OKC Zoo celebrated with a BIG announcement – Asian elephant, Asha, is expecting a calf in February 2022!

In honor of World Elephant Day, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden was thrilled to announce that Asian elephant, Asha, 25, is pregnant and due to give birth in February 2022! This will be Asha’s fourth calf born at the OKC Zoo. The Zoo’s bull elephant, Rex, 51, is the father. The pair are also parents to Achara, 5 and Kairavi, 1.
“We are extremely excited to have a calf on the way and look forward to this new addition joining our multigenerational herd, and watching as our elephants interact with a little one,” said Rachel Emory, OKC Zoo’s curator of elephants and rhinos. “Asian elephants are endangered so every pregnancy is valuable to the survival of this beloved animal as their wild counterparts continue to face extreme hardships in their native habitats.”
Though it’s early in the pregnancy, both Asha and her calf appear healthy, and the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams are optimistic everything will go well for this experienced mom. Asha has given birth to three female elephants including Achara born in 2014 and Kairavi born in 2018. In 2011, Asha gave birth to her first calf, Malee who at 4 years old died unexpectantly from the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). Malee was the first elephant born at the OKC Zoo.
As Asha’s pregnancy progresses, her daily routine including diet, exercise and training will stay consistent, and she will continue living with her family group. She is receiving exceptional care and attention from her caretakers who are working closely with the Zoo’s veterinary team to monitor both mom and calf through ongoing exams and ultrasounds. Asha voluntarily participates in these exams thorough positive reinforcement training making it a comfortable experience for her. Elephants have the longest pregnancy in the animal kingdom, lasting 22 months from conception to birth. Newborn elephants can weigh 200-300 pounds at birth.
The breeding recommendation for Rex and Asha was part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan®, a cooperative breeding and management program responsible for maintaining a genetically healthy population of Asian elephants in AZA-accredited zoos.
The OKC Zoo is committed to the conservation of Asian elephants and their habitat through its global partnerships. Asian elephants are endangered, facing unique challenges that threaten the species’ survival. Asian elephant populations in the wild have fallen below 40,000. The 13 nations that make up the natural habitat of Asian elephants contain the most dense human population on the planet and, as a result, vital habitat for elephants has been reduced by 85% in 40 years. Furthermore, Asian elephants are much more susceptible than African elephants to EEHV, a fast-moving virus with a 60% fatality rate.
Since 2010, the Zoo has contributed more than $400,000 to elephant-related conservation. In addition to supporting the Northern Rangelands Trust since 2009, which protects elephants and other native species in Kenya, the Zoo partnered with the Rainforest Trust to purchase and preserve 13,000 acres of forest in central Sumatra and 18,000 acres of forest in Borneo, both of which are natural habitats for Asian elephants. The Zoo has also supported a number of other elephant conservation projects, including the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range Project in Myanmar and International Elephant Foundation’s conservation efforts in Sumatra. These projects support boots-on-the-ground teams that work to protect forests, prevent poaching and habitat encroachment.
The OKC Zoo’s elephant family includes Asha, 25; Chandra, 24; Bamboo, 53; Kandula, 18; Rex, 51; Achara, 5; and Kairavi, 1 – plus, a new baby arriving in 2022!
For “tons” of updates about Asha’s pregnancy and the OKC Zoo’s entire elephant family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be made at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets. Daily attendance is limited to ensure adequate social distancing between guests. The OKC Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020.
Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by purchasing a ZOOfriends membership when they visit the Zoo or online at ZOOfriends.org. To learn more about this event and other Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Deputy Director Dr. Kelly Williams has been named Interim Director. Williams took the lead position after the promotion of Director Travis Kirkpatrick.
Dr. Williams is a life-long Oklahoman who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Oklahoma City University, followed by a Masters and PhD from the University of Oklahoma, both in Quantitative Psychology. Before joining OMMA, Williams served as Oklahoma City University’s Institutional Research Director for seven years. She has been in two Leadership Oklahoma City classes and serves on the Board of Directors for Family Builders as well as the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Research and Community Initiatives Committee.
Dr. Williams plans to continue and expand on outreach programs to the patients and commercial licensees that are involved in the Medical Marijuana Industry, stating “this is a young agency and we have seen massive growth over the past two years. I look forward to the challenges and the rewards of growing the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority into an agency that will make Oklahomans proud and that happens by ensuring this agency is devoted to our patients, businesses owners, and the citizens of Oklahoma. I look forward to working with these groups as we continue to build the agency and make progress toward our goals.”
Former Director Travis Kirkpatrick was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Prevention and Preparedness at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. His new role includes oversight of several regulatory areas, including OMMA.

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

The trip down memory lane continues for the live experiences and recognition of outstanding performers and venues. By recalling our good times and interactions, if only as an audience member, it gives us comfort and enjoyment remembering our past efforts, and gives us hope for more live entertainment experiences in the near future.
If you are a loyal long time reader here, there is no surprise that I am an admirer of the 92 year old, iconic cabaret singer, Marilyn Maye, who performed most recently at the OKC boat house last year, courtesy of Central State University. I have seen her a couple of times in Dallas and other venues. She holds a record number of appearances on the Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson. Her enthusiasm for life and humorous attitude is only surpassed by her smooth, easy and warm voice. She is a testament and a life affirmation for all seniors.
Another theater veteran, for ever young yet a senior, Tommy Tune (currently 81), who performed a one man show at Lyric’s Plaza Theater. He of course was in the original Broadway cast of “Hello Dolly” and has performed and directed many Broadway shows, including “My One and Only” with Twiggy. His Tony and other theater awards are numerous . This tall Texan’s humor is infectious. His back stage stories are enlightening. His most touching story was how he lost decades of theater memorabilia and souvenirs when hurricane Sandy flooded parts of Manhattan and his storage unit. Fun to see him tap dance in red boots. He presented two nights, I saw both, and noticed each show was a bit different, as he went with spontaneous changes. After the performance he invited fans to accompany him on stage – where he let us be close and personal with photographs and to be in his presence. His optimism, generosity and theater history certainly makes him a person of greatness.
This reminds me of another offering by Lyric Theater of Oklahoma when they featured Chita Rivera. Senior Rivera was awarded the 2018 Tony for Lifetime achievement and was a Kennedy Center Honoree. Always enchanted by her dancing and mischievous personality, it was a pleasure to meet and greet her at an after party. She was gracious, but her handler (her assistant) was less so, bordering on rude. Odd how some personalities don’t recognizance that their assistants can mar the public’s perception and experience. I could list other occasions which were tarnished by their neglect to properly instruct them to be considerate to the fans, to which they owe part of their success.
You never know what’s going to blossom when going to a live theater event. Such was the case many years ago when the Oklahoma BLAC organisation brought in the three woman musical play called, “Blues In The Night.” It was performed as a benefit on the thrust stage of the Stage Center/Oklahoma Theater Center/aka the Mummers Theater. Sadly is was not well attended , and sadly the theater building is now a parking lot. Its headliner was the provocative Chanteuse Eartha Kitt. Best known for her “Santa Baby” recording but in this Oklahoma visit she performed and gave an extensive seminar on her life and even touching on her political activism, during the President Lyndon Johnson era. Even more astonishing was her willingness to pose for me and my camera. I treasure those times and images of the late Eartha Kitt. To her credit I sent her a couple hard copy black and white prints to her NYC address for her signature and she did such and returned to me. The Presence of Greatness.
Another photo opportunity was with Ballet Oklahoma’s performance and celebration of “Rodeo,” and the Ballet from “Oklahoma,” originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille. I was so pleased when I sent de Mille her copies of my photography of a dress rehearsal where she autographed my hard copy black and white photography. Agnes de Mille; truly greatness of the Ballet world.
While its fun to recall meetings with well known celebrities, let’s not forget our relatives and friends which also might fall into the category of greatness for their humanity and friendship.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
3110 N.W. 15 Street – Oklahoma City, OK 73107
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by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Most people choose the jobs they want to pursue.
For Christina Sibley, the job chose her.
Christina has been a healthcare provider for more than 20 years. She’s taught medical assisting and phlebotomy.
She’s worked in doctor’s offices, labs, hospitals and home care, always with a passion for her patients.
But it was a suggestion from husband, Steven, that brought it all together.
“I feel like God put me on the Earth for a reason,” she said. “I have a specific set of skills, experience and education that allow me to do things for people, they have put me in a unique position to be able to do things for people that others just don’t have the ability to do.”
Christina and her husband own and operate Sibley Insures.
Actually, it’s more than that.
They live it.
An average of 10,000 people age into Medicare each day.
Licensed Health insurance producers in Oklahoma and Kansas, serving OKC, Tulsa, and beyond, the Sibleys are a wealth of information when it comes to making one of the most important healthcare decisions most of us will ever face.
And that yearly decision is fast approaching.
The last few months of the year the Sibleys’ business goes into overdrive with Medicare enrollment beginning October 15 and running through December 7.
“A broker, like myself, is someone contracted with multiple carriers so they aren’t beholden to a specific carrier and they’re not trying to fit someone into the only tool they have,” Christina explained of what she does. “A broker is able to find the right tool for the client and their specific needs.”
“You would be surprised at how many people who are on Medicare, and have been for a long time, who don’t understand how it works. They’ve never really been given a good education.”
That’s the “what” when it comes to Sibley Insures.
The “why” runs deeper.
Christina Sibley tears up when she talks about her grandmother, whom she was able to care for in her final few years.
“She was a widow, a homemaker her whole life, whose husband died at a young age unexpectedly,” she said. “She lived on a very low income and had significant health issues. I watched her struggle for a long time, especially with paying for medications.”
Planning on going to school to become a physician’s assistant, Christina fell in love with gerontology (the study of aging issues), largely because of the experiences with her grandmother.
“My desired patients were going to be geriatric patients. That’s who I love. That’s who I love to work with,” she said. “When Steve suggested I go into insurance I was not interested at all.”
“She thought I was nuts,” Steve said with a laugh. “When she found out about Medicare and what she could do for seniors it was like the lightbulb came on. These were not only the people she wanted to serve but as an educator she was able to use her experience and skills to truly make a difference.”
Behind her the whole way is Steve, who brings 15 years of financial services expertise and 36 years of military service to the business.
She’s always had a passion for education.
“The best part of what I do now … I can spend two or three hours with somebody and really get to know them, help them understand so they can make their own choices,” she said. “As an educator you have to be able to break complex things down into something people can relate to.”
With Covid 19 restrictions ongoing, many seminars and educational opportunities to help seniors make an informed decision will likely not occur this year throughout the industry.
“That has been in the back of my mind but my clients, the people who are already with me, understand they have access to me all year,” she said. “They’re used to ‘Hey, I have a question. I’m going to call Christina.’”
She said “this year, in particular, there are many tools available to meet and enroll virtually, if that’s someone’s preference.”
In person or on the phone, Christina has always prided herself on being accessible to her clients and the people who are referred to her by her clients.
Answering a question, or giving her opinion – it’s always about the client.
“One of my favorite sayings is do the right thing for the sake of the right thing,” she said. “Just do the right thing for people, it’s that simple. I decided early on that I was going to do it that way, period. I’ll either be successful at it or I won’t be, but I’ll do it in a way that I can look at myself in the mirror each day and be happy with what I do.” Visti: https://www.sibleyinsures.com

The American Cancer Society of Oklahoma (ACS) is one step closer to groundbreaking on a new Hope Lodge, thanks to a generous $5 million donation from Chad Richison, founder and CEO at Paycom.
“Everyone is either zero or one degree away from cancer,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president for ACS South Region. “It’s a disease that touches us all, and that’s why it is so important to bring Hope Lodge to Oklahoma. The investment Mr. Richison has made will be felt in all corners of the state.”
This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 20,540 Oklahoma residents will be diagnosed with cancer and that 8,420 will die from the disease. It also estimates 3,700 cancer patients will travel 40 miles or more for treatment in Oklahoma City.
“We firmly believe your ZIP code should never determine whether you live or die,” Fehlis added. “We are very fortunate to have partners like Mr. Richison investing in the state’s health care and for his compassion and contributions to patient’s recovery and peace of mind.”
The Chad Richison Hope Lodge of Oklahoma City will have 34 guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. Free, on-site parking will be available, as well as fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, common guest lounges and a dining room. It will serve approximately 2,400 patients and caregivers annually, providing approximately 14,600 free nights of lodging valued at$1,971,000 in annual savings.
“Providing community style lodging and other essentials to patients and families during their battle with cancer is a much-needed service that hopefully takes one less stress off their minds,” said Richison. “I’m pleased to be part of bringing this new concept to Oklahoma and grateful for what the American Cancer Society is doing with the Hope Lodge experience.”
The new facility will be built near the Stephenson Cancer Center at NE 8th St. and N Phillips Ave., with land leased for $1 per year from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The Chad Richison Hope Lodge of Oklahoma City will be the only free lodging program available for adult cancer patients and their caregivers.
“Our world has turned upside down the past few months as a result of COVID-19,” Fehlis said. “But cancer hasn’t stopped and neither has ACS. The pandemic has created challenges which we must now factor into construction, making sure we are creating a safe environment for our guests. We have a chance every day to do good in the world, and partners like Mr. Richison are a great example.”
Currently ACS operates more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Groundbreaking on the new Hope Lodge Oklahoma City is set for fall 2020. Additional information can be found at: cancer.org/hopelodgeoklahomacity.

story by Darl Devault

Imagine being able to create the world you want to see. Oklahoma City photographer and award-winning digital artist Mary Horn has found that with a camera, loads of curiosity and lots of practice in a photo editing software application called Adobe Photoshop, she can do just that. The world Horn creates is full of images that surprise and delight.
Horn, 65, was first introduced to photography at the age of nine by her mother when film was the medium. Later at Putnam City West High School, she took a photography class where she fell in love with black and white photography. She was intrigued by the magic of developing the images in the darkroom.
“Digital photo manipulation involves a lot of the same processes as darkroom manipulation — like changing the exposure of a photo or creating a composite — but now, it’s all done on a computer,” Horn said. “I can now achieve the image I want without the darkroom and smelly chemicals. The software developers have given us a magic wand in the form of photo-editing software.”
After college at the University of Central Oklahoma, she made a career in healthcare financial management and later as a systems analyst.
“I began working with computers at work in 1978,” Horn said. “I purchased my first home computer in 1986, so using a computer daily for work and at home just seems natural.”
During this busy period, including raising a daughter, photography became more of an occasional hobby. Upon returning to Oklahoma from Southern California in her mid-50’s she took a part-time job at a photo studio, which reignited her passion for photography.
She dabbled in painting for a while but decided that she much preferred photography because it combined her love of art and technology. That background in painting transfers as the software now allows for realistic sketching and digital painting by using brushes controlled with a stylus on a pressure-sensitive tablet.
Horn began learning to use the industry-standard photo manipulation software Photoshop to restore old family photos. Soon other people saw her talent for restoring images. Many asked her to work on their damaged photos. In 2009 she started a small business restoring photos that were damaged by time, neglect & tornadoes.
Horn and her restoration company were featured in a 2013 online CNN Business article about unique business startups.
After restoring images for a member of the Oklahoma City Metro Camera Club, he invited her to visit a meeting. Horn soon joined Metro, then a few years later joined Oklahoma Camera Club.
“Joining a camera club is one of the best things an amateur photographer can do,” Horn said. “The local clubs offer so many learning opportunities, opportunities for competition, along with great social connections.”
Horn assists as a volunteer with Oklahoma Camera Club’s Annual Youth Photography Competition which promotes photography in high schools across the state.
Horn submits her photos and digital artwork to the Oklahoma Camera Club as well as international exhibition competitions sanctioned by the Photographic Society of America.
PSA started in Oklahoma City in 1934. Its headquarters is in south Oklahoma City. It now has members in more than 80 countries. PSA offers a monthly journal, online photo galleries, image evaluation, study groups, courses, and competitions.
The photo clubs have a category called Altered Reality which really piqued her interest. Horn finally had an opportunity to employ all the possibilities Photoshop provides and use her images to create something unique. She could now combine photo elements to create surreal or implausible images.
In 2016, Horn received a PSA International Gold Medal for a monochrome portrait of successful local boxer Bo Gibbs, Jr. She has since earned many other medals and ribbons.
In 2017, Horn was awarded Image of the Year at Metro Camera Club, and Oklahoma Camera Club for the same Altered Reality image.
“It was a real surprise because Altered Reality images usually don’t win when competing against more traditional photographs,” Horn said.
Adobe Photoshop has been an essential element for creative imaging and graphic design for 30 years. It is available in a $9.99 month-to-month subscription model. Photoshop allows users to create photo composites, move and remove objects, and add effects. The user can realize any creative concept by working with unlimited layers and masks. Artists can paint with a seemingly endless choice of brushes that are controlled with a mouse or stylus. The rental subscription includes Adobe Lightroom with 20GB (or more) of Cloud storage.
This year at the Oklahoma Camera Club she placed first in her division for both Monochrome and Nature as well as best of show for the in-camera challenge. In July, Horn received first place for a monochrome image in the Gulf States Camera Club Council Regional competition. “I am now waiting on feedback from my submissions to several international salons,” Horn said.
Her goal is to learn something new every day and Photoshop has made achieving that goal quite fun, Horn says. She says there is always something new and different to learn and try.
Horn hopes her creative images will bring a laugh, a sense of surprise, or even a shock to those who view them. “Some ideas percolate for months or years before I can bring them to life,” Horn said. “Others happen quite serendipitously while I am at the computer, then I have the finished image in just an hour or two.”
Her granddaughter has become a frequent subject for Altered Reality or fantasy photos. The four-year-old makes up elaborate stories to go along with them. Her new grandson is now becoming part of the fantasy as well.
Horn still loves ‘regular photography,’ especially monochrome. She occasionally shoots a roll of black and white film just to stay in touch with the deliberate mindset that film photography requires.
“So many new photographers who have never used film just fire away as the digital images cost them nothing but time once they have bought the camera,” Horn said. “The phrase is ‘spray and pray’ in the digital world in hopes of getting a good image. The cost of film and developing the image makes a person more deliberate. Using film compels a person to think, plan, and take their time to get it right by composing the photo carefully in-camera the first time. I try to keep that film mindset while working with my digital camera as it saves a lot of time editing.”
Right before her 65th birthday, Horn was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma. The treatment has left her with increasingly poor vision in her dominant eye used for photography. She has needed to transition to making images with the other eye. “I was devastated at first, but decided I had to make the transition,” Horn said. It continues to be a challenge, but I will not give up photography for anything. It brings me so much pleasure.”
Horn reminds everyone to get a yearly dilated eye exam because it can save your life and your livelihood.
Horn finds it important to stay both physically and mentally active. A healthy diet, daily power walk, and strength training keep her in shape for long hikes in search of wildlife and landscapes to photograph. “It also helps me keep up with the grandkids!” Horn said “Being retired is great as long as you don’t retire from life. Take classes. Try something new. You might surprise yourself.”
You can find her photos and restoration work at www.ampersand.photography or find her on Facebook at www.ampersand.photography.