story and photo by James Coburn, Staff Writer

Iris Memory Care is proud to be the premier home-like Assisted Living Community in Oklahoma City to specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. At Iris Memory Care, they believe that their expertise and specialized knowledge of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia combined with their heartfelt compassion creates the best quality of life for loved ones. From the moment of walking through their front door, you’ll feel like you’re in a single-family home complete with familiar sights, soothing sounds, and homey aromas, providing an easier transition for your loved one. For respite care, short-term stays, or long-term stays, Iris Memory Care welcomes you and your loved one with compassion, dignity, and all the comforts of home.
Suzy Masters, LPN takes pride in her work at Iris Memory Care. She wears many hats as she oversees the CMA’s and the residents. “I adore my position here. It is my compassion, radiating a warmth that embraces all who enter. I am truly blessed with an exceptional team, each member possessing their own unique strengths,” Suzy remarked.
Suzy upholds high standards for her caregivers at Iris Memory Care. “I am impressed by the exceptional qualities each caregiver brings to our community,” she notes. “Their respect for our residents combined with their hard work and positive attitude, ensures a nurturing enviroment where everyone feels valued and at ease.” Suzy takes pride in maintaining Iris Memory Care as a comfortable home for residents, knowing the peace of mind it brings to the families. “It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the positive impact we have on their lives,” she added.
Growing up in Denison, Texas, Suzy began her nursing journey at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Later, relocating to Oklahoma, Suzy’s decision to pursue nursing stemmed from a deeply personal experience. “When I was just 8 years old, my father was involved in a motorcycle accident that changed our lives,” she recalls. “Spending countless hours at the hospital, witnessing the care and the compassion provided by the nurses, they became my heroes. Despite the tragedy of my father’s passing at the age of 11, I was inspired by the nurses’ dedication to healing and helping others. From that moment I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives, even at a young age,” Suzy reflected.
Iris Memory Care proudly operates 4 thriving locations in Oklahoma; Edmond, Northwest OKC, Southwest OKC and Nichols Hills. “We currently have forty-two cherished residents calling our community home. Our dedicated caregivers pour their hearts into providing top-notch care tailored to each individual. As we build strong bonds with our residents, we strive to create a family like atmosphere, with deep connections that grow with each passing day. Whether our residents have been with us for years or are new arrivals we ensure their days are filled with engaging activities, and we make every holiday a memorable celebration. Welcoming family and visitors is a cherished part of our daily routine, enhancing the warmth and vibrant of our community.”
Suzy expressed deep affection for her job, emphasizing how much she enjoys every moment spent with the residents. “I eagerly anticipate each workday, knowing that I’ll have the opportunity to engage with the residents. Listening to their stories, witnessing their smiles and sharing in their joy fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s an exchange of care and compassion that enriches both their lives and mine,” Suzy explained.
When asked for advice for those considering a career in the medical field, Suzy emphasized the importance of a genuine desire and compassion for others. “Its crucial to have a true compassion for making a difference in people’s lives,” she noted. “Starting at the ground level as a CNA for a few years can provide invaluable insight into whether this path is right for you. Let this guide your decision about pursuing further education in nursing. Entering nursing school can open up a world of opportunities for growth and exploration,” Suzy advised, her work reflecting both wisdom and encouragement for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Outside of work, Suzy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 3 grown children.

For more information about Iris Memory Care visit https://www.irisseniorliving.com/.

Stephanie Clements has joined Mercy as vice president and chief nursing officer at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. She will also serve as community chief nursing officer with strategic oversight over nursing at Mercy hospitals across Oklahoma.
Nearly 2,400 nursing co-workers serve in Mercy facilities across Oklahoma, which represents 32% of Mercy’s workforce in the Sooner State.
“We are really excited to welcome Stephanie to this important role because of her clear connection to our mission and Mercy heritage and her strong background in helping organizations excel,” said Betty Jo Rocchio, chief nurse executive at Mercy. “She brings the lens of an evidence-based bedside nurse into every operational and strategic decision she makes.”
Clements comes to Mercy from Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas where she previously served as CEO and chief nursing officer.
Clements began her career in health care as a registered nurse and worked in a variety of medical specialties including labor and delivery, outpatient infusion, perioperative services, neonatal intensive care unit and medical surgical nursing. She has held every nursing position from floor nurse to charge nurse, and house supervisor to unit manager.
“The future is bright for health care in Oklahoma, and I am grateful to join Mercy at such an exciting time,” said Clements. “I’m so impressed with our Mercy nurses and their dedication to excellence. They are committed to delivering high quality care while also thinking outside of the box to advocate for the patients they serve. Nurses provide the framework around which care is delivered, and I believe our nurses honor that responsibility in all they do.”

by Jake Strickbine

A firefighter injured battling recent firefighters took his next step toward full recovery today as he is discharged from Valir Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Ronald Vasquez II, 21, was cheered by hospital staff and members of the Oklahoma City Fire Department as he left the hospital this morning.
“We are so proud to have been able to assist Mr. Vasquez on the road to recovery,” said Marni Leahy, Vice President, People and Culture at Valir Health. “He has a lot of work ahead of him, but he is highly motivated, works hard and remains determined to return to firefighting. We are excited to watch his continued progress toward that goal.”
Vasquez was all smiles as he left Valir Rehabilitation hospital and received a handshake from each Oklahoma City firefighter present.
“He got injured fighting the wildfires last month and like I said, for us, it is a privilege to be here, show him support, show him that we’re there for him and to honor him for the work that he did in serving Oklahoma,” said Capt. John Chenoweth, assistant public information officer for the Oklahoma City Fire Department and among those on hand to wish Vasquez well as he left the rehabilitation hospital.
Vasquez, who suffered a fractured pelvis in the accident several weeks ago, remains in a wheelchair as he is not yet able to put weight on his legs. When he first started therapy at Valir, Vasquez says he was surprised at how much strength he had lost in his muscles.
“I lifted my leg and put it back down and they just started quivering. And that’s something I’ve never had happen. It shocked me at first,” Vasquez said. “But they explained to me what it was and why it’s happening. And that’s just my goal – to try and get stronger every day now.”
He has done just that, working hard with the team at Valir Rehabilitation Hospital to build strength, especially in his upper body and core.
“Early on, we did a lot of mobility work bedside and then activities of daily living, like getting dressed again without putting weight through the legs. Lots of strength exercises. He’s going to have to have really strong shoulders to help him move without standing or pivoting just yet,” explained Rebecca Henry, OT, a member of Vasquez’s therapy team at Valir. “He’s been an absolute dream patient. He’s motivated and very focused on his goals. He’s going to push himself and he’s not going to give up.”
Vasquez, a firefighter with the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department in rural Oklahoma, was injured when the brush pumper on which he was riding collided with a tanker in hazy, smokey conditions while fighting recent wildfires in Oklahoma. He sustained a broken pelvis and underwent surgery at a local hospital before coming to Valir Rehabilitation Hospital for therapy.
“I knew that I’d have to put in a little bit of work, but not near this much,” Vasquez said. “I’m glad they push me and want me to give them my best. And that’s all I strive to give them.”
The next stop on his road to recovery is home and outpatient therapy. It will still be several more weeks until Vasquez is able to put weight on his legs.
“It’s a long road, but it’s going to be well worth it,” Vasquez added.
Prior to the accident, Vasquez was working toward a goal of becoming a full-time firefighter with the Alva Fire Department. Alva Fire Chief Brian Miller and Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley worked together to ensure the young man had a proper fire department send off today.
Vasquez says the accident, the care he received in the field and from the team of medical professionals and therapists in Oklahoma City, and the support he’s gotten from his firefighting colleagues, friends, family and community have only strengthened his desire to be a full-time firefighter.
“It’s inspired me,” Vasquez said with his trademark smile. “You get a different perspective because you know what’s going to happen. But then being the victim and seeing it all play out. I mean everybody’s running around, but they know what job they have to do and they’re all working to get the same thing done. It’s like a well-oiled machine. I want to be a cog in that machine.”
A fund has been established to help with the young man’s medical expenses. Donations may be sent to: The Ron Vasquez II Love Fund, Alva State Bank, 518 College Avenue, Alva, OK 73717

Forrest Landis

(Right) 100 years old. WWII Veteran Forrest Landis of Tulsa joined the Navy right out of high school. His ship the SS Kendrick, a destroyer, was hit by a torpedo in the Mediterranean Sea & returned to the US for repair. He was awarded several Medals. He worked as a research chemist until his retirement.

Barbee Ann Brown

(Left) 100 years old. Barbee Ann Brown of Tulsa celebrated with lots of family and friends. Barbee and her husband Jack married on her birthday in 1943. She attended Will Rogers High School and the University of Tulsa. Barbee has been a member of Memorial Baptist Church for 68 years and PEO service group for over 50 years!

Bill Lavel Stanfield

(Right) 100 years old. Bill Lavel Stanfield of Tulsa was born February 29, 1924. He enlisted in the Army at age 16 & served in WWII, Korea & Vietnam with the Company A-160th Engineer Combat Platoon. During WWII, he served in the Pacific Theatre, Hawaii, European Theatre, France and Germany & England, Normandy.

Sidney Horn

(Right) 100 years old. Sidney Horn of Sand Springs will be 101 on May 10 so we celebrated today and honored her as a Centenarian! She wore one of her special hats. Sidney told me she once had a collection of about 30 hats and wore one every Sunday to church.

If you know of a Centenarian you would like to honor visit Centenarians of Oklahoma
https://centenariansok.com/

By Marilyn Olson, Executive Director, VillagesOKC

VillagesOKC is inviting adults of all ages to join them in a fundraiser at Topgolf Oklahoma City, a premier entertainment destination in the metro. The event will be on April 18 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 13313 Pawnee Dr.
“This is more than just your average golf tournament,” said Amy Shirola, VillagesOKC Administration and Finance Director. “It’s a great way to get together with friends and raise money for VillagesOKC.
We are a 501c3 nonprofit, and 80% of our operating budget is from donations. We want to continue giving stellar educational opportunities with great speakers, consulting with those who are in the middle of a major life transition or crisis, and connecting the 50+ population in the Oklahoma City metro with valuable resources.”
Cost is a $100 each for a six-person team; single-player registration is $125. Dinner is included. There will be a raffle going on all evening for great prizes and a Hole-In-One Contest where players can take a shot at a hole-in-1 for $10,000.
Shirola said there are sponsor opportunities also. Sponsorships range from $500 to $15,000.
“There are six sponsorship levels to choose from with various promotional opportunities,” she said. “Whether you choose to be a Putter Sponsor or Hole-in-One Sponsor, we sincerely appreciate your sponsorship of our Topgolf tournament.”
In 2023, VillagesOKC made 2,507 connections at its events for older adults. The goal is to increase that number significantly in 2024.
“Join us for a night out with friends and a delicious dinner while supporting our mission of empowering adults to age with vitality and purpose,” Shirola said.
Registration and sponsorship details are available at
https://villagesokc.org/top-golf-tournament/ or by calling (405) 990-6637.
Topgolf showcases a dartboard type driving range with golf balls that are tracked electronically and a scorecard that is updated automatically. Concentric circles mark the score for the session, and closer to the bulls-eye gets a higher score.
The fundraiser will use Top Contender Game Play rules. Here is how the Topgolf website describes this play:
• Choose 8 or 12 shots per player. Players rotate every 4 shots.
• Hit the glowing targets for double points.
• Aim closer to the center of each target for maximum points.
• Hit the glowing target that is furthest in the distance for maximum points.

“Get a hole-in-1 while you are playing Top Contender, and you can go home with up to $750 cash,” Shirola said. “The winning team will take home a cash prize.”

Visit: https://villagesokc.org/

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

Jackson County – Altus Junior College Library, 221 N. Park Ln., Altus

The Altus Junior College Library, designed by architect William Appleby, was completed in 1969. This modern movement building is significant in the area of education for its association with President Johnson’s Great Society legislation. As a politician and former educator who came of age during the New Deal Era of the 1930s, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) believed in the combined forces of education and “an activist government.” Accordingly, LBJ’s Great Society legislation emphasized opportunity through education as “the government’s secret weapon in the fight against poverty and unemployment.” The library building was constructed in 1968-1969 using a 1967 federal grant under the Higher Education Facilities Act.
The nomination was prepared through a grant from the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture titled the “Lynne Rostochil National Register Nomination Grant Program.” The grant program was established in memory of Lynne Rostochil, an architectural historian and photographer who, in her lifetime, passionately advocated for and diligently recorded Oklahoma’s rich architectural heritage.

Tulsa County – Charles and Bertha Blevins House, 1838 N. Norfolk Ave., Tulsa

The Charles and Bertha Blevins House is an excellent example of a property associated with Black Heritage and Civil Rights history, as it embodies the efforts to promote voter registration and participation in Oklahoma’s elections prior to the passage of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act. Involvement in local civic and political organizations by the house’s owners, Charles and Bertha Blevins, contributed to the economic and social development of the Black community in north Tulsa during the mid-twentieth century. Most notably, the house served as a polling place for nearby residents, making voting more accessible and secure for Black Tulsans.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit https://www.okhistory.org.

The OKC VAHCS relaunched the Medical Foster Home (MFH) program in 2023. The MFH program partners with caregivers in the community who are interested in welcoming Veterans to live with them in their private, residential home. The caregiver provides 24-hour care to the Veteran, who otherwise is no longer able to live independently in their own home.
The first MFH opened in October 2023, appropriately called House of Heroes. This home is now serving all female Veterans and providing these women a safe home with 24-hour care and without it, they may have otherwise been forced to transition into an institutional setting.
“What is beautiful about this House of Heroes home is that women from different life experiences and backgrounds have come together to support one another and because of this, our Veterans are being cared for in the most honorable way,” said Lindsey Altmiller-Hester, OKC VAHCS Medical Foster Home Coordinator. “Seeing our Veterans thrive in a home, enjoying things that are important to them, and having their needs met, that is why I do this.”
The first home consists of an all women team of Caregivers, they support the other Caregivers in the program by providing various health care support services to team members and all are working together to serve our Veterans who served. Often female Veterans can feel overlooked and put into situations and programs in-between male Veterans. This unique all-female home provides a place to feel comfortable, thrive and their healthcare needs are molded to their unique challenges.
The House of Heroes has cared for a Veteran that was once sleeping on the streets and is now thriving in their own bedroom and enjoying being supported by someone who cares about their wellbeing, has compassion and empathy to their situation. These Veterans’ health care needs are supported by the OKC VAHCS Home Based Primary Care (HBPC).
HBPC is a unique program that brings primary care to a Veteran in their home, including the MFH.
“It has been really rewarding to watch her transformation as she is getting the care she needs, the follow-up and continuity of care she needs” said Dr. Calli Landes, APRN. “She has this whole village of people in the MFH and with HBPC caring for her health and mental health. I think it helps her relax and feel safe and cared for.”
Dr. Landes shared that Veteran’s and families are often thankful for the care they receive in HBPC. HBPC is truly carrying out President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. MFH and HBPC is a unique partnership to provide care for these Veterans.
“As coordinator of this program, we have an obligation to find the right match. The MFH Coordinator finds a caregiver, either male or female, in the community who is willing to take a Veteran into their private/residential home, provide 24-hour supervision, and as needed, personal assistance with day-to-day tasks. MFH follows CRC requirements for oversight, recruitment, and inspection of these homes that we are placing our Veterans.” Altmiller-Hester said, “These factors facilitate matching suitable MFHs with the greater complexity of these Veterans, achieving safe and therapeutic care in a small personal home setting. MFH provides an alternative to a nursing home, in a person’s home and a benefit is that it is at less than half the cost of institutional care.”
OKC VA HCS has sites in both OKC and Lawton and seeking caregivers who may be interested in welcoming a Veteran to live with them and provide that Veteran with 24-hour care. With an emphasis on supporting our Veterans in their communities, OKC VA is moving forward and aggressively seeking homes willing to foster our aging Veterans during this stage in their lives. This program aligns with the VA Secretary McDonough’s support for home care options for aging Veterans and OKC VA has relaunched this project to support this initiative and give qualified Veterans options to traditional nursing homes.
Interested caregivers can call the OKC VA MFH coordinator at 405-456-5484 or 405-208-9498 or email lindsey.altmiller-hester@va.gov.
For more information about geriatrics and extended care, please click the link below or visit the VA website
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/ or visit https://www.va.gov/.

Seaman 2nd Class Raymond Boynton was born May 3, 1922 in Grandville, Michigan and served aboard USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, was buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii on March 20.
In 1941, Seaman Apprentice through Seaman 1st Class encompassed Sailors who were being trained in the basic skills of seamanship. After attaining Seaman First Class, Sailors would be trained in, and assigned to, their unique operational specialties. Duties included knowledge of naval drill duties, knots, steering and signaling, standing watches and gunnery duties.
Promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: Oct. 12, 1940.
Duty Station were USS Oklahoma (BB-37): 09/13/1940 and Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL: 09/10/1940 and Awards and Decorations included the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star) and the World War II Victory Medal.
Duty Stations were: USS Oklahoma (BB 37): 03/29/1940 and Naval Training Station Norfolk, VA: 12/15/1939.
Promotions include: Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment and Seaman 2nd Class: 04/14/1940

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host a family-friendly seed swap and other activities on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day, which is on April 22. “Something to Grow About” will feature a native plant swap, seed buffet and gardening activities.
Guests can bring labeled seeds and plants for the swap. They will learn about and take home native pollinator plants and seeds. Other activities include building a plant press, discovering natural plant dyes, and learning about soil types and planting techniques. There will be a coloring and craft table for kids. The event will also include contests for bug, bird and bat houses.
Visitors can spend the day on the 500-acre grounds that include Pawnee Bill and his wife May’s 14-room mansion, the original ranch blacksmith shop, a 1903 log cabin, a large barn built in 1926, covered picnic tables and a fishing pond for kids. Guests can also drive through the pasture that’s home to dozens of bison and longhorns. The ranch is also home to two draft horses, Dexter and Dallas, who arrived in Oklahoma in January.
“Something to Grow About” is free to attend, but guests must pay admission to tour the mansion.
The event is sponsored by the Gardens on Blue Hawk Peak, Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, Pawnee Nation Agriculture and the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum.
For more information, please call the ranch at 918-762-2513. The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Rd. in Pawnee. Visit PawneeBillRanch.org for hours of operation and admission prices.