
Mr. Smith acting for the family, communicated with, Ards and North Down Council, both in conversation and by Freedom of Information Request after covid-19 had stopped communication. He received documents and verbal advice from the council as follows,
In March 2019, a notice of motion was agreed by Alderman Muir and Alderman Menagh that this recommendation be adopted, upon a meeting held whereby, Alderman Girvan and Councillor McAlpine of Ards and North Down Council, also agree to have, Mr Johnston’s name, correct date of the build placed on a new plaque at a future ceremony attended by the community, with Ms Johnson and her children, of the Bolger family, giving a speech at the ceremony.
This information might not have been known, had it not been for Ms. Johnson and her research, during a period in which, she was (along with her son – Darren) unravelling her other two son’s conviction for Murder, in Essex (1998), named by Essex Police as – Operation Westminster.
Operation Westminster is a ‘true crime’ trilogy, planned for feature film and documentary, where there is now an equally interesting ‘historical story’ of the family, both Paternal and Maternal sides in Ireland, leading to the injustices they have suffered at the hand of the British Establishment and Justice System.
This may take us to an earlier point of series or film and or documentary interest with a drama, which begins in Ireland, one side from Dublin and the other from Armagh; unknown to each other and only linked, 150 years later, upon research, initiated from a Murder in Essex (1998).
For further information on the Bolger family and how this story ties in with the Monument at the Square in Comber, please visit:
https://darrenthomasbolger.com/

Story by H.R. Holman

The event schedule for the Oklahoma Senior Games has been released, there are twenty-nine games for anyone fifty years and older. This year the games will be held from September through October, statewide. Games range from 3 on 3 Basketball, Track and Field events, Swimming, Cornhole, Tennis, Pickleball, Ballroom and Line dancing, Golf and Fitness Competition and other events.
The Games will be held at various locations; Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon, Muskogee, Norman, Shawnee, Bixby, Perry, El Reno, Catoosa, Lawton, and Owasso. Age divisions for all singles competition will be determined by the athlete’s age as of December 31, 2023. Age divisions for all doubles and mixed doubles competition will be determined by the following age categories and will apply to both men and women for all individual, doubles and relay competitions. Brackets are divided by age in five-year increments, 50-54, 55-59 and so on. This makes it good because an athlete 75 is not competing with athlete 50. For complete information visit OKSENIORGAMES.COM.
There will be three new events this year in the OSG lineup they are Ballroom Dance, 8 Ball Pool and Disc Golf. In the past, 8 Ball has been an annual request, OSG has finally found the perfect facility, Deep Pockets Bar and Bistro in Tulsa and will be held September 9th. Ballroom Dance is always a spectator favorite, the event will be held in Tulsa at Elks Lodge 946 on Saturday, September 16. Disc Golf is also new this year, this competition will be held in Bethany at Eldon Lyon Park and will be held on September 16th.
According to Kathleen Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Senior Game, “While the games do not begin until September, now is the time to prepare for competition. Practicing to compete in an event is an all year-round endeavor. Events like the Fitness Challenge can be practiced at home every day. You may have to travel further than your own neighborhood to practice but the rewards of fitness, fun, and friends are all waiting there.”
Join the games on the field, court, or course. Registration will open on Monday, March 27th. For a complete list of events, how to register and more information, go to https://okseniorgames.com/ or call 405-821-1500.
For more information about Oklahoma Senior Games go to the website at:
https://okseniorgames.com/news/ or www.facebook.com/SeniorGamesinOklahoma

Anna Jackson

(Right) Anna Jackson of Sand Springs turned 100 today and celebrated with family and friends. Anna has been a member of the Trinity Baptist Church quilt group for 40 years! She loved to eat anything from the garden in her younger days, but now loves anything chocolate! Happy Birthday, Anna!

Evelyn Napier

(Left) Evelyn Napier of Tulsa celebrated her 100th Birthday today with a precision honor guard from Bixby High School. There have been many memorable changes during Evelyn’s lifetime – especially seeing flights to the moon. Her words of wisdom to us are: Don’t Drink or Smoke. Happy Birthday wishes to Evelyn!

Lou Ella Revel

(Right) Lou Revel of Oklahoma City was 100 last July and we recently celebrated her as a Centenarian of Oklahoma! She attended Sooner State Beauty College in Oklahoma City and had a career as a beautician, continuing to fix hair in her home until she was 90 years young. Her words of wisdom to us are: Keep Moving. Love Jesus. Work Hard.

Hattie Mann

(Right) Hattie Mann of Okmulgee celebrates her 100th birthday! She worked as an accounting clerk in California, then moved to Las Vegas and back to Okmulgee. She is a long-time member of the Okmulgee City-Wide Prayer Band. Hattie loves tacos! Her favorite song is Precious Lord and she shares these words of wisdom with us – Seek the Lord.

By Marilyn Olson

Mature adults are leaders. We have seen a few things, and we have learned a few things. We are hardworking individuals who have learned leadership over a lifetime of refining career skills. Our brains are “time wise.”
Most of the 370,000 everyday leaders over 55 living in greater Oklahoma City are grateful for an opportunity to give time, experience, and finances. Mature adults generously offer these resources to the community without which there would be a void. The individuals, businesses, organizations and faith communities who see the value and incorporate that experience will benefit and will also become wise.
There are many examples of this mature, everyday leadership among the VillagesOKC membership, from pastors and former executives to engineers and journalists. All these individuals bring with them an eagerness to remain active and to give back to their community. VillagesOKC offers the opportunity for older adults to use the skills they’ve acquired over a lifetime or to learn new ways to grow and contribute.
The incredible wit and wisdom of people over 50 can reveal secrets and insights for living a meaningful life – simply not possible without experience. Their thoughtful perspectives offer a treasure trove of life lessons about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive in the midst of great challenges.
Leaders over 50 became leaders because they have utilized their learning to continue growing. Often this growth has led to a paradigm shift opening more doors of opportunity. This quality gives hope and causes others to say “she is inspiring”; “he is such a delight to be with,” or I hope I can be as sharp and interesting a person as he is.”
When people are happy and confident, others enjoy their company and follow their leadership in the community or organization. To think that organizations, businesses and faith communities would ignore those over 50 when they could be the beneficiary of experience, talent and generosity.
Fortunately, Oklahoma City is the kind of community which values the irreplaceable talent and wisdom of mature adults in every sector of the community. It simply makes sense to begin changing the conversation about aging and include these generous and wise adults as an integral part and a key partner.
The community benefits when recognizing leaders are leaders at any age. VillagesOKC is a plan for aging that connects a community leading the way to fill the gaps.

OKPOP Foundation Names Blake Shelton as Honorary Chair for Fundraising Campaign

Country music superstar and beloved television personality Blake Shelton has partnered with the OKPOP Foundation to be an Honorary Campaign Chairperson and the face of the Foundation’s fundraising campaign to complete the OKPOP Museum. Through this partnership, Shelton will bring awareness about the project and encourage others to help raise the $30 million needed to complete the exhibit design, construction, and installation for a late 2024 opening date.
“Music is my livelihood, and Oklahoma is my home—my heart. So, when I heard more about OKPOP’s mission to inspire and empower young Oklahoma musicians or artists like me, I knew I had to get involved,” said Shelton. “OKPOP is telling the stories of Oklahomans who have impacted and continue to influence pop culture in such a cool, innovative way, folks from all over the county are going to love it.”
Executive Director of the OKPOP Museum, Jeff Moore, and Simmons Bank Senior Vice President of Business Development, D. Scott Petty, the OKPOP Foundation Chair, are thrilled to have Blake Shelton as the OKPOP Foundation’s honorary campaign chair.
“Blake is such a great fit for what this museum represents,” said Jeff Moore, executive director of OKPOP Museum. “A kid with talent and passion from Ada, Oklahoma who goes on to make his dreams come true. Those are the stories we are telling, and those are the kids we want to help pursue their own dreams of making music or films or writing the next big novel. We want them to visit the museum and leave knowing the sky’s the limit.”
Shelton will be lending his name to the project, while also encouraging industry peers and fellow Oklahomans to get involved.
“Blake Shelton’s willingness to publicly embrace the OKPOP Foundation mission—to share Oklahoman’s stories—highlights the importance and global impact,” said Scott Petty, OKPOP Foundation Chair. “His involvement will be the catalyst for everything the foundation has been doing behind the scenes and will ultimately bring this project to fruition.”
OKPOP is in the final stages of exhibit design and is aiming for a late-2024 opening date. The OKPOP Foundation is the OKPOP Museum’s fundraising arm, working in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society. The Foundation’s role is to identify potential funding sources through state and federal allocations, local and national prospective donors, foundations, corporations, grants, and founding memberships to help the OKPOP Museum realize its mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Oklahoma’s pop culture history.
Along with D. Scott Petty of Simmons Bank, board members for the OKPOP Foundation include Philip Kaiser (Flywheel Events), Tom Evans (Encompass Financial Services), Stuart Hudson (EdibleOKC), Brian Paschal (Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation), Cassie Reese Tipton (CEC), Donna Sharpe (Sharpe House), Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, John Hickey (Hall Estill), Judy Eason McIntyre (retired Senator), Molly Jarvis (Cherokee Nation Businesses), Adrian Bradley (A&D Sports Management), Amanda Lowe (United States District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma), Jane Mudgett (Speaker, Author, and Coach), and Phil McDonald (AWAL/Sony Music). Ex-Officio members include Abby Kurin (OKPOP Foundation), Jeff Moore, Meg Charron, and Mary Barnes (OKPOP/Oklahoma Historical Society).

By Nick Thomas

Don’t expect any vocal surprises if you ever attend a concert featuring Gary Lewis & the Playboys.
“I’m a real stickler for absolute originality,” said Lewis from his home in Rochester, New York. “The fans want to hear the songs just like they remember them from the radio, they don’t want to hear new arrangements, so we keep it very original when playing live.”
Fans can also expect to enjoy most of Lewis’s big hits from the 60s including, “This Diamond Ring,” “Everybody Loves a Clown,” and “Green Grass.” In March, Gary and the boys with be performing in several Florida cities (see www.garylewisandtheplayboys.com for their 2023 touring schedule).
“We had seven Top 10 songs in a row in the space of two years, so I was very blessed to have such amazing success so quickly,” noted Lewis.
“This Diamond Ring,” the group’s first record, reached the number 1 spot in the U.S. in February 1965 and Lewis remembers excitedly watching it climb the charts over six weeks. But the upbeat version released was very different from the original.
“I first heard it in producer Snuffy Garrett’s office at Liberty Records when he played a demo, a very different slow version,” recalled Lewis. “At the time, I just wanted to get a song recorded and said I loved it. But then Leon Russell made a new arrangement – the version that was released – and it became this huge hit.”
Lewis credits his mother for supporting his early music passion, offering financial help and advice, unbeknownst to his father.

“Before our first hit, we were doing a lot of auditions as Gary & the Playboys because my mom didn’t want me getting work just because I had a famous father,” said Lewis. “When Diamond Ring began climbing the charts, she said I should put Lewis in the band’s name. I did, but still not everyone realized I had a very famous entertainment father and so we were thrilled to get work based solely on our talent.”
His dad, of course, was comedian Jerry Lewis who had no idea his son had a hit record until Gary presented him with a gift. “When I got the first gold record for Diamond Ring, I signed it to him and I went down to Paramount Studios where he was filming and I walked in and said ’Dad, this is for you.’ He was very surprised and, I think, quite proud.”
Much has been written over the years of the strained relationship between Jerry Lewis and his children.
“I was always able to separate my career from what he and I were,” said Lewis. ”It bothered me that we never got along too well, but that’s just the way it was and I’m over it.”
When he performs today, Lewis’s songs not only have the same arrangements as the originals, but a similar sound despite being performed by all-new Playboys.
“Over the years there have been many sets of Playboys, but today’s group has been with me since 2004 and has that same great original sound,” he says. We don’t do a huge number of shows a year now, but I still love it and seeing the fans, new and old, who still love our music.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.

by Greg Schwem

Mary Louise and Marty showed up faithfully at the park each morning at 7:30. Stopping their SUV in the same space, Mary Louise, 68, emerged with a bowl of water, followed by her husband, 85, and armed with a tennis ball. They opened the car’s hatch as if they were pulling back a Broadway curtain to reveal the show’s marquee star.
Shamus, their 3-year-old border collie, played the role well.
For the next 45 minutes, owners commiserated as our dogs, including Macie, my cockapoo, frollicked in the unfenced park, regardless of weather. Shamus never tired of chasing the ball, no matter how far Marty’s plastic contraption launched it. We laughed as our dogs sniffed owners’ butts, knowing treats were in nearby pockets. I began using the owners as my “test audience,” trying out lines I might use on stage in upcoming standup comedy shows. One day I remarked that I was going on a business trip but was anxious to get home “to be with those I love the most.”
“It’s hard to leave your dog,” I added.
Mary Louise laughed the hardest.
The dogs rolled, wrestled, barked and slurped. Shamus was usually the ringleader.
“He’ll run around like this every morning and then he’ll sleep all afternoon,” Mary Louise said.
Gesturing to Marty, I replied, “And what will Shamus do?”
More laughs. They came fast and freely.
Until one day, they didn’t.
Returning from nearly a month-long corporate speaking tour, Macie and I arrived at the park to see Mary Louise exiting her SUV, clutching the water bowl. As she moved toward me, I saw an opportunity for humor.
“We’re all losing our memories, Mary Lou, but did you forget Shamus?”
I regretted it the moment I saw the tears.
“We lost him,” was all she could say before breaking down.
Shamus, she explained after composing herself, suffered from seizures but neither she nor her husband thought they would cause their beloved companion’s death so quickly. Anticipating my next question, she said Marty hadn’t been able to return to the park.
“But you’re still coming,” I said.
“I wouldn’t know what to do all day,” she replied, walking toward the gazebo where the owners congregated if it was raining, snowing or oppressively hot. Our dogs never complained about the elements because, well, they’re dogs.
How I wanted to make Mary Louise laugh at this particular moment. Was there something, anything, I could say to bring out a smile or even a soft chuckle? I firmly believe humor has a place anywhere. I recounted the funerals I’ve been to where mourners laughed more than they cried. Occasionally I’ve been asked to speak about the deceased, solely because a relative figured I could lighten the mood with comedy. It’s never an easy task, but one I relish.
Yet, here I was, looking at a woman whose morning routine would never be the same, despite her best attempt. Macie was fidgeting, so I told her to hang in there, turned and headed for home with my very healthy four-legged friend.
A week later Macie and I returned, hoping to see the cadre of dogs we’d come to expect. On this particular day, the grass was empty. There was only the SUV in the parking lot.
As we got closer, the door opened and Mary Louise emerged. She’d been waiting for one of us to arrive, just so she could lavish love on an animal, even if it wasn’t hers. I knew she’d been crying.
I asked about Marty. He still wasn’t making the trip.
Hesitating, I plowed forward with the “elephant in the room” question.
“Do you think you’ll get another one?”
“I’d like to, but I’m not sure I can go through this again,” she said.
“I know something you need right now,” I said, wrapping my arms around her.
Wear a mask if it makes you feel safer or more comfortable, but never be afraid to reach out, literally and physically, to someone in need. Do it today.
Because, like laughter, hugs will always have a place in the world.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)

Story by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

HarborChase of South Oklahoma City executives welcomed the group of 40 Senior Business Solution colleagues who braved a thunderstorm to attend their networking luncheon on March 16. to their assisted living and memory care residence located on south May Ave.
The meeting started with longtime event organizer Bill Muir addressing a significant change in his company. Muir started the SBS luncheons six years ago as an extension of the newly launched Compass Senior Living Solutions he and his wife Karen founded.
“I am proud to announce that Jennifer Buckles, also a certified senior advisor will become a full partner in our mission to help seniors in search of care options as they age,” Muir said. “Jennifer joined Compass in 2021 and has been the sales and marketing manager since early 2022. The first of April, she will be a full partner serving as chief operating officer.”
Muir said he and wife Karen will be stepping back from day-to-day operations due to recent health challenges. They will remain advisors involved in overseeing the continued growth of the company.
Muir said the four senior advisors working in the Oklahoma City metro area now also include Dee Edwards and Cheryl Beaver, who assist Oklahoma seniors in finding the optimal solutions as they explore their options.
HarborChase Executive Director Willena Ferguson welcomed the visitors to the luxury assisted living and memory care facility, which she proudly explained has some of the most amenities of any Oklahoma senior center. It offers 106 one, and two-bedroom assisted living options, and The Cove—offering Alzheimer’s and dementia care and respite care services to families.
A full-service barber and beauty salon augment the resort-level luxury, along with a putting green in the interior courtyard next to the cabana and a creative art studio and a fitness and wellness center on site.
Fine dining is another heralded feature, with an executive chef overseeing the three meals daily and a variety of on-site restaurants, including a bistro and a steakhouse open to the public that takes reservations for Friday and Saturday. HarborChase is also state licensed as a hotel, so they can provide residents and the public with a bar and cocktail lounge.
With a thunderstorm outside during the meeting, Ferguson emphasized the visitors’ safety by talking about the peace of mind builders put into the building. “This Oklahoma room we are in is a safe room rated to withstand an EF 5 Category tornado, Ferguson said. “This large space provides our residents and staff a great sense of safety in Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather and serves as a movie theatre room and chapel.”
Ferguson helped bring the facility to life, arriving to help with planning 14 months before it opened in 2020. She talked about how proud she was to be a part of Vero Beach, Fla. – based Harbor Retirement Associates in bringing the many luxury living options they provide to Oklahoma. HRA operates more than 35 communities in eight states and is partnering to construct even more communities in seven additional states.
HRA manages over $150 million in revenue and approximately $1 billion in assets while employing 2,000 associates.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of information about their employer and how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few people outlined special events their venues were planning soon, inviting others to attend.
Representatives of an Informed Senior Seminar to be held Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, April 14, spoke of how all the local law enforcement and state agencies will come together that day to offer seniors an overview of their many services.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care, housing options, and home care and hospice providers. Speakers covered topics ranging from personnel issues to renovation offerings and help explaining VA benefits to patients and clients.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to stay connected with their senior industry peers while building possible referral networks.
After the networking, half a dozen attendees asked to take a tour. HarborChase Director of Sales Staci Seilkopf began the time by explaining the nearly 1,900-square foot Oklahoma Room used for the luncheon is a safe room rated by FEMA to withstand category EF 5 tornado winds. An enclosed generator ensures power, and a full-stocked pantry provides food and water for residents for up to three days in the case of disaster. Some $400,000 two and a half tons of concrete make up the nearly two-feet thick walls protecting residents, as does the bulletproof glass and custom-designed rolling steel hurricane shutters.
HarborChase South Oklahoma City is located at 10801 S May Ave and can be found online at https://www.harborchase.com

Story and photo by Eddie Roach, VillagesOKC Member/Volunteer

A metro area bank has partnered with VillagesOKC to offer a special version of VillagesOKC’s GIFT (Gathering Information for Transitions) workshop for its employees. First Bethany Bank & Trust provided the workshop as a benefit to employees, and VillagesOKC tailored the normal 6-hour workshop into two 2-hour evening sessions.
The GIFT is an interactive workshop in which participants talk through difficult questions, learn about options and write solutions for the “what if’s” in the future. Normally, the workshop consists of 90-minute sessions held once a week for four weeks.
Participants document their own personal, legal, medical, financial, real estate, passwords, personal preferences, emergency contacts and crisis plan. Everyone is encouraged to hold a family meeting afterwards. A binder is provided for participants to keep all their information.
“We think it’s valuable information that every family should consider, but often doesn’t go to the great lengths that the workshop does,” said Priscilla Cude, First Bethany President & CEO. “That includes our First Bethany family.
“We thought it would be beneficial to them and that they could also share what they’ve learned with our customers when it’s appropriate in conversations. We also thought it would be a good way for our employees to share the VillagesOKC story if they participated in one of their workshops.”
Fourteen employees and five spouses signed up for the workshop. Cude said attendees ranged in age from 28 to 69 years old.
“Although the material was compressed for time’s sake, we still covered all high points,” said Dana Bellows, VillagesOKC project manager. “Many of the participants had an ‘aha’ moment where they realized there were some steps they needed to take – a form they needed to sign, a person they needed to appoint.”
Cude said she highly recommends other companies look at providing this benefit to employees. “When employees are in personal crisis, it naturally spills over to the workplace. This is a way to assist our employees when facing those times.”

By Lt.j.g. James Caliva

The U.S. Navy is preparing to bring Navy Week back to Oklahoma City June 26-July 2, with Sailors from across the fleet set to take part in the service’s signature outreach program. Oklahoma City Navy Week will give the community an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its Sailors and its importance to national security and prosperity.
Oklahoma City Navy Week will feature in-person demonstrations, performances, and engagements throughout the week that will include:
* Senior Navy Leaders – Flag officer and senior civilian Navy leaders with ties to Oklahoma City and the surrounding area.
* Navy Band Southeast – Performances and masterclasses with Navy Musicians.
* Navy Expeditionary Combat Command – Educational STEM presentations and fitness demonstrations by technicians, medics, and divers.
* U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command – Educational presentation on the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the overall value of STEM education to the Navy.
* Naval History and Heritage Command – Educational presentations and lesson plans about the deep ties between Oklahoma City and the Navy.
* Navy Talent Acquisition Group – Educational presentations, community service projects and static displays.
Oklahoma City was selected by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) as one of 15 locations for the 2023 Navy Week program. The Navy is returning to Oklahoma City following its last Navy Week which was held in 2019.
“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to Oklahoma City,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”
“We coordinate about 75 outreach events during a Navy Week,” said NAVCO Navy Week program manager Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers. “Outreach events range from corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and youth engagements. We’re excited about this year’s schedule as it allows us to visit new markets as well as return to cities like Oklahoma City.”
Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort to regions without a significant Navy presence, with over 250 Navy Weeks held in more than 80 different U.S. markets. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.