The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the long-term care community forever. Tamara Meadows, RN, the Divisional Director of Clinical Operations for Oklahoma with Stonegate Senior Living, stated that it brought infection control in long-term care to the 21st century.
“It highlighted the importance of our infection control program, while also highlighting the need for additional staff to assist with all the different infection control activities,” commented Meadows.
Towards the middle of last year Stonegate’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dianne Sullivan-Slazyk, RN determined along with the owners of Stonegate, that a new permanent role of an infection control preventionist in each facility was needed.
Already on staff at Stonegate, was the Director of Quality, Rhonda Abercrombie, RN who had extensive epidemiology experience with the CDC. So, it was a natural fit for Rhonda to lead the infection control department, which includes two Regional ICP nurses in the state of Oklahoma, along with 4 in Texas and Colorado. The Regional ICPs have oversight of each ICP nurse in each of Stonegate’s 11 skilled facilities throughout the state of Oklahoma. Their job duties vary from routine Covid testing, sometimes as often as twice a week on all residents and employees, to the routine infection control surveillance with tracking and trending of infections.
The ICPs will play a big part of staying in compliance with the newest guidance from CMS on educating residents and staff on vaccinations.
Although they have had a very good turn out with vaccination rates of residents, Director Abercrombie states, they would love to see an increase in the amount of staff vaccinations.
“We have partnered with our consulting pharmacy, PharMerica, to do our own vaccine clinics, which are open to staff, residents, and families,” said Abercrombie.
Asked, if these ICP nurses are temporary, Abercrombie states, “The owners of Stonegate have committed to these being permanent positions, which we are very proud!”
For more information about Stonegate Senior Living communities visit: www.stonegatesl.com or call 972-899-4401.

* Focus, Rehabilitation and Tribal Facilities numbers are not assigned to a specific region as their patient populations reside across the state. Information provided through survey of Oklahoma hospitals as reported to HHS as of the time of this report. Response rate affects data. Facilities may update previously reported information as necessary. Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 2021-05-28 at 7:00 a.m

Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know where I can find cheaper high-speed internet services for my home? I’m 70-years old and live strictly on my Social Security and would like to find something faster and less expensive than I currently have. Surfing Susan

Dear Susan,
There are actually two new resources available today that can help you save money on your home internet services, but what’s available to you will depend on your income level and where you live. Here’s where to begin. Internet Discounts
Depending on your financial situation, a good first step to reducing your home internet costs is through the new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This is a temporary federal benefit that provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10 to $50 toward the purchase price.
To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $17,388 for one person or $23,517 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension or survivors pension benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands.
Households that experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 due to job loss or furlough can also qualify for the EBB program, as long as their household income for 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
To apply, go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org where you can apply online or print out an application and mail it in.
If you’re already receiving assistance through the federal Lifeline benefit (see LifelineSupport.org), which is a $9.25 monthly subsidy for phone or internet costs, you automatically qualify for the EBB program, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your EBB and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services.
Or, if your broadband provider already has its own low-income or COVID-19 relief program, you may be able to qualify through this program as well. Talk to your broadband provider for more information.
Low-Cost Internet
If you’re not eligible for the EBB program, another resource for locating cheaper high-speed internet is Aging Connected, which has a higher income qualification.
Created by Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) and the Humana Foundation, Aging Connected is a nationwide campaign created to help lower-income seniors find low-cost, in-home broadband options in their area.
Partnering with telecommunications companies, nonprofits and public entities, Aging Connected will help you search for services in your area that provide high-speed internet at a very low cost. Most participating companies charge around $10 to $15 per month, with no contract and no equipment fee.
Aging Connected also provides referrals to affordable desktop and laptop computers for under $160.
To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $23,800 for one person or $32,200 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefits similar to the EBB program.
To search, go to AgingConnected.org and type in your ZIP code, name and email address, or you can call 877-745-1930.
Other Search Options
If you find that you’re not eligible for either of the previously listed resources, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like InMyArea.com and BroadbandNow.com, both of which provide a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Story by Darl Devault, Feature Writer

Described as a realignment and costing half a million dollars, the new section of the MAPS 3 West River Trail (WRT) opened the first week in May. This reopening allows its multi-use travelers access to and from downtown Oklahoma City on the trails after being closed for 22 months.
For seniors trying to make a decisive quality of life recovery from pandemic restrictions this reopening is important. Seniors got outside more for exercise during the pandemic. Bicycling and walking was two of the major explosions in growth. Seniors who are bicycling and walking more say their pent-up demand to safely ride their bicycles to and from the Boathouse District and downtown Oklahoma City is strong.
“My long bike rides each week often took me almost downtown, so the closure of the West River Trail was a huge inconvenience,” said Steve Persa, who lives across from the Lake Overholser Trail. With the trail closed I was forced to ride north, which took me into traffic, which is no fun at age 78.”
The WRT had been closed in the area since late spring of 2019. It was closed because of severe erosion from near-record heavy spring rain and resulting high North Canadian River flow next to the Rush Peterbilt Truck Center. The high rains moved the bend in the river closer to the truck center. Low-lying flat areas along the North Canadian River in El Reno, Yukon and west Oklahoma City in Canadian County were flooded by those heavy rains.
Although it looked safe to traverse from the trail after the heavy rains, it was not safe. Where the trail skirted the truck center property to the west, the river had eroded and dug out under the embankment below. This part of the trail posed a liability exposure to the city and endangered users. This caused the city to close it out of an abundance of caution in case it fell into the river.
The closure was from its western-most point at the Reno Avenue trailhead to Safari Point at Crystal Lake near SW 8th Street and Rockwell Avenue. This was about 3.3 miles of the 7.5-mile trail.
The new realignment section makes the trail longer than the posted 7.5-miles now running from NW 10th Street west of Council Road to SW 15th Street at Meridian Avenue. There it connects to the east to the Oklahoma River Trails to continue downtown. The North Canadian River is named the Oklahoma River through Oklahoma City’s downtown area.
Originally completed in 2015, the trail’s new realignment construction began in January of this year to reroute the trail east between the truck center and Interstate 40. The new trail features large, long concrete barriers protecting it from the embankment just north of the truck center. It turns south at 8700 W Interstate 40 Service Rd. and continues south next to Cara Lane to go west along SW 8th Street to reconnect to the existing trail.
“Cyclists have missed the use of the trail for the almost two years it was closed, because it is easier than riding to Lake Hefner and back,” said Dixie Duff, a retired nurse who rides here bicycle every other day in the area. “The West River Trail is preferred because of its east-west route, making it protected from Oklahoma’s strong south winds in spring and summer and winter’s strong and cold north winds.”
The WRT is one of the three trails created by tax dollars from MAPS 3. (The other two trails are Will Rogers and Lake Draper.) This is a more rural trek, taking users along the North Canadian River and around Crystal Lake well away from streets and traffic. The trail offers parking at NW 10th Street on the west end, Reno Street or Crystal Lake midway through the scenic trail.
This trail is a part of the more than 90 miles of Oklahoma City’s multi-use trails. The trails system offers recreation and exercise along a network of 10 interconnected trails that can take users to almost every point in the city.
Using the Better Streets, Safer City Sales Tax, the city has been adding bike infrastructure and resurfacing multiple trails around the city these last two years. Latest figures show 56 percent of Oklahoma City residents live within a half-mile of a park or trail. Oklahoma City averages one park for every 3,995 residents.
The good-for-all-skill-levels WRT offers several activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcomed but must be kept on a leash. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail system. This kid and stroller friendly trail is ideal for family nature trips. Many residents walk and run the trail while taking in the many river views.
It is a venue of unexpected ruggedness with some of its close-in, tree-lined boundaries in some sections. Parts of the trail fit the description of a nature trail. Most of the other city trails are open and windswept.

With the lifesaving potential of a bone marrow transplant comes an anxious few weeks of waiting to see if the patient begins producing new cells. A hematology oncologist at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is the co-leader of a national clinical trial that could revolutionize the field with an imaging technique that provides an early look at a transplant’s likely success or failure.

The clinical trial represents more than 15 years of work by Jennifer Holter-Chakrabarty, M.D., a bone marrow transplant physician at Stephenson Cancer Center. Her research was launched in response to the tragic outcome of a patient with leukemia who received a bone marrow transplant. She cared for the patient until the point when laboratory and clinical diagnostic techniques available at the time were able to determine if the bone marrow had repopulated. The transplant failed and the patient eventually succumbed to an infection and died.
Holter-Chakrabarty was determined to find a way to see, soon after a transplant, whether the bone marrow is growing. “That was the state of the science at the time – we didn’t have the diagnostic capability of predicting if a transplant would be successful,” she said. “It was very upsetting to lose my patient because I couldn’t tell whether her cells where growing. I am hopeful that this clinical trial will let us know early on whether a transplant is working, so that we can take different steps to intervene if needed. Waiting four to six weeks is too long.”
Holter-Chakrabarty’s research trajectory began after reading a publication by scientists in the Netherlands who had used a new imaging agent called fluorothymidine (FLT) in positron emission tomography (PET) for solid tumors like breast and lung cancer. In that case, FLT imaging provided an excellent view of the bones but a poor look at the breasts and lungs. Holter-Chakrabarty realized that those researchers’ problem was her solution – an imaging agent that could light up the bones to reveal whether marrow was growing.
FLT’s potential is in how it differs from the current standard imaging agent, FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). Because FDG is tied to glucose, when used for imaging, it recognizes any cell that is active, whether dividing or because of inflammation. However, the thymidine in FLT only distinguishes cells that that are dividing – the exact behavior of a bone marrow transplant that is working as intended.
Holter-Chakrabarty first tested FLT imaging in the laboratory, where it allowed her to see bone marrow repopulating in mice whose marrow had been irradiated. She then tested it in a small clinical trial in bone marrow transplant patients who were at low risk of failure because of the similarity of the donor’s marrow. Again, that trial demonstrated that FLT imaging could accurately predict early marrow growth, as well as the safety of FLT.
In the current trial, Holter-Chakrabarty is testing FLT imaging in patients whose type of bone marrow transplant puts them at a 10-12% chance of failure. In particular, the patients have undergone cord blood transplants, which use donated cells from a mother’s placenta, and haplo-identical transplants, which are matched by half, usually siblings or parents of the recipient. Patients will undergo imaging one day prior to transplant, at five to nine days after transplant, and again 28 days after. In another cohort, patients who are not producing new cells by day 24 will undergo a single FLT image to determine whether the transplant is delayed or has failed.
The trial also will allow Holter-Chakrabarty to study different biomarkers to learn more about why some transplant recipients are more at risk for failure than others.
“The more we know about the biology of the process, like understanding which proteins are in particular places and what types of modifications occur in the cells, the more we can be very direct and prescriptive about how we make changes to help the patient early on,” she said.
The clinical trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will enroll 50 patients at three centers: OU Health, Emory University and the University of Michigan. Holter-Chakrabarty’s colleagues at the two other sites lead the project with her. If successful, the trial will mark a major leap forward for bone marrow transplant physicians and the blood cancer patients they treat. Patients whose bone marrow transplants fail only have a 30% survival rate over three years. Moving closer to improving those odds is gratifying, Holter-Chakrabarty said.
“It has been very exciting to reach this point,” she said. “To be able to see bone marrow growing in a human while you’re doing the transplant is a first for our field. This trial is addressing the very problem I faced when I lost my patient all those years ago, and it will provide hope for our patients in the future.”

By Nick Thomas

According to Diane McBain who turned 80 in May, it’s never too late to begin a new chapter in your life. Along with co-author Michael Gregg Michaud (see www.facebook.com/michael.michaud.90), the 60s glamour gal published her autobiography “Famous Enough: A Hollywood Memoir” in 2014. She also recently penned her first novel, “The Laughing Bear.”
“And I’ve got another ready to be published,” said McBain from the retirement community in Woodland Hills, California, where she has lived for several years. “I have a cottage here and spend my time writing my heart out. So you can start a new career whenever you want.”
2021 is also special for the actress since it was 60 years ago this year that her favorite film, “Claudelle Inglish,” was released in which she portrayed a ‘good girl’ who turns very bad.
“It was just my third film, so playing the title character gave me a great opportunity to test my acting wings,” she recalled. “I had led a very sheltered life growing up in Glendale (California), so playing the bad girl was an interesting challenge.”
McBain arrived in Hollywood as the studio system came to an end and appeared in over two dozen movies through 2001. She turned to television in the 60s appearing in dozens of shows, most notably co-starring in “Surfside 6,” as well as guest-starring parts in TV classics such as “The Wild, Wild West,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” and “Batman” as the colorful Pinky Pinkston. Her first TV roles were alongside James Garner and Jack Kelly in episodes of “Maverick.”
“They were both great Mavericks. Jack Kelly was really the first actor I worked closely with and was my first screen kiss. I was just a young girl and had never kissed a mature man before. But he was very sweet about it and I just adored him.”
A few years later, in 1966, McBain snagged another on-screen romantic moment, this time with Elvis in “Spinout.” “Women have asked me many times what it was like to kiss Elvis and I tell them it was just as wonderful as you would imagine! He was charming and a lovely person to work with. He didn’t come on to me which I appreciated because so many did throughout my career.”
Diane discusses her personal and career ups and downs, including some truly traumatic times, in her book. In 2001, she left Hollywood after a bad experience serving on the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild.
“I turned 60 that year and worked very hard to represent people in the industry and do the best I could. But it’s a very political organization so I found myself at real odds with others and under very stressful and nasty circumstances. The experience really turned me off being an actor.”
After her spell with SAG concluded she moved to Pine Mountain Village, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
“I got a little cabin, moved in, and lived there for 15 years. I just loved it and especially the white Christmases in the mountains. But age was catching up with me and I had some health issues so that’s why I moved to the retirement facility. I still live independently and am enjoying my time here very much. It’s serving my health issues well.”
Obviously, says McBain, eating well and exercising as you are able can contribute to good health as you age. But a healthy mental approach is important, too, she stresses.
“It’s a great time in your life to start over and maybe tackle something you always wanted to but never had the time. For me, it’s writing. Your life is never over until you decide it’s over.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 850 magazines and newspapers.

by Steven Sibley, Ret Army, DAV

Memorial Day has just passed and I want to salute all those who took the time to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Since 1775, records indicate that as many a 1.3 million lives have been lost by those who served in our country’s military. That is basically the population of Tulsa, Edmond, OKC, Moore and Norman combined. Imagine, almost half of them died in a senseless civil war that took nearly half those lives. The Civil War started because of uncompromising differences between the free and slave states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the territories that had not yet become states. For those who fought for freedom for all, there was a familiar ring back to the words of Patrick Henry in March of 1775, “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” The price of freedom for all is that great, that precious.
Our veterans have not only died, many have been wounded, maimed for life, and scarred both physically and emotionally. While complete statistics were difficult to find on this subject, it appears that on average, for every veteran killed, up to 10 were wounded. That is a significant number. It is why it’s so important for us to do the very best we can, to take care of our veterans. The heroic 1% of our population. This is one of the greatest needs we have as a country. It’s the greatest reason for those who are the top 1% of income earners in our country, to freely and responsibly give, in whatever way they can or must, to support these heroes, who have sacrificed so much for others to have the opportunity and freedom to succeed in our country at the highest levels.
Soon it will be Independence Day, 2021. This is my challenge to those who would seek to honor both those who have given their lives and those veterans who have been injured or disabled in the service of this country. Between July 4th this year and November 11th, Veterans Day, for those 5 months, would you purposely and proactively reach out to at least 1 veteran a month, and tell them you appreciate their service, and then serve them in some way. What ever you feel led to do, send them a card, buy them a meal, mow their lawn, take them to an appointment or just have a conversation with them. Imagine if everyone in Tulsa, Edmond, OKC, Moore and Norman reached out to just 5 veterans, that would be over 5 million times a veteran was talked to, recognized, appreciated and helped.
As a retired, disabled veteran myself, my wife and I do our part by helping veterans who transition into Medicare. We help them understand how those benefits work with their VA Benefits and Tricare Benefits. We provide support, advocacy and information about Medicare Plans offered by companies that have special plans for veterans, that offer additional benefits which they’ve earned and deserve. While healthcare issues and delivery of healthcare is confusing enough for seniors, it is even worse for veterans who have sacrificed their bodies and blood only to find red tape and bureaucracy standing in the way of the healthcare they desperately need. If you need our help, just call, there is never any charge, any pressure, just help. We are here to serve you at www.Sibleyinsures.com, (918) 404-0807.

Journey back to the age of dinosaurs with the Zoo’s new DINO SAFARI experience to discover the world’s largest, most life-like animatronic prehistoric creatures.

Dinosaurs are back at the OKC Zoo! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden presents DINO SAFARI, a new immersive experience featuring life-sized, scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs that demonstrate movement and sounds like the prehistoric giants that once roamed the planet. Explore DINO SAFARI located in the Zoo’s lush, 6-acre pollinator garden along the Lakeside to see several dinosaurs come to life through 15 one-of-a-kind animatronic displays and 8 skeleton replicas in a COVID safer setting.
These amazingly life-like creations were created by Jurassic Park advisor “Dino Don” Lessem’s company Dino Don Inc., the premiere maker of robot animals in the world. DINO SAFARI is open to the public now through Sunday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Entry into DINO SAFARI is the cost of general Zoo admission plus, $5 per person for ZOOfriends members and $6 per person for nonmembers. Children 2 and under are free and do not require tickets for entry into DINO SAFARI.
“Animal fans of all ages are drawn to dinosaurs so we are thrilled to bring this unique opportunity to the Zoo,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director/CEO. “We hope to foster our guests’ natural curiosity and interest to learn more about these prehistoric wonders of the past while connecting them to our incredible animal family today.”
Learn how dinosaurs evolved over time and where they roamed as you encounter the fascinating creatures of DINO SAFARI. Stand next to one of the most popular predators of the late Cretaceous era, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, get an up-close look at a massive Woolly mammoth from the Pleistocene era as also referred to as the Great Ice Age and gaze at the 42-foot wingspan of a Tropeognathaus! Guests will also learn how the OKC Zoo is working with Tinker Air Force Base and the University of Oklahoma to help fight the extinction of Oklahoma’s beloved lizard, the horny toad, also known as the Texas horned lizard, through educational displays setup near the DINO SAFARI gift shop.
Trek over to the newly, renovated Dino Bites, located next to the pollinator garden, for a selection of tasty favorites including turkey legs, chicken nuggets, hot dog and churros. Shop for the ultimate dinosaur souvenirs at the DINO SAFARI gift shop and discover a vast selection of unique toys and gifts, apparel for both children and adults, plush, children’s books and more.
Additionally, guests can purchase exclusive DINO SAFARI OKC Zoo conservation wristbands. Choose from four limited-edition animal designs – Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, a raptor and Texas horned lizard – available for $2/each in the Guest Services office and stroller window located in the entry plaza. The Zoo’s collectible, conservation wristbands benefit the Zoo’s local and global conservation efforts with 100 percent of sales going to Round Up for Conservation.
DINO SAFARI TICKET OPTIONS
Bring on the big fun, purchase a single-day DINO SAFARI Adventure Ticket with unlimited walks through DINO SAFARI, unlimited lorikeet feedings, unlimited carousel and Elephant Express tram rides plus, general admission to the Zoo for $31/adult and $28/child and senior. ZOOfriends members can take advantage of a dino-mite deal and purchase the Zoo’s DINO SAFARI Adventure Season Pass for unlimited admission to DINO SAFARI through October 31, along with lorikeet feedings, carousel rides and a souvenir Zoo Key. DINO SAFARI Adventure Season Passes range from $35 to $200. Must be a current member to purchase season passes.
DINO-RIFFIC BIRTHDAY PACKAGES
Surprise your kiddo with a dino-mite birthday party! Young explorers can try their hand at the fossil dig to excavate rare dinosaur “bones” just like a real paleontologist. With the Zoo’s exclusive DINO SAFARI birthday package, your child’s special day is sure to be memorable.