by Nick Thomas

It’s a sobering thought for fans of classic film. The passing of Olivia de Havilland in late July, just three weeks after her 104th birthday July 1, represents the loss of the last surviving big-screen legend from Hollywood’s Golden Age of the 1930s.
While other actors are still with us who were indeed active in film during the 30s, Ms. de Havilland was truly the last A-list star from that era whose name could be bundled with the likes of Bogart, Gable, Hepburn, and so many others. They are simply now all gone.
While I never had the chance to interview de Havilland directly, she did answer some questions by mail in 2009 for a story I was preparing for the Washington Post on the centenary of Errol Flynn’s birth.
The letter arrived by FedEx from France where she lived for most of her post-Hollywood life and was hand-signed in her glorious flowing script. In it, she shared some memories of the Aussie co-star with whom she was frequently cast.
De Havilland and Flynn (1909-1959) were one of the most popular on-screen couples during the early classic film era. The pair worked together in eight movies from 1935 to 1941 and appeared in separate scenes in a ninth film, “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” in 1943.
Flynn, of course, continued to be sensationalized by the press and authors long after his death. Was he mischaracterized, I asked her?
“His roguish reputation was very well-deserved, as he more than candidly revealed in his remarkable autobiography, ‘My Wicked, Wicked Ways,’” she wrote. “However, through this very same book, we also know that he was a reflective person – sensitive, idealistic, vulnerable, and questing. But I think he has been incompletely represented by the press: It vulgarized his adventures with the opposite sex and seldom, if ever, touched upon or emphasized the other facets of his life.”
Despite his popularity, Flynn was never recognized for his acting with even an Oscar nomination (de Havilland was nominated 5 times and won twice). Was that an oversight, I asked her?
“Unfortunately, at the time when Errol enjoyed his greatest success, the adventure film, as a genre, was not sufficiently appreciated and therefore his appearances therein were not as highly regarded as they might,” she explained. “However, I do feel he played his roles with unmatchable verve, conviction, and style. In doing so, he inherited the mantle of Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who was my favorite film star. No one since Errol has worn that mantle; it is buried with him.”
I was also curious if she ran into Flynn after their time together on-screen. She said that happened only on three occasions, the last one at the Beverly Hilton’s Costumers Ball two years before his death.
“Quite unexpectedly, while I was talking to friends during the cocktail hour, Errol left his own group and asked if he could take me to dinner,” she recalled. “He seated me on his immediate right and, soon joined by others, took on the role of gracious host with everyone on his left – all the ladies – while I did my best to entertain the gentleman on my right.”
De Havilland’s letter concluded with a delightful postscript indicating a longtime private ritual which she adhered to every year.
“On June 20 (Flynn’s birthday), I raised a glass of champagne to Errol, as I always do.”
Come next July, many classic film fans will likely repeat that ritual to honor Olivia, too.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 800 newspapers and magazines.

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.

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.

Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced today the 2021 preliminary rate filings for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Insurers that currently offer coverage through the Oklahoma Marketplace filed plans requesting average statewide increases of 2.7 percent.
The same three insurers that offered individual health plans on the 2020 Exchange will return for 2021 — Blue Cross Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) , Bright Health and Medica Insurance Company. In addition, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthCare (UHC) and CommunityCare Oklahoma (CCOK) will join the marketplace in Oklahoma for 2021 allowing consumers to have more choices. BCBSOK and Medica offer statewide plans while Bright Health, CCOK, Oscar and UHC serve limited areas of the state.
Moderate rate increase requests and new insurers looking to offer plans in Oklahoma revealed that the Oklahoma insurance market is stable and able to offer multiple health insurance options for all Oklahomans.
“Creating more choices for consumers has been a top priority of mine and it is encouraging to see more insurers enter the Oklahoma market and another year of modest rate change requests. It demonstrates our efforts to stabilize and improve affordability in this market have been working,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Oklahoma continues to have a healthy, competitive individual health insurance market, and insurers are committed to providing more options for Oklahomans who seek health insurance on the Marketplace.”
Rate filings for 2021 health insurance plans were approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and are posted at https://ratereview.healthcare.gov/. Final approved rates will be made public in September.
If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

A new finding from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation shows that a heart dysfunction associated with cardiovascular failure in aging adults may be reversible.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 6 million people in the U.S. are living with heart failure. Although it can happen to anyone, the chances increase as we age. OMRF scientist Ann Chiao, Ph.D., is investigating why — and whether it can be stopped.
“Using experimental models of the aging heart, we targeted diastolic dysfunction, a common problem in older adults that occurs when the heart can’t relax properly between beats,” said Chiao, whose lab is part of OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. “It can lead to more significant cardiovascular problems, but there’s currently no proven treatment.”
Chiao and her team zeroed in on the mitochondria of heart cells and how they are impacted by oxidative stress, the imbalance caused by byproducts of metabolism called free radicals.
“Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells,” Chiao explained. “As cells process oxygen for power, their mitochondria emit free radicals, byproducts of oxygen that can lead to organ dysfunction.”
It’s known that lowering high levels of free radicals in cells improves organ function. But in a new finding, Chiao and her team demonstrated that suppressing free radical production later in life reversed existing age-related diastolic heart damage and improved cardiac function. The findings were published in the scientific journal eLife.
“This study is an important step in the process of looking for potential drugs or interventions to improve heart function in the elderly,” said Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., who leads OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. “Our goal as a group is to develop ways to delay, lessen or even reverse some of the negative changes that occur with natural aging. Dr. Chiao is doing phenomenal work to improve heart function for all of us as we age.”
Medication that could reverse cardiac aging would be life-changing for many — and this study shows the potential is there, explained Chiao. “The drug compound we used in the study is currently in clinical trials for heart failure and rare diseases involving heart muscles, but further study is needed,” she said.
Her lab will now dive deeper into the findings to help identify the best potential drug targets in heart cells. And for those who want to keep free radicals in check before arriving in their latter decades? The solution may not come from a medication at all.
“Research shows that regular, moderate exercise and an active lifestyle play a significant role in protecting the body from oxidative damage,” Chiao said.

The now infamous Quarantine of 2020 never had an official start date. Unlike Dec. 25, July 4, Feb. 14 and other calendar days synonymous with celebratory events, the world didn’t simultaneously lock its doors on one particular day and fire up Netflix.
Was it March 16? March 27? Did you hold out until early April before realizing that, because your favorite sports team was canceling its season and your beloved restaurant was locking its doors, maybe you should take this Anthony Fauci guy seriously?
For me, the quarantine began the day my wife returned from Costco, presented me with a 45-ounce container of Dunkin Donuts Medium Roast Original Blend coffee and said, “That ought to hold you.”
Her shopping run also contained the items Americans were grabbing as if the doors to a Brink’s truck had just flung open at 65 miles per hour, scattering $100 bills on the interstate. Toilet paper, sanitizing wipes and gargantuan containers of condiments vied for space inside her SUV. Should an asteroid smash into our home anytime soon, what’s left of my body will be coated in salsa.
The label on the Dunkin Donuts java monstrosity stated I should be able to brew 150 cups. As someone who limits his caffeine intake to one cup of coffee per day, and occasionally skips the beverage altogether in favor of tea or water, I calculated that I should be set for five months.
“Where will I be in five months?” I remember asking myself as I opened the container and scooped the first grounds into my office coffee maker. Surely, I’ll be traveling again, spending nights in myriad hotels as I’ve been doing for the last 25 years due to my profession as a corporate comedian and keynote speaker. With so much time away from my home office, it might be upward of a year before I needed to replenish my coffee supply, I estimated.
Yesterday, while preparing my lone cup, the coffee measuring scoop touched plastic. That’s right, I was approaching the bottom. And, as the coffee brewed, I realized how little had changed from the day I opened the container.
There have been no plane trips or hotel stays. The only change to my morning routine was that I replaced the coffee maker’s charcoal filter after about the 60th cup. Five months after the country shut down, give or take a week, our routines have become so singular that we struggle to remember what they were like pre-pandemic.
Many of us can’t remember the last time we packed a suitcase. Bellied up to a bar. Visited a hair salon. Went to our closet and picked out a suit and tie or a cocktail dress. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I wore pants. Chalk that up to an inordinately warm Chicago summer and the fact that Zoom meetings and Skype video chats only require me to look presentable from the shoulders up.
And yet, I now consistently remember tasks that slipped my mind pre-quarantine. Watering flowers for instance. In previous summers, I would sometimes arrive home to dried up geraniums, as I erroneously assumed they could tough it out for 48 or 72 hours. Not so this year. Each day, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. they receive a drenching and have never looked better.
I walk the dog more, change the bed sheets more often and scrub my bathroom sink more frequently. I cook more, exercise more and watch more television.
Were COVID-19 to be eradicated from the earth tomorrow, I wonder how much of my new routine would remain. Would I return to neglecting the dog and the flowers? Or would I figure out some way to merge my pre- and post-pandemic lives?
Like the rest of the world, I am anxiously awaiting that day. In the meantime, I had better replenish my coffee supply.
Being an optimist, I’m going to stay away from Costco.
(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 Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at 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 www.gregschwem.com)