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

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

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

By Marilyn Olson

Mature adults are leaders. We have seen a few things, and we have learned a few things. We are hardworking individuals who have learned leadership over a lifetime of refining career skills. Our brains are “time wise.”
Most of the 370,000 everyday leaders over 55 living in greater Oklahoma City are grateful for an opportunity to give time, experience, and finances. Mature adults generously offer these resources to the community without which there would be a void. The individuals, businesses, organizations and faith communities who see the value and incorporate that experience will benefit and will also become wise.
There are many examples of this mature, everyday leadership among the VillagesOKC membership, from pastors and former executives to engineers and journalists. All these individuals bring with them an eagerness to remain active and to give back to their community. VillagesOKC offers the opportunity for older adults to use the skills they’ve acquired over a lifetime or to learn new ways to grow and contribute.
The incredible wit and wisdom of people over 50 can reveal secrets and insights for living a meaningful life – simply not possible without experience. Their thoughtful perspectives offer a treasure trove of life lessons about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive in the midst of great challenges.
Leaders over 50 became leaders because they have utilized their learning to continue growing. Often this growth has led to a paradigm shift opening more doors of opportunity. This quality gives hope and causes others to say “she is inspiring”; “he is such a delight to be with,” or I hope I can be as sharp and interesting a person as he is.”
When people are happy and confident, others enjoy their company and follow their leadership in the community or organization. To think that organizations, businesses and faith communities would ignore those over 50 when they could be the beneficiary of experience, talent and generosity.
Fortunately, Oklahoma City is the kind of community which values the irreplaceable talent and wisdom of mature adults in every sector of the community. It simply makes sense to begin changing the conversation about aging and include these generous and wise adults as an integral part and a key partner.
The community benefits when recognizing leaders are leaders at any age. VillagesOKC is a plan for aging that connects a community leading the way to fill the gaps.

Story and photos by John Smith, The Haurun Club

Irish History has now been agreed to be corrected by Armagh Councillors.
On 11 March 1998, Brian and Jason Bolger were convicted of Murder at a local pub in Essex.
The Bolger family relied upon unreliable lawyers, and then, in 2004, Darren Bolger and his mother, Carol decided to investigate the Murder case themselves as amateur detectives.
Darren received the constant infiltration by British Intelligence officers, (females) and female children of military leaders (Admiral of the Fleet) and senior police officers (West Midlands Police) in order to understand what the Bolger family knew of the case.
Whilst their research uncovered some extreme police corruption and malfeasance, Carol went on to research her own family and history of Northern Ireland (Johnston Family) and the Bolger’s of Ireland.
Ms. Johnson (married name – Bolger) discovered that her 3 x Great grandfather was a famous Master Mason from Armagh who had designed and built the Rollo Gillespie Monument at the Square in Comber 1844, and has also researched her three son’s heritage, which begins in Co. Wexford and Dublin where, the Bolger’s (Boulger’s) were landowners throughout the 1900’, then also becoming, media entrepreneurs and historical promoters of what are now, considered and generalised as, the IRA.
Mr. Smith acting for the family, communicated with, Ards and North Down Council, both in conversation and by Freedom of Information Request after covid-19 had stopped communication. He received documents and verbal advice from the council as follows,
In March 2019, a notice of motion was agreed by Alderman Muir and Alderman Menagh that this recommendation be adopted, upon a meeting held whereby, Alderman Girvan and Councillor McAlpine of Ards and North Down Council, also agree to have, Mr Johnston’s name, correct date of the build placed on a new plaque at a future ceremony attended by the community, with Ms Johnson and her children, of the Bolger family, giving a speech at the ceremony.
This information might not have been known, had it not been for Ms. Johnson and her research, during a period in which, she was (along with her son – Darren) unravelling her other two son’s conviction for Murder, in Essex (1998), named by Essex Police as – Operation Westminster.
Operation Westminster is a ‘true crime’ trilogy, planned for feature film and documentary, where there is now an equally interesting ‘historical story’ of the family, both Paternal and Maternal sides in Ireland, leading to the injustices they have suffered at the hand of the British Establishment and Justice System.
This may take us to an earlier point of series or film and or documentary interest with a drama, which begins in Ireland, one side from Dublin and the other from Armagh; unknown to each other and only linked, 150 years later, upon research, initiated from a Murder in Essex (1998).
For further information on the Bolger family and how this story ties in with the Monument at the Square in Comber, please visit:
https://darrenthomasbolger.com/

OKPOP Foundation Names Blake Shelton as Honorary Chair for Fundraising Campaign

Country music superstar and beloved television personality Blake Shelton has partnered with the OKPOP Foundation to be an Honorary Campaign Chairperson and the face of the Foundation’s fundraising campaign to complete the OKPOP Museum. Through this partnership, Shelton will bring awareness about the project and encourage others to help raise the $30 million needed to complete the exhibit design, construction, and installation for a late 2024 opening date.
“Music is my livelihood, and Oklahoma is my home—my heart. So, when I heard more about OKPOP’s mission to inspire and empower young Oklahoma musicians or artists like me, I knew I had to get involved,” said Shelton. “OKPOP is telling the stories of Oklahomans who have impacted and continue to influence pop culture in such a cool, innovative way, folks from all over the county are going to love it.”
Executive Director of the OKPOP Museum, Jeff Moore, and Simmons Bank Senior Vice President of Business Development, D. Scott Petty, the OKPOP Foundation Chair, are thrilled to have Blake Shelton as the OKPOP Foundation’s honorary campaign chair.
“Blake is such a great fit for what this museum represents,” said Jeff Moore, executive director of OKPOP Museum. “A kid with talent and passion from Ada, Oklahoma who goes on to make his dreams come true. Those are the stories we are telling, and those are the kids we want to help pursue their own dreams of making music or films or writing the next big novel. We want them to visit the museum and leave knowing the sky’s the limit.”
Shelton will be lending his name to the project, while also encouraging industry peers and fellow Oklahomans to get involved.
“Blake Shelton’s willingness to publicly embrace the OKPOP Foundation mission—to share Oklahoman’s stories—highlights the importance and global impact,” said Scott Petty, OKPOP Foundation Chair. “His involvement will be the catalyst for everything the foundation has been doing behind the scenes and will ultimately bring this project to fruition.”
OKPOP is in the final stages of exhibit design and is aiming for a late-2024 opening date. The OKPOP Foundation is the OKPOP Museum’s fundraising arm, working in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society. The Foundation’s role is to identify potential funding sources through state and federal allocations, local and national prospective donors, foundations, corporations, grants, and founding memberships to help the OKPOP Museum realize its mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Oklahoma’s pop culture history.
Along with D. Scott Petty of Simmons Bank, board members for the OKPOP Foundation include Philip Kaiser (Flywheel Events), Tom Evans (Encompass Financial Services), Stuart Hudson (EdibleOKC), Brian Paschal (Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation), Cassie Reese Tipton (CEC), Donna Sharpe (Sharpe House), Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, John Hickey (Hall Estill), Judy Eason McIntyre (retired Senator), Molly Jarvis (Cherokee Nation Businesses), Adrian Bradley (A&D Sports Management), Amanda Lowe (United States District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma), Jane Mudgett (Speaker, Author, and Coach), and Phil McDonald (AWAL/Sony Music). Ex-Officio members include Abby Kurin (OKPOP Foundation), Jeff Moore, Meg Charron, and Mary Barnes (OKPOP/Oklahoma Historical Society).

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

In late February, more than 300 senior citizens gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Senior Day, an annual event where seniors can meet their elected representatives and discuss issues affecting the aging population in the state. This event is a crucial platform for seniors to have their voices heard, and this year’s gathering was no exception.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell was among the elected representatives who addressed the seniors gathered in the House Chambers. He emphasized the need for quality opportunities for seniors to socialize and pointed to Oklahoma’s many state parks as the ideal place. Pinnell’s comments highlight the importance of promoting social connections and community engagement among seniors, which can significantly benefit their health and well-being.
Additionally, Pinnell spoke about the unique nature of Oklahoma’s tourism industry, which he described as more organic than many other states. He cited Oklahoma’s rich history and heritage, including its Native American culture and the famous Chisholm Trail and Route 66, as major tourist draws. Pinnell’s remarks underscore the importance of promoting and preserving Oklahoma’s cultural heritage for tourism and the benefit of the state’s residents, including seniors.
The Southern Oklahoma Development Association Ombudsman Supervisor and Systems Advocate Rebekah Williams served as the emcee for the House Chambers proceedings in her duties with its Area Agency on Aging. Several times in an hour and a half of addressing senior needs, she expressed the importance of getting back to the important agenda since COVID-19 had interrupted the annual event for three years. “What an amazing sight to see beautiful Oklahoma seniors in the House Chambers, Williams said. “It was wonderful for all of us to be together again, a true blessing to my soul.”
Another elected representative who addressed the seniors at Senior Day was Speaker of the House Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka, who is the longest-serving speaker in state history, now in his fourth term. He spoke about current bills being discussed in the state House and Senate and other issues facing Oklahoma. McCall’s comments highlight the significance of the legislative process in addressing the concerns of seniors and other constituents.
Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, discussed two bills she was working to have enacted into law related to elder care. The first, House Bill 2753, would create the Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Registry, a searchable database requested by the Oklahoma Silver-Haired Legislature. This registry would include the names and identifiable information of people convicted of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Miller noted that the bill was supported by the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, the Oklahoma State Council on Aging, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Oklahoma.
Miller also discussed House Bill 2747, which would create the Office of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Resource Coordination within the State Department of Health. This office would provide statewide coordination, service system development, and information on education, support, and other available services for people with Alzheimer’s or loved ones with the disease. Miller worked with the Alzheimer’s Association to create the bill, which she said marks the start of implementing the State Plan on Alzheimer’s created in 2008.
HB2747 would also establish the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia Research Fund and the Dementia Caregiver Support Group & Education Program Development Fund to distribute grants as approved by awards committees.
“Oklahoma has had a state plan on Alzheimer’s for 15 years, and while progress has been made to address the programmatic and policy needs, there’s more work to be done,” Miller said. “Government must protect our vulnerable citizens, and sadly that sometimes includes our seniors who are at risk of being taken advantage of or suffer from memory loss.”
Newly appointed in January, Deborah Shropshire, M.D., Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ executive director addressed the department’s State Plan on Aging. As the first woman OKDHS director, she told the seniors of her commitment to ensuring senior citizens can age well in Oklahoma.
Several speakers said senior issues have been a significant focal point during the early stages of the legislative session, and recent bills regarding seniors have been focused on the quality of care in senior centers. The new legislation is trying to ensure that as many seniors as possible are proud of the facilities they live in.
“It was important that seniors visited their legislators in their offices and met their staff to make specific recommendations for improving services at long-term care facilities,” said Trish Emig, president of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association. “This included nursing homes, assisted living and similar adult care homes and seeking more funding and support for other vital services for Oklahoma seniors.”

Anna Jackson

(Right) Anna Jackson of Sand Springs turned 100 today and celebrated with family and friends. Anna has been a member of the Trinity Baptist Church quilt group for 40 years! She loved to eat anything from the garden in her younger days, but now loves anything chocolate! Happy Birthday, Anna!

Evelyn Napier

(Left) Evelyn Napier of Tulsa celebrated her 100th Birthday today with a precision honor guard from Bixby High School. There have been many memorable changes during Evelyn’s lifetime – especially seeing flights to the moon. Her words of wisdom to us are: Don’t Drink or Smoke. Happy Birthday wishes to Evelyn!

Lou Ella Revel

(Right) Lou Revel of Oklahoma City was 100 last July and we recently celebrated her as a Centenarian of Oklahoma! She attended Sooner State Beauty College in Oklahoma City and had a career as a beautician, continuing to fix hair in her home until she was 90 years young. Her words of wisdom to us are: Keep Moving. Love Jesus. Work Hard.

Hattie Mann

(Right) Hattie Mann of Okmulgee celebrates her 100th birthday! She worked as an accounting clerk in California, then moved to Las Vegas and back to Okmulgee. She is a long-time member of the Okmulgee City-Wide Prayer Band. Hattie loves tacos! Her favorite song is Precious Lord and she shares these words of wisdom with us – Seek the Lord.

Story and photo by Eddie Roach, VillagesOKC Member/Volunteer

A metro area bank has partnered with VillagesOKC to offer a special version of VillagesOKC’s GIFT (Gathering Information for Transitions) workshop for its employees. First Bethany Bank & Trust provided the workshop as a benefit to employees, and VillagesOKC tailored the normal 6-hour workshop into two 2-hour evening sessions.
The GIFT is an interactive workshop in which participants talk through difficult questions, learn about options and write solutions for the “what if’s” in the future. Normally, the workshop consists of 90-minute sessions held once a week for four weeks.
Participants document their own personal, legal, medical, financial, real estate, passwords, personal preferences, emergency contacts and crisis plan. Everyone is encouraged to hold a family meeting afterwards. A binder is provided for participants to keep all their information.
“We think it’s valuable information that every family should consider, but often doesn’t go to the great lengths that the workshop does,” said Priscilla Cude, First Bethany President & CEO. “That includes our First Bethany family.
“We thought it would be beneficial to them and that they could also share what they’ve learned with our customers when it’s appropriate in conversations. We also thought it would be a good way for our employees to share the VillagesOKC story if they participated in one of their workshops.”
Fourteen employees and five spouses signed up for the workshop. Cude said attendees ranged in age from 28 to 69 years old.
“Although the material was compressed for time’s sake, we still covered all high points,” said Dana Bellows, VillagesOKC project manager. “Many of the participants had an ‘aha’ moment where they realized there were some steps they needed to take – a form they needed to sign, a person they needed to appoint.”
Cude said she highly recommends other companies look at providing this benefit to employees. “When employees are in personal crisis, it naturally spills over to the workplace. This is a way to assist our employees when facing those times.”

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

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

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

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

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

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

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