Story and photo by Mike Lee, Staff Writer

Depending on the day you come, you may find Mike Six behind a broom at the Midwest City Senior Center.
You might also see him behind the wheel driving seniors where they need to go or simply pulling up and cooling off their car on a hot day.
Then again he might be calling out bingo numbers or laying a spinner down during a daily game of dominoes.
But whatever he’s doing you’ll find the 27-year Midwest City Police Department veteran with a smile on his face
“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” said Six the center’s assistant coordinator under Fredia Cox.
After 27 years on the force, Six retired and decided to try a few things. He spent a year teaching before kicking around some different jobs.
He came back on with the city and shortly the job at the senior center opened up.
“I snagged it up quick as I could,” he said. “These are great people. I tell people all the time it’s the best job I’ve ever had. It’s not a six-figure job for sure but it’s not the money what I like, it’s the people.”
Cox estimates nearly 6,000 seniors each month are served at the Midwest City facility.
All of them know Mike, or just Six.
“He’s vital,” Cox said simply of her assistant, who also handles all the building’s maintenance.
It’s the time he spends at the facility that Six counts as his most important contribution.
“I guess in general you want to be available for them,” Six said. “That’s what I do. The senior center is part of the city of Midwest City. It’s a facility we’ve made that really belongs to the seniors. What we try to do is give them a destination, a place to come a reason to get up in the morning.”
A lot of counseling goes on within these walls, but there’s no couches or co-pays involved. The kind of counseling Six and Cox deliver is a smile, a cup of coffee and a willingness to listen.
“We visit with them. It’s really a quality of life issue for them,” Six said.
The center schedules three dances a week for the seniors plus many other activities.
Six and Cox both serve as resources for seniors. If someone is having a problem in an area of life their combined 70 years of experience in the community is there to help.
The Midwest City Senior Center offers programs, classes, events and activities for citizens, age 55 and older, who have a common interest in fellowships, leisure pursuits and mutual respect for one another.
The center is managed by Cox under the direction of the Midwest City Parks and Recreation Department. All programs and activities offered at the center are supervised by Cox and Six.
The center encourages ideas, input and involvement from senior citizens. It keep them going and it keeps Six going.
“Kind of like with the police department it does make you feel good when someone comes to you and identifies you as someone who might be able to help them,” Six said. “When you do help them it really does make you feel good.”
Six’s roots run deep in Midwest City after spending his career policing the streets. He was part of the department’s various community policing projects which focused on community relations as well as tackling the city’s gang problems.
“We were real visible and we made sure (the criminals) were real visible,” Six said. “People were living like prisoners in their homes. We cleaned up the neighborhoods and had people barbecuing in their front yards. We made a big difference.”
Funny, but nearly three decades later he still is. “You can’t be there to supervise. You can’t be there just to monitor,” Six said. “You have to be involved.”
The Midwest City Senior Center offers several weekly classes and activities including:
-Bible Study
Bible study class is Wednesdays from 10 – 11 a.m. in the Mistletoe Room.
-Gospel Music
Gospel music is Fridays from 10 – 11:15 a.m. in the Grand Room.
– Oil Painting Classes
Oil painting classes are offered Wednesdays and Fridays from noon – 4 p.m. in the Mistletoe Room. Participants are responsible for providing their supplies for the class. Please call 405-737-7611 for a list of supplies.
-Quilting
Quilters meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Dogwood Room.
-Woodcarving
Woodcarving classes are offered every Tuesday from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Mistletoe Room. Participants are responsible for bringing supplies for class. Please call for a list of supplies.
“The main thing at the senior center, plain and simple, it addresses quality of life,” Six said. “That’s the only way I know how to put it. I’ve adopted some of them and I think they’ve adopted me.”

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has announced the results of its annual inspection of tobacco outlets to measure compliance with laws restricting underage tobacco sales. This year’s non-compliance rate of 14.1 percent is more than twice the 6.8 percent recorded only four years ago, which was the lowest ever for the state.
Oklahoma retail outlets such as convenience and grocery stores are monitored to ensure they follow all laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors. Each year, hundreds of random checks are completed across the state through the agency’s partnership with the state Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. States must maintain a non-compliance rate below 20 percent regarding sale of tobacco products to minors or risk losing federal funding for substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts. ODMHSAS Commissioner Terri White said she is concerned that non-compliance is increasing and that some retailers seem unconcerned about illegally selling tobacco products to minors.
“Store owners who ignore compliance requirements are putting their own profits ahead of our children’s health,” she said. “Fortunately, the vast majority of retailers are abiding by the law and aren’t the ones putting tobacco into the hands of our youth. The fact that so many retailers didn’t sell these products to minors suggests there is no excuse for the others to continue breaking the law.”
The 2013 Oklahoma Youth Tobacco Survey notes that nine out of 10 smokers tried their first cigarette before age 18, and that 22.7 percent of Oklahoma high school students are current tobacco users. Tobacco use prematurely kills thousands of Oklahomans every year, yet it remains a leading preventable cause of death. “The most effective way to stop future problems caused by tobacco use is to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place,” White added.
In addition to health risks faced by tobacco users, White said the potential loss of federal substance abuse treatment funding would seriously impact already limited addiction treatment services. “Significant budget cuts have severely limited the services we can provide,” she said. “Already, only about 20 percent of those needing substance abuse services receive the help they need.”
Community-based education is available to business owners and clerks regarding youth access to tobacco. Additional information related to Synar compliance is available on the ODMHSAS website at http://ok.gov/odmhsas/Prevention_/Prevention_Initiatives/Synar_Compliance/.

by Bobby Anderson
Staff Writer

For nearly 20 years Bridget Hefner worked as an aircraft mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base.
So when retirement came around she thought it was time to finally pursue her dreams.
The money she earned she decided to pour into what has become a labor of love and Norman’s newest gathering place.
August 8 will be the official opening of The Screen Door, an event center and coffee shop that Hefner hopes fascinates the community as it has her for the past few months.
Hefner, her mother Patricia Whaley, daughters and even her grandchildren have been painting and prepping for months now.
The search for a building was a long one with plenty of properties getting checked off the list.
“It just happened the building itself happened to have everything,” Hefner said of the building at 408 W. Main. “I looked at buildings that didn’t have restrooms, buildings that didn’t have air conditioning and buildings that didn’t have the fire system in it. This building was perfect.”
The former Coneys and More location has a patio that looks down Main Street onto a thriving business district.
Inside is a spacious, steampunk-themed cafe with seating ranging from tables and stools to cushy leather oversized chairs.
Hefner eventually would like to free herself up enough where she can offer seminars revolving around dreams and philosophy.
For now, poetry slams and musicians have been scheduled.
The space is available for free for those who just want to meet up, Hefner said.
“The point of it is to bring the community together and make things more social,” said Hefner, a Navy veteran. “It’s a place where people can gather, meet or just hang out.”
Sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts will be offered with the menu ranging from meat to gluten free and vegan. Coffees, teas and frozen fruit smoothies are also on the menu.
The Screen Door is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free WIFI will be available for those who want to drop by and surf the web for an hour or two over coffee.
“Hopefully there will be different types of groups and meetings will come in,” Hefner said.
Hefner put out the word well before she left Tinker. Once she rented the building she began canvassing the neighborhoods.
“I’ve been going house to house just to let people know we’re here,” Hefner said. “I thought it would be a little more personable.”
Hefner welcomes feedback. A large chalkboard will even allow patrons to put up their comments, sayings or thoughts for the day.
The sky is the limit for The Screen Door which plans on hosting wine tastings, murder mysteries, Mad Hatter tea parties and a 1920s dance in addition to whatever else guests can think up.
The location is directly across from Republic Bank. It’s within walking distance of the Cleveland County Courthouse, Norman High School and Norman’s original downtown.
A portion of the 5,800 square-foot building will be available for private use as well for $50 per hour.
The idea has been ruminating in Hefner’s head for two years now. She wanted a space she could invite others into as well as a space people would feel welcome.
Making a difference daily is the theme for the new venture. In keeping with that, all of The Screen Door’s paper products are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
“I’m hoping our product will be good enough quality that word of mouth will get out,” Hefner said.
Every week discounts will be offered to different groups of people like firefighters, police officers, medical professionals or teachers. A different charity each week will also be able to receive some of the proceeds of the sales.
Right now Hefner’s mom and her oldest daughter are her best employees. But she has hired a sous chef from Packard’s kitchen to put together a menu ranging from strawberry jam muffins with streusel to roasted vegetable and goat cheese grits.
The Screen Door’s Facebook page is one of the best places to get information about what’s coming up but the business also has a website at www.screendoorok.com where you can find out more information.

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn  [email protected]

It’s said that timing is everything, and it’s so true when picking a time to visit a destination. Mexico has many festivals throughout the year, but one such is the combination of the Puerto Vallarta’s LGTB May Pride Celebration as it coincides with their Restaurant week, providing many opportunities for both exceptional fun and food.
Puerto Vallarta has long been a friendly environment for the LGTB community and the community coming together to host their fourth annual May Pride Week in 2016 is such an example. Parties and receptions held in and around the town offers the visitor a chance to see venues, they might not know exists. There is a structured bar crawl (http://gayvallartabarhopping.com) where first time Puerto Vallarta visitors can easily partake of the festivities with a guide, and be in the right venue for special events.
The high mountain lodge at Villa Savana ( www.villasavana.com) supplies a panoramic view of the town and beach, and quaint views of the houses of local citizens. The white washed accommodation, offers an historic character to the complex of pool and vista filled terrace. At such a reception you might be treated to the guitar stylings of Eduardo Leon, and take home his CD for remembering the intoxicating experience again and again.
An upscale and visually stunning restaurant is the Café de Artistes (www.cafedesartistes.com) There you can have a Chilean wine with a smoked “Mahi Mahi”, a delicate roasted sea bass filet over a confit turnip perfumed with anise, spinach and fine herb sauce, the best Short Rib and Beef Petals duo with creamy chipolte chili sauce and topped off with a desert of “guanaban” sorbet and fried “bunuelos”. All were presented artistically and at times the visual presentation out shinned the taste.
A family owned and indigenous restaurant is the humble and quaint, El Arrayan (http://elarrayan.com.mx/en/) located in the middle of old town. Here the walls are filled with displays of ingenious art presiding over a table of authentic local tastes.
In operation for fifteen years, the Banderas Tapas (http://barcelonatapas.net/) offers a variety of small dishes fusing traditional tastes with other cultures accompanying wonderful sunset views. A tasting menu is available. The amendable bar tender can prepare exotic cocktails or fill your own personal Martini requests. With gourmet food in an open air vista filled venue and attentive service, who could ask for more?
A true delight is the food and ambiance of the ocean side setting of the Sapphire Beach Club (http://sapphire.mx), which also hosts accommodations and a fresh water pool, overlooking the palapas of the beach, complete with roaming sellers of local goods.
Your brunch at the Villa Mercedes (www.hotelvillamercedes.com ) might find a buffet of delights, by a pool and shaded lounge area, adjacent to a more formal restaurant and bar. You might relax here, or stay at this boutique hotel, before venturing over to the nearby Mantamar Beach Club (http://en.mantamarvallarta.com/. They supply food, drink, entertainment, and an expansive pool with cabanas, changing rooms and an upstairs area for viewing the pool and the expansive Puerto Vallarta Beach. You can spend an entire day there soaking up the festival culture with locals and out of town party goers.
For all of the above dining venues be sure to make arrangements before arriving to double check their availability.
Your home base might be the modern Casa Magna Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrmx-casamagna-marriott-puerto-vallarta-resort-and-spa/) in the hotel zone away from the historic downtown, or stay a short distance away at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (http://www.hrhvallarta.com/) Enjoy the VIP section of the beach with wait staff and a special VIP menu, or stroll around the pool areas with cocktail in hand, or relax in the shade, or take in the offerings of their Spa, with salon treatments or a massage, and don’t forget to sample several of their restaurants.
Despite all the shopping and dining opportunities in Puerto Vallarta proper, it’s easy to recommend a coastal sail along Banderas Bay with Mike’s fishing and charter tours (http://pvmikesfishing.com/, where with party music and refreshments gives you a chance to feel as if you are on a private yacht. This get a way sail, to a coast beach near of the Marietta’s Islands is where you might enjoy snorkeling. This relaxing day experience is not to be overlooked. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Any time is a good time to experience the safe and tourist friendly resort town of Puerto Vallarta. A sunset stroll along the popular malecon with its iconic Puerto Vallarta Sea horse sculpture is a must. More information can be obtained at: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn/
http://www.examiner.com/travel-in-oklahoma-city/terry-zinn
www.new.okveterannews.com – www.martinitravels.com

Easter Seals Oklahoma Occupational Therapists are utilizing the popular phone app game Pokemon Go with patients to help with hand-eye coordination when looking for and catching Pokemon. It also helps with spatial awareness, visual perception skills, following directions and instructional cues, fine motor skills, impulse control and social skills in taking turns with peers.
Easter Seals Oklahoma invites Pokemon Go players to consider scheduling a tour of its facility while playing the game. Easter Seals Oklahoma is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
For more than 90 years, Easter Seals Oklahoma has provided services to children and adults with disabilities and other special needs and support to their families. Services include an early learning and inclusion academy, adult day health center, therapy services, screenings and financial assistance. For more information, please visit www.eastersealsoklahoma.org.

Home Instead helping families keep seniors safe

story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

It’s at the core of what Harold and Lucy Mahoney provide every day as owners of Home Instead Senior Care in Norman.
So it’s just natural for the husband and wife to throw their support behind an upcoming fundraiser designed to help families quickly find their loved ones in the event of an emergency.
A Stroll Down Main Street on September 1 in Norman will feature an antique car show, discounts, giveaways and a Jail and Bail event. Several downtown executives and community officials have already volunteered to be “arrested” for the fundraiser.
The money will go to help the Norman Police Department and Sunbeam Family Services offer reduced-cost technology that can save a person’s life.
“The reason Home Instead is passionate to get funding for the Care Trak device is that it is a strong resource for families, Police and Fire Departments,” said Home Instead Community Relations Director CJ Judd.
Care Trak is a program that issues bracelets which emit a radio frequency to help Norman Police officers electronically locate at-risk people who have wandered off or gone missing. Care Trak has been used nationally since 1986, and with it thousands of missing persons have been located.
Care Trak bracelets look similar to a watch, can be worn on a wrist or ankle and are meant to be worn 24 hours a day. They are waterproof and include a thick band which can only be removed by a caregiver.
In the event your loved one goes missing, you can call the Norman Police Department to report the missing person and tell the dispatcher that he or she is wearing a Care Trak Bracelet.
In 1986 Care Trak created telemetry tracking of high-risk people with Alzheimer disease and special needs kids primarily with Autism. Since starting more than 24 years ago the company has earned a 100 percent rescue rate and has become the oldest, most respected name in Telemetry based people locating worldwide.
Hundreds of Sheriffs, Police, Fire Departments, SAR Teams and more use Care Trak to quickly locate at risk individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and special needs kids primarily with Autism and Down syndrome.
Thousands of lost individuals were rescued by trained emergency responders in an average of less than 30 minutes. Everyone reported missing who was wearing a Care Trak wrist transmitter was located.
The assurance that a loved one will be brought to safety was the appeal to Harold and Lucy Mahoney.
Lifelong Arkansas residents, family has always been important to the Mahoneys, who raised two boys before settling down in Norman.
Harold grew up working with his five brothers in the family body shop and wrecker service their father started.
A quarter century before the Mahoneys ever thought of owning a personal care service they took care of Lucy’s grandmother.
From meals to medicine to baths, the Mahoneys took care of every need.
“We loved it and we loved caring for her,” Lucy said with a smile remembering the care that ranged from meals to baths to trips to the doctor. “We made her wish come true to be able to stay at home.”
After her grandmother passed Lucy entered the medical profession for 25 years.
“It’s just a passion that I have to take care of people,” Lucy said. “I was with a client the other day and she made me think of my grandmother. She was lonely and she needed someone to talk to. It was wonderful to know that I had made her smile and she was happy to have me there and that’s why Home Instead is so personal to me.”
Keeping the integrity of a client’s life is what it’s all about, Lucy says.
“I was with a client yesterday and she said ‘I just want to be able to stay in my home,’” Lucy recalled. “She was happy in her home, even though her life had changed. I told her we were there to help her and take her where she needs to go.”
Professional in-home care allows your family members to age in place. They can continue to live safely and independently in the home they’ve known for much of their lives. In-home caregiving offers peace of mind – and it does so very affordably.
Unlike the high, fixed costs associated with assisted living facilities or nursing homes, the price of in-home care stays flexible to meet your needs. You can keep control of your budget by scheduling as few or as many hours of care as you need.
Proceeds raised during the Downtown Norman event will help Sunbeam Family Services offer Care Trak on a sliding scale based on income.
Scholarship applications and payment plans are available and there are no membership fees associated with Care Trak.
For more information about the event you can call Home Instead at 405-310-2756.
It’s peace of mind the Mahoneys think is well worth their time and energy.