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/

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.

Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good healthy meal delivery options for seniors who don’t cook or get out much? My 80-year-old father, who lives alone, has a terrible diet and I worry about his health. Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned, There are actually a wide variety healthy meal delivery options that can help non-cooking seniors who live at home. Here are several top options to check into.
Community-Based Programs – A good place to start, is to find out if there’s a senior home delivery meal program in your dad’s area. Meals on Wheels is the largest program that most people are familiar with, but many communities offer senior meal delivery programs sponsored by other organizations that go by different names.
To find services available in your dad’s area, visit:
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/, which offers a comprehensive directory on their website, or call the area aging agency near your dad. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to get the local number.
Most home delivered meal programs across the U.S. deliver hot meals daily or several times a week, usually around the lunch hour, to seniors over age 60 who have problems preparing meals for themselves, as well as those with disabilities. Weekend meals, usually frozen, may also be available, along with special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, kosher, etc.).
Most of these programs typically charge a small fee (usually between $2 and $9 per meal) or request a donation, while some may be free to low-income seniors who qualify for Medicaid. There are also some Medicare Advantage plans that cover limited meal service benefits.
Meal Delivery Service Companies – Another great option for your dad is to order him some pre-made meals online from a meal delivery service company. These companies provide a wide variety of tasty meal choices and will usually post the nutrition information for their meals right on their website.
Most companies will also cater to a host of dietary and medical needs, such as low-sodium and low-carb meals, diabetic meals, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options. Plus, the ordering process is very easy.
Depending on the company you choose, the food arrives either fresh or frozen and most deliver all across the U.S. Prices generally start at around $8 to $13 per meal, plus shipping, however many companies provide discounts or free shipping when you order meals in bulk. And most companies work with Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans to help reduce costs.
Some of the best meal delivery companies for seniors, as rated by Verywell Health for 2023 include:
Best Variety: Magic Kitchen (https://www.magickitchen.com/)
Best Value: Mom’s Meals (https://www.momsmeals.com/)
Best for Nutrition Consultation: BistroMD (https://www.bistromd.com/)
Best Plant-Based Meals: Mosaic (https://www.mosaicfoods.com/)
Best Gluten-Free: ModifyHealth (https://modifyhealth.com/)
Best Chef-Prepared: CookUnity (https://www.cookunity.com/)
Best for Customization: Snap Kitchen (https://snapkitchen.com/)
For more information on this list and their testing methodology, visit https://www.verywellhealth.com/ and search “Best Meal Delivery Services for Seniors.”
Grocery Stores and Restaurants – Depending on where your dad lives, he may also be able to get home delivered meals from local grocery stores or restaurants. Some grocery stores offer a selection of pre-cooked meals and foods, including roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh soups and salads. Contact the grocery stores in your dad’s area to inquire about this option. Or check with some of his favorite restaurants to see if they offer home delivery, or he could use a restaurant delivery service like https://www.ubereats.com/, https://www.doordash.com/ or https://www.grubhub.com/.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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/)

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

By Nick Thomas

Fans of Donny Osmond won’t have to travel to Las Vegas to experience the singer’s long-running popular stage show currently headlining at Harrah’s Casino. The 70s teen idol begins his summer tour in July, his first in almost seven years (see www.donny.com for cities and dates).
“I’m taking it across the country for people who can’t get to Las Vegas,” said Osmond from Las Vegas. “I’m bringing the entire company – singers, dancers, musicians, and a full video production. I’m really looking forward to it because I was born on the road!”
While longtime fans remember Osmond as part of the Osmond family singers, not to mention the “Donny & Marie” variety show from the 70s, the “Donny & Marie” daytime talk show in the late 90s, and a string of musical theater roles on Broadway, Osmond has continued to reinvent himself to keep up with changing times.
He hosted a TV game show (“Pyramid”) in the early 2000s, was a runner-up in the first season of Fox’s “The Masked Singer” in 2019, and won season 9 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” a decade earlier.
“That was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he said. “And to win the trophy was probably one of my favorite accolades.”
For the Utah native, those accolades began at the age of five when he joined four of his brothers in 1963 on “The Andy Williams Show” singing his debut song “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” on Williams’s lap. Later in the program, he belted out his first solo performance on television, “You Are My Sunshine.”
“I remember doing the show and have a lot of respect for that man because he gave me my start,” recalled Osmond. “In fact, I do a duo with Andy Williams singing ‘Moon River’ on the big screen behind me in the show. It’s become a very emotional part of the evening and people tell me quite a tearjerker. It’s included in my rap song that looks back on my career.”
Wait, the kid who tore up the pop charts in the early 70s with hit singles such as “Go Away Little Girl,” “Puppy Love,” and “Too Young,” not to mention recording 65 albums over his career, does rap?
“I sure do,” said Osmond laughing. “It’s become one of the most popular parts of my show where I do a 10-minute rap in front of a big screen video projection outlining my six-decade career.”
Like many entertainers, Osmond’s career had its low points and these are not excluded from his biographical rap review. “I did one Broadway show that opened and closed on the same day!”
Another favorite Osmond song for younger fans is “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Disney’s 1998 film “Mulan.” While appearing in a Chicago stage production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Osmond was spotted by Disney and asked to join the vocal cast for their new animated feature.
“We turn the whole theater into a ‘Milan’ moment with a 6-minute full production number including a stick fighting dance on stage and my character, Captain Shang, on the big screen behind me,” said Osmond. “I had no idea the song would become a Disney classic.” Currently, the YouTube video of the song has over 160 million views and may still be a hit with the grandkids.
Of course, not everyone is a Donny Osmond fan and the 65-year-old singer often chuckles when he looks out into the audience during a show.
“Recently, there was a bearded guy in the front row who looked like one of those Grateful Dead Deadheads and by his attitude I could tell his wife had dragged him to the concert!” laughed Osmond. “But at the end of the show, he was the first on his feet to give me a standing ovation. So it’s very satisfying to win over people like that. I’m sure audiences on the summer tour will not only enjoy the music but learn about what I’ve accomplished over my six-decade career.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.

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.

Legend Senior Living®, a Top 50 senior living company, is pleased to announce it has earned the certification as a Great Place to Work®. This is the fifth time that Legend has earned the certification, based on a yearly third-party, anonymous survey of employees. Legend Senior Living, a family-owned senior living provider, owns and operates nearly 50 Legend and Windsor residences in six states.
The Great Place to Work® Certification is awarded to organizations that deliver excellent employee experiences and demonstrate best-in-class people practices based on a rigorous assessment process. The assessment is based on the Great Place to Work® model, which evaluates a workplace based on its Trust Index® and Culture Audit® attributes. Based on the Great Place to Work® Institute assessment, Legend scored exceedingly well on creating a positive culture and workplace.
“Being named a Great Place to Work is always a cause for celebration at Legend,” said Legend’s Executive Vice President Matt Buchanan. “We are humbled to receive the certification for the fifth time because it affirms our commitment to enabling associates to thrive professionally and personally.”
Certification is based on an objective survey of employees’ opinions. Because employee feedback and independent analysis determine the scores, Great Place to Work Certification is considered a reliable, objective measurement of employer performance and employee satisfaction. An audit is also taken to evaluate Legend’s culture, measuring trust, values, leadership effectiveness, innovation, development, and diversity.
According to Great Place To Work survey results, 82% of employees at Legend Senior Living say it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. Nine Legend locations specifically achieved a 90% or higher Trust Index. To learn more about Legend’s Great Place to Work certification results go to
https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7010287.
“The senior living industry is one that offers job satisfaction unlike any other,” said Buchanan. “The opportunities for longevity and growth for associates all while serving people is unmatched. This certification re-affirms those strengths for an industry that will see unprecedented growth in the coming years.”
For more information about joining Legend Senior Living in Oklahoma, visit https://jobs.lslcareers.com/jobs
Legend Senior Living® is a privately held senior housing and services company based in Wichita, Kansas. Legend grows the number of properties it owns and operates every year, now approaching 50 – independent living, assisted living, memory care, and personal care – in Florida, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

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.