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.

From Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn [email protected]

With only a short visit to exciting towns, I like to stay in the mix, and within walking distance to its dining and attractions. Not having to rent a car at the airport has its advantages, and takes some of the stress out of vacationing. This is what I did when in Denver Colorado, by making my home base The Residence Inn by Marriot at 1725 Champa Street. As it turned out I was in the middle of the downtown dining action I would take in. It was only a block or two, to catch the 16th street hop on and off trolley, saving you steps and time. At this Residence Inn, with the amenities of breakfast and a friendly wait staff I could leisurely start my day, after a sound sleep the previous night. In a walkable downtown like Denver, and with its trolley service to popular areas, getting around was much easier and more congenial than driving in traffic, hunting for the locale, and then trying to secure parking. Plus walking in the mile high city is a great way to take in the altitude’s fresh air and work up a thirst. Of course this precludes snow falls, blizzards and subzero temps, which I was lucky enough to avoid for my November visit.
One venue not to be missed is the historic Brown Palace Hotel. You need not stay the night, but a moment or two in the elegant Atrium Lobby is a treat. Another treat is to avail yourself of the food, service and ambiance of the Palace Arms and Churchill Bar. Here old world style is a natural and only surpassed by the culinary delights served by the experienced staff. European antiques and period artwork decorates the expansive room and includes a set of dueling pistols said to have belonged to Napoleon. An informative self-guided tour booklet is available for your leisure.
And then there is the view from the Peaks Lounge on the 26th floor of the Hyatt Regency, on 14th and California streets , where they offer a variety of cocktails (martinis of course my favorite) along with light appetizers and views of the city and its horizon of mountains. It is quite a popular place and while the seating might not match up to the demand, it’s worth a try. I came for a sunset, which in November seemed almost to set earlier than when Peaks was to open at 4 pm, but I made myself the first to be seated and paused for the sunset. The only disappointment was that the end of the room where the sunset over the mountains could have been seen best was blocked off for a later private party. It was a shame for this brief Denver visitor, but the libation concoctions were both delightful and promptly served. I do so dislike ordering an ice berg (frost on the pond) martini to have it set at the bar and warm up.
The hard to get in, Green Russell underground bar in a speak-easy style bar, was a bit of a disappointment to my expectations. It was very much in demand, and my reservation was accepted, but with a bit of aloofness. What is amazing here is that the bartenders take their time and carve a block of ice into a globe for your drink. I was told it is to get the most chill for the drink without diluting it. I think it might also fill the glass so much so, that there is less drink in the drink. They have rules of no cell phones (great) and no standing, so you must reserve a table or place at the bar as I did. The Martini I had was exotically mixed with fresh herbs and press to order juices. So don’t be in a hurry. If you don’t like crowds in small places, this might not be your bar.
For an atmosphere of the old world try the art deco of The Cruise Room, Denver’s original Martini Bar, in the 1891 Oxford Hotel near the Union train station. Venture into their imaginative appetizers while holding your Martini glass high and paying homage to another age. Under the 1933 art deco panels, inspired by the Queen Mary ship, you may toast your good taste in art and atmosphere with a White Cosmopolitan of Finlandia Raspberry Vodka, Cointreau, Lime and fresh white cranberry juice and follow it with a Bond 007 of Stoli Vodka, Bombay Gin with olive or Lemon twist, as I did. The Cruise Room won the prestigious Miami Art Deco Award in 1983, and might win your praises too.
You’d think you might not be able to see straight from your weekend of libation sampling during your short downtown Denver visit. But after moderation, I suggest you see the Denver Art Museum with a current exhibition to accompany their permanent collection. With a bit of planning you too can take in the best of downtown Denver in a short weekend; be it art, Larimer Square shopping or gourmet dining.
Before you go check out:
https://www.denver.org, https://www.brownpalace.com, https://residence-inn.marriott.com, https://www.theoxfordhotel.com, http://www.partybusboulder.com, https://www.larimersquare.com

Physician-scientist Rod McEver, M.D., who returned to the place of his high school internship and became one of the state’s preeminent scientists, retired Monday following a 35-year career at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
McEver, a graduate of Oklahoma City’s John Marshall High School, first came to OMRF as a Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar at age 17. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and attended medical school at the University of Chicago before returning to OMRF to open his lab in 1987.
The hematologist and cardiovascular biologist served the foundation as a principal investigator, program chair and, since 2016, as its vice president of research. He will continue to support OMRF in an emeritus role as a Distinguished Career Scientist.
“I can think of no one who better personifies OMRF’s mission than Dr. Rod McEver,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “Not only has his work made a difference for patients worldwide, but he has been an incredible mentor to hundreds of scientists. He is who we all aspire to be.”
McEver’s pioneering work with blood cells led to his discovery of P-selectin, a molecule that plays a crucial role in inflammation and blood clotting. That discovery ultimately gave birth to the first FDA-approved treatment for the pain crises in sickle cell disease. The condition affects an estimated 100,000 Americans and 5 million people worldwide.
Succeeding McEver as vice president of research is OMRF scientist Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., who holds the foundation’s Scott Zarrow Chair in Biomedical Research. Her lab studies blood vessel development and its connection to disease and good health. She joined OMRF in 2008.
Griffin served as scientific director for the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research from 2019 to 2023 and is an adjunct professor of cell biology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She earned her doctorate at the University of California, San Francisco, following her bachelor’s degree at Harvard University.
“Dr. McEver’s mentorship over the last 15 years has been critical to my development as a thoughtful researcher and leader,” said Griffin. “He is the ultimate model of a scientific leader, and I am grateful for how he’s prepared me for this new role.”

FEMA recently announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm from Dec. 21-25, 2022.
Federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.
Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if requested and warranted by the results of further assessments.

INTEGRIS Health is looking for both sponsors and teams to play in its inaugural Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, April 15 at Chicken N Pickle in Oklahoma City!
The tournament will bring together true pickleball competitors, those who play for fun and even those trying the sport for the very first time.
But the event is about more than just fun and games. It is an official fundraiser to help support the life-changing services provided at the INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery.
The facility is Oklahoma’s most advanced state-of-the-art addiction, mental health and trauma treatment center in Edmond, offering a full continuum of care to include both inpatient and outpatient services for adults 18 and older.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15 at Chicken N Pickle, located at 8400 N. Oklahoma Ave. in Oklahoma City.
There are several opportunities to sponsor, play or both! However, there are limited spots available to play, so act fast before the bracket is full. The deadline to sponsor and be included in printed materials is Wednesday, March 15. Attached is a sponsorship form, or you can register online at https://www.integrisgiving.org/pickleball.

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.