New exhibition will feature more than a dozen works from five Oklahoma-based artists

Destination Oklahoma, opening at Oklahoma Contemporary on July 14, offers artist perspectives on the patterns of migration that have long shaped life in our state. Through more than a dozen works (ceramics, mixed media, paintings, photographs, prints and video) Oklahoma-based artists illuminate the distinct cultural backgrounds that have long existed at the country’s crossroads.
“Destination Oklahoma features artworks by five artists that touch upon the layered contexts and experiences of this place, and the ways in which we define — or misunderstand — what it means to be an Oklahoman,” said Oklahoma Contemporary Associate Curator Pablo Barrera. “As Oklahoma City welcomes refugees from Afghanistan, approaches the one-year anniversary of the First Americans Museum, revitalizes the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, and sees a record increase of newcomers from other states, this exhibition is a timely opportunity to reflect on how the region’s long-standing patterns of human migration continue to shape our artistic landscape.”
Photographs by September Dawn Bottoms suggest the complicated nature of intergenerational resilience, while drawings by Ghazal Ghazi co-mingle the Persian miniature format with contemporary portraiture. Paintings by Skip Hill reimagine symbolic imagery related to the Dust Bowl era, and paintings by America Meredith playfully mix pop culture references with historical illustrations of Indigenous subjects. Prints by Ðan Lynh Pham blend graphic language with Vietnamese folk art traditions to evoke the sense of connection — or disconnection — felt by some immigrants to the state.
Destination Oklahoma is a collaboration between Oklahoma Contemporary and guest co-curator Liz Blood, a Tulsa-based writer who is contributing to the exhibition a poetry zine featuring responses to artworks by Oklahoma-based writers.
“My family migrated to Oklahoma just over 100 years ago,” Blood said. “Those of us who are not original inhabitants of this land share that history of migration that has made Oklahoma a beautiful and complex place. Destination Oklahoma celebrates and explores that complexity.”
The exhibition will be on view in the Mary LeFlore Clements Oklahoma Gallery through Oct. 17.
Admission to Oklahoma Contemporary’s exhibitions and most programs is free.

HarborChase of South Oklahoma City

Nearly 40 Oklahoma middle school math teachers became students again this week, receiving a glimpse into the medical research that results from the passion they instill in students.
OMRF on Tuesday hosted teachers from the Sarkeys Foundation Summer Math Institute at the Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics. The weeklong program includes teachers from Inola to Mangum and Madill to Sayre.
Scientists at the nonprofit foundation showed them, among other things, research samples from arthritic knee joints of mice and explained how the regenerative qualities of flatworms might someday apply to humans.
OMRF President Andrew S. Weyrich, Ph.D., welcomed the teachers, calling them “the unsung heroes” behind the minds that shape OMRF’s research.
Throughout the year, OMRF hosts students from elementary school through college for various education and outreach programs, Weyrich noted. “We do that in part because we know Oklahoma students are paramount to the future of research.”
OMRF Vice President of Government Affairs Lisa Day, an OSSM board member, helped organize the event.
“It’s gratifying to connect these teachers with a real-world application of the skills they develop in students,” Day said. “Much medical research requires a mastery of math. Their skill and passion for teaching make what scientists do at OMRF possible.”
During their afternoon at OMRF, the teachers split into small groups to visit lab stations staffed by scientists.
Using a microscope and oversized monitor, David Forsthoefel, Ph.D., demonstrated how quickly the flatworms he studies can completely regenerate their organs. He hopes the clues he learns from the tiny worms might lead to new help in treating conditions ranging from bowel disorders to paralysis.
“We study the flatworms because we hope to learn their secrets,” Forsthoefel told the teachers.
Beggs Middle School teacher Carol Creason called her trip to OMRF “tremendously helpful. It shows how important mathematics is to all sorts of jobs outside of the traditional math field of study.”
Creason was so impressed with Forsthoefel’s presentation that she plans to include flatworms in future lessons.
“I normally use bean plants so they can chart growth, but now I’m going to have them chart regenerative growth in flatworms,” she said. “They’d have a blast.”

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

Anytime you hear the word Santa Fe, it has to conjure up images. And if you have visited there it must illicit emotions and memories as well. During Summer time it’s easy to slip into the mode of recalling pleasant memories, and plan for a fall visit including the Indian Market or the Santa Fe Opera. My first visit to Santa Fe was in the late 1970s, when I was breaking in a new car and exploring the great American West.
Of course, I traveled a long day’s drive on I-40 West out of Oklahoma City, then took the highway 284 cut off at Clines Corners and entered Santa Fe on the Old Pecos Trail. That road soon turned into the Old Santa Fe Trail, where I drove along the narrow road with the old San Miguel Mission adobe church on my right and the famed Pink Adobe Restaurant on my left. The Old Santa Fe Trail offered a perfect first impression, as it was lined with atmospheric time worn structures, and not the modern franchise eateries and gas stations that hug the more traditional entry up north from Albuquerque, on Cerrillos Road.
I soon came into the parking lot of the at that time, relatively new, Inn at Loretto, replete in iconic Santa Fe adobe architecture. I was treated the next morning with a light dusting of snow and a hint of pinion in the air, as I pulled away from a town I’d hardly seen but ~ silently, subconsciously ~ vowed to see again. I have returned to Santa Fe many times since then and each time explored new venues with a salute to favorite places, which have become a traditional pilgrimage when visiting.
I can’t recall why I chose a one night stay at this particular hotel ~ must have been its appealing architecture and perhaps at that time availability. This time I found myself walking past the Spa and the aroma of relaxation made me regret my time on this visit was too short. My stay at the Inn at Loretto in the l970s, and in subsequent years has always been a pleasant tradition. This time was no exception.
Old traditional haunts include: the La Cantina Bar at La Sena Casa where waiters turn into opera and musical theatre singers about every ten minutes; the Pink Adobe Restaurant with its fine and sometimes spicy gourmet productions; Jackalope on Cerrillos road with its affordable southwestern flared garden and household offerings ~ along with the best and freshest string of red chili ristras in season; and the old haunts along the Plaza with its Indian jewelry market and a variety of upscale fashion shops.
New traditional offerings include the Balconies at the Plaza restaurant, which until a few years ago was the traditional Ore House Restaurant with the best and meatiest tasting salsa anywhere ~ and an always must see at the top of Canyon Road the specialty galleries.
Upon this recent trip I discovered the Santa Fe pickup, a free bus that circles the old town area, and is certainly a boon and must for those wanting to wander down Canyon Road as it will drop you off at the top. While my most recent autumn visit was blessed with perfect weather, I have climbed the road in scorching heat and can testify that the art is much more appealing starting at the top and meandering down.
Other must visits is the New Mexico Museum of Art and the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors – both on the Plaza; and up on Museum Hill the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art . Of course a road trip out to Tesuque with its sculpture garden and the near by glass blowing gallery can be broken up with a respite at Bishops Lodge for libations and food with a dose of historic luxury. A Santa Fe visit is not complete without a stop at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and a tasting at is elegant restaurant if it reopens.
I’m not sure if it’s the upscale art and fashion shopping, the authentic New Mexican cuisine, the fresh atmosphere and the nearly unspoiled vistas, or the essence of its history that permeates the soul, which beckons a perpetual return. Probably it’s all, and yet some indescribable something else that all visitors try to describe when remembering, Santa Fe.
For more information contact: The Inn at Loretto –at www.innatloretto.com. And, click the Calendar here for up to date events www,santafe.org.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
3110 N.W. 15 Street – Oklahoma City, OK 73107
https://realtraveladventures.com/?s=terry+zinn
https://realtraveladventures.com/?s=zinn
http://new.okveterannews.com/?s=TERRY+ZINN
www.martinitravels.com

Home

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has announced a historic first for the campus and the state: A new cancer drug, called OK-1, which was conceived and created by an OU College of Medicine researcher and developed entirely in Oklahoma, without the support of a pharmaceutical company, is being tested in humans for the first time in a Phase 1 clinical trial.
The drug was created by researcher Doris Benbrook, Ph.D., whose work on the compound began more than 25 years ago. New drugs developed within an academic institution, without the aid of a pharmaceutical company, are exceedingly rare. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug to be given to humans in the clinical trial, which is underway at Stephenson Cancer Center. The drug is initially being given to women with advanced-stage ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer.
“It is very exciting to reach the point where we can test OK-1 in a clinical trial,” said Benbrook, who is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the OU College of Medicine. “This drug is not available anywhere else in the world right now. We believe it has tremendous potential for treating cancer without causing toxic side effects.”
OK-1 is derived from the natural compound vitamin A. The human body uses vitamin A to make retinoic acid, a nutrient that supports healthy functioning. Some forms of retinoic acid, as well as synthetic versions called retinoids, have been used to treat cancers such as leukemia. However, both are highly toxic, Benbrook said, and patients often become resistant to their effectiveness. Her aim was to create a better version of the drug that is able to kill cancer cells but is less toxic to normal cells.
That effort has taken over two decades of experimentation. Benbrook worked with a collaborator to modify the drug’s chemical structure and test the biological activity of new versions. The new drug they ultimately developed has been modified to such an extent that it works in a completely different way than vitamin A. Collaborators in the OU College of Pharmacy performed research that was necessary to test OK-1 in clinical trials. The work has been supported by millions of dollars in grants from the National Cancer Institute.
OK-1 works by taking away one of the “tricks” that cancer cells use to survive. When cancer cells develop, the body naturally tries to stop their invasion and growth. In response, cancer cells increase their production of “chaperone proteins,” which act like “bodyguards” to keep the cancer cells from dying. The drug OK-1 is able to attach to the chaperone proteins, disabling them in the process. The body’s immune system, or another drug like chemotherapy, is then better able to kill cancer cells because they are no longer protected by “bodyguards.” The drug does not harm healthy cells because they do not need the chaperone protection.
Phase 1 clinical trials are conducted to determine the highest dose of a new drug that can be given safely without causing severe side effects. While OK-1 has been tested extensively in the laboratory and in animal research models, the true effect can’t be known until it is given to humans. However, preclinical studies of the drug have proved that it is effective without causing severe side effects or birth defects, Benbrook said. The drug is being given to humans in capsule form. Kathleen Moore, M.D., Associate Director of Clinical Research and Director of the Oklahoma TSET Phase 1 Program at Stephenson Cancer Center, is leading the clinical trial. “The Phase 1 investigators are so excited to finally have this novel drug available to our patients,” Moore said. “It is a completely new class of drug, which, in addition to having efficacy in and of itself, may help other current cancer therapies work better without adding toxicity. This is kind of the holy grail. We have many combinations that work better than the single drug, but the combinations are far too toxic for general population use. OK-1 gives us the opportunity to bring combinations into trials that may work better without compromising safety. The potential is so exciting.”
At the conclusion of the Phase 1 trial, Moore and her team will have learned the optimal dose of OK-1. In subsequent trials, they plan to test the drug in combination with other cancer drugs already on the market. Benbrook has made patent applications on several drug combinations; OK-1 appears to be most effective when given with other existing drugs.
“We found in our experimental models that when we add OK-1 to other cancer therapies like paclitaxel, which is the standard chemotherapy for endometrial cancer, we get a synergistic effect that is much better than either drug alone,” Benbrook said.
Benbrook’s preclinical research also has shown that OK-1 may be effective for preventing cancer. She plans to test OK-1 in an ovarian cancer prevention trial in the Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network, a program of the National Cancer Institute. The drug will be given to women who are going to have their fallopian tubes surgically removed. Because most ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, researchers will examine the effect of the drug on fallopian tube tissues. Ultimately, the drug could be given to women who are genetically predisposed to cancer, such as those with a BRCA gene mutation.
The Oklahoma TSET Phase 1 Program at Stephenson Cancer Center is the only such program in the state and is considered among the top 10 programs in the nation. As a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, Stephenson can offer patients first access to early-stage drugs like Benbrook’s OK-1.
“This is a very exciting time to be conducting the first Phase 1 trial for a drug developed on our campus,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. “It is only possible because of Dr. Benbrook’s passion and determination and the ability of Stephenson Cancer Center to offer Phase 1 clinical trials. We have a very special team of doctors, nurses, researchers and staff who work together to safely give these new drugs to humans.”
In addition to funding from the National Cancer Institute, Benbrook’s research has been supported by grants from Oklahoma City-based Presbyterian Health Foundation, as well as the OU College of Medicine Alumni Association.

Call Autumn House at 405-732-1644 Today!

Story and photo by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

On Memorial Day, when one of the highest-grossing patriotic films ever, “Top Gun: Maverick,” premiered on the most theater screens in history, an Oklahoman, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles B. “Chuck” DeBellevue, received a standing ovation at a local IMAX theater.
Variety Magazine says after only 31 days on the big screen, “Top Gun: Maverick” became Tom Cruise’s first movie to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office. It is the first 2022 movie and only the second in COVID 19 times to reach that benchmark.
The movie noted prominently that Tom Cruise’s U.S. Navy fighter pilot and instructor character Pete “Maverick” Mitchell made flying ace by shooting down an additional three enemy fighters.
In the audience that day, DeBellevue, now 76, was honored as America’s last American flying ace on active duty with six MiG kills to his credit in the skies over North Vietnam as a weapons systems officer. DeBellevue said he was touched by the standing ovation he received from fellow veterans who watched the movie with him.
The occasion for the Edmond resident accompanied the movie celebration of U.S. Navy aviation as the Regal Warren Moore IMAX Theater welcomed servicemen and women and their children to a premiere private screening.
The Gerrity Chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA), the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC), and the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association (ODIA) partnered to organize the premiere.
The sailors of the Navy’s TACAMO unit based at Tinker Air Force Base were the largest group of honored guests. TACAMO is the Navy E-6 Mercury aircraft which is an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707 aircraft, similar to the Air Force’s E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). Additionally, all military veterans and their families were welcomed at this showing.
The event emcee, retired U.S. Navy Capt. John (Irish) Keilty, a former test pilot, was a previous Tinker TACAMO commander and now supervises the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Del City High School. He welcomed everyone and introduced the honored guests. DeBellevue said the Navy JROTC midshipmen did an excellent job of presenting the colors at the theater.
In addition to DeBellevue, Keilty also recognized audience members retired Navy Rear Adm. Greg Slavonic, former Acting Under Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff King, commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker. He also introduced retired Oklahoma Army National Guard Pilot Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chase Rutledge, now the KOCO-TV SKY 5 Chief Pilot.
The screening highlighted Memorial Day, when Americans hosted parades, visited cemeteries and memorials, and wore a red poppy to honor those fallen in war. DeBellevue said the movie screening helped all in attendance remember those who served and honored the fallen who came to America’s defense and never returned to their families.
“This was a great way to remember those who gave their all for our country,” DeBellevue said. “The movie “Top Gun: Maverick” displays the camaraderie, teamwork, and skill it takes to defend this country. The funds needed to stage the movie event were gathered in only two days, showing that the patriotic people of Oklahoma always come through.”
DeBellevue said Allyson Carson with the ODIA assisted Director Grayson Ardies and OAC staffers with the flight plan. Jeff James, president of the Gerrity Chapter of the AFA, and the spirited volunteerism of AFA members Michelle Bouziden, Sandra Shelton, Mark Tarpley, and Walter Kula ensured this was a quality event. Also helping out were Steve Duran and Kara Slavonic, and others.
The ODIA helps leaders in government, industry, and academia collaborate to offer solutions while advancing the national security and defense needs of the state and nation.
Gerrity Chapter volunteers also helped invite the hundreds of patriots, including recruiting identified guests to the free movie. The AFA is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association.
“The AFA’s mission is to promote a dominant U.S. Air and Space Force and a strong national defense through education, advocacy and support,” DeBellevue said. “It is an excellent way for community partners and interested individuals to become involved and learn about the Air Force and Tinker Air Force Base and have a say in patriotic issues.”
DeBellevue said the AFA central Oklahoma Gerrity Chapter supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in Oklahoma and the Rosie the Riveter project. The group, along with Oklahoma Career Tech, puts on the CyberPatriot, StellaXplorer and STARBASE OKLAHOMA programs. These are middle and high school level programs to advance experiential STEM education.
The movie attendees were treated to the latest Tom Cruise need for speed after speakers before the film emphasized the might and force of the U.S. Navy. They spoke of how the Aeronautics Commission proudly salutes the sailors of the TACAMO wing on their 30th year in Oklahoma at Tinker Air Force Base and their 60th year of operations. They proudly partner with the AFA Gerrity Chapter and ODIA for Oklahoma military service endeavors.
While TAFB employs nearly 30,000 Oklahomans, a contingent of air mission Navy sailors numbering 1,500 are proud to be known as “Red Dirt Sailors.” There has been a long-standing Navy presence in the area attached to Strategic Communications Wing One (SCW-1) at Tinker. Other active-duty members are attached to the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) in Oklahoma City, the local recruiting district and numerous reserve personnel who live and work in the community.
“The US Navy arrived on Tinker AFB in 1990 and has since operated in defense of the United States,” Keilty said. “Inviting the “Red Dirt Sailors” to this viewing was a great way to honor both their service and the service of those who gave their all for this country.”
Super Hornet presenting sponsor Tinker Federal Credit Union helped make the event possible. DeBellevue said the credit union always supports patriotic themes with style.
“The sailors and airmen who attended this film viewing will remember this Memorial Day for a long time,” DeBellevue said. “Thanks to the volunteers and sponsors for making this a great Memorial Day patriotic event.”
DeBellevue also outlined how much of a boost this movie will be in allowing the military to recruit much-needed pilots in the near future. “I have gone back and watched “Top Gun: Maverick” a second time to really soak in all the excitement it conveys about flying. It reminded me of my missions when I flew into North Vietnam,” DeBellevue said in a recent interview. “There is no doubt in my mind there will be a spike in pilot recruiting across all the services, not just the Navy.”

www.legalaidok.org/employment

Story by owner Dennis Helm, a True & Proven Senior Advocate

A lot of companies say they specialize in working with seniors. (Hundreds of verifiable References from 35 Years)

But as owner of Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction we’ve proven it since 1987!
I have been a Senior Advocate for as long as I’ve been in the business. I learned this from caring for those who were and are vulnerable to scammers.
My heart was developed to protect the vulnerable and was cultivated as a child of a single mother who faced many challenges and difficulties raising three boys alone.
Free Inspections: Most Oklahoma homes have hail damage not visible from the ground, unseen until Inspection.
How Smooth Finish has helped Seniors: (free consultations, decisions for scope, priority lists, free inspections and estimates)
For seniors who are staying in their home, Smooth Finish can upgrade most all desired home improvements starting with “A good roof over their head” with a GAF Lifetime warranty and we have worked successfully with all insurance companies.
In homes of seniors who want or need to age in place, Smooth Finish can also help with other repairs, restorations and aging in place modifications. Besides roofing, Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction provides:
* Exterior: roofing, siding, carpentry, windows/doors, guttering, Garage Doors, Fence, Painting and more.
* Interior: Ceiling repairs, (Leak Repairs) mitigation, texturing, painting, flooring, carpentry and more.
As a Licensed* General Contractor…we manage the process of bringing in Licensed Trades for Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc.
If a senior is moving into a senior living center and needing to sell their home, they may likely need a new roof and/or other repairs. This is where our free advisory scope consultation, inspections and estimate(s) help create priority list(s).
Smooth Finish does excellent work at a fair price, so your home can pass all the inspections required for a sale.
Smooth Finish is not only certified & licensed* for roofing of residential homes, but also senior living facilities.
As a true and proven Senior Advocate, I have a sincere desire to help seniors and I always work to encourage people to use only local, licensed, and insured roofing contractors with hundreds of verifiable references. There are just too many terrible stories of things going wrong when people don’t.
Warning: Roofers may not be who they seem!
I’ve heard many, many times, “most people don’t trust roofers”. That’s understandable.…In our industry there are a lot of… fly-by-night roofers. They come in town, start a ‘company,’ get magnets on their car, (405) phone numbers and in 24-hours they look like a legitimate business. But they’re not.
Undesirable scammers always rush into town after a storm has hit to solicit people who need roofing services.
These unscrupulous “companies” will claim to be local, even though they’re not. They may go to great lengths to look like hometown guys. We have had to replace many roofs installed incorrectly over 35 Years.
I want people with roofing needs in OKC to rest at ease. I want them to know that when they use Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction, they’re getting an honest, proven and reputable company. I’m a lifelong resident and have over 35 years expertise in this business.
License Numbers:
Ask for license numbers and references. Then check them out! reputable roofers live and work in the same city where their business is located.
We don’t go out of town, except for previous and existing customers. There is always more than enough work for us here in the 620 square miles of Oklahoma City and the metro area.
Your family, friends or clients will thank you for a Smooth Finish recommendation.
You can feel confident in recommending Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction to Family Friends or clients you’re helping. For the homeowner, we can work on the rooftop, the floor and everything in between. I’m a licensed General Contractor through-out Oklahoma City and the metro area and, again, I’ve been in business for 35 years.
Since 1987, we have been helping customers with decisions concerning their homes. Many times, we’ve found simple solutions for complex problems. We work to keep costs fair and reasonable and we live by the Smooth Finish motto: “Where quality craftsmanship meets fair pricing.”
Give me a call on my personal cell phone at (405-923-5127)
We are proud of, and enjoy our solid reputation. We enjoy serving Seniors, Military, first responders and single mothers and we only move forward with a job… when you’re comfortable.
*State of Oklahoma Construction Industries Board # CIB 80000242
*City of Oklahoma City General Contractor license # OKC 13705
For 35 years Smooth Finish has helped customers determine priority list(s) for what needs to be done to sell/improve their home. What do homebuyers see? “Curb appeal”. What do they see when they first open the front door?

Smooth Finish Roofing purchases from a LOCAL roofing supplier to ensure profit proceeds “Stay in Oklahoma”  CALL (405-923-5127) OR visit: https://smoothfinishroofing.com/

By Oklahoma When it comes to severe weather, proper preparation and knowing what to do in certain situations can save you and your family’s lives. That’s why I’m encouraging Oklahomans to Get Ready for when—not if—the next disaster happens. Storms in Oklahoma often occur without warning, not leaving you enough time to prepare. Here are three important steps you can take to stay safe during the storm:
1. Take Shelter Immediately
* Go to the basement or storm shelter. Put your family emergency plan into action and check your go-bag in case you must leave in a hurry.
* If you do not have a basement or storm shelter, go to the room at the lowest level in the home (i.e., hallway or bathroom), away from windows and corners where objects tend to collect. Cover yourself with a heavy object such as a mattress or sleeping bag to protect you from broken glass or flying debris.
* Stay in place until you are sure the storm has passed.
2. Stay Weather Informed
* Stay informed on weather updates. Monitor the storm’s progress and listen for warnings from local officials.
* Power outages are highly possible in severe weather. Unplug appliances that are not necessary for obtaining weather updates. Use phones only in an emergency.
* Have multiple sources to stay informed of the evolving conditions—TV and radio, emergency notifications via mobile devices, NOAA Weather Radio, etc. Make sure to have at least one source that does not require electricity.
3. Plan to Evacuate If Necessary
* Before leaving your home or driving anywhere, listen carefully to local weather experts and government officials who will be coordinating evacuation plans.
* Go to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
* DO NOT drive into high water. Six inches of water will wash away a person and two feet of water will wash away a car.
* Don’t forget the footwear. It is dangerous to walk outside barefoot because glass and other debris are everywhere during a storm.
To help Oklahomans prepare for this storm season, I’m releasing the three-part column series—Mulready Says Get Ready: Before, During and After the Storm. This comprehensive series will provide general preparedness tips for before, during and after disasters. Visit www.oid.ok.gov/news to check out Part I: Before the Storm. In the next series, I’ll share detailed information on the insurance claim process and how to recover quickly after disasters. Please stay tuned and visit www.oid.ok.gov/getready for more information on how to Get Ready.
If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.
Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Story and photo by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

Community Relations Director Denise Diaz welcomed 51 Senior Business Solution colleagues to their networking luncheon on June 16 at their Edmond Iris Memory Care community. She explained their two-stage memory care philosophy of caring for residents at each stage of their disease in a safe environment at the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers.
Sponsor Diaz outlined the importance of meeting a person living with dementia at the level and stage of their disease. “Not everyone has the same type of dementia, so providing quality, compassion-filled care with dignity is our focus,” Diaz said. “By meeting residents’ needs and providing emotional support and education to their families with monthly support groups and family-centered events, our Iris family becomes an extension of our resident’s family.”
She turned the meeting over to Bill Muir, CSA and owner of Compass Senior Living Solutions. He explained how important it is for executives addressing area aging agendas to network. Networking is essential to his company, as it provides a free placement service giving personalized tours to some 55 senior communities in the area at every level of need.
Many attendees were learning about their community peers for the first time. For others, it was apparent they had been attending the networking luncheons for many of the six years the group has been getting together.
Muir, another sponsor and the original organizer of the luncheons, also emphasized the services available from the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association. He said OKALA is a non-profit statewide trade organization dedicated to preserving dignity and choice for older Oklahomans and the quality of their care in the senior living setting.
Sponsor Joe Forrest with Re/Max First has been helping seniors in Oklahoma for 25 years via ownership, operations and management of senior healthcare organizations. He has worked in-home healthcare services, independent and assisted living, and rehabilitation. He has been a realtor for the past 20 years.
He expressed how important it is to have a robust group of experts to support the agenda. “Serving the senior population and their families is permanently embedded in my DNA,” Forrest said in an interview. “This SBS group is committed to quality care and smooth transitions when different levels of care are necessary.”
He applauded the gathering of dedicated caregivers on the many needs addressed to create a healthy way to address seniors’ needs in Oklahoma.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background on their employer and how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few people outlined special events their venues were planning in the near future, inviting others to attend. Proveer at Quail Creek invited everyone to participate in a block party they were preparing for the following Thursday.
Lisa James represented the third sponsor of the event, CompleteOK, expressing the importance of attending to the needs of military veterans. As a community liaison based at their SW 89th Street facility, she said company facilities around the state were busy doing that. These Veterans Homemaker Program services can help veterans living in their homes and serve veterans of any age, paid for by the Veterans Administration.

By Nick Thomas

Chances are, every time velvet-voiced Johnny Mathis takes center stage during his current US tour, the atmosphere could turn Misty.
Sure, some devoted Mathis fans might swoon teary-eyed with waves of emotional nostalgia witnessing the 86-year-old singing icon in person, but many will just dutifully sway to the familiar soothing melodies as the veteran performer delivers his signature ballads such as “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” “Chances Are,” and, of course, his 1959 hit – “Misty.”
Interrupted briefly by the pandemic last year, Mathis continues his 2022 Voice of Romance Tour with stops around the country (see www.johnnymathis.com). Although the viral menace is still lurking, it has not deterred the soulful singer from performing this year.
“Well, it’s what I do,” said Mathis from his home in Los Angeles during a tour break. “Except for earlier in the pandemic, I’ve been touring since I recorded my first album in 1956.”
Currently in his 66th year as a recording artist, the Mathis career statistics are impressive, including 79 original albums, 43 singles on the Billboard Pop Chart, 5 Grammy nominations as well as a 2003 Lifetime Achievement Grammy and songs used in over 60 films and television shows.
Then there’s his historic 1958 Greatest Hits album, released just two years after his debut album, which became the first Greatest Hits album issued by any pop artist.
“Mitch Miller was responsible for that,” said Mathis, referring to the conductor and record producer best remembered for the 60s musical show “Sing Along with Mitch” on NBC. Mathis signed with Columbia Records in 1956 and to cash in on the growing Mathis phenomenon, Miller wanted to release a new album in the late 50s but the singer was in Europe. Mathis had scored big with recent hits, so Miller bundled several together on one record and “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” would spend almost 10 continuous years on the Billboard Top Albums Chart.
Ironically, Mathis’s signature song, “Misty,” didn’t appear on the 1958 compilation since it would be featured the following year on his “Heavenly” album. Written by Errol Garner (music) and Johnny Burke (lyrics), Mathis first heard the tune at the Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco where he grew up.
“I used to go there as a teenager to watch the singers and the owner would let me sit in the back where no one could see me,” recalled Mathis who would eventually be discovered singing at the club. “Garner would perform several times a year and play this wonderful tune (Misty) on the piano with no lyrics. His piano introduction was about a minute and a half with all sorts of chord changes and, oh man, I loved hearing it.”
Later, Mathis learned Burke had added lyrics to the melody. “Columbia usually chose all the songs for me to record but as soon as I got a chance to select something, I recorded Misty.”
While Mathis acknowledges the influence of many professional and personal buddies throughout his career, one always stands apart.
“I began singing because my dad sang,” says Mathis. “He was my best pal and my true blessing is that he lived long enough to see my success as a singer.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

https://www.navigatingmedicare.com/

By Tonya Cater, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Arkansas

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was June 15. On that day, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector united to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people.
Social Security scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – especially the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.
Here are five easy-to-use resources to prevent Social Security fraud:
* Check out our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page to learn about Social Security fraud – and how we fight scammers at www.ssa.gov/fraud. * Read our Scam Alert fact sheet to learn what tactics scammers use and how to protect yourself at www.ssa.gov/fraud/assets/materials/EN-05-10597.pdf.
* Create your own personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to stay one step ahead of scammers. Please read our blog post at blog.ssa.gov/my-social-security-what-to-know-about-signing-up-or-signing-in for more information about creating or signing in to your personal my Social Security account. * Learn about other types of fraud on our Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Scam Awareness page at oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/scam-alert. You’ll also see how to report these scams to our OIG and other government agencies.
* Read our blog post to learn how to guard your Social Security card – and protect your personal information at blog.ssa.gov/guard-your-card-protect-whats-important-to-you/.
Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.