Senior Citizens’ Events at the Metropolitan Library System

Tai Chi for Better Balance Learn Tai Chi to help reduce the risk of falling, increase balance, and improve flexibility. This six-week class offers a series of slow, continuous movements. • Aug. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 10 a.m. at Warr Acres Library

Tai Chi for Better Movement Bethany Library offers an eight-week Tai Chi class for seniors, promoting balance, flexibility, and overall well-being through gentle, continuous movements suitable for all fitness levels. • Aug. 3, 10, 17, and 31, 9:30 a.m. at Bethany Library

Total Wellness Total Wellness is a free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department designed to help adults prevent diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity. • Aug. 6 and 13, 5:15 p.m. at Midwest City Library • Aug. 7 and 14. 5:15 p.m. at Bethany Library

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement, and improve daily living activities. Includes chair exercises. • Aug. 19, 21, 26, and 28, 10 a.m. at the Village Library • Aug. 21 and 28, 10 a.m. at Choctaw Library

Alzheimer’s Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group offers a supportive community for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, providing comfort, practical advice, and a safe space to share experiences. • Aug. 27, 6 p.m. at Bethany Library

August Adventures: State Fair Fun and Back-to-School Excitement at Your Library

As the new school year approaches, the Metropolitan Library System invites guests of all ages to enjoy various events across its 19 locations. Explore the highlights below and visit:
https://www.metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming for more details.

Back to School Preparation Prepare for the school year with the Metropolitan Library System’s digital resources, including Creativebug for arts and crafts, Fiero Code for coding lessons, and HelpNow for live tutoring. Explore LearningExpress Library for practice tests, LinkedIn Learning for business and tech courses, and Tumblebooks for interactive children’s reading. Visit metrolibrary.org for more details on these resources and upcoming events! • Back to School Kit: Available throughout August at Choctaw Library, includes essential school supplies. • Educators Reception: August 5, 2:30 PM at Almonte Library, offering tours of the new library and Makerspace. • Back to School Slime Time: August 15, 4 PM at Bethany Library, a hands-on slime-making activity. • Web Developer Bootcamp: Learn CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and more at Choctaw Library every Thursday in August at 7 PM.

Metro Grows: Gardening for All Ages
Our Metro Grows Program returns with expanded tool lending at 12 locations and discovery backpacks for children. Join us for these upcoming gardening events: • Organic Pest Management: August 6, 3 PM at Bethany Library. • Fall Beginner Gardening: August 6, 6 PM at Del City Library and August 26, 6PM at Choctaw Library. • Tea Making: August 6, 6:30 PM at Jones Library; August 17, 11 AM at Northwest Library; August 20, 6 PM at Bethany Library. • Natural Dyes for Kids: August 7, 3PM at Jones Library; August 9, 10 AM at Choctaw Library; August 10, 11 AM at Village Library; August 14, 4 PM at Ralph Ellison Library; August 24, 2 PM at Southern Oaks Library; August 26, 1 PM at Almonte Library. • Fall Budget Gardening for Kids: August 10, 10:30 AM at Luther Library; August 19, 4:30 PM at Midwest City Library; August 20, 4 PM at Northwest Library; August 24, 10 AM at Warr Acres Library. • Planning Your Fall Garden: August 13, 6:30 PM at Luther Library; August 28, 6 PM at Midwest City Library.

LitFest Returns Join us for the 7th Annual LitFest at the Downtown OKC Library on August 17 from 10 AM to 4 PM featuring sessions on AI and writing, publishing, romance, dialogue writing, children’s books, Oklahoma folklore, comics, and more, including a critique partner speed workshop.

State Fair Fun at Your Library
Join us for “Go Again! With the State Fair of Oklahoma” with themed programming at all locations starting August 26. Activities include crafting state fair-themed souvenirs inspired by historical photographs and programs from the library’s archives. Each library will feature different activities, and guests can enter a raffle for a chance to win a four-pack of State Fair tickets. Raffle entries close on September 6. • Featured Take-Home Kits in August: • State Fair Pennant Kit: Begins August 26 at Del City Library. Teens and adults can create personalized pennants with materials inspired by historical State Fair souvenirs from the 1930s. This kit includes a felt pennant, ties, logo and year, and puff paint. All recipients will be entered into a raffle for State Fair tickets. • Miniature State Fair Food Kit: Available starting August 27 at Wright Library. Enjoy crafting miniature versions of your favorite State Fair foods.

By Nick Thomas

Her film and television career only lasted a decade, but Evelyn Rudie’s memories from the 1950s and 60s as a child actor remain vivid beginning with a small role in the Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron 1955 musical, “Daddy Long Legs.” After meeting director Henry Koster through a family connection when she was just 3 years old, young Evelyn was offered an audition at Twentieth Century Fox.
“They thought I looked exactly like Leslie Caron would have looked like as a child,” recalled Rudie, who ended up playing one of the orphan children in a scene with the French actress.
Throughout the 50s she appeared in several movies but received special acclaim for roles in live television plays on shows such as “Playhouse 90” and “General Electric Theater.” For her performance as Eloise in the 1956 CBS “Playhouse 90” episode of the same name, Rudie became the first child nominated for an Emmy.
The TV play was based on the Eloise children’s book series from the 50s written by actress Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. The books portray the fictitious antics of young Eloise who lives in the New York City Plaza Hotel. With plenty of dialogue, Rudie’s character was central to the story and her performance on live TV was flawless (the 90-minute show can be seen on YouTube), but the original plan was for Thompson to overdub Rudie’s voice.
“They wanted to know if I could say my lines if I was coached all day before the broadcast,” explained Rudie. “Well, I’d heard those lines every day for three weeks during rehearsals, so it really wasn’t any big deal for me.”
Rudie’s role in the 1959 “General Electric Theater” episode Nobody’s Child was also memorable, mainly due to her co-star.
“I worked with Ronald Reagan who was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” she said. “He had a way of looking at you that made you feel like you were the most important person in his life. He did that with the director, the gaffer, the lady in the commissary – everyone. Whether or not it was genuine who knows, but it probably served him well when he went into politics.”
And speaking of presidents, when bantering with Groucho Marx in 1959 on “You Bet Your Life,” she informed the comedian if she didn’t remain in acting, she wanted to become president of the United States stating, “a woman has just as much right to be president as a man does.” Not surprisingly for the time, the line drew only modest applause from the audience mixed with a sprinkling of what sounded like disapproving ‘oohs’ as well.
“At school, in first grade, we talked about career choices, so I only wanted to be president if my acting career didn’t work out. Fortunately, it did,” she said.
Rudie’s true acting passion turned out to be theater where she still works today. Along with husband Chris DeCarlo, the couple have been artistic directors since 1973 at the Santa Monica Playhouse where they also act in productions (see www.santamonicaplayhouse.com). This coming fall, the Playhouse will be premiering “My Father’s Trunk,” the story of her father’s years as an underground anti-Nazi cabaret creator. After he died in 1996, Rudie discovered an old trunk in the basement containing costumes, set designs, show programs, and most of the songs and sketches he wrote for the Secret Cabaret at the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam.
“I’ve been translating the songs ever since and finally we’re ready to start putting the show together,” she says. “In a way, I’m grateful I didn’t do more films or a TV series because a lot of kids who did became messed up. I got to be a normal kid and enjoy an acting career at the same time.”

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

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Many Oklahomans are still planning to hit the road for a vacation before summer ends. Nothing can ruin your fun like having to cancel a trip, getting hurt while away from home or returning to a costly incident at your house. Fortunately, different types of insurance can help in the situations I just described. Whether planning an expedition overseas or just a quick weekend trip to the lake, let’s talk about insurance before you take off.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance encompasses several categories of policies like trip cancellation, travel medical, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, baggage loss and cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies. These coverages can help reimburse the cost of a trip you cancel, pay for medical emergencies while traveling and cover the cost of lost baggage and personal items. A good way to determine your travel insurance needs is to consider the cost of your trip, the duration of your journey, how far away you will be traveling, if you’re going abroad and which kinds of activities you will be doing. For example, you probably won’t need travel insurance for a trip to grandma’s house two hours away. You will, however, want to consider it if you’re going on a hiking trip in the Himalayas.
Health Insurance
If you’re traveling domestically, your health insurance policy might cover emergency care in other states while you’re away. Some plans may permit you to see out-of-state healthcare providers for any reason if they are in your carrier’s network. Check with your insurance company and your specific coverages to see what is allowed.
Homeowners Insurance
While you’re away, you’ll want to ensure your homeowners or renters policy is in force in case of property damage, loss or theft. Read your declarations page attached to your policy to see the type of coverage, like actual cash value or replacement cost, and your endorsements like earthquake or additional jewelry coverage. On some policies, protections like personal liability will follow the homeowner, which is helpful if you stay with a friend or family member.
Auto Insurance
Similarly, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate coverage on your vehicle. If you’re leaving it at home in your garage, parking at the airport or driving across the country, be prepared in case of damage or theft. Additionally, if you plan on renting a car, your auto insurance policy may cover you. You can find out by contacting your agent or carrier directly. Some credit card programs include rental car coverage as a benefit and can help pay for a claim on the rental after your insurance or purchased rental car insurance kicks in.
Summer is the time to have fun and travel, but the last thing you want to deal with is not having enough insurance coverage to meet your needs. If you have any questions about insurance, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) at 800-522-0071 or visit https://www.oid.ok.gov. Happy and safe travels!

By Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC Executive Director

Many of the 370,000 people 50+ in the Oklahoma City metro know that having a good neighbor is the solution for borrowing sugar or the answer for a little help trimming a crepe myrtle or on a ladder replacing light bulbs. For others, it is getting a little assistance with an iPhone or Android device from someone who knows. Finding a trustworthy plumber, dog sitter, attorney or someone to go to the movies with is all a part of the connections available through VillagesOKC.
For the past six years, VillagesOKC has been serving the metro by developing programs and connection opportunities to empower local adults to age with vitality and purpose. With a variety of impactful initiatives, from educational workshops to veteran recognition events to caregiver support, VillagesOKC seeks to enhance the lives of older adults and their families.
Successful aging involves individuals taking personal responsibility to plan combined with community engagement. The GIFT, Gathering Information for Transitions, is another VillagesOKC program helping members learn about options, make decisions and write in a notebook for rapid access in a crisis. VillagesOKC is the one connection that unites both individual and community forces. This is important since the number of adults in Oklahoma will soon outnumber children under 18 for the first time.
The VillagesOKC mission of empowerment is founded on the transformative idea that the narrative around aging must be fundamentally redefined. Rather than viewing all seniors as dependents requiring constant support, VillagesOKC recognizes them as valuable leaders within the community. People 50 and older possess significant experience, wisdom and capabilities. This offers ongoing opportunities to lead, contribute and flourish. This shift in perspective not only enriches their lives but also strengthens the social fabric of our community.
Strategic partnerships with local organizations and businesses mean less duplication and more cooperation. VillagesOKC partnerships include Senior Living Truth Series, OKC Mature Moves, Buckelew Realty, NewView Oklahoma, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, Force50 Foundation, YMCAs of Greater Oklahoma City and YMCA Healthy Living Center, Directors Life Assurance, Providence Home Care, Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics, CompleteOK (Homecare, Palliative Care and Hospice), Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare, Senior Care Referral Services, Concordia Life Plan Community, Mercer Adams Funeral Service, Navigating Medicare as well as DHS Community Adult Living and Adult Protective Services, and the State Council on Aging. For more information about VilagesOKC call 405-990-6637 or visit
https://villagesokc.org.

Story and photos by Marise Boehs

The mission of Healthy Living Norman is to promote the health and well-being of adults aged 50 and older by providing opportunities for physical activity, social engagement, and lifelong learning at the Adult Wellness and Education Center.

Healthy Living Norman uses a six-dimensional model of wellness that includes emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and occupational factors. The goal of the wellness center is to embody and provide programs under one roof to improve the quality of life for adults 50 and above in the Norman community. The 32,000-square-foot facility serves as a hub of wellness activities.

To better educate the community and showcase this new facility, they held an open house on Saturday, July 13th.

“We have been open 8 months today,” said Katherine Leidy, Healthy Living Norman Branch Manager. “We have done some fun things and have more activities planned – more dances which have been a huge attraction. We have pickleball and billiards. The pool always has fun things happening.”

“Membership is $35 a month. But we do have a sliding scale for those with lower incomes. We also accept Silver Sneakers and Renew Active, which cover the monthly membership fee,” Leidy explained.

Membership includes access to the gym and pool as well as all activities and classes. While some classes may have a fee for materials, entry is included.

A 1st Annual Wellness Expo will be held on Saturday, August 17th. It is free and open to the public. This event is meant to encourage healthy lifestyles for people 50+ with demos, samples, and information about healthy lifestyles from various vendors.

They are planning a group trip to England, Scotland, and Wales in October. For more information check out their website at www.healthylivingnorman.com.

The website also has all Programs and Class Schedules available at the Center.

This is an awesome new center geared to 50+ persons to encourage  health, wellness and camaraderie. If you want to just check it out they have a day pass for $10.

Center Amenities
Warm Indoor
Saltwater Pool
Demonstration Kitchen
Fitness Center
Land and Water
Fitness Classes
Health Screenings
Seminars and Events
Billiards
Indoor Walking Track
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Fireplace and Lounge Area
Small Gathering Spaces
Art and Educational Classes

Letha DeMoss

(Right) 100 years old. Letha (Salsbery) DeMoss of Edmond was born July 20, 1924, in Indiana. She has 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren. After graduating from HS, she worked as a beautician. She is a member of the Chrisian Church where she tutored children & Jesus Loves Me is her favorite hymn.

Jewell Hall

(Left) 100 years old. All smiles, Jewell Hall happily partied with her friends and family to celebrate her 100th birthday. She was the belle of the ball and a beautiful and worthy center of attention! Jewell met the love of her life, Bud, dancing at the famed Cain’s Ballroom in 1944. Notably, both Jewell and the Cain’s Ballroom are celebrating 100 years.

Mary Clark

(Right) 100 years old. Rosie the Riveter, Mary Etta Clark, celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends today. She worked at Douglas Aerospace during World War II as an engine rigger. Mary Etta once owned the very successful five-star restaurant, Pepies Italian Restaurant. Her words of wisdom for us today are: Get an Education, a Job which you enjoy, and go to church.

Willie Hallonquist

(Right) 101 years old. Willie B. “Brenda” Hallonquist of Edmond was born in Texas. She worked in the medical field & as a real estate agent, attended First Baptist churches, where she volunteered her time & received honors for her work. On her 100th birthday, she took her first limousine ride to Vast Restaurant in downtown OKC for a large family celebration. Brenda’s words of wisdom: “Be quick to listen. Be slow to speak. Be slow to anger. Love God with all your heart!”

By Marise Boehs

Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort, a staple of Norman’s pet care since 1970, has added two more skilled professionals to their growing staff and clinic practice.

A  full-service, companion-animal hospital committed to providing your pet with lifetime quality care, Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort offers a variety of services for all pets including your aging pet.  Dr. Beverly Fritzler (who has owned the practice since 1990) and her family and staff are constantly looking for the next medical treatment breakthrough. And the practice has invested accordingly. They offer the latest technology and equipment and their staff stays  up-to-date with continuing education.

A complete list of their services is available on their website
(www.roserockvethospital.com)

Natalia Burgos, DVM
Dr. Natalia Burgos joined the medical team of Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital as an Associate Veterinarian in June 2024. Growing up in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Dr. Burgos always know that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Even when she experienced doubts throughout undergrad and vet school, she persisted because she remembered that this is what she’s meant to do.

Before becoming a veterinarian, she did research with sheep and goats during her undergrad. She also worked at 2 small animal practices in Puerto Rico. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Puetro Rico in Mayaguez in 2020 before attending Ross University to receive her veterinary degree in 2024. She is a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Her professional interests include surgery, preventative medicine, and internal medicine.

At home, Dr. Burgos has two dogs; Lola, a small breed mix that she’s had since 2016, and Mocha, a Boxer-Heeler mix that she just recently adopted. In her free time, she enjoys running in the mornings, and staying active at the gym. She enjoys outdoor activities and staying busy, as well as going to new restaurants to try different foods.

Victoria Mitchell, DVM
Dr. Victoria Mitchell joined Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital in July 2024 as an Associate Veterinarian. She was born in Oklahoma City and spent a majority of her time between OKC and Northwest Missouri. Growing up around animals, Dr. Mitchell knew she wanted to care for them because they brought her so much joy. As she got older, she realized the role that animals play in human health, which influenced her to become a veterinarian.

Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Mitchell worked at Awesome Care Veterinary Hospital. She attended Rose State College for her Associate degree before receiving two degrees from Oklahoma State University; a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2017, receiving the President’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s Honor Roll. She went onto attend Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine for her DVM and graduated in 2024. Dr. Mitchell was a member of Phi Zeta Nu, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include surgery, ophthalmology, and exotics.

“I love the ability to advocate for animals and educate clients so they can make informed decisions regarding the care of their pets,” Dr. Mitchell shares.

At home, Dr. Mitchell has two Great Danes named Cleopatra and Gypsy, one German Shepard named Gracie, a bunny named Jerry Thanos, two cats named Snowball and Ash, and a Ball Python named Pickle. She enjoys reading, swimming, going to the movies and watching her kids, Anthony, Elijah and Gabriel, play sports with her husband, Brett.