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

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.

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.

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!”

Seniors Helping Seniors® Central Oklahoma Highlights the Benefits of Employing Older

Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, a franchise with over 125 franchise partners across more than 35 states and international markets, has grown rapidly in recent years by building a workforce of talented caregivers – most of whom are seniors themselves – who create meaningful relationships with their senior care clients. In celebration of National Employ Older Workers Week, which ran September 22-28, Seniors Helping Seniors® Central Oklahoma recognizes the contribution of older workers to the workforce and encourages more employers to consider them for employment.
The United States is undergoing a demographic shift, with older Americans staying in the workforce longer and contributing valuable skills, experience and commitment. National Employ Older Workers Week aims to increase awareness of this growing labor segment and to promote the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides job training and employment opportunities to older Americans. Seniors Helping Seniors® services proudly supports this initiative by prioritizing the hiring of active seniors as caregivers.
“Seniors Helping Seniors® locations prioritize hiring active seniors because they bring unmatched experience, reliability and empathy to the caregiving role,” said Kevin Richardson owner of Seniors Helping Seniors® Central Oklahoma. “We encourage all companies to explore the benefits of employing older workers-just as we have seen the positive impact firsthand in our care services.”
Nearly 12 million older, disabled and chronically ill Americans rely on in-home care each year, highlighting the vital role caregivers play in providing essential support. As Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise community continues to grow nationwide, it offers rewarding career opportunities for caregivers who are passionate about helping others while serving as a valuable resource for family caregivers who may be facing burnout.
“Caregivers are the heart of our mission, playing a crucial role in the well-being of countless individuals,” said Richardson. “With nearly half of all U.S. caregivers aged 50 and older, many face their own health challenges. That’s why we prioritize hiring senior caregivers and offering robust support to safeguard their mental, physical and emotional health.”

Call 405-562-6000 or visit www.shscentralok.com to visit with Kevin or the Seniors Helping Seniors staff. You can also email help@shscentralok.com.

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

Story by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

The State Capital Publishing Museum will host its annual fundraiser, A Night for the Museum, on Thursday Oct. 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the museum located at 301 West Harrison Avenue in Guthrie.
This year’s event will honor former Oklahoma Senator AJ Griffin Ph.D., who was instrumental in passing legislation allowing the museum to acquire the historic building it is working to restore and refurbish.
This year’s fundraising goal is just over $200,000.
Guests can enjoy an open bar courtesy of The Wander Inn, while taking in a live performance by Jazz Hall of Fame artist Justin Echols on the piano. The event will also include a special Whiskey Pull, where attendees can donate for the chance to pull a bottle of whiskey, with selections ranging in value from $50 to several hundred dollars.
The evening will feature both live and silent auctions, hosted by Bray Auctioneers. Items up for bid include vacation packages, service packages from local businesses, gift baskets, and one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds from the event will go toward the ongoing restoration efforts of the museum.
Additionally, a live demonstration of antique printing equipment will occur, offering guests a unique glimpse into the rich history of the publishing industry.
“This event gets better every year, and this year will set a new high bar,” said Kord Stockwell, president of the State Capital Publishing Museum Board. “We have a lot of progress to be proud of, and the community support is what’s making that possible. Come join us and see what’s happening.”
The State Capital Publishing Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was in the State Capital Publishing Museum on Nov. 16, 1907, that President Theodore Roosevelt sent a teletyped message congratulating Oklahoma Indian Territory for becoming the 46th state in the Union.
Today, the museum’s board is actively repairing, restoring and preserving the facility and its artifacts, with the goal of educating the public on Oklahoma’s history through the printing industry.
By the mid 1970’s the building was in a sad state of repair. Local citizens, concerned that the structure might be lost to history, began a movement toward preservation. They raised money to purchase it from the private owner, who deeded it to the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, who then donated it to the Oklahoma Historical Society to be used as a museum.
OHS began the enormous task of preserving the building. After rehabilitating most of the first two floors, the building was opened as a museum in 1982. No effort was made to rehabilitate the top two floors due to funding issues. The roof was replaced in 2003, which finally stopped further water damage to the top floors, but the existing damage is extensive. It was always a “three-season” museum. The only climate control was an antiquated boiler system, feeding old-fashioned radiators, as the building has never had a modern HVAC system. In 2012 the boiler broke down and was deemed irreparable. The building was closed in 2012.
After some shifting in state government, the State of Oklahoma almost forced OHS to sell the building to a developer with plans to convert the building into affordable senior housing by using low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). Fearing that much of the rich history of the building would be lost forever, concerned citizens from all over the state of Oklahoma began a concerted effort to stop the conversion. A coalition of private citizens, City Council, the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce and others successfully negotiated a deal which allowed the current owner (/dba The State Capital Publishing Museum) to take title to the property, along with the historical contents, on June 27, 2018.
As part of that deal, The State Capital Publishing Museum has committed to spend a minimum of $262,000 towards repairing, preserving and restoring the building by June 27, 2023. This amount was agreed upon based on two assessments of the building’s current worth. That “initial” investment of $262,000 represents a fraction of what it will take to completely restore and renovate the building.
“We’re rehabilitating the building that we’re in,” said Sam Sims, secretary of the State Capital Publishing Museum Board. “We’ve done our best to keep it up, and we just need to keep going on it so that we can open it up to the public. We want to make sure that the facility itself is in working order, and we want to make sure that some of that printing equipment is brought back to working order, as well. It’s a piece of Oklahoma history, and we don’t want to let it go. We’re in it for the long haul.”
Tickets for A Night for the Museum are available for purchase at https://publishingmuseum.org, with prices starting at $100. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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.

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.