Today, the Social Security Administration announced a large step in a multi-year effort to simplify processes for people who are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by starting to offer an online, streamlined application for some applicants starting in December. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income and resources.
The initial step – known as iClaim expansion – aims to establish a fully online, simplified iClaim application that leverages user-tested, plain-language questions, prepopulated answers where possible, seamless step-by-step transitions, and more. The online application aims to reduce the time spent applying as well as the processing time for initial claim decisions.
“Over the past year, we have asked many applicants and advocates – as well as our workforce – how we could make the SSI application process easier and simpler. Now, we are taking an important first step to do just that,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “People in our communities who need this crucial safety net deserve the dignity of an application process that is less burdensome and more accessible than what we now have, and we’re committed to achieving that vision over the next few years.”
The rollout of the iClaim expansion will generally be available to first-time applicants between 18 and almost 65 who never married and are concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI. A goal of the second phase – currently targeted for late 2025 – is to expand this to all applicants.
The Federal Register Notice that supports this effort was published today and reflects changes based on what Social Security previously received. To read it, please visit Federal Register :: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request.
Subsequent SSI simplification steps will incorporate lessons learned from the iClaim expansion into in-person, phone, mobile, and paper-based processes for SSI applications. As part of that, the agency plans to develop a separate simplified child SSI application.
All of these efforts will support and streamline the way Social Security’s staff technicians and applicants work together, providing an applicant journey that reflects continuous feedback gathered from the agency’s Customer Experience team, particularly from underserved communities.
To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on
X @SSAPress.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Did you know that life expectancy in the United States for men and women increased by about 10 years between 1960 and 2015? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, individuals over 65 accounted for 16.8% of the country’s total population in 2020. Americans are living longer, and often, older adults rely on long-term care during the later stages of life, which is where long-term care insurance can help. There are several factors to consider when considering long-term care insurance.
What is long-term care insurance?
Contrary to what many might think, long-term care encompasses more than care in a nursing home. This type of care usually includes home care, hospice care, or adult day health care. Long-term care insurance helps to cover the cost of this care. It includes policies providing nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination. This type of policy does not include coverage provided under comprehensive or major medical policies, Medicare Advantage, or accelerated heath benefit-type products.
How much does long-term care cost?
Long-term care can be expensive. The Cost of Care Survey by Genworth, which breaks down costs for different kinds of care for each state, found that monthly costs in Oklahoma can range from about $1,800 for adult day health care to almost $7,000 for a private room in a nursing home facility. These are median costs for the state and can vary depending on location and level of care.
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
Medicare generally does not cover long-term care. Medicare Part A does cover skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care (as long as custodial care isn’t the only care you need), hospice care and limited home care. You may qualify for long-term care through Medicaid, but you can opt to purchase a long-term policy from a private insurance company.
Do I need long-term care insurance?
When determining your need for long-term care insurance, consider several factors:
• You should consider your personal health situation. If you need assistance with daily activities due to illness or disability, a long-term care policy might benefit you.
• Your age should play a part in your decision, as your need for care increases as you age.
• You should think about your financial situation. Long-term insurance might be a good option if you can afford premiums without financial difficulty.
Which resources are out there?
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a comprehensive shopping guide to long-term care insurance that can answer many questions about this type of insurance. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living has a Long-Term Care Pathfinder to help locate care and assess needs. As always, if you have any questions about this type of insurance, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is here to help at 800-522-0071 or https://www.oid.ok.gov.

Senior Citizens’ Events at the Metropolitan Library System

Library Card Sign-Up Month
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month-a perfect time to discover everything your library card offers! Borrow books, access digital resources and more with ease. If you’re a senior 65+ or homebound in Oklahoma County, take advantage of Library by Mail for free book delivery. The library also supports On-Site Libraries at select senior living facilities. Explore audiobooks on CD, Playaway devices, or digitally through hoopla and Libby, or join us for special events with your grandkids like National Grandparents’ Day on September 5 at Almonte Library.

8 Ways to Use Your Library Card Today

• Borrow Books and Media: Access bestsellers, classic books, and other media with no overdue fines. Plus, borrow books from other libraries through interlibrary loans.
• Access Digital Resources: Explore eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more through Libby, hoopla, and Kanopy. • Use Online Learning Platforms: Enhance your skills with LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and LearningExpress Library. • Discover a New Hobby: Watch instructional videos or take online classes on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, backing, and more with CreativeBug. • Attend Library Programs: Connect with your community by joining craft nights, book clubs, and more. For details on upcoming events, visit metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming. • Get Assistance from Librarians: Request personalized reading lists with Tailored Titles and get help with all your library-related questions. • Explore Your Roots: Research your family history with Ancestry Library Edition, available for in-library use only. • Use Public Computers and Wi-Fi: Access high-speed internet at any library location.

Upcoming Events for Seniors at Metropolitan Library locations

• S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Learn about the latest crimes and scams targeting seniors and how to protect yourself! This program is part of TRIAD, a collaborative effort between the Sheriff’s office, local police departments, and senior citizens to reduce and prevent crimes against seniors. The council meets on the first Monday of every month at the Warr Acres Library. • September 3 at 10 a.m. at Warr Acres Library
• Tai Chi Let’s get stronger together! Tai Chi improves balance, strengthens muscles, and builds confidence to prevent falls. This low-impact, dance-like exercise can be done almost anywhere. Registration required; space is limited. • September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1 p.m. at Choctaw Library • September 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 at 10 a.m. at Belle Isle Library
• Intermediate Tai Chi Intermediate Tai Chi helps improve mind, body, and spirit through slow, continuous movements. Prior Tai Chi experience is recommended. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks. Register online or in the library. Explore Tai Chi books and videos during your visit! • September 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 at 10:15 a.m. at Southern Oaks Library
• Total Wellness A free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department to help adults prevent diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity.
• September 18, 25 at 5:15 p.m. at Northwest Library • September 19, 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Del City Library • September 19, 26 at 4:30 p.m. at Almonte Library
• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) A program designed to increase muscle strength, range of motion, and improve daily living activities, including chair exercises.
• September 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 at 10 a.m. at The Village Library • September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 a.m. at Choctaw Library
• Alzheimer’s Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group provides a supportive community for caregivers, offering comfort, practical advice, and a safe space to share experiences. • September 24 at 6 p.m. at Bethany Library
About the Metropolitan Library System:
The Metropolitan Library System serves Oklahoma County’s 800,000 residents across its 19 locations, welcoming over 5.4 million visits annually with more than 10 million checkouts. Explore digital resources available 24/7 at https://www.metrolibrary.org.

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