Stay Active and Engaged: Senior Programs with the Metropolitan Library System
The Metropolitan Library System offers senior citizens a range of convenient services. From audiobooks on CDs, Playaway devices and eAudiobooks via hoopla and Libby, to assistive listening systems at Capitol Hill Library, there’s something for everyone. All branches are fully accessible, with ramps, parking and elevators at key locations like Belle Isle and Downtown. Seniors 65+ can also enjoy the Library By Mail program, delivering materials right to their doorstep. The library also offers large print versions of books. Service animals are welcome, and adult changing rooms are available at Belle Isle and Downtown. Sign up for a library card today and learn more at metrolibrary.org. Plus, stay engaged with these events at your local library.
Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)
A program designed to increase muscle strength, range of motion and improve daily living activities, including chair exercises.
• Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10 a.m. at Choctaw Library
• Oct. 7 at 2:30 p.m., Oct. 9, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 at 2 p.m. at Northwest Library
S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)
Learn about the latest crimes and scams targeting seniors and how to protect yourself! This program is part of TRIAD, a collaborative effort between the sheriff’s office, local police departments and senior citizens to reduce and prevent crimes against seniors.
• Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at Warr Acres Library
Tai Chi
Let’s get stronger together! Tai Chi improves balance, strengthens muscles and builds confidence to prevent falls. This low-impact, dance-like exercise can be done almost anywhere. Registration required; space is limited.
• Oct. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 at 10 a.m. at Belle Isle Library
• Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 at 1 p.m. at Choctaw Library
Total Wellness
A free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department to help adults prevent diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity.
• Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 5:15 p.m. at Midwest City Library
• Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 5:15 p.m. at Northwest Library
• Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 9:30 a.m. at Del City Library
• Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 4:30 p.m. at Almonte Library
Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group provides a supportive community for caregivers, offering comfort, practical advice and a safe space to share experiences.
• Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at Bethany Library

By Marise Boehs

George M. Sutton Wilderness Park
Norman • 225 N. Webster Ave
This 1.4 mile loop is a popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking. Located in the city of Norman, it is a popular spot for runners, dog walkers and others out for some fresh air and exercise. It has numerous benches and rest areas. You may see small mammals such as rabbits, skunks, opossums, and squirrels, as well as birds and waterfowl.

It is open during the day only. Bring your own water and snacks as none are available in the park area. Dogs on a leash are acceptable. Bike riding is prohibited

Martin Park Nature Center
OKC • 5000 W. Memorial Rd
The OKC Parks and Rec website says this is “more than just a park, a hub for nature exploration and education for visitors of all ages. Guided hikes, education programs and an interactive learning center provide visitors a place to learn about nature and wildlife in a serene, suburban environment”.

But if you just want to take a nice nature hike this is the place. I walked about 2 miles and didn’t come close to covering all the trails. I had to keep reminding myself I was, in fact, in  NW Oklahoma City. Although I heard no cars or sirens or trains.
Just don’t go on Monday or Tuesday as the park is closed. The rest of the week it is open 7am-8pm.

M.E. Copelin Nature Trail
Yukon • 2200 S Holly Ave (in City Park)

While this little nature trail is part of the City Park in Yukon it is nonetheless a beautiful little trail. It is very peaceful and quiet, not very long and can easily be worked in with a walk of the park’s concrete paths. Find it tucked away in the vicinity of the Holly Trail.

If you have a favorite park you would like to see highlighted let me know.
For more photos and details of the trails in this article, check out my blog at www.mariseboehs.com/blog.

By Nick Thomas

It’s been 14 years since 85-year-old screen legend Tony Curtis died at his Nevada home on Sept. 29, 2010. The much-loved actor left behind a body of work that included over 150 television and movie roles in such classics as “The Defiant Ones,” “Some Like it Hot,” and “The Sweet Smell of Success.” Curtis remarried for the last time in 1998 and his new bride, Jill Vandenberg, was some 40 years his junior. The pair became inseparable, traveling the world together. But back in Nevada, the couple founded Shiloh, a horse rescue ranch.
“I was horrified to learn that tens of thousands of unwanted American horses are slaughtered each year for human consumption in Asia and Europe,” Jill told me in 2006 when I met her and Tony on their ranch. “I realized I could do more to help horses.”
“We were driving in the car one evening and Jilly told me she wanted to save some of those horses,” Tony recalled to me. “I told her let’s go do it!”
They did, and the couple soon acquired 40 acres of desert outside Las Vegas, eventually transforming the barren area into a nurturing ranch where hundreds of horses were saved. I still recall Curtis’s joy when I asked him to comment on the success of the Shiloh sanctuary: “It picks up my spirits to see the good work done there,” was his reply.
Today, Jill Curtis is now Jill Curtis-Weber after marrying Todd Weber three years after Tony died. The couple met at a country and western club in Vegas and were married six months later. After selling the Nevada ranch and her Las Vegas home, they moved to Deadwood, South Dakota, often romanticized as the heart of the American West with history steeped in gold rushes, outlaws, and frontier legends such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
“We both loved the history of the Old West and began traveling around selling our horseshoe art,” said Jill, when I met up with her recently at her shop in the heart of downtown Deadwood. “When we came here we loved it and decided to stay.”
Along with her husband and mother, Sally, the trio run “The Lucky Horse Co.,” a thriving Western-themed business specializing in decorative horseshoes and other gifts (see www.shilohhorserescue.com). Their charming little shop, an open-air wooden structure built around a living tree, is located on the main street of Deadwood. It’s filled with hundreds of Western art pieces, showcased by unique horseshoe art – beautifully painted or decorated horseshoes for wall hangings and intricate pieces welded into artistic shapes.
“We make everything here in Deadwood by hand,” said Jill. “Todd does all the welding for the horseshoes and also teaches gold panning to tourists! He built the shop around the tree and based it on an old livery stable from the late 1800’s. The profits go towards supporting Shiloh.”
With her deep passion for horses, it was a natural progression for Jill to expand into Western art. She relocated Shiloh Ranch from Nevada to Newell, about 30 minutes from Deadwood, where the ranch has rescued and rehabilitated over 700 horses since its founding. She remains grateful to her previous husband for supporting her horse rescue efforts and recognizes some similarities between Tony and Todd.
“Todd has the same sense of humor and wit, and is very intelligent and kind,” she said. “I think Tony would have liked him. Todd is very supportive of my past life and has never felt he had to live up to Tony, who had a larger-than-life personality. We were ready to start a new life, a simpler life, in this beautiful historic Old West town. Tony and I watched and really enjoyed HBO’s ‘Deadwood’ series, so I believe he would absolutely love that I now live in the town.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See
https://www.getnickt.org.

By Marise Boehs

With CaptionCall service and phone persons with hearing loss can read their phone conversations in big, clear text with home caption phone service. They can count on instant, accurate closed caption phone calls and can keep up with conversations and connections.

The CaptionCall phone displays large, easy-to-read text that automatically captions a conversation. It dials, rings, and work just like a regular phone.

There is no cost for service or phone and delivery, installation, training and support are complimentary. The phone is hearing aid friendly and has bluetooth connectivity. Features include speakerphone, answering machine and custom audio

While the “no cost” aspect of this service often leads to skepticism, Lezley Bell, Senior Account Manager for CaptionCall by Sorenson, explains, “This is a federally funded program that is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We have had a tax on all our phone bills, nationwide, every month since 1990.”

No-Cost Closed Caption Phone Service

You decide how you want to use CaptionCall: customize it to your liking and try out all the features or simply pick up the phone and talk. It works like any other phone except the CaptionCall phone that comes with your service has a large interactive screen so you can turn on phone call captioning and read the text of your conversation in real time.

The phone is designed  to be technologically advanced on the inside and simple on the outside. You’ll be comfortably enjoying captioned calls right away, whether you choose our Red Carpet Service installation by one of our trainers or if you or a loved one follow our guided setup.

There’s no cost for people with hearing loss who need captions to use the phone. If you qualify for CaptionCall, you can also get our mobile captioning app, CaptionCall Mobile

How does CaptionCall work?

CaptionCall works just like any other phone call, except you don’t have to struggle to hear it. Your phone calls are transformed into text and displayed on the big, auto-scrolling screen as the person’s talking.

What are the qualifications to receive a CaptionCall phone?

Anyone who qualifies for the CaptionCall service will receive a CaptionCall phone to access their call captioning. To qualify for CaptionCall, you must have hearing loss that necessitates the use of captioned telephone service. You must complete an easy self-certification process and provide other mandatory registration information.

As part of the qualification process, Bell explained, “An applicant must verbally say yes I understand this phone is only for people with hearing loss that need captions for their phone calls.”

Does using CaptionCall impact my phone services?

No. CaptionCall works seamlessly with services from your provider, including call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID.

Story by Van Mitchel, Staff Writer

The fourth annual Second Half Expo will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street in Oklahoma City.
The Expo is tailored to people who are in the “second half” of their lives who are looking to connect with the resources needed to live the way that they have always imagined. Up to 130 or more of Oklahoma’s businesses will be present, providing education and demonstrations of the products and services that are available for the 50+ generation.
The day will be loaded with fun and activities, including free educational seminars, food samples, drawings for prizes and music from some of Oklahoma’s best talents.
Robin Gunn, event organizer, said expo attendance grows each year. “Each year attendees are increasing by hundreds,” Gunn said. “We had 1,600 to 1,700 last year. We’re expecting over 2,000 this year.”
Bob Loudermilk, event organizer, said he wanted to bring his experience in the trade-show business from Kansas to help Oklahoma seniors. He began to seek out people that serve the 50+ community in Oklahoma for input. “I met with dozens of people that serve our senior community,” he said. “We scheduled forums to talk about what is needed in the community to serve this demographic. We concluded that a quality, annual event for seniors would be valuable so I teamed up with a local radio host Robin Gunn, who also serves publisher of the Oklahoma Senior Journal, and together we launched the Expo.”
Gunn said she envisioned something different when planning for the Second Half Expo. “We wanted to do something different. I’ve been involved in expos since I started the Oklahoma Senior Journal, for the last 32 years, but they just all seem to be kind of cookie cutter, and the same people were coming to it,” she said. “This is a statewide event, so we’re advertising it all over the state, and we have big coach buses that come. It is heavy on information, education, as well as entertainment, giveaways, door prizes. We’re going to do two live remotes, one from iHeartRadio, the other one from Freedom 96.9 FM, Oklahoma’s Talk Radio, and I’m also the host of that, so I’ll be doing the live remote on that one.”
Gunn said the Second Half Expo will feature several guest speakers. She said the Second Half Expo is supported by knowledgeable experts in their fields of health, business, motivation, retirement planning and more.
“We have our special speakers in breakout rooms with people that are trying to get the word out about scams and frauds, or what’s the difference between home health and home care,” she said. “We will have financial advisors, and Steve Burris will talk about annuities. We want to make it encompassing and entertaining too.”
Gunn said sponsorship and vendors have increased at the expo. “The very first expo was just a break-even expo, but we still had close to 100 vendors,” she said. “We’ve got 134 vendors now. Channel 4 does a spot on us on their morning show. We have handed out over 20,000 postcards for the expo, and we continue to have volunteers doing that for us. We have some great sponsors including Senior News and Living and Oklahoma Nursing Times. Channel 4, the Oklahoman, VillagesOKC, and the YMCA are going to be sponsors. Our main sponsor is Main Street Advisors.”
Gunn said the expo organizers hold monthly coffee talks that are sponsored by different local services in Oklahoma City. “We open it up to have coffee as well as continental breakfast,” she said. “We have a special speaker at our coffee talks.”
Gunn said families are invited along with seniors for the Second Half Expo. “We also like to encompass the entire family because this is a family issue,” she said.
Loudermilk concurred. “For too long, the concept of aging has a negative connotation in the minds of some,” Loudermilk said. “Our mission is to change that outdated mindset. We firmly believe the senior years can be lived with dignity and purpose with the right guidance and resources. We’re (Second Half Expo) here to support seniors and the adult children of seniors who are honoring and assisting their aging parents. The whole idea is to give people above 50 and their families an opportunity, in one day, to explore and visit with organizations that are resources for them, education for them, as well as products and services.”
Admission is free to the 2024 Second Half Expo and attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at https://secondhalfexpo.com.

At the September 19, 2024 Champions of Health Gala, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Inc., was honored to receive the 2024 Champion of Senior Health Award.
RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Inc., is an AmeriCorps Seniors program dedicated to improving the lives of adults age 55+ in Oklahoma County by connecting them with meaningful and rewarding community volunteer opportunities, and by fostering a culture of equity and unity based in service throughout the region and beyond.
“We are honored to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the Champion of Senior Health Award,” said Laura McRaniels, Executive Director of RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Inc. “Since 1973, RSVP has helped foster a sense of purpose, has built connections, and has provided an array of opportunities for retired and senior adults in central Oklahoma to employ their strengths, expertise, and interests in service to others, which in turn lifts up the entire community. Research has shown that volunteering has significant positive health outcomes, both for volunteers and for those receiving services. We are grateful to be able to work with such diverse, talented, and caring people to meet a wide range of needs in the community, and also for the support of AmeriCorps, United Way of Central Oklahoma, and our nonprofit community partners.”
Each year, Champions of Health recognizes and celebrates organizations and people working to improve health outcomes and equity throughout Oklahoma, with the senior health category specifically honoring innovative programs and inspiring people who are meeting the needs of older adults and equipping them to lead better, healthier lives.

Community Health Centers, in partnership with the Community Health Recreation andWellness Center and Arts Council Oklahoma City, is excited to announce the inaugural Oklahoma Older Adults Arts Festival, a two-day celebration of artistic expression for seniors. The event will take place on October 26-27, 2024, from 8 AM to 6 PM at the Community Health Recreation and Wellness Center, located at 3748 N. Lincoln Blvd,Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
This free event is open to the public and will feature a diverse array of visual art exhibitions by talented artists aged 50 and older. There will also be live performances, culinary arts, and presentations on art history. The festival is designed to honor the creativity of older adults and showcase their contributions to the arts.
In collaboration with several older adult-focused organizations, including The Daily Living Centers of Oklahoma, The Oklahoma City Department of Veterans Affairs, Oklahoma State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute,Acclaim Living, The Mansions at Waterford, Metropolitan Better Living Centers, and The Historical Society, the festival will also highlight art created by clients from these institutions. Additionally, individual artists over the age of 50 have been invited to participate as exhibitors.
The Oklahoma Older Adults Arts Festival not only celebrates the artistic achievements of older adults but also aimsto raise awareness about the benefits of creative aging, a field that promotes arts and cultural programs for older adults. The event seeks to foster community engagement, promote inclusivity, and encourage more older adults to explore their artistic potential.
Join us for two days of creativity, culture, and community as we celebrate the vibrant artistic talents of Oklahoma’s older adults! For more information, please contact: Madison Stockton at mstockton@wellnesschc.com

The annual Oklahoma Czech Festival returns to Yukon, Oklahoma on Saturday, October 5, 2024, bringing a day full of celebration and cultural activities. The festival will kick off with a vibrant parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street, featuring a colorful array of floats, costumes, and performances that honor the rich Czech heritage of the community.
This year’s festival introduces a reimagined Pivo Garden, also known as a beer garden, where visitors can enjoy traditional Czech dinners and beverages available for purchase. Adjacent to the Pivo Garden, Oklahoma Czech, Inc. will host live Czech performances with authentic folks singing and dancing, providing attendees with an immersive experience into the unique cultural traditions of the Czech community.
“Sharing Czech culture and heritage with our community is what drives the Oklahoma Czech Festival,” said Kim Rex, president of Oklahoma Czech, Inc. “2024’s Festival is shaping up to be one of the best as we make changes to improve accessibility, walkability, and safety, all while sharing Czech traditions and culture.”
To enhance accessibility and walkability, the 2024 festival has relocated the carnival portion of the festival to the north side of Main Street. This change also addresses safety concerns, allowing for a more enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Returning to the festival is the beloved arts and crafts show, featuring more than 150 artisans and crafters selling handmade products. From traditional Czech crafts to contemporary creations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The Oklahoma Czech Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating the heritage and traditions of the Czech community in Oklahoma. Since 1966, Oklahoma Czechs, Inc. has hosted the Oklahoma Czech Festival to preserve and share the customs and heritage the Czech and Slovak immigrants brought from their homeland. Yukon is proudly known as the Czech Capitol of Oklahoma and celebrates its rich culture throughout the year. For more information, visit
https://www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com.

Harvy Brown

(Right) 100 years old. Harvey Brown, a WWII veteran, was inducted into the Centenarians of Oklahoma Hall of Fame at 100. A retired engineer, he enjoys volunteering, woodworking, and making jewelry. His advice: “Find a church home and get involved” and “Put down your phone and speak to real people.”

Marie Wyatt

(Left) 100 years old. Marie Wyatt, ‘Aunt Martie,’ was honored at Char-Lin Ranch, her birthplace, on September 14, 1924. Her family ran a dairy farm near Ripley. Her sisters and her graduated from Ripley High. After 24 years of teaching and being named Teacher of the Year, she retired but continued volunteering. Sharing wisdom through sayings and songs, like “A Bushel and a Peck”.

Ray Olsen

(Right) 101 years old. Celebrating Ray Olsen’s 101st birthday, a proud US Navy veteran who served during WWII on the USS New York and USS Alaska. He played football for Tulane University and earned a business degree. Admiral Jay Bynum presented him with an Oklahoma state flag, while Norman Administrator Michael Russell awarded him an ODVA challenge coin for his service.

Dorothy Allen

(Right) 100 years old. Dorothy Jane Allen, a Wellston resident, celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. A US Navy WAVES veteran who served as an office clerk during WWII, she later married Army veteran Gene Allen and became a homemaker. Dorothy also worked as an admissions clerk and nurse assistant and volunteered making quilts for veterans. She fondly remembers remote-controlled televisions and lives by the motto: “Be kind to one another!”