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.

Story and photo by James Coburn, staff writer

Richard Hendricks has been an avid sports fan as long as he can remember. You might see him wearing a Brooklyn Dodger hat at the Territorial Capital Sports Museum (TCSM), located in downtown Guthrie.
“In 1950, my dad took me to see the ‘Jackie Robinson Story’. I was 9 years old, and I became a Dodger fan,” said Hendricks, executive director of the museum. “I played all three sports in high school — football, basketball, and baseball.”
Hendricks was assistant principal at Guthrie Junior High School when he invited two Hall of Fame recipients, Harlem Globe Trotter Hubert “Geese” Ausbie, and baseball’s Ferguson Jenkins, who played most of his career for the Chicago Cubs, to a Red Ribbon Week encouraging youth to be drug free. An idea grew from the gathering to create a museum to honor Oklahoma athletes and coaches. The museum opened in 1993.
“It is time for us to see if we can find somebody else who is a sports fan and familiar with Oklahoma sports, that would like to get involved with the museum and eventually take it over,” Hendricks said.
TCSM was designated by the Oklahoma State Legislature as the official sports museum for the state of Oklahoma.
“We’re in the process of trying to find a major sponsor. And if that would occur, we could afford to pay that director. But the directorships and help at the museum has been mostly on a volunteer basis,” Hendricks explained.
He would help guide the new director to learn about the museum and what it offers visitors.
“I’ll be glad to assist them anyway that I can,” he said.
John Vance Motors, Eskridge Motors, and BancFirst have been loyal sponsors of the museum.
There is a vast amount of detailed information on file. Four kiosks are placed strategically to give insightful information to visitors as well.
Hendricks’ volunteerism is from his love of Oklahoma sports and children. Three buildings are full of Oklahoma sports artifacts and memorabilia, making it the largest collection of Oklahoma sports in the state.
“All of the items here relate to athletes that were either born in Oklahoma, live in Oklahoma or went to a college or university here and went on to be professional or Olympic athletes,” Hendricks said.
Many of the former athletes he coached in Ryan, Fort Cobb, Guthrie, and Stigler have visited Hendricks at TCSM.
In 1963 he began coaching mostly Oklahoma high school basketball, and baseball teams and assisted in football. He and his wife Carolyn attended Oklahoma Baptist University and began teaching.
High school athletes come to the museum and learn that no matter where they come from, if they are determined and have God-given ability, they can be successful, Hendricks said. Visitors will first enter the basketball area of the museum. Sports legend memorabilia from Alvan Adams, Waymon Tisdale and Oklahoma City Thunder players are recognized among others. Just about any Oklahoma sport imaginable is celebrated including, wrestling, golf, and rodeo.
Rodeo cowboy star Roy Cooper’s saddle is prominently displayed at the museum.
Women athletes are celebrated including Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Miller.
Miller is the most decorated gymnast in history.
She has earned 7 Olympic Medals and 9 World Championship Medals. Her tally of five medals (2 Silver, 3 Bronze) at the 1992 Olympics was the most medals won by a US athlete. During her career, Shannon has won an astounding 58 International and 49 National competition medals and over half have been Gold, culminating with two Gold Medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
There is the largest collection of Phillips 66 uniforms in the state. Phillips 66 was a national basketball champion during the 1920s-40s.
The football gallery has artifacts from high school trophy winners, including a jersey of Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels.
“I don’t know of anyone, hall of fame or otherwise that has a Billy Vessels jersey from Oklahoma,” Hendricks said. “We even have the Native American athletes that are in the American Indian Hall of Fame that were football players — Jim Thorpe, Sam Bradford, Thomas Stidham, Sonny Sixkiller.”
Baseballs and bats form a collection of World Series memorabilia from the likes of Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Cy Young, and many Oklahomans such as Allie Reynolds, and Mickey Mantle. There is a Yankee display celebrating Bobby Mercer and one for Mickey Mantle.
Of historic significance is a photographic display of the Negro League. Joe Rogan was in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
“We have one of the largest collections of Minor League artifacts and memorabilia from the Oklahoma City Indians, 89’ers, Red Hawks, Dodgers and Tulsa Drillers,” Hendricks added.
For more information about applying for the position of executive director of the Territorial Capital Sports Museum, please email Richard Hendricks at oklasportsmuseum@sncglobal.net or call 405-414-1342. For more information about the museum, visit https://www.territorialcapitalsportsmuseum.org/

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 Greg Schwem

Try as they may, the folks overseeing Pat Sajak’s final appearance as “Wheel of Fortune” host will have a tall order keeping it under wraps before it actually airs.
Maybe the leaker will be a fed-up camera operator, anxious for payback after years of having to zoom in on Sajak’s changing hair color. Or a researcher, forced to log extra hours after Sajak rejected all of her “Around the House” puzzles. Maybe Vanna White herself has been waiting for revenge after Sajak asked, in a 2022 episode, if she had ever watched opera “in the buff.”
Regardless, one can just feel like Sajak, after deciding to call it quits next year, in what will be his 41st season (no, that’s not a misprint), will snap — perhaps multiple times — before his last bonus round. Fans of the show should be prepared for anything and everything, from the moment Sajak takes the stage.
“Well, here we are everybody. After doing this since the year Reagan got shot, it’s our last episode. Vanna, are you ready?”
“I’m ready Pat. Truthfully, I’m kind of emotional.”
“Me too. Actually, I’ve been crying every night since they canceled my talk show.”
“’Bosom Buddies’ lasted longer, Pat.”
“It also lasted longer than the time it takes you to reveal two ‘Ds,’ Vanna. Speaking of double Ds, let’s meet our first contestant. Hi, Cheryl.”
“Hi, Pat.”
“Where are you from, Cheryl?”
“The great state of Georgia!”
“Ahh, yes. Say hi to Marjorie Taylor Greene for me. Wow, you take one selfie with her, and you find out how liberal your audience is. OK, Cheryl, the category is ‘Food and Drink,’ both of which are going to taste amazing in about 30 minutes. One of them has been in my back pocket since 2017. Care to guess Vanna?”
“I wouldn’t know, Pat.”
“That’s why you’re over there and I’m here. Cheryl, spin the wheel.”
“Come on $1,000!”
“Clapping doesn’t help Cheryl. Haven’t you ever watched the show? See? $250. Pick a letter.
“I’d like an ‘M’ please.
“There’s one ‘M.’”
“I’d like to buy a vowel.”
“That’s a shocker.”
“An ‘A’ please?”
“Four A’s. Vanna is going to have to do some jogging. Hey, Vanna, do you ever jog in the buff? While listening to opera?”
“Here’s two letters I’m going to reveal to you, Pat. HR. As in Human Resources.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time. Cheryl, what do you want to do?”
“I’ll spin, Pat.”
“You do that. Oh wow, bankrupt. Kind of like this show after I leave. Contestant number two, David. It says you’re a high school teacher. What do you teach?”
“I teach English, Pat.”
“We could have used you on this show, Dave. Hey, Vanna, remember that college kid who couldn’t pronounce ‘Achilles’? Wonder where that kid is now? Probably teaching English, like Dave here. OK, Dave, spin.”
“Pat, can I buy another vowel?”
“Oh, for the love of Merv Griffin. You’re not even gonna try? Fine, buy a vowel.
“An ‘I’ please.
“Two I’s, as in ‘This puzzle is so easy, Dave should be able to solve it with two eyes closed.’ What do you think, Dave?”
“I’ll spin, Pat.”
“Fine, be greedy. Oh, wow, ‘lose a turn.’ Hope you enjoyed your moment in the spotlight, Dave. Contestant number three, Sarah. You want to say hi to a special someone?”
“Yes, my mother who is 93, retired and living in Florida.”
“Great, Sarah. Thanks for saying ‘hi’ to three quarters of our viewing audience. Please tell me you’re not going to buy a vowel.”
“No, I’ll spin Pat.”
“Seven fifty.”
“An ‘R.’”
“Two Rs. Now we’re cooking.”
“Pat, I’d like to solve the puzzle.”
“Go for it. Sarah.”
“Margarita with sand!”
(ABRUPT FADE TO BLACK. CUT TO PENSIVE SHOT OF RYAN SEACREST HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS)
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at https://www.amazon.com/. Visit Greg on the web at https://www.gregschwem.com/.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at https://www.gregschwem.com/)

Braum’s donated half a million dollars to fund a new space to safely store and prepare breast milk for hospitalized infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.
Moms will be able to deliver milk for their babies directly to the Braum’s Milk Room, staffed by certified milk technicians who will prepare the milk for Mercy’s NICU patients. The room will be a central place for storage and preparation of both human milk and formula. It will also be a designated location for parents to check-in milk to be labeled and stored for their newborn.
“Providing breast milk for their baby is one of the few tangible thing moms can do when they have a preemie in the NICU,” said Brandy Chaney, manager of Mercy’s NICU in Oklahoma City. “We just didn’t have the space before, so our nursing team prepared milk feedings at the bedside or in a dedicated workroom. The milk room will be such an asset to everyone involved in caring for our tiny babies.”
The Braum’s Milk Room is part of the larger Love Family Women’s Center project that will provide more space, resources and care for women of all ages. More than 40%, or $45 million, of the total cost of the new women’s center was funded through philanthropy, with a $10 million lead donation from the Tom and Judy Love family.
When a donor was needed to fund the milk room, Braum’s, an Oklahoma company, seemed like a perfect fit.
“Braum’s has been providing milk for Oklahoma families for more than 50 years, and when we approached them about funding a project to create a milk room for our most vulnerable patients, we were so delighted when it was a quick ‘yes,’” said Lori Cummins, vice president of Mercy Health Foundation Communities. “The support from the Braum family and so many others will impact generations to come as we prepare to welcome more Oklahomans into the world at the Love Family Women’s Center.”
The project will create a more streamlined process allowing nurses to focus on patient care while a dedicated team prepares feedings. This type of facility is considered best practice for caring for the nutritional needs of infants needing a higher level of care.
“When the team at Mercy approached Braum’s about helping fund the milk room, I knew it was a fantastic addition to the monumental Love Family Women’s Center project,” said Drew Braum, president and chief executive officer of Braum’s. “For many, Braum’s is synonymous with milk. While we produce high-quality, nutritious A2 dairy milk on our farm, Mercy will use the Braum’s Milk Room to develop the correct formulation of human milk and formula to meet the nutritional needs of all infants, especially those admitted into the NICU. We are honored to partner with Mercy and the Love Family Women’s Center to bring this critical element of care to Oklahoma City.”

A comprehensive safety plan is important for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help a person living with dementia feel at ease and maintain independence longer.
Safety at Home: * Evaluate certain areas that may be more prone to safety hazards such as garages, work rooms or basements. * Take precautions to avoid injuries during daily activities such as ensuring food is not too hot, install walk-in showers, or add texture stickers to slippery surfaces. * Ensure all areas are well lit. * Evaluate potentially dangerous objects to make sure they are not easily accessible, i.e. stoves or power tools. * Keep medication and harmful substances locked away. * Consider removing weapons from the home. * Learn how to help prevent falls at https://Oklahoma.gov/health/falls
Wandering and Getting Lost: * Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander and become lost; many do so repeatedly. Signs of wandering behavior: * Forgetting familiar places. * Returning from walks or drives later than usual. * Trying to “go home” when already at home. * Having a hard time locating familiar places. * Experiencing restlessness.
Tips to reduce wandering: * Provide opportunities to engage in structured activities throughout the day. * Encourage exercise. * Place deadbolts high or low on exterior doors to prevent wandering at night. * Consider a GPS device if the person drives. * Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented.
Driving Safety: Driving demands good judgement and quick reaction time. Because of the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, a person living with the disease will eventually become unable to drive. It’s helpful to have a conversation early on about how independence can be maintained when the person can no longer drive. Signs it may be time to stop driving: * Forgetting familiar places. * Making poor driving decisions such as speeding or missing traffic signals. * Becoming angry or confused while driving.
Emergency Preparedness: Disaster situations can significantly impact everyone’s safety, but they can be especially upsetting and confusing for individuals living with dementia. Being prepared for an emergency is crucial. Prepare an emergency kit that includes: * Copies of important documents. * Extra clothes and medication. * Incontinence products if needed. * Identification items. * Water and food. * A favorite item of the person.
If an emergency occurs and you need to evacuate, make sure your plans are compatible with the specific needs of the person living with dementia. If an individual lives in a residential facility, learn about its disaster and evacuation plans. Find out who is responsible for evacuating the person in the event of an emergency.
Traveling: A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that it’s time to stop traveling; however, doing so does require careful planning. The following may help facilitate a safe and enjoyable trip: * Pack copies of important documents. * Stick to a familiar destination. * If staying in a hotel consider informing staff about your specific needs. * Contact the Alzheimer’s Association to find the nearest office that can provide assistance at your travel destination.
Staying safe becomes increasingly important as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. Visit alz.org/safety for more information and resources.
This publication was issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), an equal opportunity employer and provider. 2,000 copies were printed by Quickprint at a cost of $721.39. A digital file is available for download at documents.ok.gov / September 2022

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.

Phillip Quinten Read

(Right) This 100-year-old WWII has lived his entire life in Cole,OK. He was born in the house where he lives, mows the lawn & does upkeep himself. His family ran the grocery store & he has a long history of community service, purchased the first fire truck, was a fire fighter, Fire Chief, first Mayor & Postmaster. He is not shy about sharing history & very proud of his service. His words of wisdom: “Hard work and clean living. Cherish your family!”

Edgar Eugene “Gene” Bond

(Right) Edgar Eugene “Gene” Bond celebrated his ?? birthday with Irene, his wife of 80 years, & friends in the Tulsa retirement community where they have lived for 15 years. Drumright was home to the Bond family for years & is a place filled with fond memories. He recalls the days when it was an oil boom town.

Lucille Newhouse

(Right) One is our “Golden Okies,” Lucille Newhouse, celebrating her 101st birthday in Pryor. She’s been making the world a better place since 1922. Happy Birthday

Mary Bates

(Left) Born a Texan but is now a Golden Okie! Mary had a career as a buyer for Streets Ready to Wear for 30 years. This led to her hobby of buying everything. Happy 100th birthday on May 22, 2023.

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.