By Marise Boehs

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Their main focus is to support the research of bright scientists across the country whose ideas can make the greatest impact for children fighting cancer.

They also fund resources and programs that help kids and families as they  navigate the difficult experience of cancer treatment and survivorship.

In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck, from Minnesota, was nearing the end of her 16-month battle with leukemia. Before she died, Katie asked that the money she’d been saving for a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund at the University of Minnesota called Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). With that seed of support from Katie and her family, CCRF has grown to contribute over $200 million in funding of nationwide research, education and quality of life programs for children with cancer.

Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike, so now we ride to realize her dream of a world without childhood  cancer. Since the first Great Cycle  Challenge event in 2015, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 33,817,103 miles, and together we’ve raised $72,646,876 in support of research to develop better treatments and carry-on Katie’s legacy.

To ensure fundraising efforts have the greatest impact, GCC HAS chosen to focus research funding on three main areas:

Hard-to-Treat Diseases. Our goal is to help researchers develop safer, more effective treatment options for cancer where survival rates remain low or haven’t improved in decades.

Survivorship. The battle isn’t over when cancer is gone – so we fund research that aims to give every survivor of childhood cancer a long, healthy life after treatment.  Eliminating Health Disparities. Children from racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to survive cancer. We’re funding research that identifies the root cause of these disparities and builds interventions to eliminate them.

15,700 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 1 in 5 of those will not survive. Thankfully, we know that funding research can significantly impact survival rates and save lives. But we still have work to do to ensure that every child diagnosed with cancer can live a happy and healthy life. Here are some key reasons why we’re riding together this September to fight kids’ cancer.

• About 1 in 285 children will develop     cancer before the age of 20.
• Cancer remains the most common cause      of death by disease among children in the United States.
• More than 95% of childhood cancer survivors will have a significant health issue related to their cancer or treatment by the time they are 45 years old.
• All funds raised go to support the work of Children’s Cancer Research Fund, a national nonprofit that funds researchers whose ideas are making the greatest impact for kids fighting cancer.
We also provide resources and programs that help kids and families as they  navigate the difficult experience of cancer treatment and survivorship.
Rider’s support allows GCC to continue to work to fight kids’ cancer and give kids the brighter futures they deserve.

Donate online at:
www.greatcyclechallenge.com

AUTHOR’S NOTE
This is my 9th year to participate in Great Cycle Challenge. Each year I have pledged to ride 300 miles and raise $500. Some years I did, some I exceeded and some I failed both on miles and dollars.

Sometimes I say I’m not going to do it again next year, but when the email comes in saying it’s time to sign up – well, actually they assume the sale and say “Thank you for being a Champion” and what size jersey do you need – I participate again.

I am fortunate to have good health and resources that others don’t, so it seems the very least I can do.
Ride my bike and ask for donations.

I will do my best to ride 300 miles in September (that’s 10 miles a day BTW)
and if you could possibly have a couple extra dollars to help kid’s cancer research I would very much appreciate your kindness.
Log on to:
www.greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/MariseBoehs

PS. There are a great number of riders in the Metro area – maybe one of your neighbors even. Find them all on the  GCC website.

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the early signs and symptoms of diabetes? I’m 60 years old, and in pretty good shape, but was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What did I miss? Diabetic Dan

Dear Dan,
The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be so mild that many people miss them. That’s why testing is so important. Here’s what you should know.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 38 million Americans have diabetes today, and another 97 million have prediabetes, but many of them don’t even know they have it.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that develops slowly over decades. Most people have prediabetes for a long time before the disease becomes full-blown diabetes, and even then, it progresses gradually.
Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. This excess blood sugar damages blood vessels and affects circulation, putting you at risk for a host of ailments, from heart attack and stroke to blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
Signs and Symptoms
So how can you tell if you have diabetes? The earliest signs, which are usually subtle, including urinating more frequently (often at night), being thirster and hungrier than usual, weight loss without trying, feeling very tired, having dry itchy skin and blurry vision.
And the symptoms that can indicate advanced diabetes and long-term damage has occurred includes cuts or sores that heal slowly, having more infections than usual, and pain or numbness in your feet or legs.
Who Should Get Tested?
Because prediabetes typically causes no outward symptoms, and the signs of early type 2 diabetes can easily be missed, the only way to know for sure if you have it is to get a blood test.
Everyone age 45 years or older should consider getting tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) above 25. See https://www.cdc.gov/bmi to calculate your BMI.
If you are younger than 45 but are overweight, or have high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes, or belong to an ethnic group (Latino, Asian, African or Native American) at high risk for diabetes, you should get checked too.
To help you determine your risk for diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a quick, online risk test you can take for free at https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test.
Diabetes Tests
There are three different tests your doctor can give you to diagnosis diabetes. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eight-hour fast before you take it. There’s also the “oral glucose tolerance test” to see how your body processes sugar, and the “hemoglobin A1C test” that measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. It can be taken anytime regardless of when you ate.
Most private health insurance plans and Medicare cover diabetes tests, however, if you’re reluctant to visit your doctor to get tested, an alternative is to go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter and test yourself at home. They cost around $20.
If you find that you are prediabetic or diabetic, you need to see your doctor to develop a plan to get it under control. In many cases lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on carbohydrates may be all you need to do to get your diabetes under control. For others who need more help, many medications are available.
For more information on diabetes and prediabetes or to find help, join a lifestyle change program recognized by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention). These programs offer in-person and online classes in more than 1,500 locations throughout the U.S.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

By Nick Thomas

With a catchy melody, simple lyrics, and an unforgettable repetitive chorus, Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him” possessed all the ingredients to create a classic 60s hit. And it did. Released in early 1963 and showcasing the singer’s impressively mature 14-year-old vocals, Little Peggy March’s song soared up the Billboard Hot 100 chart in just 3 months to reach the Number 1 spot.
Since then, she’s performed the song thousands of times and today remains especially popular in Europe.
“I was in school when I signed with RCA,” recalled March in a Zoom interview from Marburg, Germany, where she spends several weeks each year when not in Florida. “They sent me all over the world to promote the record which became hugely popular in Germany. The country essentially adopted me and I’ve been part of the German recording industry ever since.”
Just exactly when she first performed the song live in public remains a bit hazy. “Probably at one of the record hops I was doing,” she said, “In the 60s, a lot of high schools had dances and I would do those occasionally as a way to promote the record.” But she does recall the original studio recording and initially not being keen on the song.
“When I walked into my producers’ office, they played it and said, ‘Peggy this is your next hit,’” she recalled. “My sister remembers vividly that I didn’t like the song because it was too repetitive. But I was clearly wrong! We all know now that is its great hook”
However, there was a time when she almost left the business. “I was very young when I started – 14 when I recorded the song and 15 by the time it went to Number 1,” she said. “By my early 20s, I was tired of being on the road and really didn’t think I wanted to do this anymore. But, I got over it!”
Although March followed her big hit with other singles and continued to have modest chart appearances in the U.S. with songs such as “Hello Heartache, Goodbye Love,” she could never recapture the commercial success of her first hit. Today, however, at 76, she still travels the world cranking out her popular tune to enthusiastic audiences.
In 2013, exactly 50 years after the release of her 1963 hit on January 22, she even recorded an anniversary video of “I Will Follow Him” in Holland, her voice just as strong and perhaps even richer than her youthful rendition.
“We updated the original to make it a little more interesting, but didn’t want to change too much,” she explained. “It was one of the shortest songs I’ve ever recorded, around two and a half minutes, so we made the new version a little longer. Instrumentally it’s pretty much the same except there’s a key change, but I really like it.”
(Portions of the author’s interview originally appeared in Florida Currents magazine in 2022).

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See
https://www.getnickt.org.

Story and Photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Did someone mention talent? There’s certainly no shortage in Oklahoma, especially among the seniors involved in the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret. These gifted individuals bring a wealth of experience to the stage, guided by the dedicated and dynamic Director, Joan Colee, who has lived an incredible, active and remarkable life. Born in Litchfield, Illinois, Joan discovered her passion for singing at a very young age. Reflecting on her early years, Joan fondly recalls, “I fell in love with singing when I was just eight years old. One day, my dad came home and heard me singing my heart out while I was in the bathtub. He couldn’t believe how much I was pouring my soul into those songs.” Joan has been singing ever since that memorable moment, her love for music growing stronger over the years. Her journey marked a true dedication to her talents inspiring countless others to find their own voices and share them with the world. Joan’s story is a testament to the power of passion and the joy that comes from embracing one’s talent.
Joan’s academic achievements are as remarkable as her professional ones. She holds a Bachelors of Music and a Masters in Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University, highlighting her dedication to her education and talent.
Joan spent an impressive 20 years in Hollywood/Los Angeles where she made a significant impact on the entertainment industry from her Brentwood Vocal Studio. During her time there, she dedicated herself to teaching many of the new and up-coming entertainers the art of singing. When in college, Joan sang with Bob Hope in a show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has performed with Zia Padora, Kaye Ballard, Carol Arthur DeLuise and Adrian Zmed just to mention a few. Joan had quite a few students that went on to shine in the Hollywood spotlight.
Her influence played a significant role in shaping some of the stars we have today. Despite her busy schedule and number of commitments, Joan never stopped pursuing her own passions. At the age of 83, she demonstrated her extraordinary talents on the national television show, America’s Got Talent. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular showcasing her operatic singing skills along side her impressive tap dancing.
Having experience with The Follies in Palm Springs, California was a transforming experience for Joan, inspiring her to create something similar back home. The energy and joy she witnessed among her fellow performers planted the seed for a new idea; founding the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret. Joan recognized that seniors often lacked opportunities to stay active and engaged in their later years, and she saw a chance to make a difference. Her vision was to provide a creative outlet that would not only entertain but also motivate seniors to stay mobile, healthy, and socially connected. Driven by this mission Joan set out to bring her ideal to life. In 2008, she began holding auditions, reaching out to the senior community and inviting them to showcase their talents. The response was overwhelming positive, with many seniors eager to participate and share their love for performing. With a dedicated group of talented individuals, the Oklahoma Seniors’ Cabaret quickly became vibrant and supportive community where seniors could express themselves, form lasting friendships, and continue to live active, fulfilling lives. Joan’s vision has become a reality, creating a space where the performing arts could thrive and seniors could rediscover their passion and purpose.
This group takes great pride in being a nonprofit charitable organization, with all profits from the cabaret donated to the John W. Keys Hearing Center at the University of Oklahoma. These funds are used to help seniors obtain hearing aids, making a meaningful impact in their lives. What makes our group even more special is that none of the Cabaret members are paid for their time and talent. Our members, who are 55 and older, volunteer to sing, dance, act and play instruments purely out of passion and a desire to give back. We offer classes for seniors who are interested in learning to tap, dance, sing, or act, providing an opportunity to stay active, learn new skills and join fellow performers.
We are always looking for enthusiastic seniors who want to keep their energy up and their spirits high. Joining us gives you the opportunity to participate in the performing arts, have fun, adding some pep to your step! Come join the Oklahoma Senior’s Cabaret! Call (405) 840-1242 for more information.

By Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC Executive Director

With summer activities winding down, VillagesOKC has announced its fall schedule of workshops at the Mitch Park YMCA in Edmond. The lineup includes monthly Senior LifeSkills Learning sessions along with iPhone Tips & Tricks classes from September through October.
“We are so excited to bring our monthly events back to Edmond,” said VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson. “These are programs by local professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and caring.”
Here are the dates and topics for the Senior LifeSkills Learning workshops which are free and open to all:
• September 18 – Brain Balancing with Chris Coleman, a Senior Wellness Coach.
• October 23 – Think Your Way to Health with Susan Radcliffe, RN.
• November 13 – Understanding Back Pain & Natural Treatment Methods with Dan Prince, DC.
Here are the dates topics for the iPhone Tips & Tricks classes with Jeff Albright, an in-home Apple trainer and troubleshooter. He is an expert with over 17 years of experience. His goal: “Help you gain confidence with your Apple devices, keep your kids safe online, and overcome tech hurdles.”
The 90-minute iPhone classes are free for VillagesOKC members and cost $20 for non-members. Here are the dates and topics:
• September 25 – Music on iPhone.
• October 30 – Taking Notes on iPhone.
• November 20 – Connecting with Loved Ones on iPhone.
All workshops are from 1-2:30 pm at the Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Dr. in Edmond. Preregistration is required by going to the VillagesOKC calendar
(https://LoveYourAge.org) or by calling (405) 990-6637

Story and photos by Marise Boehs

The mission of Healthy Living Norman is to promote the health and well-being of adults aged 50 and older by providing opportunities for physical activity, social engagement, and lifelong learning at the Adult Wellness and Education Center.

Healthy Living Norman uses a six-dimensional model of wellness that includes emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and occupational factors. The goal of the wellness center is to embody and provide programs under one roof to improve the quality of life for adults 50 and above in the Norman community. The 32,000-square-foot facility serves as a hub of wellness activities.

To better educate the community and showcase this new facility, they held an open house on Saturday, July 13th.

“We have been open 8 months today,” said Katherine Leidy, Healthy Living Norman Branch Manager. “We have done some fun things and have more activities planned – more dances which have been a huge attraction. We have pickleball and billiards. The pool always has fun things happening.”

“Membership is $35 a month. But we do have a sliding scale for those with lower incomes. We also accept Silver Sneakers and Renew Active, which cover the monthly membership fee,” Leidy explained.

Membership includes access to the gym and pool as well as all activities and classes. While some classes may have a fee for materials, entry is included.

A 1st Annual Wellness Expo will be held on Saturday, August 17th. It is free and open to the public. This event is meant to encourage healthy lifestyles for people 50+ with demos, samples, and information about healthy lifestyles from various vendors.

They are planning a group trip to England, Scotland, and Wales in October. For more information check out their website at www.healthylivingnorman.com.

The website also has all Programs and Class Schedules available at the Center.

This is an awesome new center geared to 50+ persons to encourage  health, wellness and camaraderie. If you want to just check it out they have a day pass for $10.

Center Amenities
Warm Indoor
Saltwater Pool
Demonstration Kitchen
Fitness Center
Land and Water
Fitness Classes
Health Screenings
Seminars and Events
Billiards
Indoor Walking Track
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Fireplace and Lounge Area
Small Gathering Spaces
Art and Educational Classes

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

At the age of 90, Al Postelwait is well known and a beloved resident of Tealridge Retirement

Community in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he has been a resident for three and half years. Known for his gentle demeanor and dedication to helping others, Al has touched the hearts of many in the community. His upcoming 90th birthday was a highly anticipated event and the entire center was excited to celebrate such a remarkable milestone. The staff planned a grand celebration in honor of Al. The day would include a birthday party and a ‘surprise geese release.’
As I introduced myself to Al, he told me a little about himself. “I was born in the small town of Radeltt, Texas, a small farm town. It was a place where hard work was respected and family bonds were strong. After high school, I had a long career working for Olin and Mobil Chemical with the fertilizer division. I attended Oklahoma State University, where I earned my masters in Agriculture.”
“In February 1957, I was stationed in Brunswick, Maine as a Navy commissioned officer, serving as a navigator of seaplanes, patrol planes and search and rescue planes. I was the navigator and I never got lost and that was definitely a good thing,” Al said, laughing. “These were the old World War II-era planes, propeller planes, not jets. During my military service, I was assigned to various locations. I was assigned to Malta, Spain, Iceland, Guantanamo Bay and Bermuda, spending a lot of time away from home. I also served as a navigator during the Cuban Missile Crisis which was a significant part of my career.”
Al enjoys living at Tealridge, finding it to be the perfect place for his needs and desires. His room overlooks a beautiful pond with ducks and geese, which he watches everyday through his large picture window. There are a few benches by the pond, where it’s common to see residents feeding the ducks and geese.
About three months ago, Al and his friends were sitting on a bench close to the pond when a gaggle of Canadian geese walked by. Al noticed one goose had a bad leg and was hopping to keep up with the others. He began calling the goose Hop-a-long. The injured goose struggled to cover even half the distance of the others. Al reported the injured goose to the staff, who contacted Wildcare Oklahoma, an organization dedicated to rescuing native wildlife and providing medical care and rehabilitation. They came out, caught the goose and assured everyone that it would be well taken care of.
Signs about Al’s birthday were posted throughout Tealridge and the residents began walking down the hallways, ready for the birthday party. As they entered the room, they were greeted by Al’s three daughters. Al was the center of attention, receiving congratulations, hugs and handshakes. The room was decorated with balloons and streamers as family and friends gathered to wish him a happy birthday. Cake, ice cream and cookies were served as one of his friends played ‘Happy Birthday’ on the piano. Little did Al know, the staff had another surprise waiting for him. With the help of Wildcare Oklahoma, today was going to be special. Hop-a-long was ready to be released on this special day.
As the birthday party was winding down, an announcement was made:
“Al, we have a special surprise for you. Do you remember about three months ago, you told us about the goose that had a hurt leg? Wildcare Oklahoma restored him back to health and now, Hop-a-long is ready to be released!”
“I was excited as my friends and I made our way towards the pond. There was a cage with a cloth over it, and as I got closer, I could see four geese inside. The cage was opened and out waddled Hop-a-long, with three new friends. It was quite a surprise to see the injured goose home again.”
“Today, I still take great pleasure in watching the ducks and geese land on the pond, flapping their wings back and forth. Each descent reminds me of a seaplane gliding smoothly onto the water. While I can’t always distinguish one goose from another, I like to imagine Hop-a-long is among them, adding a bit of joy to the onlookers. The water and the soothing motions of the birds bring a sense of peace and contentment to my day. I’m not sure which goose is which, but I have a feeling, Hop-a-long must be there somewhere. I like to think so.”
Al Postelwait is a devoted father and grandfather who shared a wonderful 60-year marriage with his beautiful wife, Carole. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he served as a commissioned officer and navigator, always maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. He walks daily, attends exercise classes with 5-10 pound weights, and enjoys his weekly Bible study sessions. Additionally, he finds joy in working puzzles and watching the ducks and geese at Tealridge Retirement Community.
Happy Birthday Dad,
Dad taught us three girls to be independent and able to take care of ourselves during a time when most dads weren’t doing that. He was a ‘girl dad’ before being a girl dad was hip. He was steady, reliable, loving and caring. When our mom started suffering from dementia, he cared for her so well over the years that we didn’t even realize the extent of her illness. He was exemplified loving someone in a patient and unselfish way. Love, Lisa, Lora and Cara

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Many Oklahomans are still planning to hit the road for a vacation before summer ends. Nothing can ruin your fun like having to cancel a trip, getting hurt while away from home or returning to a costly incident at your house. Fortunately, different types of insurance can help in the situations I just described. Whether planning an expedition overseas or just a quick weekend trip to the lake, let’s talk about insurance before you take off.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance encompasses several categories of policies like trip cancellation, travel medical, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, baggage loss and cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies. These coverages can help reimburse the cost of a trip you cancel, pay for medical emergencies while traveling and cover the cost of lost baggage and personal items. A good way to determine your travel insurance needs is to consider the cost of your trip, the duration of your journey, how far away you will be traveling, if you’re going abroad and which kinds of activities you will be doing. For example, you probably won’t need travel insurance for a trip to grandma’s house two hours away. You will, however, want to consider it if you’re going on a hiking trip in the Himalayas.
Health Insurance
If you’re traveling domestically, your health insurance policy might cover emergency care in other states while you’re away. Some plans may permit you to see out-of-state healthcare providers for any reason if they are in your carrier’s network. Check with your insurance company and your specific coverages to see what is allowed.
Homeowners Insurance
While you’re away, you’ll want to ensure your homeowners or renters policy is in force in case of property damage, loss or theft. Read your declarations page attached to your policy to see the type of coverage, like actual cash value or replacement cost, and your endorsements like earthquake or additional jewelry coverage. On some policies, protections like personal liability will follow the homeowner, which is helpful if you stay with a friend or family member.
Auto Insurance
Similarly, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate coverage on your vehicle. If you’re leaving it at home in your garage, parking at the airport or driving across the country, be prepared in case of damage or theft. Additionally, if you plan on renting a car, your auto insurance policy may cover you. You can find out by contacting your agent or carrier directly. Some credit card programs include rental car coverage as a benefit and can help pay for a claim on the rental after your insurance or purchased rental car insurance kicks in.
Summer is the time to have fun and travel, but the last thing you want to deal with is not having enough insurance coverage to meet your needs. If you have any questions about insurance, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) at 800-522-0071 or visit https://www.oid.ok.gov. Happy and safe travels!

Senior Citizens’ Events at the Metropolitan Library System

Tai Chi for Better Balance Learn Tai Chi to help reduce the risk of falling, increase balance, and improve flexibility. This six-week class offers a series of slow, continuous movements. • Aug. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 10 a.m. at Warr Acres Library

Tai Chi for Better Movement Bethany Library offers an eight-week Tai Chi class for seniors, promoting balance, flexibility, and overall well-being through gentle, continuous movements suitable for all fitness levels. • Aug. 3, 10, 17, and 31, 9:30 a.m. at Bethany Library

Total Wellness Total Wellness is a free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department designed to help adults prevent diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity. • Aug. 6 and 13, 5:15 p.m. at Midwest City Library • Aug. 7 and 14. 5:15 p.m. at Bethany Library

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement, and improve daily living activities. Includes chair exercises. • Aug. 19, 21, 26, and 28, 10 a.m. at the Village Library • Aug. 21 and 28, 10 a.m. at Choctaw Library

Alzheimer’s Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group offers a supportive community for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, providing comfort, practical advice, and a safe space to share experiences. • Aug. 27, 6 p.m. at Bethany Library

August Adventures: State Fair Fun and Back-to-School Excitement at Your Library

As the new school year approaches, the Metropolitan Library System invites guests of all ages to enjoy various events across its 19 locations. Explore the highlights below and visit:
https://www.metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming for more details.

Back to School Preparation Prepare for the school year with the Metropolitan Library System’s digital resources, including Creativebug for arts and crafts, Fiero Code for coding lessons, and HelpNow for live tutoring. Explore LearningExpress Library for practice tests, LinkedIn Learning for business and tech courses, and Tumblebooks for interactive children’s reading. Visit metrolibrary.org for more details on these resources and upcoming events! • Back to School Kit: Available throughout August at Choctaw Library, includes essential school supplies. • Educators Reception: August 5, 2:30 PM at Almonte Library, offering tours of the new library and Makerspace. • Back to School Slime Time: August 15, 4 PM at Bethany Library, a hands-on slime-making activity. • Web Developer Bootcamp: Learn CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and more at Choctaw Library every Thursday in August at 7 PM.

Metro Grows: Gardening for All Ages
Our Metro Grows Program returns with expanded tool lending at 12 locations and discovery backpacks for children. Join us for these upcoming gardening events: • Organic Pest Management: August 6, 3 PM at Bethany Library. • Fall Beginner Gardening: August 6, 6 PM at Del City Library and August 26, 6PM at Choctaw Library. • Tea Making: August 6, 6:30 PM at Jones Library; August 17, 11 AM at Northwest Library; August 20, 6 PM at Bethany Library. • Natural Dyes for Kids: August 7, 3PM at Jones Library; August 9, 10 AM at Choctaw Library; August 10, 11 AM at Village Library; August 14, 4 PM at Ralph Ellison Library; August 24, 2 PM at Southern Oaks Library; August 26, 1 PM at Almonte Library. • Fall Budget Gardening for Kids: August 10, 10:30 AM at Luther Library; August 19, 4:30 PM at Midwest City Library; August 20, 4 PM at Northwest Library; August 24, 10 AM at Warr Acres Library. • Planning Your Fall Garden: August 13, 6:30 PM at Luther Library; August 28, 6 PM at Midwest City Library.

LitFest Returns Join us for the 7th Annual LitFest at the Downtown OKC Library on August 17 from 10 AM to 4 PM featuring sessions on AI and writing, publishing, romance, dialogue writing, children’s books, Oklahoma folklore, comics, and more, including a critique partner speed workshop.

State Fair Fun at Your Library
Join us for “Go Again! With the State Fair of Oklahoma” with themed programming at all locations starting August 26. Activities include crafting state fair-themed souvenirs inspired by historical photographs and programs from the library’s archives. Each library will feature different activities, and guests can enter a raffle for a chance to win a four-pack of State Fair tickets. Raffle entries close on September 6. • Featured Take-Home Kits in August: • State Fair Pennant Kit: Begins August 26 at Del City Library. Teens and adults can create personalized pennants with materials inspired by historical State Fair souvenirs from the 1930s. This kit includes a felt pennant, ties, logo and year, and puff paint. All recipients will be entered into a raffle for State Fair tickets. • Miniature State Fair Food Kit: Available starting August 27 at Wright Library. Enjoy crafting miniature versions of your favorite State Fair foods.

Dear Savvy Senior, If my mother needs to move into a nursing home, what are the eligibility requirements to get Medicaid coverage?
Caretaking Son

Dear Caretaking,
The rules and requirements for Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care are complicated and will vary according to the state your mother lives in. With that said, here’s a general, simplified rundown of what it takes to qualify.
Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid, the joint federal and state program that covers health care for the poor, is also the largest single payer of America’s nursing home bills for seniors who don’t have the resources to pay for their own care. (Note that some states have different names for their Medicaid program.)
Most people who enter nursing homes don’t qualify for Medicaid at first but pay for care either through long-term care insurance or out-of-pocket until they deplete their savings and become eligible for Medicaid.
To qualify for Medicaid, your mother’s income and assets will need to be under a certain level that’s determined by your state. Most states (except California) require that a single person have no more than about $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for a married couple) that includes cash, savings, investments or other financial resources that can be turned into cash.
Assets that aren’t counted for eligibility include your mother’s home if it’s valued under $713,000 (this limit is higher – up to $1,071,000 – in some states), her personal possessions and household goods, one vehicle, prepaid funeral plans and a small amount of life insurance.
But be aware that while her home is not considered a countable asset to determine eligibility, if she can’t return home, Medicaid can go after the proceeds of her house to help reimburse her nursing home costs, unless a spouse or other dependent relative lives there. (There are some other exceptions to this rule.)
After qualifying, all sources of your mother’s income such as Social Security and pension checks must be turned over to Medicaid to pay for her care, except for a small personal needs allowance – usually between $30 and $160.
You also need to be aware that your mother can’t give away her assets to qualify for Medicaid faster. Medicaid officials will look at their financial records going back five years (except in California which has a 30-month look-back rule) to root out suspicious asset transfers. If they find one, her Medicaid coverage will be delayed a certain length of time, according to a formula that divides the transfer amount by the average monthly cost of nursing home care in their state.
So, for example, if your mom lives in a state where the average monthly nursing home cost is $8,000 and she gave away cash or other assets worth $160,000, she would be ineligible for benefits for 20 months ($160,000 divided by $8,000 = 20).
Spousal Protection
Medicaid also has special rules (known as the community spouse resource allowance) for married couples when one spouse enters a nursing home, and the other spouse remains at home. In these cases, the healthy spouse can keep one half of the couple’s assets up to $154,140 (this amount varies by state), the family home, all the furniture and household goods and one automobile. The healthy spouse is also entitled to keep a portion of the couple’s monthly income – between $2,465 and $3,854. Any income above that goes toward the cost of the nursing home recipient’s care.
What about Medicare?
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities, does not pay for long-term care. It only helps pay up to 100 days of rehabilitative nursing home care, which must occur after a three-day hospital stay.
For more information, contact your state Medicaid office. You can also get help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see ShipHelp.org), which provides free counseling on Medicare and Medicaid issues.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.