Mercy Health Foundation recently hosted its annual gala event at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel and kicked off fundraising to expand Mercy’s gastroenterology services in the Oklahoma City metro area.
“In one night, 550 people raised $498,285 to help Oklahomans with digestive diseases that are debilitating, often preventing them from working, participating in normal activities and living a full life,” said Dr. Jesse Campbell, president of Mercy Clinic Oklahoma and co-chair of the Mercy Health Foundation Gala. “We have big dreams to one day be able to offer more services for patients in need, and those dreams begin with the support of our community.”
The gala, sponsored by Mercy’s foundation and Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology, featured a reception and silent auction followed by a dinner. Guests enjoyed a live concert by the 13-piece high-energy group, Emerald City Band. Incoming Mercy Health Foundation president Nicole Dell’Osso and husband Nick Dell’Osso committed $50,000 toward the goal.
“At Mercy, we believe we are called to serve others and the health needs of our community, but we can’t do it alone,” said Lori Cummins, vice president of development for Mercy Health Foundation. “We are so grateful for our many sponsors and donors who support our mission and our ministry.”
To learn more, visit
https://mercyhealthfoundation.net/communities/oklahoma-city
or call (405) 486-8775.

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Paseo Arts District First Friday Gallery Walk April 7
Each first Friday of the month, art lovers are invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District, 3024 Paseo in Oklahoma City where 80 artists with more than 25 businesses and galleries participate from 6 to 9 p.m., all within walking distance. Opening receptions showcase the new work of the gallery/studio owners or the creations of guest artists. Restaurants are open for dining and patio seating. Parking is available along Paseo and the surrounding historic Paseo Arts District N.W. 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson.
PJ Acker creates portraiture and figurative art in oil, acrylic, oil pastel, soft pastel, charcoal, watercolor, soft clay, and oil-based clay for bronze upstairs in the Paseo Arts Creativity Center building.
At the far south end of the street, another resident artist Susan Cromer Yback, 65, teaches youth and adults art and sells her creations at 2927 Paseo Drive. Yback’s classes and art have become a mainstay of Paseo Gallery One. Yback says, “First Friday has become a wonderful tradition for everyone who works along the Paseo, and I love it.”
The area also hosts the Paseo Arts Festival each May. The three-day event Memorial Day Weekend – May 27-29 this year usually adds 100 artist’s booths to what the 80 district resident artists offer.

MS. OKLAHOMA SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT
Ms. Senior Oklahoma 2023 will be selected at a 1 p.m. pageant on April 15 at the Mustang Performing Arts Center on the Mustang High School Campus.
Contestants are Barbara Bryant-Waggoner, Jones, Trish Carr, Newcastle, Sharron Clifton, Bethany with Wonna Cornelson, Lynn Jones, Carla Joy, Doreen Miles Williams, Edie Thomas, and Karen Tims, all of Oklahoma City. The other contests are Debbie Hay, Sand Springs, Ellen Henson, Yukon, Pam Holzberger, Nichols Hills, Judy Jackson, Mead, Eileen Milles, Del City and Venessa Saunders, Edmond will compete in Interview, Talent, Evening Gown and Inner Beauty, a presentation of their philosophy of life.
This October, the winner will represent our state at the Ms. Senior America National Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The MS Senior Oklahoma Foundation has sponsored the local event since 2008.
The Ms. Senior America Pageant is a national, not-for-profit organization giving women at least 60 an opportunity to display their “inner beauty,” talents, elegance and honors senior women’s achievements.
Tickets are available at the door at 200 W. Juniper Dr. in Mustang for $20, with group discounts available. Contact Carol Kallenberger at (903) 918-1478 for more information and group discounts.

Oklahoma Arts Advocates Visit Oklahoma Capitol
Organizers say arts advocates need to show the governor and the Oklahoma legislators they want state American Rescue Plan Act funding for state organizations in this legislative session. The group will advocate increasing public funding for the arts by gathering from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 18 at the State Capitol.
Every year, Oklahomans for the Arts hosts Arts & Culture Day, the only state arts advocacy event. The day consists of advocacy training, learning about legislative issues, and connecting with legislators to celebrate the importance of arts and culture to our citizens.
This year OFTA, the only statewide, multidisciplinary arts advocacy organization, supports a proposal to invest state ARPA funding to help rebuild the arts and cultural sector.
OFTA members will inform their legislatures of the need for resources and policies that support the development, advancement, and accessibility of art instruction and culture statewide.
This opportunity allows for networking within arts advocacy groups that share their concerns. They can share information and strategies for effectively communicating with legislators and organizing to make their voices heard.
Please allow for a short wait to get through the Capitol Security checkpoint.

Festival of The Arts
The free Festival of the Arts April 25-30 in downtown Oklahoma City Bicentennial Park usually enjoys pleasant spring weather with one of its biggest events of the year.
Running Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and finishing Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., the Oklahoma City Arts Council’s tradition since 1967 celebrates six days of visual, performing, and culinary arts.
Myriad art forms take over the park as artists from across America converge on the city to showcase their unique offerings, including a one-day Youth Art Sale.
Visual artists and performers take to the outdoor stage to make this massive festival arguably the biggest Spring art event each year. The organizers ask visitors to keep their pets at home.
Children visiting the festival can enjoy interactive the Children’s Art Field, Pottery Place, and face painting. This offering takes over the area surrounding City Hall for family fun and activities. The Youth Art Sale featuring sculptures to paintings is always an impressive example of what art students are learning. This one-day event, also known as “Young at Art Mart,” will be located on the east lawn of City Hall from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more info, go to Festival of the Arts – Arts Council Oklahoma City (artscouncilokc.com)

Senior Marathon Saturday, April 29, Downtown
Senior marathoners can enjoy being part of one of the nation’s most significant feel-good events for fitness in the lead-up to the “Run to Remember” event on Sunday, April 30. The day before the marathon, Saturday, at 8 a.m., the Senior Marathoners complete their event between the 7 a.m. start of the 5K run and the Kid’s Marathon of a similar style at 9 a.m.
The Senior Marathoners will run or walk the last 1.2 miles of their marathon distance directly south from the Oklahoma City National Memorial starting line to the finish in Scissortail Park. This allows seniors to feel like “elite” participants because of the on-course support from a massive outpouring of cheering from volunteering OKC residents.
Additionally, these new Senior Marathoners can enjoy the camaraderie of attending, interacting, and visiting the popular Health and Fitness Expo that Saturday at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The Expo is adjacent to the finish line, presented by the OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau and OU Health. Mercy is the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Senior Marathon and invites everyone to visit the Expo.
Seniors who sign up for the Senior Marathon will pay $30 and receive an event t-shirt, a finishing medal, and free entry to the museum that day with their bib number. This achievement can energize many people to participate in an activity that provides good health, a key to aging gracefully.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Here in Oklahoma, we know all too well the damage flooding causes and the danger it presents. In May 2019, Oklahomans saw some of the worst flooding in history after 17 tornadoes struck the state in one day. The storm carried 5 to 6 inches of rainfall, causing the tragic loss of lives and significant financial damage. Flooding devastated thousands of Oklahomans, resulting in more than $31 million in estimated losses. In addition, more than 6,000 flood claims were reported, yet far too many storm victims did not have flood insurance.
March is Flood Insurance Awareness Month in Oklahoma. I want to remind Oklahomans to get ready before spring flooding and consider getting flood insurance coverage now. Here are three reasons why now is a great time to learn more about the importance and benefits of flood insurance.
You live in Oklahoma. Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. While most standard homeowners policies cover tornadoes, hail, and wildfires, they do NOT cover floods. You are 27 times more likely to experience a flood than a fire during a 30-year mortgage.
30-day waiting period. It typically takes 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster. That is why you need to purchase or renew flood insurance well in advance. Waiting until you see the water rushing in is too late. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private insurance. Talk to your agent today.
Cost of flooding. Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an inch of water in a home could cause more than $25,000 in damages. About 33% of all flood claims come from outside of high-risk areas. In 2021, the average flood insurance claim payment through NFIP was $44,050, while Oklahoma’s average flood insurance premium was $81 a month.
While we cannot prevent another flood from occurring, we can get our state financially prepared for the damage when it hits. This month let’s make sure Oklahomans understand their flood risk. As I always like to remind folks—If it rains where you live, it can flood where you live.
For more insurance information, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at
https://www.oid.ok.gov/.

Dear Savvy Senior,

What’s the best way to go about choosing an assisted living facility for my 86-year-old father? Since mom died last year, his health has declined to the point that he can’t live at home anymore but isn’t ready for a nursing home either.
Searching Susan

Dear Susan,
If your dad needs help with things like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, managing his medications or just getting around, an assisted living facility is definitely a good option to consider.
Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with daily living.
There are nearly 29,000 assisted living communities (also called board and care, supportive-care or residential-care facilities) in the U.S. today, some of which are part of a retirement community or nursing home. Most facilities have anywhere between 10 and 100 suites, varying in size from a single room to a full apartment. And some even offer special memory care units for residents with dementia.
To help you choose a good assisted living facility for your dad, here are some steps to follow.
Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top assisted living communities in your area including your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who’ve had a loved one in assisted living; or you can do an online search at https://www.caring.com/.
Do some research: To research the communities on your list, put a call into your long-term care ombudsman. This is a government official who investigates long-term care facility complaints and advocates for residents and their families. This person can help you find the latest health inspection reports on specific assisted living facilities and can tell you which ones have had complaints or other problems in the past. To find your local ombudsman visit LTCombudsman.org.
Call the facilities: Once you’ve identified a few good assisted living facilities, call them to see if they have any vacancies, what they charge and if they provide the types of services your father needs.
Tour your top choices: During your visit, notice the cleanliness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also be sure to taste the food, and talk to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s also a good idea to visit several times at different times of the day and different days of the week to get a broader perspective.
On your facility visit, get a copy of the admissions contract and the residence rules that outline the fees (and any extra charges), services and residents’ rights, and explanations for when a resident might be asked to leave because their condition has worsened, and they require more care than the facility can provide.
Also, find out their staff turnover rate, COVID infection-control procedures and if and when medical professionals are on site. To help you rate your visit, Caring.com offers a checklist of questions that you can download and print at Caring.com/static/checklist-AL-tour.pdf.
How to pay: Monthly costs for assisted living ranges anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 or more, depending on where you live, the facility you choose, and the services provided. Since Medicare does not cover assisted living, most residents pay out-of-pocket from their own personal funds, and some have long-term care insurance policies.
If your dad has limited financial resources and can’t afford this, most states now have Medicaid waiver programs that help pay for assisted living. Or, if he’s a veteran, he may be able to get funds through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. To find out about these programs, ask the assisted living facility director, or contact his local Medicaid office (see Medicaid.gov) or the regional VA benefit office (800–827–1000).
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

By Lisa Gonzalez

There’s a common misconception that as one ages, one must slowly and gradually rely on others more to get by. But this doesn’t always have to be the case, especially if you still want to contribute to society in some way. Today, Senior News and Living shares some tips you can use to help you to adjust to independent living, while still being a meaningful part of your community.

Free up some space

It may be necessary to advise your senior loved one to downsize in order to free up some money for the future.

• Sort through the old to make room for the new. You may have to help your loved one ⦁ sort through their belongings so they hold onto only what is necessary.
• Consider storage if they are unsure of what to give away. This can avoid pressuring them into making decisions they may not be ready for.
• Sell valuable items online through eBay and Amazon to build up a nest egg of savings.

Starting afresh

Your loved one may still need to say goodbye to those things or places they are most familiar with, such as their home.

• Help them to get a realistic figure at which to list their home on the market.
• If the profit from the sale is good, this could make it easier to put down a down payment on a new home.
• Start looking at retirement villages and communities first so they feel more comfortable in their environment.

Help them to embrace technology

Technology can be a beneficial tool for seniors to help them navigate (literally) life in general.

• Show them the value of apps that can help make life easier for them, such as Pill Monitor and MedWatcher.
• Teach them how to find their way around with Google Maps.
• They can also use technology to stay in contact with friends and family as well as meet new people.

Make sure they relax

Moving or changing lifestyles can be stressful. Helping your loved one find ways to cope with the stress of change could help them transition into independent living more quickly.

• Show them the value of doing a hobby to help distract them in a moment of anxiety or worry about the future.
• Try not to pressure your loved one to move faster than they’re ready to, as this can give them time to process the situation.
• Assure them that you are there for them whenever they need you. This can give them the confidence they need to thrive on their own.

Encouraging your loved one to be self-sufficient is one of the greatest gifts you can give to them as they learn to make do and rely on themselves day by day.

Senior News and Living has been supporting seniors in the Oklahoma City Metro area for nearly 20 years! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

The Mansion at Waterford Assisted Living Director of Sales and Marketing Sarah Ochoa welcomed the group of 56 Senior Business Solution colleagues to their networking luncheon on February 16. Emphasizing how their company recently purchased Glade Avenue Assisted Living and Glade Avenue South in Bethany, Ochoa spoke of the new, more affordable offerings for their metro area services there.
The Mansion at Waterford, undergoing renovations, shared its premium meeting space, their richly appointed dining room, for the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers.
“It is wonderful to see those who dedicate their lives to senior living congregating and building bonds,” said Jamie Spicer, regional director of sales and marketing.
The Mansion treated the networking group to one of the host’s amenities, a well-received lunch of loaded potatoes and a salad bar.
Many attendees were learning about the facility for the first time, as it was the first time the event had been there in the six years the SBS group has been getting together. During the hour-and-a-half meal and networking session many community peers met for the first time. For others, it was apparent they had been attending the networking luncheons for many years.
The meeting was a more personalized version of a monthly networking newsletter with information, announcements, and networking within the senior health and retirement industry.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background on 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. Some providers reported real-time availability for their care, housing options, and home care and hospice providers. Speakers covered various topics ranging from personnel issues to renovation offerings and help explaining Medicare to patients and clients.
The discussion often centered on getting calls from care managers or discharge planners from hospitals and rehabs. Some explained they were available to help them find a community with openings, who is full, who can offer space, and who can provide temp nurse slots.
Heath Pruitt, with Mobility City, explained that owner Guy Colbert was busy that day putting his engineering background to work assisting veterans, seniors, the injured and disabled with their needs for wheelchairs and scooters.
Darl DeVault said the group could lobby their elected representatives for better senior services in the state at the Monday, February 27, Senior Day at the Capitol. He said they could find an extensive description of the event in his article in February’s Senior News and Living issue.
Several speakers shared information about upcoming professional events. The guests were reminded of the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association’s role in Oklahoma and the many events OKALA stages each year.
Jessica Hogner invited everyone to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Committee Kickoff Party 6-7:30 p.m. March 7 at their offices. She emphasized that they will gladly conduct special events at their facilities to support the agenda and spark interest in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with the main ones in Tulsa and OKC.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care, housing options, and home care and hospice providers.
A radio station representative who primarily markets information emphasized the station strives to be a dependable senior community resource.
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.
Bill Muir, CSA and owner of Compass Senior Living Solutions could not attend because of family commitments. Knowing how important it is for executives addressing area aging agendas to network, he founded the monthly get-togethers six years ago. Networking is essential to his company, as it provides a free placement service giving personalized tours to some 55 senior communities in the area at every level of need.
Joe Forrest with Re/Max FIRST alerted those gathered to the financial conditions in the real estate market for those seniors seeking to sell their homes to move to senior centers. He has been helping seniors in Oklahoma for 25 years via ownership, operations and management of senior healthcare organizations. Forrest has worked in home healthcare services, independent and assisted living, and rehabilitation. He has been a realtor for the past 20 years.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to stay connected with their senior industry peers while building possible referral networks.

Vistit The Mansion at Waterford

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Following Major League Baseball’s early opening day by one day, the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark begins hosting 75 Oklahoma City Dodgers home games featuring more precision in calling balls and strikes, including the batter’s ability to challenge the call.
Opening Night in what is the 25th Anniversary of play at the ballpark is Friday, March 31, against the Tacoma Rainiers. The game features the first of 14 fireworks nights this season, including after each Friday game. The Anniversary will be celebrated the rest of the season during Tuesday through Sunday home stands, as the schedule is designed for Mondays off.
“This season commemorates another milestone for Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We plan to celebrate the facility’s 25th anniversary in various ways, including honoring the great players who have called it home and what it has meant to the story of Oklahoma City and Bricktown.”
Seniors with an appreciation for the game and Minor League Baseball can invest in hearing the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd to start the season by securing season and single-game tickets before they are gone. The Oklahoma City Dodgers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team is currently working through a plan to provide live-streaming video and audio of all home games for free using a mobile app.
Otherwise, it is Internet/radio where award-winning Dodgers’ sportscaster Alex Freedman delivers the play-by-play on AM 1340 “The Game” or through the iHeartRadio mobile app.
In his third season last year, Manager Travis Barbary led the OKC Dodgers to an 84-62 record, finishing one game shy of first place in the Pacific Coast League’s East Division. His team held a share of first place for 111 days during 2022. The team’s 84 wins were the second-most during the Bricktown era (since 1998). The team has finished second in its division the last two seasons.
The OKC Dodgers start their third season in the Triple-A West. Most of the games will be against teams in the East Division, including Albuquerque (Colorado Rockies), El Paso (San Diego Padres), Round Rock (Texas Rangers) and Sugar Land (Houston Astros). In addition to Salt Lake (Los Angeles Angels), the Dodgers will also host four other members of the West Division: Las Vegas (Oakland A’s), Reno (Arizona Diamondbacks), Sacramento (San Francisco Giants) and Tacoma (Seattle Mariners).
One example of the 25th Anniversary ballpark celebration is an OKC Dodgers hat giveaway to the first 1,000 fans Saturday, April 29.
Fan-friendly surroundings at the ballpark are a complete recipe for family fun. The venue offers amenities designed to entertain children of all ages. There is plenty of room for kids to play on playground structures and the grassy hillside, and kids can run the bases after each Sunday home game.
A new communal area is being constructed near the grass berm in right-center field, providing an additional spot for fans to socialize and watch the game.
The ballpark features an outdoor picnic area on the large concourse surrounding the outfield. The concourse runs around the entire facility allowing fans to walk around the park to see every angle of play from all the venue’s dimensions. Parents can attend to their restless little ones and still watch the game by showing them the pitchers warming up in both bullpens from the outfield concourse.
Many fans enjoy looking at Oklahoma’s baseball history portrayed on many murals around the concourse. The ballpark boasts bronze busts of Oklahoma stars and three larger-than-life bronze statues of Oklahoma’s National Baseball Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench and Warren Spahn.
Single-game tickets for the Dodgers’ 39 home games through June 25 are now available online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. Ticket prices range from $12-37. Group and season ticket packages are currently available for the entire 2023 season. Single-game tickets for July, August and September home games will go on sale in June. Call (405) 218-1000 for more information.

Story and photos by Eddie Roach, Contributing Writer

Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic will mark its one year anniversary with a Community Coffee sponsored by the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber followed by a ribbon cutting and Open House. The event is scheduled for March 23 at the clinic in the Edgewater Medical Center, 3705 NW 63rd St., Suite 101. Community Coffee will be from 8-9 a.m.
“This is a special opportunity to show the community what’s been accomplished in our first year serving patients,” said Tim Bales, CEO and Director of Business Development. “We appreciate the recognition from the Chamber and look forward to showcasing our first clinic – one of three now serving the metro.”
Nerve Renewal is a full-year into it’s plan to open multiple neuropathy clinics in the greater Oklahoma City area. Why so many? Bales said it’s important to have convenient locations and flexible hours because it’s difficult for many patients to travel far because of the persistent pain.
Nerve Renewal provides non-invasive treatments for neuropathy and nerve pain, providing relief from pain or tingling in the feet and hands. Conditions treated include peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy induced neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, phantom limb syndrome and post-surgical nerve pain.
The mission is to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through innovative nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief so that patients reclaim their joy, mobility, and freedom. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral, and treatments are covered by major insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid and the VA.
“Seniors want a larger role in their health care, and Nerve Renewal offers just that,” said Marilyn Olson, executive director of VillagesOKC, a nonprofit which promotes empowered independence and is a mentor to Nerve Renewal.
She said many older adults with neuropathy of the feet are prone to stumble and fall – and falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older.
“Many with neuropathy of the feet are prone to stumble and fall,” Olson said. “Every year, falls result in hospitalization of approximately 7,000 older adults and the death of more than 450 older adults in Oklahoma.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. Those who have peripheral neuropathy often experience pain, numbness, and weakness in their hands and feet. This can affect other things too, like walking or digestion. The cause of peripheral neuropathy can vary depending on the person, but it is most commonly caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or trauma to the nerve endings. Some people with this condition describe the pain as stabbing or burning sensations.
Studies show that 80% of patients experience a long-term reduction in pain without surgery or medication through the use of proven Electroanalgesia (EA) treatments provided by Nerve Renewal. The high-frequency energy blocks the pain signal in the injured part of the body, providing lasting relief with no recovery needed.
The treatment regimen is typically from 16 to 24 treatments. Therapy combines injections of pharmaceutical-grade nutrient blend with electroanalgesia to provide relief from symptoms.
In addition to the northwest location, Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics are located at 9821 S May Ave., Suite B, and 4019 N Flood Ave. in Norman. More locations are planned for the near future. https://nerverenewalnow.com/

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

The annual Friends of the Metro Library Booksale in February is growing as senior volunteers step up to face the challenge of a crowd so large that organizers needed to limit the number of shoppers allowed in the largest building at the same time.
The used book selection was the most extensive ever seen at the book sale, as was the number of shoppers. Fortunately, the “Better Books” section in the smaller building had no entry restrictions during the day. Thousands of book lovers lined up early on Saturday, February 25, well before the 9 a.m. opening in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds.
Heather Zeoli, Metro Library System director of development said, “This event is growing every year, and we are proud of our volunteers, including Ellen DeFehr, who is working at the back of this building today.”
It was undoubtedly a record crowd for Saturday, but estimating the number of shoppers at an event when the crowd never ends is difficult.
Many customers from out of state see the book sale as a do-not-miss event every year. In the crowd shopping the better books area, one senior customer said he had never missed a book sale. At the table for books by Oklahoma authors and books about Oklahoma, he was so excited that he was willing to brag about his good fortune this year.
John Carpenter, 68, was proud of what he found on offer this year. “I am buying a book written and autographed by Bobby Murcer (May 2008 autobiography, “Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes” published by HarperCollins),” Carpenter said in an interview. “Murcer was a Southeast High School baseball player who replaced another superstar Oklahoman, Mickey Mantle, in the New York Yankees outfield. It is amazing to buy this donated book in such great condition with his autograph. It is as amazing as finding his autographed 1966 rookie card, except this is from the end of his career in the limelight since he died only two months after it was published.”
Carpenter, a Choctaw resident and retired Oklahoma probation and parole officer, has become a well-known local yoga and spin teacher since retiring in 2011.
The sale’s popularity has led to a competitive atmosphere among shoppers, who know this is a once-a-year opportunity to find great deals on books and other media. Despite the frenzied atmosphere, the sale remains a favorite among book lovers and bargain hunters alike, offering a unique opportunity to discover new authors and titles while stocking up on beloved favorites.
Customers come to shop for various reasons. Some try to select bestsellers, classics, collectibles, and research books needed for school. Others seek to complete personal libraries in certain subjects, while parents strive to enhance their children’s reading exposure. The children’s section was swamped all day.
Providing a diverse selection of paperback and hardcover books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and more for every demographic of customers this year, the sale’s theme was “Books Bring Us Together.” The books featured many subjects—fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, biographies, medical, westerns, romance, children’s, encyclopedias, reference and foreign language books. Several thousand big print books were offered with the larger point-size fonts needed to make reading easier for those with weak eyesight.
Despite the vast number of books on offer, the sale is organized by many senior volunteers in a way that allows customers to navigate through the different sections of tables easily. The literary sale has become a special event in Oklahoma and beyond, offering book lovers a chance to discover new titles, expand their collections, and connect with like-minded individuals. The sale’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the written word. Its continued popularity was a testament to the passion and dedication of its volunteer organizers and supporters.
Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly. They went to great lengths to ensure that the thousands of books were well organized by subject and shoppers could easily find what they wanted. With so much on offer, getting lost in the sea of books could be easy, but the volunteers were always ready to help.
The sale raised money to support the Metropolitan Library System. In its 43-year run, the Friends had given more than $5 million in grants to the system.

A new luxury senior living brand has acquired Wickshire Senior Living to bring its unique model of resort-style accommodations to Norman.
Unlike traditional senior living facilities, Luxe Life offers an amenity-rich environment with spacious suites, a salon and spa, a wellness center, concierge services, personalized activities and restaurant-style dining with menus created by an on-site executive chef. There is also professional medical care, including memory and respite care, available for people who need it, as well as 24/7 access to nursing staff.
Luxe Life is the latest venture from Chicago-based Ignite Medical Resorts, which combines uncompromising luxury and rapid rehabilitation in a high-end setting. Ignite operates three locations in Oklahoma, one of which is adjacent to Luxe Life in Norman.
“Luxe Life is a natural extension of the Ignite brand,” said Tim Fields, the companies’ CEO and co-founder. “Whether someone is coming from one of our medical resorts or simply making an exciting lifestyle change, they’ll receive top-tier hospitality and expert service. It’s just like home — only better.”

The company recognizes the importance of a nutritious and delicious dining program, even inviting residents to join the culinary committee to suggest recipes. Happy hours will include delicious chef-driven cuisine and cocktails indoors or on the patio at Fireside Grille.
“Our Luxe Chef will whip up indulgences from around the world and can accommodate all allergies and specific dietary needs,” Fields said. “We’ll also offer chef demonstrations, culinary events, wine and cheese gatherings and catering for special occasions. By focusing on quality, fresh ingredients, residents will feel like they’re eating at a five-star restaurant every day.”
The company is currently renovating the facility to provide resort-style living, with a Luxe Café proudly brewing Starbucks coffee to open this summer. Renovations won’t disrupt resident life.
The facility is boutique-sized and intimate offering a limited number of suites. Suites are still available but filling up fast. To request a tour and secure your space, visit
https://www.luxelifeseniorliving.com/.
Luxe Life Senior Living allows residents to live life to the fullest and join a community with purpose. People can live at Luxe Life independently or with assistance, and memory care services and respite care are also available. The facility offers a full-service, amenity-rich environment with spacious suites, restaurant-style dining, concierge services, 24/7 access to nursing staff, a wellness center, a salon and spa and more. For additional information, visit https://www.luxelifeseniorliving.com/.