By Nick Thomas

Not even a pandemic could slow down Kent McCord’s desire to interact with admirers, even if only through virtual fan conventions.
“I’ve done several of these online over the last two years and always enjoy talking with fans,” said McCord, who turns 80 in September, from his Los Angeles home.
Best known as one half of the crime-fighting police duo on “Adam-12,” McCord’s Hollywood career can be traced to college days in early 1961 when a fellow student invited him to participate in a friendly game of touch football. The two teams were captained by Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley!
The informal match led to a friendship with Nelson that sparked McCord’s five-decade-long film and television career including a recurring role in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and most notably co-starring alongside Martin Milner (1931-2015) in “Adam-12” (see www.kentmccord.com).
“I got a 5-year role playing Rick’s fraternity brother in Ozzie and Harriet,” noted McCord, who still recalls his only line – “Rick who?” – during a 1962 episode (‘Rick, the Host’). It was his first on-screen speaking part.
The popular series was produced by patriarch Ozzie Nelson, who also wrote and directed many episodes. “Ozzie could have picked anyone for the role and I’m sure he chose me because I was Rick’s friend,” he said. “But those two little words I first spoke changed my life.”
Initially, that included uncredited roles in five Elvis Presley movies, followed by more substantial parts in film and television, and eventually meeting “Dragnet” creator Jack Webb who brought McCord in to play Officer Jim Reed in several episodes of the revival series “Dragnet 1967” and subsequently “Adam-12.”
“The charm of ‘Adam-12’ was its simplicity,” said McCord. “Just two cops in a black-and-white patrolling the streets of Los Angeles. The moral of the stories was simply – crime doesn’t pay.”
McCord recalls meeting Milner, some 10 years his senior and already a seasoned actor, in the Universal parking lot as the pair waited for a ride to shoot the pilot on location.
“Marty was yawning and told me how he couldn’t sleep the night before beginning a new show,” recalled McCord. “I’d had a restless evening too, so hearing that from a veteran actor was very reassuring. From that moment on our relationship was cemented.”
While his “Adam-12” role brought recognition from audiences around the world, he and Milner also inspired young viewers as well as police organizations that used episodes as training videos.
“To this day I get police officers telling me they became cops because of ‘Adam-12,’” said McCord. “Others remember how kids approached them differently before and after the show aired. Its positive impact meant a lot to Marty and me.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

For a full list of events/details visit: www.okhistory.org/calendar/ohs

Working America: A Sam Comen Photography Exhibition opens Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, 507 South 4th Street Enid, OK 73701. Thursday, September 1, 2022. Artist Sam Comen presents a series of portraits of American immigrants and first-generation Americans at work in the small, skilled trades as icons of the American experience.

Drummond Heirlooms exhibit opens (all month) Fred and Addie Drummond Home, 305 North Price Avenue Hominy, OK 74035. September 1st Family heirlooms belonging to the Drummond family will be on display for the entire month at the Victorian-style home they built in 1905.

“Musket Demo Day” living history program September 9-10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site, 907 North Garrison Avenue Fort Gibson, OK 74434. Fort Gibson Historic Site will host a living history program based on the history of musket firearms and musket demonstrations. This program will run from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m.

Quilting workshop with Martha Ray September 10, 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Sod House Museum, 4628 State Highway 8 Aline, OK 73716. Workshop will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. with instructor Martha Ray, and the cost is $5 per person.

Tuesday Tunes at the Mansion featuring Hunter Thomas September 13, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion, 405 NW 15th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. will be hosting a series of relaxed free summer concerts featuring local musician Hunter Thomas.

“Traveling by Keelboat” living history program September 16-17, 10 a.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site, 907 North Garrison Avenue Fort Gibson, OK 74434. On Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, join the staff and volunteers at Fort Gibson Historic Site as they demonstrate the operations of a keelboat during a special riverside living history program. The tours will run at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on both days.

Will’s Cowboy Trader Days at the Ranch September 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.|Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, 9501 East 380 Road Oologah, OK 74053 Third Saturday of the month through October, make the trip to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah to take part in Will’s Cowboy Trader Days. See locally handcrafted and homemade items, saddles, cowboy hats, tack, boots, and a variety of work created by local artisans. Admission is FREE.

“A Long Walk in the Sun: Mexican-American War Days” September 17, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Fort Towson Historic Site, HC 63, Box 1580 Fort Towson, OK 74735. FTHS will be host in mid-September. This event will feature an encampment set in the time period of the Mexican-American War, educational presentations, and opportunities to interact with experts.

“History of Masonic Temples in Oklahoma” by T. S. Akers September 17, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Honey Springs Battlefield, 423159 E 1030 Road Checotah, OK 74426. A presentation by T. S. Akers. Akers, a historian of Freemasonry in Oklahoma, will discuss the establishment and architecture.

“Candles on Post” living history program” On Friday, September 23, and Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1-3 p.m., the last September living history program will focus on the use of candles. Watch a candle-making demonstration in the palisade kitchens while learning about the differences between candles made of beeswax and those made of tallow. In candle making, wick preparation is the key to longer burning candles, and the use of herbs and scents was a 19th-century way of keeping pests.
educational presentations, and opportunities to interact with experts.

Movie Night featuring Animal Crackers (1930) September 24, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 1720 West Will Rogers Boulevard Claremore, OK 74017. Animal Crackers (1930) will be featured in the theater. “Horsing Around with Will” will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Enjoy activities and crafts relating to the movie.

“Americana: A Musical Tour of the USA” featuring Jonas Nordwall September 26, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The fall performance of the Kilgen Organ series will feature organist Jonas Nordwall, presenting musical selections that follow the theme “Americana: A Musical Tour of the USA.”

Oklahoma Health Aging Initiative (OHAI) will host its fourth annual Statewide Tai Chi-A-Thon on Friday, September 26, as part of National Falls Prevention Week.
Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Generally safe for all ages and fitness levels, Tai Chi can help older adults reduce their risk of falling, while also increasing balance and flexibility. Health benefits include reduced blood pressure, better sleep, improved muscular strength and enhanced mental well-being. It does not matter how strong, flexible or active you are – Tai Chi is designed for people of all ages and levels of health.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at four locations across the state — Catoosa, Durant, Enid and Norman. It is open to participants 18 years and older, at no cost. To register and find the event location near you, visit www.ohai.org. On-site registration will also be available at the event, but those who pre-register by August 19, will have the opportunity to purchase an event t-shirt.
For additional questions or accommodations, contact OHAI at ohai@ouhsc.edu or by phone at (855) 227-5928.
OHAI is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and is supported in part by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. OHAI is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of older Oklahomans and their caregivers through community classes, workshops and professional trainings. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

Story and photos by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

In their first major onsite event since COVID-19, host Villagio of Oklahoma City welcomed 52 Senior Business Solutions Networking colleagues to a luncheon on August 18. This networking session revealed how many people in the industry are new or at new employers, as shifting demographics cause many changes.
Hosts from Villagio of Oklahoma City and Villagio of Bradford Village in Edmond colleagues spoke of some details of their work with seniors.
“This meeting today is the first time we have been able to engage with our larger community in this space since COVID-19,” said Caitlin Cairns. She is the director of community life at Villagio of Bradford Village. “We are all thankful for the opportunity to do this as it means a return to normalcy and a better way of life than worrying and working so much to combat a pandemic.”
Villagio of Oklahoma City offers its clients assisted living, memory care, and respite care, while Villagio of Bradford Village in Edmond features residential and assisted living.
Villagio and sponsors provided the meal and a large meeting room for the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers. They engaged in the meaningful and relevant experience of building a network of contacts to better serve their patients and clients.
Eight attendees were learning about their community peers for the first time, as half of them mentioned they had only been with their new employers for three weeks. Several new attendees said networking with others, especially direct caregiver peers, helped them better understand some of the issues they face at their centers.
Some had attended the luncheons for many of the six years since Bill Muir pulled the SBS group together for the networking sessions.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background about their employer and, for some, as owners. The networking session is open to all senior care industry members and comprises a variety of guests explaining their backgrounds. They spoke of how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few announced special events their venues were planning shortly, inviting others to attend.
Other speakers solicited donations of door prizes needed for the Senior Day on September 21 at the Oklahoma State Fair. Emerald Care Center Southwest was recognized for donations of large flat screen TVs for the Senior Day door prizes the last few years. Many attending volunteer and support the 24 booths at the event.
There was a spirited discussion of local Elvis tribute artist Mike Black who will headline the entertainment for the free Senior Day at the Fair at the end of the day, September 21. He performed last year, and several people mentioned he has sung at area senior centers.
Bob Loudermilk detailed the upcoming free Second Half Expo 2022 to be held on October 22 at The National Cowboy & Western Museum for the second year. This year attendees will receive a free ticket to the museum they can use anytime.
Expo and SBS sponsor Oklahoma Senor Journal owner Robin Gunn supported the Expo in her part of the discussion. She welcomed listeners to hear more details about the Expo on her radio program Rise & Thrive Radio Hour Saturdays at 9:05 a.m. on 96.9FM The Eagle during the run-up to the event.
The meeting continued with more personalized detail from each attendee. The event is an in-person version of a monthly networking newsletter with information, announcements, and networking within the retirement industry.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care and housing options, along with home care and hospice providers. Speakers covered various topics ranging from personnel issues to renovation offerings and help explaining Medicare to patients and clients.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to speak with their senior industry peers while sharing information about their employers and caregivers.

https://legendseniorliving.com/

As of the end of the day, Friday, August 12, 2022, OU Health and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) have come to a resolution. The two organizations had been negotiating their contract since November of 2021.
The agreement between OU Health and UHC for hospital and clinic facilities and services terminated on May 1, 2022, but have now been reinstated. UHC has agreed to retroactively process the out-of-network claims that would now be considered in-network. OU Health Partners, the health system’s physician and provider group, was under a separate contract, which was in effect through the end of 2022. Under the new agreement, the provider’s contract was extended through July 31, 2024. OU Health and UHC also agreed to re-engage transplant services to the same level as prior to May 1, 2022.
“With so many of our services not available anywhere else in the state, we are so pleased to be able to continue to care for our UHC-insured patients, so they can continue to receive services like cancer treatment or comprehensive children’s care,” said Richard Lofgren, M.D., OU Health president and CEO.
“Throughout this time, our focus and commitment to patient care and being an institution that champions the health of our state hasn’t changed,” Lofgren said. “We are extremely pleased to be able to reinstate and continue our partnership with UHC, and together, we will make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.”

“Internet Food Safety Myths”

This event is free to the public. The internet is a great resource for many things, but there is a lot of misinformation, especially about food safety. Learn about some common internet food safety myths and what to do instead to keep you and your family safe. The class will be taught by Kelsey Ratcliff, an FCS area Specialist in Health Disparities. Come join us at 9:30 AM, Thursday, September 22, at the Extension Conference Center, 2500 NE 63rd Street, OKC. There is no charge for the class.

The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) agrees with the fact that all individuals, children and adults alike, deserve a safe, dignified and clean restroom experience. Assistance with this need is common for adults who are aging or have disabilities and other conditions. Because of this, the OHC has recently installed a universal adult changing table in its Family Restroom, located on the first floor, to accommodate individuals with a range of disabilities and medical issues such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, paraplegia, cerebral palsy or those recovering from a stroke. Having access to such a table will provide a clean and safe environment, eliminating the unhygienic option of placing a loved one on a bathroom floor.
“We want to provide this amenity to families so they can extend their stays and won’t have to go out to their cars, or go home early, when a family member is in need,” said Dan Provo, director of the OHC.
In an interview earlier this year, disability advocate Audra Beasley was quoted as saying, “If we’re not planning for all, we’re not planning. We need to be asking ourselves what we are doing as great citizens of this state to hold the door for those coming in behind us, to build on the work of those before us. We need restroom access for all!”
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Story and photo Van Mitchell, Contributing Writer

An estimated 20 million Americans are living with chronic pain due to neuropathy

At Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic located at 3705 NW 63rd Street, Suite 101 in Oklahoma City, they help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through proven nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief.
Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“At Nerve Renewal, we are on a mission to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through established nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief,” said Tim Bales, owner of Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic. “Our prominent clients are seniors. They have some sort of pain, mainly neuropathy, and they are looking for some kind of relief from that pain or more feeling in their extremities.”
Peripheral Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, which connect the spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs in our bodies.
Neuropathy usually affects the hands and feet, and causes weakness, numbness, tingling and pain.
Patients may also report burning sensations, leg cramps, loss of balance, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to touch.
Neuropathy may come and go, progress over time, or even become severe and debilitating. Left untreated, it can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, and even limbs.
Each year, over 86,000 Americans undergo amputations as a result of uncontrolled neuropathy. However, if diagnosed early, peripheral neuropathy can often be treated.
Bales said while there is no cure for neuropathy, over 80 percent of patients report a significant reduction in pain after treatments. They can also enjoy better sleep due to reduced pain and recover more quickly from knee and hip surgery.
“Rather than masking your pain with medication, that can cause very undesirable side effects, as well as creating a long-term dependence on them, our staff of medical professionals will address the symptoms of neuropathy at the source with a non-invasive, drug-free form of therapy that combines injections of pharmaceutical-grade nutrient blend with electroanalgesia to provide relief from your symptoms,” he said. “Usually, treatments take between 16 and 24 treatments. Those vitamin injections really help the healing.”
Neuropathy has many different causes. The most common metabolic cause are patients with diabetes. Nearly 60 percent of all patients with diabetes develop neuropathy. This can commonly present as pain, numbness, swelling, burning, tingling, sleepless nights, balance issues.
Other causes of neuropathy include: chemotherapy, alcoholism, drugs/prescription medications; battlefield toxins, industrial toxins, vitamin deficiencies, acute physical trauma, and post-surgical pain.
Traditional neuropathy treatments, such as surgery and strong pain medications, can have a severe impact on patients’ long-term health.
Bales said Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic takes a different approach, using established Electroanalgesia (EA) treatments to reduce pain without the drawbacks of invasive procedures or addictive medications.
EA works by delivering exact dosages of electrical stimulation to peripheral nerves. These high frequencies can decrease the ability of the affected nerves to transmit pain, which brings relief and healing. There is no opioid drowsiness, addiction concerns, or side effects.
“This non-evasive, drug-free form of technology is one of the oldest and most documented forms of medical science,” said Glenn Cope, Chief Operating Officer with Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic. “Patients don’t feel trapped by pain. They are able to move and get exercise, leading to healthier outcomes for all other medical treatments.”
Cope said controlled research studies have shown that most patients find long-term relief from neuropathy after receiving Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic’s specific treatment.
Bales said once the initial treatment is completed, patients then return every two weeks for follow-up care.
“Once you get to that threshold, there is maintenance,” he said. “You come back every two weeks, and it (helps) keep you where you are.”
Bales said their customers have requested adding Friday openings to their clinic hours, and he said that is something they are considering.
Cope said they are opening several other Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
“They (patients) aren’t crazy about driving a long way so we are building additional locations so it will be easier for them to get to places in town closer to them,” Cope said. “We are doing southwest Oklahoma City, just south of Oklahoma City Community College, Midwest City and Norman.”
Bales said the treatments are covered by most insurances.
“These established treatments are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and most medical insurance companies, so you can focus on enjoying life again,” he said.
For more information about Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic call (405) 495-9270 or visit www.nerverenewalnow.com.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain. If you ask Joyce Clark about her life’s purpose, she lights up with enthusiasm and gratitude for a career well spent. Until recently, Clark was the CEO and owner of Achievis Senior Living Associates. She has been a trailblazer in Oklahoma’s senior living sector. Clark developed and opened six assisted and memory care communities in the state. All of them have thrived and made significant profits for their owners. “Most importantly,” said Clark, “each of the homes have blessed people with great care, helping hand services, and rewarding jobs.” During the past 26 years, Joyce has traveled the nation assisting long-term care providers with strategic planning, feasibility analysis, marketing, budgeting, and other consulting. “If I should die today, I would go knowing my work improved the lives of thousands of people,” said Clark.
Last year Joyce left her company behind and took the reins at Saint Ann Retirement Center. She is the Executive Director of the independent and assisted living campus and its attached convent. It is the perfect spot for someone who has spent two decades guiding senior living owners and operators to success. “I have always admired Saint Ann Retirement Center and viewed it as a premiere option for assisted and independent living,” said Clark. “It is the most fun and friendly place I have ever been.”
Saint Ann Retirement Center is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Catholics love Saint Ann for its daily Mass and related amenities but people of all faiths are welcome and happy with the center’s many attractions. Amenities include savory meals, 24-hour concierge, paid utilities, free wifi and basic cable television, chauffer rides to appointments and shopping, full-time Chaplin, and more. Life enrichment calendars are packed with things to do ranging from art, choir, parties, interesting speakers, and games to concerts, dancing, and exercise classes. Additional levels of care were just added to the assisted living service menu. Around the clock staff are available there to assist with personal care and medication administration.
“People often tell us they are surprised Saint Ann does not charge an expensive buy-in fee to live here,” said Clark. “Residents pay a simple all-inclusive monthly rent.” “It’s affordable and only a month-to-month commitment.”
This year is Saint Ann’s 20th anniversary, which has been celebrated with a fair, talent showcase, volleyball tournament and luau, big band dance, reception, and an anniversary Mass with Archbishop Coakley and Archbishop Beltran. On November 12, Saint Ann is planning a craft show and Fall festival for residents and the public.
Saint Ann’s location on Britton Road between Rockwell and Council appeals to people from all regions of the state. A nursing home with the same name is conveniently located next door but is not owned or operated by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Joyce Clark added: “I have dedicated my professional life to creating facilities that focus on the well-being of their residents, families, and employees.” “Saint Ann Retirement Center exemplifies that philosophy and I am so fortunate to be a part of this exceptional ministry.”
For more information about Saint Ann Retirement Center, visit https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/

By Ron Hendricks, Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter

Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA COC) is not all serious stuff. We have fun too. Our summer bingo party brought out a large crown for Bingo, Prizes and Pizza and August is cold. At least the ice cream at the Annual Ice Cream Social is cold. The social is the traditional kick-off of the new season of monthly Educational Seminars held by HLAA COC. Seminars have speakers of interest to the hearing loss community – subjects like technology, research, training, tips & tricks. All helpful to those with hearing loss and those who love ‘em. Speakers/programs for the fall include Shelley Gladden, Oklahoma Able Tech discussing technology, October we host Dr. Sarah Newman delving into research being done by Hearts for Hearing. In November Dr. Kopke with the Hough Ear Institute will talk about their research in hair regrowth that will possibly restore hearing. December, ‘ya-all come for the annual Christmas Party. The Ice Cream Social is also the time when we introduce the scholarship winners who are; Boyd Robertson, Josie Burns, Charles Brady IV.
HLAA COC’s educational seminars are captioned so you can see the conversation as well as hear it. Now there is also a hearing loop system to be used with the telecoil in your hearing aid AND we zoom the meeting too. Seminars are held monthly on the third Thursday, 11:30-1PM. The public is invited as there is no entry fee.
We have a lot of activities but our main mission here is to “Open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.” for more information visit our website, www.OklahomaHearingLoss.org.