The Western Dressage Association® of America is hosting its sixth annual Western Dressage World Championship Show Sept. 27-30 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. Entries are open through Sept. 5, and no qualifying is necessary. Admission is free for spectators.

Competitors from across the United States and internationally will vie for 77 world championships, more than 30 breed high-score awards and 20 divisional championship belt buckles. Other competitions include musical freestyle jackpot classes.

New in 2018 is the addition of therapeutic riding exhibition classes, where the benefits of western dressage – and the partnership it can create with a horse – will be on full display.

“Western dressage honors the partnership between horses and riders, and that was certainly on display at our 2017 World Show,” said WDAA World Show Committee Chairwoman Ellen DiBella. “I was especially thrilled to see the riders in our Physically Challenged division.”

In 2017, three-time world champion Shawn Makepeace, who is legally blind, earned that divisional championship on her American Quarter Horse mare, Mosly A Rose. Volunteers held bright LED lights at each letter around the dressage arena, making it possible for Makepeace, of Belleville, Ill., to discern the location of the letters as she rode her western dressage tests.

This inclusive sport is welcoming to all types of horses and both beginner and expert riders alike. Older horses have also found success in this discipline – many of them on their second or third career.

“It’s so exciting to see horses in their mid-20s competing successfully,” DiBella said.

A great example was the American Quarter Horse Spindoll, who in 2017 at age 25 helped her rider, Rose Ruotsalainen of Cheney, Wash., earn three junior world championships, two reserve world championships and the overall junior divisional championship at the introductory level.

Support from generous sponsors is what makes this championship show work. Sponsorships are still available for classes, welcome parties and other awards, and inquiries are welcomed.

WDAA’s mission is to build an equine community that combines the traditions of the American West with classical dressage. We honor the horse, and we value the partnership between horse and rider.

WDAA is a 501(c)3 educational not-for-profit organization, focusing on educating riders and promoting the ethics and values inherent in western dressage. The United States Equestrian Federation has recognized WDAA as the sole affiliate representing the discipline of western dressage.

To learn more, or for entry or sponsorship information, go online to www.wdaaworldshow.org.

Dulce de Donke offers health products through unusual commodity

Donkey milk may be an uncommon drink for most people, but for Walt and Saundra Traywick, it is the answer to their prayers.
In 2014, their 6-year-old daughter became sick with a common case of strep throat, which caused an autoimmune disease that attacked her brain.
The doctors said the only options were hospitalization for immunoglobulin treatments via an IV or antibiotics every day for the next 12 years. Luckily, the family discovered donkey milk, which helped heal their daughter, and surprisingly, turned into a family business, Dulce de Donke.
The Traywicks began with three donkeys and now own 14 American Mammoth donkeys.
“We use the donkey milk that our daughter and other sick children don’t drink to make our line of organic donkey milk soaps and skincare that we sell on our website and through select retailers,” Saundra Traywick said.
Using donkey milk for skin care is known to for its anti-aging abilities and can heal eczema and psoriasis, Traywick said. Dulce de Donke offers organic donkey milk soap, all-natural and aluminum-free deodorant, moisturizer, and a leave-in organic conditioning balm.
Traywick said consuming donkey milk helps kids who can’t drink cow or soy milk, and it helps with other ailments like her daughter faced. It has also been prescribed to help everything from asthma to cancer, and although it is rarely used in the U.S., it is very common in other countries, she said.
“It’s packed with anti-inflammatory omega 3s, calcium, phospholipids, probiotics, vitamins A, C, D and E, and ceramides, and it’s naturally antibacterial with a high content of lysozymes and lactoferrin,” Traywick said.
The Traywicks give sick children their first jar of donkey milk free. The family is continuously looking for ways to teach the public about their operation.
“Unfortunately, our farm isn’t open to the public on a daily basis,” she said, “but we are planning a Donkey Dairy Day event and hope to offer farm stays at our Oklahoma Donkey Dairy in the future. When kids come to our farm, they never want to leave. Our dream is for our farm stay to be a place to unplug and wake up to the crow of a rooster and a hee haw instead of an alarm clock.” Traywick says the goal of Dulce de Donke is to “help as many sick children as possible with donkey milk, to bless others with natural skincare that is an effective, healthy alternative to chemical-laden products, to provide an Oklahoma Donkey Dairy farm stay destination that is a place for spiritual and physical rest and rejuvenation, and to educate others about the incredible heritage breed of American Mammoth donkeys so they’ll fall in love with them too.”
Dulce de Donke has been in operation since 2014 and joined the Made in Oklahoma Program this year. To learn more about the Traywicks’ donkey farm, find Dulce de Donke on Facebook and Instagram. To find a retailer who carries Dulce de Donke products, visit madeinoklahoma.net/products/dulce-de-donke or order products at www.dulcededonke.com.

Bobby Anderson
Staff Writer

Seventy-six years ago, a group of Oklahoma City Christian women gathered in a home for a few hours of fellowship.
Little did they know that first coffee klatch would spark lifelong friendships for several generations of Christian women in Oklahoma City and change the lives of countless others.
“It’s like going to get your batteries charged,” said C.J. Judd, who has been a member for four years.
Those meetings are still going on, although the increased numbers have moved the meetings outside of members’ homes and into the Quail Creek Country Club.
And the centerpiece has become a bazaar that raises thousands of dollars for needy Oklahoma charities.
This Oct. 17 from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Christian Women of Oklahoma City will host their annual bazaar. Tickets are $20 and available only in advance by calling 405-413-0908. All proceeds go to local charities.
Tables for purchase have already been sold out for the past couple of months. Last year’s event raised nearly $3,000.
The monthly luncheons are also a source of funds for the group, which donates to four charities each year. A pass of the hat – along with the annual bazaar – raises anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for each of those selected charities.
Each month, speakers from all walks of life bring their experiences in front of the Christian ladies on the third Wednesday of every month. Sometimes the message is humorous, other times riddled with tragedy.
But the message is always uplifting
Ronette Wallace, owner/designer at OTW Interiors, started going to the meetings a few years ago. Running a thriving business keeps her from attending every month but she makes as many as she can.
She’s never disappointed.
“I think it’s a great organization and I have a lot of good friends that attend and they love it,” Wallace said. “I think it’s not denominational, it’s just about women loving Jesus coming together, feeding off of each other, learning about each other and having relationships.
“I believe God calls us to have relationships. We can become so stagnant in saying we can only be in this group or that group and what we really need to be doing is reaching out to everybody.
Wallace and her husband run a ministry of their own – Rise Above Ministries, a non-profit that reaches those in addiction and life controlling issues.
Wallace started OTW Interiors in 2002 and focuses her talents in clients’ homes.
She routinely donates her time and talent to the bazaar.
The meetings have always been non-denominational with the focus solely on Christ.
Judd said the group has and always will be open for women looking to pour into and be poured into themselves.
“Most people walk in alone and most people don’t do that at an event because they have to have someone with them,” Judd said. “You just feel good. You find things going on in the community. It’s picked me up off the ground several times.”
Becky Grantham found the event two years ago.
“It was just perfect for me personally,” Grantham said. “It’s a nice refreshing break towards the end of the month to be able to get around like-minded people, hear the testimonies, the education and getting to meet a lot of really wonderful ladies.
Robin Gunn’s mother talked her into coming 10 years ago.
“I went to the first one and I was hooked and now I’m on the board,” she said.
The bazaar will allow people to shop for the upcoming holiday season. Baked goods, table decorations and holiday gift ideas will be on display.
All that follows lunch, fellowship and a motivational speaker, all for $20.
“They come and they leave with just good inspiration,” Judd said. “A lot of women get friendships for years. Most of them if they come once they come again. If people just knew about it, it’s a great place to come.
“It’s an unusual place. It’s not like a club. It’s a wonderful thing. I walk away with more self worth.”
Come alone and leave with lasting friendships or at least inspiration to get you through life.
I just love the fact it’s a non-judgemental, inspirational place that you can come to fellowship without any airs,” Gunn said.

Local Companies Creates Event, The Alzheimer’s Hoedown, to Fight Deadly Disease

For the third year in a row, SYNERGY HomeCare of Edmond, is proud to sponsor an event for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Fountains at Canterbury, located at 1404 NW 122nd Street OKC, OK 73114, will be hosting the Alzheimer’s Hoedown Event on September 13 from 5:00-7:30pm. We ask the community to join us for an uplifting event featuring local musicians, silent auction, games, food, and more! A minimum donation of $10 per person is requested to join in on that fun. This will include a meal, and all proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association! For the third year in a row, SYNERGY HomeCare of Edmond, is proud to sponsor an event for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Fountains at Canterbury, located at 1404 NW 122nd Street OKC, OK 73114, will be hosting the Alzheimer’s Hoedown Event on September 13 from 5:00-7:30pm. We ask the community to join us for an uplifting event featuring local musicians, silent auction, games, food, and more! A minimum donation of $10 per person is requested to join in on that fun. This will include a meal, and all proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association!

According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

· Someone develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds in the United States.

· Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death

· More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.

· There are more than 15.9 million caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.

“Through the tireless work of our caregivers, we are aware of the dramatic impact Alzheimer’s has on individuals and their families,” says Peter Tourian, founder and CEO of SYNERGY HomeCare.

“We are walking to show our commitment to finding a cure for this disease which according to the Alzheimer’sAssociation is one of the leading causes of death in the United States that does not have a cure, a prevention or a treatment.

”To learn more about SYNERGY HomeCare of Oklahoma, please contact Abbey Trammell at 405-254-3046 or abbeytrammell@synergyhomecare.com.

SYNERGY HomeCare is a non-medical home care company dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age.

SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more.  We proudly serve the Greater Oklahoma City metro area, including: Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman and the surrounding areas. The company exists to provide genuine services, and it’s why we treat our clients and caregivers with dignity and respect.  For additional information, please visit http://www.synergyhomecareedmond.com.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

It’s early afternoon in the hot, Oklahoma sunshine and Christa Boren, LPN, pulls back on the slingshot straps and lets a water balloon fly.
The wooden SpongeBob target 20-feet away survives a dousing as the balloon splashes to the ground.
Boren laughs.
It’s good to be home.
“It’s amazing,” she says. “I really miss the center so when they gave me this opportunity I had to jump on it.”
Boren worked at J.D. McCarty Center in Norman for a number of a years as a nurse and nurse manager. When family business moved her away she thought she’d never get to work at the center for children with developmental disabilities again.
She was wrong.
Boren has worked as the evening and night shift nurse at Camp ClapHans for three years now.
Horseback riding, movie nights, talent shows and dance parties are just some of the events offered at camp ClapHans. Several members of the University of Oklahoma football team visited this summer as well as some church groups.
“That allows our kids to interact with other kids who are age-appropriate,” Boren said. “Our kids get to really play with those kids and they’re not being judged. It also allows those kids from these groups to come out and interact with our kids and learn. Maybe next time they’re out and they see a wheelchair they’re not going to stare … because they are just kids.”
Camp ClapHans is a residential summer camp for kids with special needs ages eight to 18.
The camp is located on the south end of the McCarty Center’s 80-acre campus in Norman.
It features two cabins, a multi-purpose building and is built next to an 11-acre lake. The camp features summer camp activities like archery, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, camp fires, swimming, indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts and much more.
J.D. McCarty provides a one-to-one camper-to-staff ratio with a nurse on site 24-hours a day.
That’s where Boren comes in.
“It was a little overwhelming but really the worst thing about camp is the heat,” she said. “The kids are amazing. We have a group of counselors every summer who are college students … and they come out and they do this for free five weeks out of the summer and are an amazing group of kids.”
When her husband opened a physical therapy clinic in Elk City Boren quit her job at J.D. McCarty and moved with her family.
Boren became a nurse at 20 and had worked in the hospital setting before settling into her role with J.D. McCarty.
“It’s absolutely amazing. I loved the fast-paced stuff but at times it does get a little overwhelming. In the acute-care settings in the hospitals you have to deal with all the sad stuff – giving people cancer diagnosis and all that stuff that comes with nursing,” Boren said. “Here at camp we don’t have that at all. These kids love to be here. It’s so laid-back and we get to really enjoy the kids and try to make their time here as enjoyable as possible.
“These kids would normally not get to do this at a regular camp.”
When she’s not in camp, Boren still makes the drive from Elk City to Norman to take her six-year-old son for therapy at JD McCarty.
Last school year, Boren was a teacher’s aide but admits most of her time is spent being the mom to three boys active in sports.
The move to Elk City was a good but so has the opportunity to bring her child to treatment at J.D. McCarty.
The J. D. McCarty Center was founded in 1946, by a veterans group called the 40 et 8 of Oklahoma. The 40 et 8 was an honor society within the American Legion. When the McCarty Center first opened its doors to patients it only treated one diagnosis – cerebral palsy.
Today, the center has treated more than 100 different diagnoses in the developmental disability category.
Kids come to Norman for treatment from all over the state of Oklahoma.
Children referred to the hospital are evaluated and treated by a team of pediatricians, pediatric specialists, registered nurses and LPNs, direct care specialists, physical, occupational, speech and language therapists, a dietitian, a clinical psychologist and psychology clinicians and social workers who focus on getting a child to their highest level of functionality and independence. “Any kid who comes through the door becomes your kid,” Boren said.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Twenty five years ago, Deanna Waltens fled an abusive and threatening situation.
Life had put her in such a horrible situation that the prospect of leaving with nothing in hand was better than certain misery that waited for her at home.
“I was like Forrest Gump and I kept running and running and running,” Waltens laughed, looking back on her past heartaches.
“Maybe I could have done things better. Maybe I could have thought things out. Sometimes you don’t get that chance. So if you’re in that situation you just do what you have to do.”
Along the way she found people waiting to help.
She stayed at an emergency shelter.
“I saw all the hurt and all the need through all the little children that were there with their moms,” she said. “That really started opening my eyes a lot.”
Realizing she was homeless and chronically hungry she came back to Oklahoma.
Staying with her mom in Choctaw, she put her paralegal degree to work with a local attorney.
After more than a year she realized she needed something more permanent.
An application process through the federal government landed her a job with the immigration department.
After 15 years with the immigration department she retired.
Now she spends her days helping those in need at the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area command food pantry.
“I came here because actually I saw something in Oklahoma’s Senior News and Living about them needing summer volunteers,” she said. “I realized what it is to be hungry, cold and scared and all the things that go with the situation.”
She stopped by and hasn’t left since.
“It’s a lovely place,” Waltens said. “The people are so great. All the other volunteers are so sweet I really love it here. I decided this was for me.”
Waltens volunteers now, largely because it was volunteers who helped her journey.
Liz Banks, volunteer director at the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command, says that’s one of the beauties of the service. Lawyers, police officers, seniors, millennials – people from all walks and professions – come together with a common goal to help their fellow human being.
It truly is an army of people coming together to help those in need.
And the need is always great. That’s why Banks loves it when she gets a call for someone inquiring how they can help.
Right now, Banks is in immediate need of spanish translators. Help is ready but sometimes communication barriers make it difficult.
If you can help in any way with time or talent call 405-246-1107.
“I went to churches and they were good and helpful but nothing like this,” Waltens said. “To me this is the ultimate in food pantries. This is just really, really good.”
Waltens knows the need is there because it was once her.
Someday it could be you.
“I think maybe they understand some but unless you’ve been there you don’t understand the real impact of getting up and wondering if you’re going to have anything to eat today,” she said. “People don’t realize, I guess they think it’s third world countries that face it but you face it here.”
She likes the fact people can come and get short-term help while others can utilize services longer term.
“Makes me feel really good,” Waltens smiled. “I realize that the Salvation Army is just that, it’s salvation for a lot of people – not only temporarily but spiritually, too. So much good goes on here. I see the Red Shield Diner help people every day.”
“I know the shelter. I know it’s a great place to be. It’s just a helping situation.”
Waltens comes from a generation that takes great pride on self reliance. Hard times are just opportunities to pull up your bootstraps.
But sometimes life leaves you shoeless.
“Don’t worry about coming here if you need help because anyone of us is 24 hours away from something like that. Not only does it give them that experience and help but it gives us the opportunity to serve.”
“Everytime I help someone through there I think I’m getting a blessing.
“I get more out of it.”

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about clinical trials and how to go about finding one?  Old and Ill

Dear Old,
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans participate in clinical trials in hopes of gaining access to the latest, and possibly greatest, but not yet on the market treatments for all types of illnesses. But, you need to be aware that clinical trials can vary greatly in what they’re designed to do, so be careful to choose one that can actually benefits you. HereÕs what you should know along with some tips for locating one.
Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is the scientific term for a test or research study of a drug, device or medical procedure using people. These trials sponsored by drug companies, doctors, hospitals and the federal government are conducted to learn whether a new treatment is safe and if it works. But, keep in mind that these new treatments are also unproven, so there may be risks too.
Also be aware that all clinical trials have certain eligibility criteria (age, gender, health status, etc.) that you must meet in order to be accepted. And before taking part in a trial, you’ll be asked to sign an informed consent agreement. You can also leave a study at any time.
Find a Trial
Every year, there are more than 100,000 clinical trials conducted in the U.S. You can find them by asking your doctor who may be monitoring trials in his or her specialty. Or, you can look for them on your own at ClinicalTrials.gov. This website, sponsored by the National Institutes of Heath, contains a comprehensive database of federally and privately supported clinical studies in the U.S. and abroad on a wide range of diseases and conditions, including information about each trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.
If you want some help finding the right trial, try ResearchMatch.org, a web-based resource created by Vanderbilt University that connects willing patients with researchers of clinical trial. Or, use the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation at CISCRP.org. This is a nonprofit organization that will take your information online or over the phone and do a thorough clinical trials search for you, and mail or email you the results within a week or two. Call 877-633-4376 for assistance.
Those with dementia and their caregivers can also locate clinical trials at the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at TrialMatch.alz.org.
Things to Know
Before deciding to participate in a trial, you need to first discuss it with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you. Then, schedule an appointment with the study’s medical team and ask lots of questions, such as:
* What’s the purpose of the study and can it improve my condition?
* What are the risks?
* What kinds of tests and treatments does the study involve, and how often and where they are performed?
* Is the experimental treatment in the study being compared with a standard treatment or a placebo?
* Who’s paying for the study? Will I have any costs, and if so, will my insurance plan or Medicare cover the rest?
* What if something goes wrong during or after the trial and I need extra medical care? Who pays?
For more information on clinical trials for older adults visit the National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trials), which has many informative articles including one on Òquestions to ask before participating in a clinical trial.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

What’s your favorite part about Fall? Norman Regional Health System Auxiliary

I love the leaves and the changing of the trees.

Cathy Dutcher

I don’t like the Fall because I don’t like raking leaves.

Vivian Holt

No more lawn mowing!

Frances Skidmore

I love the cooler weather and the fall colors.

Dolores Larison