Story by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

One of the state’s most family-oriented organized bicycle rides began on a clear morning after rain overnight Sunday, September 11, at Mitch Park, in Edmond. The event is one of the few in the state that allows seniors to ride with their grandkids over 12 years of age in what many term a Grand Event.
The ride offered 27, 40 and 64-mile courses starting in the 280-acre park. The Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak has evolved into a family event using one of Edmond’s premier parks as a base. Edmond’s Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant provided all registered riders a free lunch after the ride.
The ride was moved back to its normal September date because organizers moved it forward last year to avoid conflict with the Red Bud Classic bike ride that had moved later because of COVID-19.
Organizers emphasized the Streak is not a race, and they were proud the ride was back to being later in the year when it was cooler temperatures. Riders could check their names against the posting of the lucky registered riders winning the 15 door prizes offered by local sponsors.
Again, the ride has been going on for so long that seniors have come to see it as an opportunity to help introduce their grandkids to an organized ride. Adult riders accompanied youth riders (ages 12-18).
Multiple rest stops with restrooms were open until 1 p.m. on the hilly 100K, 40- and 25-mile routes. The ride had not used the hilly courses in 15 years, taking the riders east of Edmond into the hills. The previous course, much flatter, went west around Piedmont.
“The course this year is not my idea of a family-friendly ride, which is how they market the Streak,” said longtime area rider Larry Floyd of Oklahoma City. “It was almost all uphill or downhill, and the road surface was like cobblestone in the parts of the course. The old route west toward Piedmont was much more fun and family-friendly.”
Ample fluids and snack foods were available at the rest stops. Several local bicycle shops and volunteers provided SAG (Support and Gear) support.
The first 250 riders received event T-shirts, with more than 260 people riding that morning.
Proceeds from the OBS Streak supply helmets for kids who receive bikes from the Salvation Army Buck$ 4 Bikes program for Christmas.
The OBS is a not-for-profit group dedicated to the promotion of bicycle safety. It supports bicycling in all its forms and the furtherance of the sport by defending the rights of bicyclists. The OBS is active in working with the city, county and state governments as well as other organizations to improve cyclists’ safety and rights and promote the construction of recreational trails and designated bike paths on streets and roads.
OBS organizes weekly rides all year for riders of all levels. See their website for more information about their activities: okcbike.org.
For the latest news on the club activities, upcoming rides throughout the state, and to further the enjoyment of bicycling, the club has an online monthly newsletter, The Pathfinder, available on the website. The club asks seniors to consider joining the OBS to learn more about how to help keep bicycling safe.

Oct. 1 will be a busy day for thousands of “stick-and-string” hunters in Oklahoma. That Saturday is when several archery hunting seasons will open across the state. Those seasons are:
* Deer archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Elk archery, on private lands through Jan. 15, 2023 (or until quota is met).
* Black bear archery, running through Oct. 16.
* Fall turkey archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Pronghorn antelope archery, running through Oct. 14.
The popularity of archery hunting continues to grow in Oklahoma. For the third year in a row, archery deer hunters set a record with 36,522 deer taken, which accounted for 31 percent of all deer harvested in the state last year.
The annual Game Harvest Survey (GHS), a scientific survey conducted by the Wildlife Department, has been tracking hunter metrics for decades. The GHS estimated that 117,216 archers took to the field this past season with a deer license in hand.
“Another off-season has come and gone. Big game hunters will be heading back to the woods come October 1st and have a lot to look forward to,” said Dallas Barber, Big Game Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Populations are in good shape even amid the drought conditions that plagued much of the state during the summer. These first few weeks can be tough due to warm conditions, so archery hunters might place more effort in that first and last hour of legal shooting light.”
Barber said the early season is an ideal time to capitalize on antlerless deer opportunities. Why not fill the freezer before focusing on bagging that big buck?
According to the 2021-22 Big Game Harvest Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, archery hunters took 16,097 antlerless deer compared to 20,425 antlered deer.
“Doe harvest is critical to keeping a herd healthy,” he said. “It’s again time for hunters to meet the challenge to let young bucks grow and take a doe.”
In southeastern Oklahoma, archery hunters took 66 black bears last year. Senior Wildlife Biologist Jeff Ford said the summer’s hot and dry conditions could make this year’s bear hunting more challenging.
“These conditions may affect the fall mast crop, making it harder to find some good bear sign in the woods. So concentrate on water resources to find sign. Bears will frequent watering holes when the weather is hot.
“I would say the most important thing … is to find an area with fresh bear sign and then just stay with it. Most successful bear hunters start early in the season, and you may have to sit all day.”
Ford suggests public land hunters should scout as early as possible for areas with acorns (preferably white oak), which are most preferred by bears. “The acorns will start falling around the first of October, and bears are going to be searching them out.”
Bear hunters (including lifetime license holders) must buy a bear license before the season opens, as those licenses will not be sold after Sept. 30.
For complete regulations — including required licenses, open areas, harvest quotas, and reporting requirements — consult the 2022-23 Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations online at www.wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app or Apple or Android, or in print free at license dealers statewide.

“Americana: A Musical Tour of the USA” featuring Jonas Nordwall September 26, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The fall performance of the Kilgen Organ series will feature organist Jonas Nordwall, presenting musical selections that follow the theme “Americana: A Musical Tour of the USA.”
Presente in Oklahoma! September 27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic American Heritage Month. To celebrate the significant contributions of Latinos in the state of Oklahoma, the OHS Multicultural Office is planning “Presente in Oklahoma!,” a panel discussion focusing on Hispanic history to be held at the Oklahoma History Center on Tuesday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The panel will consist of historians, scholars, and representatives from Hispanic families with deep roots in Oklahoma.
Annual Quilt Show opens Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, 1141 Pawnee Bill Road Pawnee, OK 74058 Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual Quilt Show during the month of October, featuring heirloom and modern quilts from across the state. Cimarron Valley Quilt Guild and Pawnee Bill Quilt Guild members are instrumental in putting together this yearly event. The show opens on Saturday, October 1, and closes on Sunday, October 30.
Research Center Book Sale The Oklahoma Historical Society’s John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center will host its book sale Wednesday, October 5, through Saturday, October 8, at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The sale will include books on a variety of topics, featuring many rare and out-of-print titles.
“History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, 406 East Oklahoma Avenue Guthrie, OK 73044. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie will host its “History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event returns with a Hocus Pocus theme. At the two-hour event, families can enjoy carnival games, prizes, food, candy, and Halloween-themed activities both inside and outside of the museum.
Doaksville Historic Candlelight Tour Fort Towson Historic Site, HC 63, Box 1580 Fort Towson, OK 74735. Experience the history of southeastern Oklahoma at the annual Doaksville Candlelight Tours. Tours will be held Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the last tour departing at 10 p.m. A guide will take visitors on a 45-minute walking tour through the streets of this once prominent town. The venues on the tour will cover specific historic events in Doaksville’s history.
Quilting workshop with Martha Ray Sod House Museum, 4628 State Highway 8 Aline, OK 73716. Visit the Sod House Museum southeast of Aline for a quilting workshop on Saturday. The workshop will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. with instructor Martha Ray, and the cost is $5 per person. For more information, please contact Director Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or [email protected].
History and Haunts at the Overholser October 8, 15, 22, 28, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Visit the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion for History and Haunts at the Overholser! The tours will begin with a brief introduction in the Overholser Mansion Carriage House followed by a rare glimpse inside the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion after dark. See the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the home and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! The tour will give time for guests to explore the historic home on their own. Tickets are $25 per person and each night is limited to 30 attendees, tickets are non-refundable. Purchase tickest online: https://www.preservationok.org/historyandhaunts
Folklife Festival Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. On Saturday, October 15, the Oklahoma History Center will host the annual Folklife Festival. The Folklife Festival is designed to engage visitors with opportunities to experience other cultures and traditions. Visitors are there to participate in the activities, not just observe.
Will’s Cowboy Trader Days at the Ranch Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, 9501 East 380 Road Oologah, OK 74053. On the third Saturday of the month from April to October, make the trip to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah to take part in Will’s Cowboy Trader Days. See locally handcrafted and homemade items, saddles, cowboy hats, tack, boots, and a variety of work created by local artisans from October 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Cemetery Symbols: Carved in Stone Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Join the Oklahoma History Center to explore the meaning behind historic gravestones on Saturday, October 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. Gravestones and cemeteries are rich in a language of symbols. Symbols can be difficult to interpret because their meaning changes over time. By examining the grave markers, one can learn more than just the person’s name. This in-person class for ages 16 and up will provide the skills necessary to investigate the past through tombstones.
Ghost Stories Candlelight Tour Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, 1141 Pawnee Bill Road Pawnee, OK 74058. Visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum to take part in a Ghost Stories Candlelight Tour for one night only on Saturday, October 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Guides will lead guests through an outdoor tour in the park telling spine-tingling, ghostly tales about Oklahoma, the surrounding area, and the Pawnee Bill Ranch. The tours will leave every 30 minutes from the museum building that night, so bundle up for cool weather. Admission is $5 per person.
Blacksmithing Demonstrations with the Saltfork Craftsmen November 5, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, 2617 West Fir Street Perry, OK 73077. Visit the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry to watch the Saltfork Craftsmen give a Blacksmithing Demonstration in the blacksmith shop. The demonstration will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy watching the craftsmen work and will have an opportunity for safe hands-on experiences. This event is for those who enjoy watching craftsmen at work, and for young and old alike to try their hand at the craft. The forge will be lighted at 10:00 am.
Cast-Iron Cooking class Chisholm Trail Museum and Horizon Hill, 605 Zellers Avenue Kingfisher, OK 73750. The Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher will host a Cast-Iron Cooking class on Saturday, November 5, from noon to 4 p.m. In this casual, fun class, students will learn to care for and cook in cast-iron cookware. Participants will create a Dutch oven delight and participate in a group meal. The class will explore historical and modern recipes while learning backyard cooking skills. This class is restricted to children ages 10 and older with an adult.
Daughter of Dawn film screening at the Poncan Theatre November 6, 2 p.m.–3 p.m. Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue Ponca City, OK 74601. On Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m. the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will host a film screening of “The Daughter of Dawn” at the Poncan Theatre, located at 104 E. Grand Ave. in Ponca City. Rather than a set ticket price, patrons are encouraged to give a donation as admission to the screening. The program begins at 2 p.m.
Choctaw Code Talkers documentary film screening November 12, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, on Saturday, November 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will screen the documentary of Choctaw Code Talkers. In 1918, although the Choctaw soldiers of the US American Expeditionary Forces were not considered citizens of the country, they served, using the Choctaw language as a powerful tool against the German Forces in World War I.
Rushmore Four performances at the Oklahoma History Center November 16, 2 p.m. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. On Wednesday, November 16, the Rushmore Four, a program featuring the presidents who appear on Mount Rushmore, will be returning to the Oklahoma History Center! Performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. There is no charge for the 2 p.m. performance, however, patrons are required to pre-register. Admission for the evening performance is $10 for Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers.
“Hunter Trapper” living history program Fort Gibson Historic Site, 907 North Garrison Avenue Fort Gibson, OK 74434. On Friday, November 18, and Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m., the Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold a living history program about the practices of hunters and trappers of the area. Visitors will learn about the trade through a hands-on examination of the different animal furs and by seeing the different equipment, tools, and paraphernalia involved in making a successful hunting season.
“Holiday Special” Kilgen Organ Performance feat. Lance Luce Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. On Monday, November 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will present the 2022 winter performance of the Kilgen Organ series featuring organist Lance Luce. The theme for the concert will be “Holiday Special.” A short film and an audience sing-along are planned as a part of the performance. Lance Luce is an internationally acclaimed theatre organist.

Integris Bass Baptist Health Center –

Volunteers at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center contribute their time and talents to help patients in a number of ways. Ruby Wilson gives her time and talent through crocheting beautiful lap blankets and baby caps. The thing about Ruby is, she will celebrate her 102nd birthday later this month.
Ruby has been a Bass volunteer since 2018, and in that time has contributed nearly 2,500 hours and crocheted dozens of items for babies and cancer patients.
“We offer the afghans to all of our patients receiving treatment,” oncology nurse Sandy Gordon said. “The patients are always excited to receive the blankets, and it’s nice that we can offer them. It’s always a feel-good moment. They often comment about the beautiful colors and how warm and comforting it is to have the handmade blanket.”
Ruby resides at Golden Oaks Village in Enid and still lives independently. While her mobility is limited, she still gets around in her little red power chair. When Ruby is not busy crocheting, she enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends and reading.
According to Ruby’s daughter-in-law, Sherry Wilson, who is also a volunteer at Bass, Ruby finds great joy and pride in serving her community.
We are grateful for Ruby, Sherry and all of our incredible volunteers at INTEGRIS Health, and we wish Ruby a very happy birthday!

Stillwater Medical announced the launch of a new Ceribell Rapid EEG Brain Monitoring which provides Stillwater Medical clinicians with immediate access to EEG information, allowing triage for at-risk patients in just 5-minutes and continues to monitor for treatment optimization.
The Ceribell Rapid EEG Brain Monitoring system was developed to address limitations in EEG acquisition and interpretation so patients at risk of seizure can be triaged more quickly. The device consists of a simple headband, pocket-sized recorder with intuitive software, and an on-line portal for remote viewing. Using the Ceribell system, physicians can review EEG data, assess response to treatment and optimize care, all in real-time.
Mary Beth Hunziker, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, Director of Stillwater Medical’s ICU, explained that critically ill patients are at substantial risk of seizures that cannot always be detected by outward signs, and without rapid diagnosis it can lead to permanent brain injury, higher risk of morbidity and mortality, and longer hospital stays. She said Ceribell can be set up by any healthcare provider in just 5-minutes, even those with no previous training in EEG.
Guidelines from the Neurocritical Care Society recommend EEG should be initiated within 15-60 minutes when these seizures are suspected. Meeting these guidelines has proven difficult due to the limitations of conventional EEG systems, which were not designed for use in emergency situations. Without Rapid EEG, even top academic centers with 24/7 EEG capability experience a 4-hour wait-time for conventional equipment.
“This device is a game changer for Stillwater Medical,” said Hunziker. “It will provide our clinicians with the diagnostic information they need to make informed treatment decisions for some of our most vulnerable patients quickly. It’s another great example of our Stillwater Medical leadership putting patient safety at the forefront.”
“Ceribell founders saw that critically ill patients often experience undiagnosed non-convulsive seizure as a result of lack of access to EEG. Some suffered major neurological deficits while others simply did not make it. It is our mission to ensure no patients suffer unnecessary brain injury as a result of not having prompt EEG. We are excited to see visionary pioneer health care practitioners at Stillwater Medical adopting the technology and transforming their EEG capability.” Jane Chao, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of Ceribell.

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good online hearing tests? My husband has hearing loss, but I can’t get him to go in and get his hearing checked, so I thought a simple online test could help him recognize he has a problem. What can you tell me? — Loud Talking Linda

Dear Linda,
There’s actually a growing number of very good online and app-based hearing tests available that will let your husband check his hearing on his own. These tests are a quick and convenient option for the millions of Americans that have mild to moderate hearing loss but often ignore it, or don’t want to go through the hassle or expense of visiting an audiologist for a hearing exam.
Who Should Test?
Hearing loss for most people develops gradually over many years of wear and tear, which is the reason many people don’t realize they actually have a hearing problem.
Anyone who has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say, especially in noisier environments or over the phone. Or, if you need a higher volume of music or TV than other people, should take a few minutes to test their hearing.
Self-Hearing Tests
Online and app-based hearing tests can serve as a great screening tool. They are not meant to be a diagnosis, but rather to give you an idea of how bad your hearing loss is and what can be done about it.
For most do-it-yourself hearing tests, you’ll be advised to wear ear headphones or earbuds and sit in a quiet spot.
You also need to know that there are two different type of tests available. One type is known as pure-tone testing, where tones are played in decreasing volumes to determine your specific level of hearing loss. And the other type is known as speech-in-noise or digits-in-noise (DIN) where you’ll be asked to identify words, numbers, or phrases amid background noise.
Where to Test
If your husband uses a smartphone or tablet, two of my favorite app-based hearing tests are the hearWHO app created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test app. Both apps are free to use and are available through the App Store and Google Play.
HearWHO allows users to check their hearing status and monitor it over time using a DIN test, while Mimi uses pure-tone and masked threshold tests to give you a detailed picture of your hearing abilities.
There are also a wide variety of online hearing tests your husband can take on a computer.
Some top online tests – all offered by hearing aid manufacturers – for speech-in-noise or DIN tests can be accessed at ReSound (resound.com/en-us/online-hearing-test) and Mircle Ear (miracle-ear.com/online-hearing-test).
And some good online hearing tests for pure-tone testing are available by Signia (signia.net/en/service/hearing-test); Ergo (eargo.com/hearing-health/hearing-check); and MD Hearing Aid (mdhearingaid.com/hearing-test).
All of these hearing tests are completely free to use and take less than five minutes to complete.
What to do with Results
If the tests indicate your husband has hearing loss, it’s best to think of that as a starting point. He should take results to his doctor or an audiologist for further evaluation.
Many insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine hearing exams, however original Medicare does not.
If his hearing loss is mild to moderate, he should look into the new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are available this fall online and at retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens and CVS.
OTC hearing aids don’t require a prescription or medical examination for purchase and they’re much more affordable than traditional hearing aids you buy through an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially those who suffered loss due to the virus. Nothing can replace loved ones, but FEMA may be able to help ease the financial burden that comes with that loss.
Those who had funeral COVID-19 related funeral expenses can apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance by calling 844-684-6333. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday with Multilingual services available. Applicants requiring relay services, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, must provide FEMA a specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact applicants.
There is currently no deadline to apply for aid.
The criteria to qualify for assistance includes:
* The person died of COVID-19. * The death occurred in the U.S. * The applicant paid for funeral, burial or cremation costs after Jan. 20, 2020.
* The applicant is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or qualified refugee. The deceased does not need to meet these qualifications.
When applicants call for assistance, they need to provide the following information:
* Social security number * Date of birth * Current mailing address and phone number * The deceased date of birth * Location of deceased death * Information about any funeral or burial insurance policies * Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations or CARES Act grants
Eligibility determinations are based on the submission of all required documents. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about the application process can be found on FEMA’s Funeral Assistance FAQ page here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq

The INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Award was established in 1994 to recognize and honor individuals who have overcome disabilities caused by injury or illness, by facing the physical and mental challenges of rehabilitation with courage and determination. The award is named after the man known as the World’s Greatest Athlete, Jim Thorpe, and is presented annually.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation hosted the 2022 Courage Award Luncheon to celebrate three inspirational men:

Jeremy Hoffman had an underlying health condition, so when he contracted COVID-19 in November of 2020, it was unclear if he would survive. The then 49-year-old from Edmond, fought tooth and nail to re-claim his life.

Michael Calloway of Norman and his wife, Lillie, are middle school sweethearts. They’ve been through a lot together, the good and the bad. But last November, a bout with COVID nearly took Michael’s life and a subsequent stroke stole his ability to communicate. Their story is living proof that love really does endure all things.

Chad Breske, a Choctaw native, was a lineman for an electric company when the dangers of his job became his reality. As a result of the electrocution, he would lose both arms, two ribs, an ear and part of his skull. Still, he continues to push forward – for his children.

The Oklahoma Dementia Care Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will present a Training for Trainers for health professionals, in November. The event will be hosted by the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the OU College of Medicine and the department of Health Promotion Sciences at the OU Hudson College of Public Health.
The seminar is designed to elevate the level of care for persons living with dementia and to enhance encounters with older adults with cognitive impairment. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning that becomes more common as people grow older, affecting approximately one-third of persons over age 85.
OkDCN’s Training for Trainers is offered at no cost to participants. Topics covered will include: person-centered dementia care, infection control in dementia care, skin integrity in dementia care and end of life in dementia care. Participating educators/coordinators will receive a certificate of completion. Presenters include: Thomas Teasdale, DrPH, FGSA, FAGHE; Andrea Golden-Pogue, R.N., MSN; and the OkDCN team.
The training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 17, at MetroTech Springlake Campus Business Development Center, 199 Springlake Drive, Room 123, Oklahoma City. To register, go to: ouhealth.com/events-calendar/event-signup/?Event=24744. For more information, please email your name, email and organization to [email protected].