(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/
Oklahoma City firefighter, Ronald Vasquez II undergoing therapy during his stay at the hospital.
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
Dear Savvy Senior, Next month I am moving to a different state so I can be near my daughter and grandkids. Do I need to notify Social Security and Medicare about the move? Relocating Grandma
Dear Relocating,
Yes, if you’re a Social Security and Medicare recipient you definitely need to let these Federal agencies know when and where you move so there are no hiccups in your benefits or coverage. Here’s what you should know.
How to Update Your Info.
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement, survivors or disability benefits, it’s required that you notify the Social Security Administration when you move to ensure your deposits continue and you avoid disruptions.
You’ll need to provide them your new mailing address so they can deliver important documents to you like your annual SSA-1099 tax form. And if you’re switching banks or credit unions, you’ll need to update your direct deposit information by providing your new financial institution’s routing number and account number.
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, they too need your new mailing address so bills, correspondence, your Medicare Summary Notice and other statements can go to the right address.
You can update both your Social Security and Medicare contact information online by simply using the “My Profile” tab in your personal “my Social Security” account at SSA.gov/myaccount. If you don’t have an account, you can create one online for free in just a few minutes.
Or, if you need some help or don’t have internet access, you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office and they will make the changes for you.
Medicare Private Plans
You also need to know that if you’re enrolled in original Medicare, you can move anywhere within the United States without losing coverage. But if you have Part D prescription drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan from a private health insurance company, and you move out of the plan’s service area, you’ll have to switch plans or you’ll face losing coverage.
Part D service areas typically are statewide or can extend to parts of neighboring states, while Medicare Advantage plans’ service areas vary by county.
Moving out of a plan’s service area qualifies you for a special enrollment period (SEP) of at least two months to get a new plan. You may also qualify if you move within your plan’s service area and it offers options different from what you had. The enrollment timing depends on when you notify the plan.
If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move. If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
To shop for new Part D and Medicare Advantage plans in your new area, use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare.
You can also switch Part D or Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, which runs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for coverage starting Jan. 1.
Medigap Plans
If you’re enrolled in original Medicare and have a Medigap supplemental policy you usually don’t have to switch plans if you move, but you do need to notify your provider. Some insurers let you keep the rate based on the state where you originally applied for Medigap. Others may change your premiums to coincide with their coverage in a different zip code.
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.
Left to right: AARP Oklahoma Interim Volunteer State President Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl, House Majority Leader Tammy West, Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, and AARP Oklahoma Advocacy Director Joy McGill.
AARP Oklahoma presented House Majority Leader Tammy West (R—District 84) and Senate Appropriations Chairman Roger Thompson (R—District 8) with the 2024 Champion for Family Caregivers Award at the Capitol on Monday. Leader West and Senator Thompson were recognized for their leadership in improving the lives of older Oklahomans and championing the Caring for Caregivers Act, which created a state tax credit for Oklahoma family caregivers up to $3,000.
“The Caring for Caregivers Act helps offset costs and helps keep spouses, aging parents, or other loved ones at home instead of in costly taxpayer-funded nursing homes,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl.
According to AARP’s Valuing the Invaluable report, Oklahoma’s 490,000 family caregivers provide a staggering $6.6 billion in unpaid care.
“While caregiving is decidedly a labor of love, it also has a real financial cost,” Voskuhl said. “Leader West and Senator Thompson understand the sacrifices family caregivers make and fought for the nation’s first comprehensive tax credit for family caregivers.”
Family caregivers spend about 20 percent of their income caring for their loved ones— more than $7,200 annually. Visit aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit
Amy Shirola, VillagesOKC Administration and Finance Director, is excited about the upcoming fundraiser.
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.”
On Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June, the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (OKC VA HCS) partners with resources to kick-off the Summer PACT Act VET-Fest. This 2-day event will bring Norman-area Veterans resources and provide eligible Veterans and family members VA healthcare education, toxic exposure screening and an understanding of what the VA healthcare can offer and assisting Veterans with the VA benefits processes.
The full name of the recent legislation passed is called the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and was signed into law on August 10, 2022. The PACT Act is one of the largest expansions of Veteran health care programs and benefits. The PACT Act will benefit millions of Veterans spanning generations of service members from World War II, Vietnam, Gulf War and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you served between conflicts, don’t be afraid to come in and find out if you qualify. While serving, if Veterans were exposed to toxins (such as agent orange, burn pits, burning oil fields, asbestos, etc.), they-and their survivors-should qualify for benefits.
The OKC VA is hosting this 2-day Summer VET Fest to roll out PACT Act resources and provide VA assistance such as eligibility teams, VA ID Cards, medical experts to provide toxic exposure screening (TES), file claims with the Muskogee Benefits Office, or with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs or other Veteran Service Organizations present.
On Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June, 2024, Norman-area Veterans are encouraged to come to the Norman Reserve Center, located at 4000 Thunderbird Street, Norman, OK, 73069 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please stay connected to the OKC VA Facebook page to stay plugged into the upcoming PACT Act events. If you are a Veteran in the Oklahoma City catchment area and you cannot attend the Norman, OK event, don’t worry, the OKC VA has multiple PACT Act Community Engagements throughout the year. If you can’t make this event, come out to one of our outreach events near you. The OKC VA wants to help Veterans get started in their VA healthcare journey and the Veterans Benefits Association wants to help you file claims. You don’t want to miss out on the PACT Act assistance before it is too late.
Suzy Masters, LPN is full of warmth and compassion while attending to the residents at Iris Memory Care of Nichols Hills. The residents feel a sense of comfort, knowing they are in their home away from home.
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.
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
Nerve Renewal opened its Edmond location last December, and held a ribbon cutting March 18. Pictured left to right is, Teri Thompson, COO of Nerve Renewal, Jimmy Steele, co-founder and Director of Patient Growth, Glenn Cope, co-founder and Vice-President, and Edmond Mayor Darell Davis.
Nerve Renewal continues to spread its footprint across Oklahoma with a new location in Edmond, located at 3520 South Boulevard, Suite 100.
Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Mark Cope, community relations liaison for Nerve Renewal, said their Edmond location was added to address a growing metro patient base.
“We have five locations now,” he said. “We’ve got one in northwest Oklahoma City, southwest, Oklahoma City, Norman and Midwest City, and now Edmond. Shawnee is coming online hopefully by the end of next month, Broken Arrow is soon to follow with plans also in Stillwater, and Bartlesville. People with neuropathy are in pain a lot of the time and they don’t want to travel very far. We’re really trying to get within 20-30 minutes of everyone we can.”
Glenn Cope, co-founder and Vice-President of Nerve Renewal said the Edmond location opened last December, and has seen a steady growth of patients.
“I think they’re almost at full capacity already after only being open for four months,” he said. “A lot of these people are in pain, a few of them are driving themselves and they just don’t have the tolerance for long trips.”
Nerve Renewal’s mission is to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through innovative nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief so that their patients reclaim their joy, mobility, and freedom.
An estimated 20 million Americans are living with chronic pain or numbness due to neuropathy and nerve damage.
Nerve Renewal treatments are FDA-cleared and use a drug-free treatment which involves electrical stimulation combined with a vitamin B-12 complex nutrient blend that helps reduce neuropathy-related nerve pain and does not require recovery time after treatment.
80 percent of patients experience a long-term reduction in pain without surgery or medication through the use of proven electrical stimulation treatments.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held March 18 at the Edmond location, and was attended by members of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Darrell Davis, and others.
During that ceremony, Jimmy Steele, co-founder and Director of Patient Growth at Nerve Renewal, told attendees the types of patients Nerve Renewal treats.
“Does anybody know anybody that has diabetes? Does anybody know anybody that’s undergone chemotherapy treatment,” Steele asked attendees. “That’s what we typically help. When you are going through those things, you’re experiencing nerve pain, incredible amounts of pain.”
Steele said for most people experiencing that pain, they think medications are their only option.
“For most people, the only solution that they know for that is a medication like Gabapentin or Lyrica,” he said. “And if you’ve ever had it, if you know anybody that’s been on it that’s kind of experiencing life in a fog, it’s not exactly the best experience. But if you’re in pain, there are very few other options. What makes us different is that we are that other option. There is no medication, there are no surgical implants. It’s a treatment and relief from pain. And for patients who are experiencing a lot of numbness as well in their hands and their feet, they get to regain that feeling. That’s our big thing. That’s who we serve.”
Latrica Dorsey, Supervisory Nurse Practitioner, told attendees that Nerve Renewal does more than just improve a patient’s quality of life.
“The big thing with our clinics is more just improving the quality of life of people. We have a lot of patients that come in here just for chronic pain, or a lot of nerve damage, but it can be from anything,” she said. “I mean, our goal is to make sure that their quality of life is improving. And, over time when they come to these treatments, we hear stories, oh, I can walk better. Oh, I can stand up longer. These are things that we’re looking for in the community. And we’re hoping that we can give more people to come in and experience what we’re actually giving to the patients that come here so they can understand that. You don’t have to be in pain, you don’t have to have this medication.”
Mayor Darrell Davis said Edmond welcomes Nerve Renewal to town.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said. “I’m glad you’re bringing this option to our community. I’m glad you’re here. You’re on one of the busiest streets (in Edmond), so the (Edmond) Chamber’s going to do a great job at getting your message out.
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.
