New brand honors Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, emphasizes team affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Oklahoma City’s Triple-A baseball team officials tonight revealed the team’s new name and brand, the Oklahoma City Comets, during an unveiling ceremony at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The OKC Comets name pays homage to Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, whose nickname was “the Commerce Comet.” The brand’s light blue and red colors and logo, with a baseball shooting through the sky like a comet, honor the team’s long-time affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We wanted our new name and brand to be something that reflects Oklahoma’s rich baseball history and our affiliation with the Dodgers but is also uniquely ours and embraces the future of our city and state,” said Oklahoma City Comets President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “Mickey Mantle-the Commerce Comet-is an iconic baseball figure for our state, our city, our team and our ballpark. In addition, the OKC Comets name and different marks that display images of space suggest a look toward the future and enables us to have a bit of fun bringing our new identity to life for our fans.”
Byrnes said the local community and key stakeholders played a significant role in selecting the new name. Over the past two years, team officials hosted focus groups with members of the community and reviewed the high volume of feedback received from fans via social media and email submissions.
“We appreciate our community of fans who provided input into the new name and brand and who have supported this team throughout the years-since 1962,” Byrnes said. “Our commitment is to continue to provide the same fun, family-friendly game day experience our fans have come to expect-now with new signage, new uniforms and mascots.”
The team remains the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate through at least 2030 under the current Professional Development League license, featuring players one step away from Major League Baseball for years to come.
Work is underway to replace signage, uniforms and other graphics with the OKC Comets brand, which will greet fans when the new season begins in April 2025. Fans who want to get a jump-start on displaying the new brand can purchase OKC Comets merchandise online or at the Team Store, located on the west side of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Season memberships for 2025 are currently available for purchase.
(Right) 101 years old. Meet Goldie Nelson 101 and moved to Harrah, OK. Her brother, Harold, also lives there. Goldie and Olen Nelson were married for 66 years and raised two children, both of whom were at the celebration. Goldie’s words of wisdom for us are: When You Get Married, Don’t Go to Bed Angry, Communication is Important!
Faye Flowers
(Left) 101 years old. Faye (McCoy) Flowers, 101, has lived a full life in Jones, staying healthy without medications. She credits daily hot chocolate and regular bike rides for her longevity. She buys clothes from resale stores to donate to those in need. She was honored with the Pay It Forward award and featured in local media. Her advice: “Forgive easily, love everyone, and thank God daily.”
John Knorr
(Right) 100 years old. WWII Veteran John Andrew Knorr, born October 26, 1924, in Kittanning, PA, graduating Notre Dame’s Electrical Engineering program. He served 7 years in the Navy on the USS Langley. After a career with TG&Y Corporation, he retired in 1989. Now in Tulsa, he stays active and always has a smile. His advice: “Obey your parents. Listen!”
Margaret Burnett
(Right) 102 years old. Meet Margaret Burnett, a lively 102-year-old born in Kay County. She lived in several towns before settling in Ponca City, where she worked as a nurse’s aide until 1994. She has a five-generation family, including three daughters, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. For her 100th birthday, she collected food donations for the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society instead of gifts, a tradition she continued the following year.
Gayle Veasey, left, Rebecca Williams and Carma Branscum, right, coached pickleball at the Be Amazing event.
Chicken N Pickle hosted the VillagesOKC member appreciation and anniversary party.
Each year, the members, board and sponsors of VillagesOKC meet to celebrate the past year with an Anniversary Party. This year, the celebration was held on a perfect Oklahoma evening at OKC’s Chicken N Pickle.
From Guthrie to South Oklahoma City, members who live in their own homes love connecting over great food. This evening, they enjoyed shuffleboard, corn hole and – of course pickleball – watching, learning and playing. VillagesOKC members who are avid pickleball enthusiasts, Carma Branscum and Gayle Veasy, helped teach others who had never played before.
Pickleball is just one opportunity for mature adults to stay active and enjoy new friends. Sharing a meal, being there and sometimes helping each other with hard conversations, are all part of the new mindset for those who are embracing their age here in Oklahoma City and across the nation.
“This incredible organization’s goal is to empower adults to age with vitality and purpose,” said Alicia Jackson, Chicken N Pickle’s Community Impact Coordinator. “We LOVE their purpose which reminds all ages that pickleball is for everyone.” VillagesOKC members lead the way with a can-do spirit.
Many happy hours were spent in the woods with Cordelia (left) and Kali. Cordelia was husky and yellow lab mix and Kali was border collie and black lab. They were with us for 15 years.
By Marise Boehs
November is a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged-friend to your family, consider opening your home and your heart to an older dog or cat in need. While small kittens and puppies may be cute, older pets are just as loving and loyal!
Since senior pets are fully grown, you will have access to important information like personality type and grooming requirements, making it easier to choose the perfect pet for your family.
Senior pets are typically calmer and less energetic than puppies and kittens, so it’s easier to teach them new tricks. Many senior pets are already pros at performing basic commands.
Many people find themselves unprepared for the energy and needs of a young pet. But a sweet senior moves at a much more manageable pace. They’re less demanding and usually fit in well in many kinds of households, including apartments.
Some are unprepared for the hard work it can be to housetrain a new puppy or kitten. You can spend a lot of time training a new puppy to do their business outdoors or teach a kitten to remember where the litter box is. But older pets are usually already housetrained, saving you that stress.
Understanding the personality of an animal is key to finding the perfect match for your family and for that homeless pet. While young puppies and kittens are still developing their personalities, you’ll know right away whether a senior dog is a snuggle-bug or a senior cat is more of an independent spirit.
Many people looking to adopt, complete overlooking the perfectly adoptable older dogs and cats in kennels and cage. In many cases, the absolute most difficult group of homeless pets to place are older dogs and cats. It is a sad fact that senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk for euthanasia.
When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not only welcoming a lifetime of love into your home, you’re also saving a precious life. You’ll get lots of love from an amazing companion.
That said, bringing an older pet home from the shelter or rescue can have its own unique challenges. Sometimes, because the pet is at an advanced age, there can be some extra health issues to consider. They’ll need regular vet care, preventative care, and dental care to stay in good health. But that, by no means, should deter someone from adopting a senior pet.
Depending on breed, lifestyle, and existing health issues, a senior dog or cat can still have plenty of healthy and happy years to give as your loving companion. Healthcare for Senior Pets
Dogs and cats are considered seniors by the age of 7 years old. They age faster than humans and how much faster is determined by their size and breed.
Bi-annual exams are very important to senior pets to help them maintain a happy, long life.
Our pets are increasingly vulnerable to many illnesses as they reach their later years of life. Their health problems related to advancing years are like our own, including heart disease, dental problems, liver disease, digestive disorder, kidney disease, and cancer.
Early detection and treatment of diseases can enable veterinarians to extend your pet’s life and improve the quality of it as well. Senior exam & lab work benefits include: Physical Exam Many diseases such as tumors, dental disease, and heart disease can be detected and treated early with a physical exam. Blood Chemistry (CBC/Chem.) To identify various underlying problems with the internal organs early on before they become serious. Many of these problems may not be detected on a physical exam. Urinalysis Assesses the health and function of the kidneys and bladder. Many diseases will cause urine to be abnormal before any other test or exam will show an abnormality. This is good for early detection of kidney disease. Thyroid Screening (T4) Many breeds develop thyroid problems as they age. Screening allows early detection before they become ill. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Helps to detect heart problems that may not show on physical exam so further diagnosis or treatment can be started.
Glaucoma Screening To check the pressure in the eyes. If the pressure is too high, it can be painful and cause blindness. Blood Pressure Overweight and geriatric animals are prone to high blood pressure. As in people, it can be a silent killer. Older cats are at risk and sometimes the first symptom is blindness or kidney disease that could be prevented if started on medications early. Radiographs: For detection of abnormalities such as enlarged heart, tumors, and organ enlargements. Dentistry: Keeping the pet’s teeth clean prevents painful teeth, odor from the mouth, and bacteria from the mouth that could damage the kidneys, heart, or other organs.
Source: Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort
Author’s Note
Some of the best times of my life where spent with my beloved senior girls. They have gone on to their reward now but not a day goes by that we don’t miss them and talk about the good times.
While the puppy is a joy, and thankfully through the chew-everything-in-sight-stage, she has a high bar to meet. We have to remind ourselves that she is who she is and not compare her to the seniors. “She’s only 3 years old,” is a constant refrain at our house.
Cordelia was much the princess until we went to the river, there she was all about dirty dogs have more fun. I loved her to the moon and back for many years.
Played by Del Humphreys last year as a naturally bearded Santa, Santa is available for visitors to get their free photos taken during the two days of the show.
Story and photos by Darl DeVault
Contributing Editor
Linda Turner will reprise her role as Mrs. Claus to speak with children and have her photo taken.
To give customers more time to anticipate Christmas, the 15th Annual Santa Market Craft Show will move two weekends into November, Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd, at the Pavilion Building at the OKC Fairgrounds. This shift to earlier dates will create a vibrant and festive atmosphere, sure to get shoppers in the holiday spirit.
The Market is Oklahoma City’s premiere free, two-day showcase for one-of-a-kind, Christmas-themed creations benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.
“We work to organize this show all year,” co-founder Molly Nye said. “It is a true labor of love and helps all of us by doing something positive to combat Alzheimer’s Disease.” If anyone would like to be involved by volunteering, donating an item or service for the auction, or an item for the Alzheimer’s booth, please contact Joan Clarke at 405-314-1033.
As one of Oklahoma’s most extensive free-admission, nonprofit arts and crafts shows, the festive shopping experience will feature 180+ carefully chosen, creative vendors selling their unique and diverse products. Organizers say this is a shopping experience you won’t want to miss.
The Market offers free parking, a silent auction, and more. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Handcrafted items are available for all shoppers’ seasonal gift needs at an event that raised $43,000 last year for Alzheimer’s work. Since its inception up to this October, the Market has raised $313,464 for the cause.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their children to have free photos taken all day with Santa, Del Humphreys, an International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas member. Visitors can also speak with Mrs. Claus, Linda Turner. Organizers say The Grinch himself will be there this year.”
Shoppers may purchase a wide variety of Christmas-themed home décor. This includes hand-painted ornaments, festive wreaths, and homemade arts and crafts such as knitted scarves and unique pottery. Boutique and holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothes, books, and food goodies are also available. The first 1,000 visitors receive free shopping bags sponsored by local businesses.
Joan Clarke, Molly and Megan Nye began the event in 2010 after Joan’s husband died of Alzheimer’s in 2007. Their shared goal was to support the charity addressing one of America’s most challenging diseases. They invite shoppers to join them in this meaningful cause, becoming part of the community of support.
“Molly and I had been selling items at craft shows for years, and we decided to start our own event. We booked a small room in a hotel and started with 17 vendors,” Clarke said. “By the time our third year began, we realized how much work putting on a quality show involves, so we decided to make it a fundraiser. Molly immediately suggested Alzheimer’s since Joan lost her husband and Megan lost her father to the terrible disease. These personal experiences drive our commitment to the cause and inspire us to make The Santa Market Craft Show a success each year.”
Over the years, the number of vendors, attendees, and funds raised has grown tremendously, which is a testament to the community’s support and the event’s impact.
Every dollar raised at the Market goes directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. These funds support crucial research, care, and support efforts, making a tangible difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Your participation and support are vital, and all donations are tax-deductible, empowering you to be part of this meaningful cause and see the impact of your contribution on Alzheimer’s research.
“Our excellent vendors make this show what it is each year. We are one big family; everyone helps promote the show, advertise, and find new vendors. They donate to our cause, monetarily and with their products, even though it’s voluntary,” Clarke said. “They help with set up, clean up and everything in between. We have three vendors that have been with us all 14 years. Countless more have been with us for 5, 8, or even 10 years. One vendor named it ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ and it truly is.”
The organizers limit the number of crafters’ assigned spaces. Clarke says It is not about turning away new vendors but only allowing a limited number of each type of vendor. They wish they could take everyone, but having a variety makes for a better shopping experience, and the vendors have a much better chance of success. “We strive to ensure a diverse range of products and crafts, so our selection process is based on the uniqueness and quality of the items,” Clark said.
Clarke says some vendors see the event as an opportunity to make sure their favorite charity receives as much as possible from their craft world and them personally. By writing personal checks to the Alzheimer’s Association when The Santa Market rolls around, these vendors do their part to help. They also donate products and gift certificates to the Alzheimer’s auction and booth.
The Santa Market promoted the show at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 2 in downtown OKC. Clarke and her family have walked every year since 2003. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
National presenting sponsor Edward Jones is in its ninth consecutive year helping to make the walks successful. Biogen and Eisai are also national sponsors. Santa Market fielded a team for the walk.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In July 2024, the FDA approved Kisunla (Donanemab), a drug that can help treat early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine is administered intravenously every four weeks. In clinical trials, Donanemab slowed memory and thinking decline by 20-60 percent and slowed daily activity decline by 40 percent.
The organizers attribute The Market’s successful 14 years to the invaluable contributions of quality vendors, loyal customers, volunteers, sponsors, and donors. They consider everyone involved part of the Santa Market Family and hope for their continued support to make this year’s event a resounding success. This year, organizers are proud Steve Eldridge, Senior News & Living and Oklahoma Nursing Times publisher, is again a Diamond Sponsor. For more info, visit www.thesantamarket.org.
The Health Insurance Marketplace in Oklahoma is set to open for the 2025 coverage year on Nov. 1, 2024. Individuals and families can enroll in, re-enroll in or make changes to their individual health insurance plans starting at that time. Key Dates to Remember: Nov. 1, 2024: Open Enrollment Commences
• Starting Nov. 1, you can explore the various health insurance options available through the Marketplace in Oklahoma. This is your chance to find a plan that best suits your needs and budget. Dec. 15, 2024: Deadline for Coverage Starting on Jan. 1, 2025
• To ensure your health coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2025, enroll or make any plan changes by Dec. 15, 2024, to avoid a coverage gap.
Seven insurers will offer individual health plans for 2025 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), CommunityCare Oklahoma (CCOK), Ambetter of Oklahoma (Celtic Ins. Co.) and Taro Health. BCBSOK will offer a statewide plan, while the other insurers’ plans will be available in selected counties. These insurers will provide a range of health plans tailored to Oklahoma residents’ diverse needs. You will also find Dental Plans offered in the state on https://www.healthcare.gov.
“Now is the time to review you and your family’s needs to secure the best coverage that meets those needs,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Visit healthcare.gov as soon as you can to find the plan that fits best.”
Mulready added that healthcare costs are continuing to rise as demand increases and says it’s more important now than ever that people are properly insured. Last year, over 269,600 Oklahomans who renewed or purchased plans during open enrollment averaged $71 monthly premium cost after federal subsidies.
Plan options, monthly premiums and total annual out-of-pocket costs for 2025 will be available later this month when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services release this information at https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#.
With a new grant from the National Institutes of Health, an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist will look at Alzheimer’s disease from a different angle.
Heather Rice, Ph.D., will look for links between the deadly, memory-robbing disease and a protein that historically has been linked to cancer.
Rice will collaborate on the two-year study with scientist Xin Zhang, Ph.D., from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Zhang studies a protein called CD151, which has been associated with tumor metastasis and other aspects of cancer.
Zhang has found that the protein may be interacting with another protein, amyloid precursor protein or APP, which has been heavily implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s. Rice’s own lab at OMRF focuses on better understanding APP, with the hope of developing strategies to prevent it from breaking down and accumulating in the brain.
The pair hope to uncover new information about the interplay between the two proteins. “Ultimately, we believe their interaction may prevent overproduction of the protein fragments that lead to Alzheimer’s,” Rice said.
In the longer term, such studies could pave the way for new treatments for Alzheimer’s, which accounts for 60% to 80% of all types of dementia. The disease is caused by damage to the brain’s nerve cells.
This damage is believed to begin at least 20 years before the onset of symptoms such as difficulty with memory and other thinking skills. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the condition affects more than 10% of people 65 and older and is the fifth-leading cause of death in that age group.
“Despite a lot of effort, we do not yet have an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s,” said Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., who chairs OMRF’s Aging & Metabolism Research Program. “Dr. Rice’s proposed research takes advantage of a funding mechanism for high-risk, high-reward ideas, which illustrates her outside-the-box thinking toward potential treatments.”
Rice’s grant, No. 1R21AG085486-01, was awarded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the NIH. A team science grant from the Presbyterian Health Foundation funded early studies that made the NIH grant possible.
As Oklahoma’s Best Real Estate Planner, I have had the privilege of working with clients at various stages of their lives. Working with seniors, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for people to find the right home that truly suits their needs, especially as they transition into a new stage of life. One housing option that is particularly appealing is a single-level home with included lawn-care, located in a tight-knit community. There are so many benefits to this type of living arrangement, especially for older adults who are looking to simplify their lives while still enjoying home ownership. Let me share with you why this can be such a smart and fulfilling choice.
1. Ease of living and accessibility: One of the most obvious advantages of a single-level home is its accessibility. As we get older, the idea of climbing stairs multiple times a day becomes less appealing, and in some cases, it’s no longer practical. A single-level home eliminates that concern entirely. Everything you need is on one floor—no stairs, no strain, just convenience. Whether it’s moving around the home with ease, or thinking ahead about mobility in the future, single-level living provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can stay in your home comfortably for many years to come.
2. Low maintenance, More Enjoyment: Another major perk is having lawn care included. For many older adults, the upkeep of a yard can become overwhelming—especially in Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather. While you might still enjoy the sight of a beautifully manicured lawn or garden, the physical work it takes to maintain it can be exhausting and sometimes even dangerous in the summer heat or spring storms. Having lawn care included means you can enjoy the benefits of a well-kept yard without any of the hassle. You’ll have more time and energy to spend on hobbies, family, or simply relaxing in your own outdoor space without worrying about mowing or edging. Often these communities will allow you to manage your own flower beds, so you can still exercise your green thumb and enjoy a small bit of gardening.
3. Community Connection: A neighborhood that has under 50 homes creates a perfect balance between privacy and community. It’s large enough to offer variety in your neighbors, but small enough that you can truly get to know the people around you. This sense of community is incredibly important as we age. Whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee in the morning, organizing a neighborhood gathering, or simply having neighbors who look out for one another, these communities foster a sense of security and belonging that is deeply comforting. You’re not just moving into a house — you’re joining a supportive and friendly community, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.
4. Peace and Quiet: Smaller neighborhoods tend to be quieter and more peaceful, which can make all the difference in your day-to-day life. Without the constant hustle and bustle of heavy traffic, you can enjoy peaceful mornings on your porch, take leisurely walks around the neighborhood, or simply relax in your yard. It can be a wonderful environment for those seeking calm and comfort.
5. Security and Safety: Smaller neighborhoods often foster a stronger sense of security. Neighbors tend to look out for one another, and it’s easier to notice unfamiliar activity, which can be reassuring. Additionally, many communities that cater to older adults may offer extra safety features, such as gated entrances or neighborhood watch programs, adding to that peace of mind.
6. Predictable Costs: Finally, when lawn care and potentially other exterior maintenance are handled by your homeowner’s association (HOA), it’s one less thing to budget for or worry about. Predictable monthly or annual fees help you manage your expenses better, without the worry of unexpected yard maintenance costs. This financial stability is a big advantage for many seniors living on fixed incomes.
In conclusion, owning a single-level home with included lawn care in a small neighborhood provides numerous advantages for seniors. It offers ease, comfort, community, and the ability to enjoy your home without the stress of maintenance. If this sounds like something that could improve your quality of life, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities and find a home that fits your needs perfectly. Give us, your certified Real Estate Planner, a call at 405-757-9980 or email at info@vibrantok.com
Matt Neill is a realtor who has lived in Oklahoma over 17 years and enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and cheering on the OKC Thunder.
On Friday, November 15, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Choctaw Freedmen Citizen Footprints (CFCF) is partnering with the Oklahoma Historical Society to share and discuss Black experiences on Route 66 in the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
The CFCF will unveil the “Oklahoma Freedmen Families and Descendants” pop-up exhibit at the event. This exhibit explores the journeys of Freedmen families traveling across Route 66 and other Oklahoma roads, highways, and byways for work and family gatherings – creating a new path for their descendants to follow. These journeys played a pivotal role in shaping Oklahoma’s history and narratives.
Brenda Droke, Doris Burris Williamson, and Wanda Warren will be the guest speakers, among others, rendering a special tribute to selected honorees from the Burris, Coleman, Butler, Cole and Liggins families.
A light lunch will be served. The event is free, but registration is required. The registration deadline is Friday, November 1.
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.
