The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about a suspicious email “phishing” scheme that recently surfaced. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received reports that several hundred employees of a private company, with offices across the country, recently received an email message that appears to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The message alerts a recipient of “unusual” activity with his or her Social Security number (SSN).
The email subject line reads, “Review Your Social Security Activity”, and while the email sender displayed is “Social Security Administration,” the corresponding email address is ceriley@centurytel.net. The message includes a PDF attachment with the heading “Notification.” It advises the recipient, “We detected something unusual about a recent use of your SSN” and “to help keep you safe, we required an extra security challenge.” The message states that if the recipient did not recently use his or her SSN, then a “malicious user” might have misused the recipient’s number. It asks the recipient to review recent activity via an embedded link, which links to a suspicious SSA-like site. Further, to appear legitimate, the notice includes SSA’s official seal and the words “Social Security Administrator, United States Of America” in the signature.
This type of phishing scheme could lead to identity theft or Social Security benefit theft. Therefore, Acting Inspector General Stone urges all citizens to be extremely cautious when receiving requests to provide personal information over the internet or the telephone. “Don’t provide your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or other personal information, including account passwords, over the internet or by telephone unless you know and trust the source requesting it,” Stone said. “You should be extremely confident that the source is a legitimate entity, and that your information will be secure after you provide it.”
Before clicking an embedded email link, try to verify the source. One method of verifying the true source is to hover over the linked text, without clicking, to reveal the destination address. For instance, in the email described above, the attachment includes the text “Review your activity,” which links to www.ssa.gov.kerodun.net/activity. While ssa.gov appears in the destination address, the “kerodun.net/activity” portion of the address is suspicious; users should be vigilant of similar questionable web addresses.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text, or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, Stone recommends contacting a local Social Security office, or calling Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its
Fraud Advisory
legitimacy. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call Social Security’s TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
Individuals may report suspicious activity involving Social Security programs and operations to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at https://oig.ssa.gov/report, or by phone at 1-800-269-0271, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call the OIG TTY number at 1-866-501-2101.)
For more information, please contact Andrew Cannarsa, the OIG’s Acting Communications Director, at (410) 965-2671.

MISSION OF THE INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

A volunteer-driven transportation service providing safe, reliable, personalized and affordable rides to seniors (60+) and visually impaired adults to their destination of choice, 24/7, in private vehicles throughout OK County.
The Independent Transportation Network of Central Oklahoma, ITNCO, a newly established non-profit affiliate of ITN America, marks its’ one-year operational milestone this month. Currently ITNCO provides an average of 100 rides/month throughout the metro area. This new non-profit is guided by a strong and active board of directors with financial support from community grants and funds from local medical institutions and private donors.
In order to continue to serve an increasing number of riders, ITNCO seeks additional volunteer drivers from the greater OKC metro area.
Volunteers may choose which days and times they drive/week ranging from one afternoon or morning/week or more depending on weekly schedules and needs. Volunteers may “bank” their miles driven for their own future use or for another member of their congregation or organization. Volunteers receive a free rider membership that they can also share with a family member or friend.
Interested volunteer drivers may sign up at www.itncentraloklahoma.org and receive personal training and guidelines before giving first ride. Once confirmed, drivers receive email or text notices when rides are requested. The ITNCO friendly staff finalizes arrangements and sends a complete ride summary to volunteers in advance of each scheduled ride. Details on rider memberships and benefits to volunteers are listed on the ITN Central Oklahoma website, www.itncentraloklahoma.org.
“I enjoy getting to know my riders while driving them to the bank, dentist, beauty shop or store. I have driven a former teacher, doctor, sales manager, priest and nurse and each are so grateful and appreciative for the ride that I get a lift while giving one!” -Volunteer driver
In short, our ride service allows seniors to remain active and engaged in their community.
WAYS TO ASSIST INCLUDE:
· Schedule a presentation at your house of worship or community organization
· Volunteer as a driver online or contact Tracy, 602-1558
· Donate to ITNCO, a 501c3, or donate a Rider Membership ($50)
· Tracy Senat, Executive Director, info@itncentraloklahoma.org

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., has received the Denham Harman Award from the American Aging Association. The honor, the highest bestowed by the organization, was presented to Van Remmen at the Aging Association’s annual meeting in Seattle earlier this month.
Established in 1978, the prize is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of research in aging.
Van Remmen joined OMRF in 2013 and heads the foundation’s Aging & Metabolism Research Program. Prior to that, she spent more than two decades as an aging researcher at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1991.
Her work has focused on age-related muscle loss and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. During her career, she has made a series of important insights on muscle degeneration, and this past year she led study that found new links between traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions.
“This is such a nice honor for me personally,” said Van Remmen, who was named the G.T. Blankenship Chair in Aging Research at OMRF in April. “But this award also lets me know that our colleagues across the country now recognize Oklahoma as a force in research on aging.”
In 2015, working with scientists at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the VA Medical Center, she helped secure a Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Biology of Aging grant—one of only six awarded nationwide—from the National Institutes of Health. With OUHSC’s Arlan Richardson, Ph.D., she now serves as co-director of the Shock Center, which focuses on geroscience, the study of how aging impacts disease and changes that occur in aging that predispose people to disease.
The long-term goal of this work, she said, “is not to find a fountain of youth, but to address the declining quality of life as we age. We want people’s ‘healthspans’ to match their lifespans.”

Take a stroll through one of these VirtualTourist recommended City parks.
Central Park, New York City, N.Y.
New ork City’s Central Park is perhaps an obvious choice, but hard to beat. Central Park was the first public park built in America, and was constructed in the middle of the 19th century to create a breathing space for the 500,000 people then living in New York City. It occupies 843 acres of prime real estate between Fifth and Eighth Avenues, stretching from 59th Street south to 110th Street north. On any given day you will find New Yorkers and tourists there in numbers, making full use of this wonderful green oasis in an otherwise manic city. Whether walking, jogging, running, exercising dogs or themselves, boating on the lake, playing ball, catching up with friends on one of the many benches or simply lying in the sun — there are so many ways in which to enjoy Central Park. VirtualTourist members say one of their favorite things is to take a walk in the part of the park known as the Ramble, a protected ecosystem that feels more like the woods than a park, and then relax for a while on a bench watching the rowers on the lake. Other activities include a visit to Central Park Zoo, a ride on the carousel and a walking tour.
St. James Park, London, England
St. James Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, is surrounded by three palaces — Westminster, the oldest, and now the Houses of Parliament, St James’ and, of course, Buckingham Palace. While VirtualTourist members say that all the London parks provide a welcome green oasis, St. James has the edge. Perhaps it’s the lovely lake with so many beautiful water birds, or maybe the great views to be had from its bridge. Stand there for a while and look toward Whitehall — the domes and copulas will make you think you are somewhere far more exotic than London. Then turn to look the other way and you’ll see one of the city’s most famous buildings, Buckingham Palace, which some say looks better from this distance than close up. This is also a great park for picnics, and for people-watching. So linger a while on the benches — or why not follow a great London parks’ tradition and hire a deck chair? And if you’re looking for refreshments, the park has an excellent restaurant and several snack kiosks. VT Tip: The famous resident pelicans are fed every day at 2:30 p.m.
Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
One of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, Kings Park in Perth has Aboriginal and European history, wonderful views of the city and the most spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays more than 3,000 species of the state’s unique flora. There are sculptures, water gardens, a treetop walk, a gift shop, cafes and restaurants, wildlife and much more. One of the most moving experiences is the Memorial Walking Trail (1 mile). Along the war memorial path, you will pass the Flame of Remembrance whose flame never goes out. A look at it and you can see four torches, each one represents one of these forces — Navy, Air Force, Army and Women’s Services. It is a place to come and stand in silence, remembering the Western Australians who served in the wars and lost their lives. Around the walls are the names of all the major battlefields and there are plaques with the names of the Victorian Cross and the George Cross recipients from Western Australia.
Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Glendale, Calf.
Not many small- or medium-size cities can boast of three mountain ranges within its border, but Glendale, California, does. Stretching east and north from the San Fernando Valley, the city takes in substantial parts of the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Mountains, plus a small slice of the San Gabriel Mountains at the city’s northern extremity. At this northernmost spot in Glendale, overlooking the foothill communities of La Crescenta and Tujunga, lies Deukmejian Wilderness Park, named after former California Governor George Deukmejian. The 709-acre wilderness park features a picnic area, amphitheater, miles of hiking trails and plenty of parking. It is home to the historic Le Mesnager Barn, built in 1914, which the city is committed to turning into an interpretive center in the not-too-distant future. It is also home to the city’s robust volunteer Trails and Open Space program, which provides the community with opportunities for habitat restoration, interpretive programs, trail maintenance and trail safety patrols. The park is open from 6 a.m. until one hour after sundown and entrance is always free. VirtualTourist members say one of their favorite things here is the amazing views of Los Angeles, stretching as far as Santa Monica and Catalina Island on a clear day; as well as the animal spotting. Keep an eye out for numerous species of mammals, including coyote, mule deer, gray fox, bobcat and mountain lion, as well as a vast array of common lizards, snakes and 23 species of birds, including California quail, northern flicker, scrub jay, Nuttall’s woodpecker, American kestrel and Cooper’s, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. Golden eagles and California black bears have also been spotted!
Kandawgyi Park, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
If the bustle of downtown Yangon is getting to you, you may want to go for a relaxing stroll in the Kandawgy Park, which translates as Royal Lake. There are plenty of shaded areas and it is very peaceful. The centerpiece of the park is the large Karaweik (Royal Barge). This is not an ancient monument, but a modern construction that houses a function hall amongst other things. As well as the Karaweik, there is a small children’s zoo and play area and various food outlets. The park also serves as a venue for pop concerts on the weekends. Somewhat incongruously, you may spot a fully camouflaged tank nestled amongst the bushes and there is a bevy of black swans on the lake making the entire scene quite beautiful. There is an admission charge for foreigners, about $2 USD.

(c) 2016 Virtualtourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Dove Morgan Schmidt’s youngest child always told her that she should find a pageant somewhere and enter it because she was sure to win.
Little did she know that pageant would be the Ms. Oklahoma Senior America pageant and she indeed would be the winner.
“I felt like as the runners-up were going either this went really bad or really good,” she said with a laugh. “I was just doing it for us. I told my husband I’m going to relax and do it for fun and be the best I can be.”
Morgan Schmidt was one of 20 senior women who offered their philosophy of life, presented a talent and dressed up in their best during the mid-June event.
“I was very shocked,” she said. “There were some very strong women in the competition. It took about three days to actually sink in.”
She will compete in the national contest for Ms. Senior America in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 20.
Morgan Schmidt is the mother of five children and has four grandchildren. She grew up in a ranching family, living the cowboy way of life with cattle and horses.
Having an alcoholic father showed her the need to point children to positive choices while they are still young. She and her husband Mike host more than 250 children each year at their Crossroads Ranch where they teach character, work ethic, basic horsemanship and other life skills in a strong, Christian old West setting.
They teach young and old alike to set goals, dream big and live life to the fullest.
Weekly during the summer Morgan Schmidt and her husband welcome a busload of at-risk youth typically from the Tulsa inner city.
What awaits those kids once they step off the bus is a lesson in a life that tends to stick with them.
“It’s all Old West. We don’t have any video games,” she said. “We teach goal setting and just real strong moral and work ethics and strength and confidence.”
“It’s pretty fun. It’s always entertaining as well. Most do really well and they get a lot of confidence. Most of what they gain is a real strength of character.”
Morgan Schmidt is also a counselor and anger management specialist.
Some of the children come in as victims of sexual abuse.
Seeing them open up around the horses is a true blessing she says.
She believes in giving back by volunteering at Tulsa Youth Works, serving as a board member of Bristow Social Services, and the Indigenous People’s Foundation (International).
She has worked with the prison/parolee program since 1989 and is a Rodeo Queen judge and coordinator.
Family and encouraging people to walk a purposed life, horse training, helping children and adults with horse and life skills at the ranch plus writing books and articles and reciting cowboy poetry are among her many interests.
Morgan Schmidt founded the Crossroads Ranch Ministries and is a member of Chandler Assembly of God Church and the Cowboys’ United Cowboy Church. Nearly 200 people came to see the event, held at the Westminster Presbyterian Community Center’s basement theatre.
Morgan Schmidt will now take part in speaking engagements throughout various communities. Her message is simple.
“That women need to keep living,” Morgan Schmidt said. “The rest of their years need to be the best of their years. I’m 61 and all the time whenever I go someplace someone says ‘Oh, when you get to my age you’ll know what I mean.’ Almost every single time I’m older than they are but they don’t know it.”
Several family members were able to attend to see Morgan Schmidt earn her crown. Others anxiously waited for updates via Facebook.
“I would love to encourage other women 60 and older to look into the pageant,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a great way to connect.”
Wynelle Record, Oklahoma City Cameo Club member, and previous pageant participant said the pageant is about celebrating senior women and all they still have to offer.
“We were little girls playing grown up and all of us got to be Cinderella,” Record said. “We represented the communities we were from.”

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

The fishing line hit the water at Lake Hefner and a Lisa Sydnor teared up.
The senior programs manager for The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma couldn’t help but getting a little misty-eyed watching the collection of senior men fishing from the docks on a picturesque June morning.
“It makes me cry,” Sydnor said. “The people that we are serving the majority of them live on virtually nothing. Can you imagine living on $750 a month? For them to be able to do something that they can enjoy and relax and they don’t have to worry about how much it costs …”
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma recently received an $11,600 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Wellness Initiative grant program.
The grant will be used to assist in funding senior men’s activity programs, which will allow The Salvation Army to increase its level of service to men at their five senior centers.
On this morning everything was paid for and all the men had to do was reel in the striped bass.
The Salvation Army received the funding the third week of June and by the end of the month Oklahoma City seniors were already dipping their lines into Lake Hefner and pulling out fish.
Sydnor said The Salvation Army received a similar elder grant last year that centered around dance instruction.
“Lots of ladies enjoyed that. We had a great time and a great turnout but the guys didn’t participate,” she said. “They don’t really participate (overall). The focus of this grant was to identify things men would enjoy.”
The funding has helped purchase all needed fishing gear and tackle plus the cost of permits.
“We wanted to find things our seniors could participate in and enjoy and get out. The more you’re out and the more you do the better your are, the better you feel and the better your health is. Our goal is to get our men up and moving.”
Leatherworking and woodworking classes are planned for July and August.
“As we evaluated our activities at the senior centers, we discovered the men’s interest and participation was significantly lower than the women’s,” Sydnor said. “We are so pleased to receive this grant as it will allow us to provide the activities our senior men have told us they want.”
The Wellness Initiative grant will fund wood and leather craft kits; sports equipment for pool, darts, indoor golf and horseshoes; fishing equipment; and, tickets to sporting events. By providing these activities, The Salvation Army strives to increase participation of both men and women in their senior programs.
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma operates five senior centers throughout the Oklahoma City metro. The centers are open every weekday to seniors ages 55 and older. Seniors have the opportunity to socialize, enjoy lunch and participate in numerous activities that include Bible study, exercise classes, crafts, dancing and much more.
Sydnor said the program is available at no charge to seniors.
Approximately 139,000 Oklahomans receive assistance from The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.
For more information on the programs and services at The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma, please visit www.salvationarmyokcac.org.
If you would like more information on the centers or other programs you can contact Sydnor at her office at 405-246-1120.
Centers are open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays the centers are open 8 a.m. until noon. Coffee and snacks are served each morning with lunch at 11:30.
“The best way to plug into a center is just to call us. We can tell you where all the centers are,” Sydnor said.