by Flora Qualls, Your Cigna Agent in Oklahoma City – Flora.qualls@cignahealthcare.com

Long, sunny days can be pure pleasure. For many older adults, however, danger can lurk in high temperatures. Fortunately, we all can take steps to ensure summer safety.
Older adults tend to be more susceptible to heat-related conditions, often because they have pre-existing medical conditions or take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that limit the body’s ability to sweat and control its temperature, said Dr. Joseph B. “J.B.” Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna’s Medicare businesses, which serve hundreds of thousands of seniors across the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 650 people in the United States die each year from heat-related illnesses. The majority are people 65 and older; other risk factors are living alone, being without access to air conditioning, and having underlying health conditions that put them at elevated risk.
However, heat-related illnesses and deaths can often be prevented. With that in mind, Dr. Sobel provides the following tips to help older adults stay safe during the summer.
Check the forecast each day. That way you know exactly what to expect. Pay special attention to heat advisories or warnings and take them seriously.
Stay indoors, in air conditioning, during excessive heat. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, spend the heat of the day someplace that is, such as a shopping mall, a movie theater, a library, or a family member’s or friend’s house. In many communities, senior centers, churches, and social service organizations provide cooling centers when the temperatures rise. If you aren’t running your air conditioning because you need help paying your utility bill, resources may be available to you. Go to
https://cignacommunity.findhelp.com/ and enter your ZIP code to learn about programs that are available in your community.
Make sure to hydrate. Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid drinks containing alcohol.
Dress for the heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.
Don’t overdo it. Limit strenuous activity. Take frequent breaks. Move slowly.
Remember to apply sunscreen. The majority of skin cancer cases are found in people older than 65. Also, sunburned skin makes it more difficult for your body to cool down. To reduce risk, you should use a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher that the label says “blocks UVA and UVB” or has the words “broad spectrum.” Reapply every two hours.
Avoid the hottest part of the day. It’s safer to go out in the morning or the evening.
Monitor your medications. Some widely used medicines, including some available without a prescription, may affect your body’s ability to control its temperature or to sweat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
If you become overheated, take action right away. Go to a cool place, rest, and drink plenty of water. Symptoms of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If symptoms like these don’t go away or get worse, seek medical care.
In closing, Dr. Sobel advises caregivers to stay vigilant during hot weather and check on loved ones regularly. If you don’t live close to your loved one, make sure to have the name and number of a neighbor you can contact if needed.
For information about Cigna Healthcare email me at Flora.qualls@cignahealthcare.com or call me at 405-432-6725.
Cigna Corporation is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability, and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products.
Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 190 million customer relationships around the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com © 2022 Cigna
The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Across
1 Reminders of past surgeries
6 Starting squad
11 Lousy
14 Three-time WNBA All-Star Quigley
15 Scrapbook adhesive
16 Deeply regret
17 *Important figure in sports betting
19 Ideological suffix
20 Loafer adornment
21 Isn’t honest with
23 Cherry bomb’s “stem”
24 *Party pooper
27 Twistable cookies
29 Sailor’s realm
30 “Chicago” actor Richard
31 Consequence
33 Adapter letters
36 Journalist Koppel
37 *Record submitted to payroll
40 Yoga surface
43 White part of a citrus rind
44 Marshy ground
48 Guinness who was the first to play Obi-Wan Kenobi
50 “Chicago P.D.” extra
52 Region of ancient Mesopotamia
53 *Paper for doodling
57 Pixar film featuring a guitar-playing boy
58 Force into action
59 Chair for a new parent
61 Sushi-grade tuna
62 Does a daily chore using the elements at the ends of the answers to the starred clues
66 Turn bad
67 Show to be true
68 Mighty mad
69 Sudsy quaff
70 Softens
71 Donkeys

Down
1 Sticky tree stuff
2 Debate-ending procedure in the Senate
3 False names
4 Wash lightly
5 Adjusts, as a clock
6 Fruit for cider
7 Sticky roofing stuff
8 Language suffix
9 In any way
10 “On the __”: NPR show about trends in journalism
11 Cut of meat used for corned beef
12 Stark
13 Reduced in rank
18 Use needle and thread
22 U.K. language
23 Word on a gift tag
25 Spot for steeped beverages
26 Composer J.S. __
28 Lingerie item
32 “OMG! Stop talking!”
34 FDR or JFK, partywise
35 Corporate VIPs
38 Engrave
39 Folks who are in it for the long haul?
40 Lash lengthener
41 Hand sanitizer ingredient
42 Wood-eating insect
45 Single-celled creatures
46 Stash away
47 “No seats” sign
49 Lens cover
51 Analyzes grammatically
54 Phoenix suburb
55 American Red Cross founder Barton
56 Small speck
60 Seed in some healthy smoothies
63 Bout enders, briefly
64 Night before
65 __ Moines, Iowa

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Senior Chief Petty Officer Steven Dotson, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Dotson joined the Navy 17 years ago and today serves as a missile technician aboard USS Maryland.
“I joined the Navy because I was unsure about college and I knew the military would help prepare me for life,” said Dotson.
Growing up in Oklahoma City, Dotson attended Frederick Douglas High School and graduated in 2005.
Skills and values similar to those found in Oklahoma City are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me to have a positive attitude and hard work ethic,” said Dotson.
These lessons have helped Dotson while serving in the Navy.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Strategic deterrence is the Nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Dotson is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Dotson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides a blanket of freedom for our citizens, one fabric at a time,” said Dotson.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Dotson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of making the rank of chief petty officer,” said Dotson. “A lot of individuals poured into me so I could have that achievement.”
As Dotson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I can provide for my family and thatI can serve my junior sailors,” added Dotson.

Across
1 Reminders of past surgeries
6 Starting squad
11 Lousy
14 Three-time WNBA All-Star Quigley
15 Scrapbook adhesive
16 Deeply regret
17 *Important figure in sports betting
19 Ideological suffix
20 Loafer adornment
21 Isn’t honest with
23 Cherry bomb’s “stem”
24 *Party pooper
27 Twistable cookies
29 Sailor’s realm
30 “Chicago” actor Richard
31 Consequence
33 Adapter letters
36 Journalist Koppel
37 *Record submitted to payroll
40 Yoga surface
43 White part of a citrus rind
44 Marshy ground
48 Guinness who was the first to play Obi-Wan Kenobi
50 “Chicago P.D.” extra
52 Region of ancient Mesopotamia
53 *Paper for doodling
57 Pixar film featuring a guitar-playing boy
58 Force into action
59 Chair for a new parent
61 Sushi-grade tuna
62 Does a daily chore using the elements at the ends of the answers to the starred clues
66 Turn bad
67 Show to be true
68 Mighty mad
69 Sudsy quaff
70 Softens
71 Donkeys

Down
1 Sticky tree stuff
2 Debate-ending procedure in the Senate
3 False names
4 Wash lightly
5 Adjusts, as a clock
6 Fruit for cider
7 Sticky roofing stuff
8 Language suffix
9 In any way
10 “On the __”: NPR show about trends in journalism
11 Cut of meat used for corned beef
12 Stark
13 Reduced in rank
18 Use needle and thread
22 U.K. language
23 Word on a gift tag
25 Spot for steeped beverages
26 Composer J.S. __
28 Lingerie item
32 “OMG! Stop talking!”
34 FDR or JFK, partywise
35 Corporate VIPs
38 Engrave
39 Folks who are in it for the long haul?
40 Lash lengthener
41 Hand sanitizer ingredient
42 Wood-eating insect
45 Single-celled creatures
46 Stash away
47 “No seats” sign
49 Lens cover
51 Analyzes grammatically
54 Phoenix suburb
55 American Red Cross founder Barton
56 Small speck
60 Seed in some healthy smoothies
63 Bout enders, briefly
64 Night before
65 __ Moines, Iowa

From June 5th through June 15th, Daily Living Centers hosted its first ever Art Auction to fundraise for a $15,000 matching grant, generously pledged by the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation! Our participants spent weeks hand crafting pieces, while practicing skills of patience, dexterity, creativity, and self expression.
With the help of our amazing community partners, sponsors, and even friends and family of DLC participants and staff, the Art Auction brought in resources for our Activities and Programming far beyond what we could have hoped for. We are so thankful for your support as we work to better serve our participants and their caregivers. These funds will be matched to go towards activities and programming that fit the needs and preferences of each individual that we serve.
With your generous support, our grand total is $4,000! Thank you to all of the donors who made this event such a success! – Amanda Dirmeyer, President and CEO

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Reminded of the importance of Tinker Air Force Base by the recent air show, America’s top air ace from the Vietnam War voiced some strong opinions about the significance of Tinker’s mission and how it is a linchpin for all the other aerospace concerns in Oklahoma.
Edmond’s U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles B. DeBellevue, now 77, became America’s first and only six MiG victory credit flying ace in 1972 in the skies of North Vietnam as an Air Force Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).
DeBellevue was an integral part of a two-person aircrew in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter bomber. His air-to-air missile victories earned him the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars.
The now-retired colonel attended the recent Tinker AFB Air Show kicking off July with a patriotic glimpse at America’s air superiority on display, allowing the Air Force and Navy to command the sky over every battlefield for 70 years. Across its trailblazing 75-year history, the U.S. Air Force’s place as the world’s most capable and most respected source of airpower is well-established.
As the last ace to serve on active duty in the Air Force DeBellevue is proud that Oklahomans support Tinker’s mission. He says brave and hard-working men and women of our United States Air Force have provided 70 years of dominance in the skies above our ground troops worldwide.
A strong military has guaranteed the freedoms we enjoy,” DeBellevue said in an interview. “The civilian and military members of the USAF are an integral part of the team that ensures our freedom.”
Historians tell us April 15, 1953, was the last time an American ground troop was killed by ordnance delivered from an enemy aircraft.
“It is an honor to see Tinker servicemembers celebrate their role in this air dominance, and Oklahoma citizens flock to the base to salute the men and women who have served and now sacrifice daily to keep our proud country free,” DeBellevue said. “When I was in my F-4D Phantom II taking off from Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, I was fearless because I knew I had the best support in the world, my fellow servicemen.”
Tinker AFB area residents have some understanding of the importance of DeBellevue’s role in becoming an ace. In today’s Air Force. The WSO duties are provided to the pilots of single-seat fighters by 32 crew members with 14 monitors on the Boeing E-3 Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System commonly known as AWACS. The Air Force’s fleet of these planes providing all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications are based at Tinker. They provide location and targeting data to today’s fighters.
The newest version of that high technology was on display at the air show July 1-2, when the world’s most advanced multi-role stealth fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II competed with the US Navy’s Blue Angels for the crowds’ attention. A single fighter demonstrating its stealth and next-generation technology built to replace many older and less technologically advanced fighters performed each day.
The supersonic F-35A’s helmet-mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. All the intelligence and targeting information an F-35 pilot needs to complete a mission are displayed on the pilot’s helmet visor.
This latest version of the best America can build incorporates a robust version of the “AWACS” aircraft capability it can communicate to the theatre of operations it patrols. This enables it to aid all other aircraft in tracking and targeting the enemy and in flying the intercept needed to shoot them down. This new system is a radar, bombardier, navigational and weapons systems analyst. The pilot provides another set of eyes on the targets to give tactical input to all American forces, both flying and on the ground.
The US Navy was well represented at the air show, just as they are as a major tenant at Tinker. The Navy’s TACAMO unit sailors based at Tinker celebrated Navy Week at the base. TACAMO is the Navy E-6 Mercury aircraft, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707 aircraft, similar to the Air Force’s E-3 Sentry (AWACS).
Besides delighting the crowd for the air show with the precision flying of its Blue Angels demonstration team, Navy Week was present on the base and in Oklahoma City in the week leading up to the event.
The US Navy has had a strong presence at Tinker since 1990, with sailors of the TACAMO wing and their 62nd year of operations. While Tinker 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 theme for the air show was STEM with a large area devoted to the many ways in which Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are used to advance aviation agendas. STEM has been ever-present in the area Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) chapter activities as it provides youth opportunities.
“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 STEM education in Oklahoma and the Rosie the Riveter project. The group and Oklahoma Career Tech put on the CyberPatriot, StellaXplorer and STARBASE OKLAHOMA programs. These are middle and high-school-level programs to advance experiential STEM education.
Organizers boast about the programs by pointing out the national winner of the 2023 StellaXplorer Program was a team from Edmond North High School Air Force Junior ROTC.
Tinker AFB has long been the linchpin, along with the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, in attracting almost 300 businesses to Oklahoma to support America’s air dominance. The Oklahoma Defense Industry Association has partnered with the Air & Space Forces Association Gerrity Chapter 215 and Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission to support all those concerns over the years.
“Oklahomans’ exemplary work ethic and its central location make Tinker and Oklahoma an obvious location for supporting this country’s defense efforts,” DeBellevue said. “We see daily that Oklahomans and their state government here are very supportive of aviation and the aerospace industry.”
Oklahoma’s largest employer is the Department of Defense. Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry produces $44 billion in annual economic activity, making it the second-largest economic engine in the state. Three segments account for the total: military aviation, $19.3 billion; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses, $13.9 billion; and commercial and general aviation airports, $10.6 billion. The industry supports 206,000 jobs totaling an $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in the industry is $73,300, making it one of the highest average salaries in the state.

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

If you’ve lived in and around the Oklahoma City metro for any amount of time over the last century you’ll probably recognize the Veazey name.
And for more than a century that name has been synonymous with quality and customer service and Stephanie Veazey wouldn’t have it any other way.
The president of Bill Veazey’s Rehab and Home Care Equipment and Supplies says her family still preserves the legacy her grandfather started.
“I think the name is very important,” Veazey said. “We still have people who come and remember the old drug stores. I had a man come in the other day and said he had a dear friend who played on the Veazey Drug Store baseball team, which I didn’t even know they had.
“People associate that name with good service and quality equipment. Our motto has always been we can help and every one of us put out that extra effort.”
The Veazey’s Drug Stores were founded in 1906 by Steve Veazey with the same attitude towards the customer and the community still alive today.
Steve Veazey’s policy of “the customer is always right” and “Veazey’s will make every effort to serve them sincerely and friendly” are still the foundation at Bill Veazey’s Medical.
Bill Veazey’s Medical established in 1964 after the sale of the drug company by Bill Sr is still family-owned and operated today.
For over 90 years the Veazey Family has been serving Central Oklahoma with one of the area’s largest selections of reimbursement and cash retail products and services.
Bill Veazey’s Medical offers you experience, superior customer service, and top-quality, state-of-the-art home medical equipment, and supplies.
Stephanie Veazey says employees take extra care in making sure that they fulfill the needs of each and every customer.
Downtown OKC was the site of the first Veazey drugstore. By the 1930s, the store had grown to more than a dozen locations. By the 1950s that number had ballooned to 22 locations, giving Veazeys the distinction as the largest drugstore chain in the state.
The elder Veazey – who is also Stephanie’s namesake – passed shortly after birth in 1955. The drug company was sold in the early 1960s.
That’s when the idea for a medical equipment and party supply store was hatched by Stephanie’s father, Bill Sr.
Senior purchased a local Abbey Rents and started another Oklahoma institution.
“They had a few wheelchairs and about one hundred folding party chairs,” Stephanie said. “That’s what they started with.”
One of five children, Stephanie said the family has always been bound by work.
“We’ve all grown up and worked in this business,” said Stephanie, who grew up racing her brother, Bill Jr., in the company’s wheelchairs.
The party line and medical equipment line separated and eventually the party store moved to Wilshire Blvd and the medical supply store rooted itself on Classen Blvd.
“More people know the party store because it’s a party story and more people want to do that,” Stephanie laughed. “But once their parents or they themselves age when they need our services they remember (the name).”
The party store has come and gone with only the medical equipment store still bearing the Veazey legacy.
Stephanie’s brother works for her as does her daughter and son.
“There is a little pressure and things can go sideways sometimes but we all love each other and are out for the same thing,” Veazey said. “We’re used to it. We grew up in the old Warehouse on 8th and Walker. My daughter and son grew up doing the same thing over on Classen.
“It’s something we’re born and is kind of bred into us.”
Every now and then nurses will come in and share with Stephanie that they remember when her father would come cold calling to their hospitals.
In an age of contracts with out-of-state suppliers and large healthcare conglomerates, Veazey says it’s nice to know there’s still a local store alive that caters to the individual.
Seeing the ripple effect that her family has had throughout the last century is rewarding for Stephanie Veazey.
But so is seeing how impactful her family name can still be today.

For more information or to shop at Bill Veasey’s visit https://billveazeymedical.com/

Oak Haven at Westbury 55+ Retirement Community

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

New construction on the south side of the sprawling Oak Haven at Westbury 55+ retirement community serves as a call to action for Baby Boomers seeking to lease one of the largest luxury homes available in the sprawly resort-style neighborhood.
Selection is at its best right now as the experienced home builder, a division of the highly-regarded Ron Walters Homes, LLC, builds out the gated property offering an exclusive neighborhood west of South Morgan Road in Yukon. “Oak Haven is the last of five resort communities our builders have provided the retirement privileged in the area while we have learned to add more resort-style amenities along the way,” Ron Walters said. “Oak Haven is the best we have ever built. We like to say this offers a “truly grand resort user experience.”
This 55+ active adult senior retirement community has all the amenities of a fully featured resort to provide residents with a carefree and comfortable living experience. This luxury home ambiance comes with all the extras that complement an active lifestyle in a community atmosphere, complete with a restaurant and plenty of places and ways to entertain grandkids and guests.
Unlike traditional senior facilities, Oak Haven leases new luxury homes, which provide residents with a comfortable living experience. The homes are well-lit with large windows, airy and open with a sense of spaciousness beyond their size.
“We feel Baby Boomers considering moving to a planned community owe it to themselves to come to see Oak Haven in person,” Walters said. “If they do that and speak to several of our residents, we are proud to have done as much as we can to help improve their retirement living.”
One of the significant advantages of living in Oak Haven is that residents are relieved of the burden of home and yard maintenance. The community offers a maintenance-free living experience, where property maintenance takes care of everything from fixing the ice maker to changing the light bulbs. This allows the residents to enjoy their retirement without worrying about home upkeep.
The luxury homes at Oak Haven come in single, duplex, triplex, and quad-plex variations, each with top-of-the-line features. The homes boast ceramic tile, natural oak wood floors, granite countertops, and stainless appliances, providing residents with a comfortable and stylish living experience.
Each home is designed to allow residents to unwind in the lavish master suite, where ample space allows for a cozy seating area and features not one but two closets to accommodate all your belongings. With a two-car garage, residents have plenty of room for storage, whether for a workbench or those cherished Christmas decorations.
The builders are now finishing the last of the three-bedroom homes. These rare gems on the property are highly sought after by those who value comfort and versatility. Residents can indulge in the spaciousness of the 1950 square feet of living space. This unique offering of three-bedroom homes sets them apart from the rest.
Right now, all the floor plans are available including:1-bedroom, including 1.5-bathroom homes spanning 1,067 square feet, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes with a detached carport, offering 1,302 square feet of living space and 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes with a two-car garage, ranging from 1,541 square feet to a massive 1,952 square feet.
The community offers many lifestyle activities each month. Weekly schedules are full of various social activities. Mondays kick off with darts, Tuesdays feature Water Aerobics, while Wednesdays, residents get outside for a social Walk and Talk. Thursdays find residents enjoying Bingo and Writer’s Quill. Fridays offer Pickle Ball, movies in the Theater room, and Happy Hour by the pool, and Saturdays see many residents playing horseshoes.
Those residents who like to cook can share their culinary talents with everyone at the two monthly potluck parties. Those who like to try new culinary adventures meet at a local restaurant once a month for ‘Lunch Out.’
June’s extra activities included a day out to Riverwind Casino and an outdoor concert at one of the gazebos. They also had a Father’s Day party where every dad received a small gift and enjoyed Brats and Beer at the Pool House.
Oak Haven also offers its residents a multifunction community clubhouse that offers many amenities. The Fitness center includes top-of-the-line workout equipment. The clubhouse also provides exercise classes to keep residents active, and the community pool offers a perfect place for relaxation and socialization.
The pool house is an excellent place for residents to unwind, including an opportunity to play shuffleboard or a game of pool. The outdoor entertainment area provides an ideal space for hosting events and trying their hand at a new putting green. Moreover, the private theater room, which shows movies regularly, is an excellent place for residents to enjoy a cinematic experience providing the residents with movie snacks and freshly popped popcorn.
Oak Haven takes pride in its onsite Italian restaurant, Luigi’s Bistro, which is open to the public and has received rave reviews. Luigi’s Bistro serves authentic Italian cuisine, including from-scratch lasagna, premium pizza, bellinis, and offers a full bar.
The restaurant is fully featured, including outdoor seating, allowing viewing of the community’s interior and providing diners privacy and plenty of fresh air. With its delicious food and inviting atmosphere, it is no wonder that Oak Haven residents often claim it is the best Italian restaurant in Oklahoma.
Headed for a total of 108 homes at Oak Haven, the build-out is in the last phase. It bears repeating that their caring management stresses it is an exceptional senior retirement community that provides residents with a carefree living experience, luxurious homes, and abundant amenities to keep them active and healthy. This is the one place where extra bedrooms mean family can spend a part of their vacation visiting parents or grandparents there and feel like they have checked into a luxury resort.
Those Baby Boomers who want the best selection of homes in the freedom of a community atmosphere, combined with the onsite Italian restaurant, need to quickly see if Oak Haven www.oakhavenretire.com is the perfect place for them to enjoy their golden years.

House Bill 2753 was recently passed by the OK Legislature and on May 11, 2023 it was signed into law by Governor Stitt.
The bill came about due to the efforts an advocacy of Dr. Chalon Edwards Anderson, a gerontologist and member of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSHL). She sought and secured the support of Representative Nicole Miller and Senator Darrell Weaver who supported and carried the bill to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and State Senate.
House Bill 2753 creates a Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Registry, (a searchable database). Once implemented, the registry will be accessible by the public and will include the names of those convicted in Oklahoma of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults, along with details of their offenses. The law goes into effect on November1, 2023.
The bill received the strong and relentless support of Esther Houser, president of the OSHL, and Trish Emig, of the OK Council on Aging. Both are dedicated long-time state advocates for the aging community. It was also supported by the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, the Oklahoma State Council on Aging, the Oklahoma affiliate of American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the OSHL Alumni.
This will truly be a tool to aid families when selecting individuals to care for their loved ones. It will also help nursing homes and other similar facilities avoid employing unqualified and undesirable individuals to care for their residents or patients.

Ralph Alva Derrington was born in Columbus, Ohio Aug. 6, 1899 and served as a Chief Machinist’s Mate on board the USS Oklahoma (BB 37).
Derrington died during the Dec. 7th attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
As a Chief Machinist’s Mate, Derrington’s duties were to operate, maintain, and repair main and auxiliary engines, steering engines, anchor machinery, turbines, pumps, and related equipment; adjust, repair, and overhaul engines, drainage systems, distilling plants, evaporators and pumps; supervise and stand watch in engine rooms.
Derrington’s awards and decorations include Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (4), American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star), World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.
Chief Machinist’s Mate Ralph Derrington was buried with full military honors in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 20.