Senior Events at the Metropolitan Library System – December

This holiday season, the Metropolitan Library System has a festive and lively lineup of programs tailored for seniors. From wellness classes to crafting sessions, there’s something for everyone.

Wellness and Fitness Programs

• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL): Chair exercises to boost strength and mobility.
• Almonte Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 3, 5, 10, and 12.
• Choctaw Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 4, 11, and 18.
• Tai Chi: Improve balance and muscle strength. Space is limited-register early to secure your spot!
• Choctaw Library: 1 p.m., Dec. 4, 11, and 18.
• Intermediate Tai Chi at Southern Oaks Library: 10:15 a.m., Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, and 19.

Support and Safety

• The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Learn to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s and next steps.
• Northwest Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 16.
• S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together): Discuss scams targeting seniors and how to stay safe.
• Warr Acres Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 2.

Crafting and Creativity

Seniors can get crafty this holiday season with these engaging activities.
• Deck the Bottles: Christmas Wine Bottle Upcycling
• Edmond Library: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 4.
• Cross-Stitch Ornaments
• Southern Oaks Library: 3 p.m., Dec. 8.
• Needle Felt Architecture Painting
• Almonte Library: 2 p.m., Dec. 14.

Ongoing Crafting Groups

Connect with fellow crafters through these regular programs.
• Downtown Crochet and Knit Club:
• Downtown OKC Library: 2 p.m., Dec. 7.
• Craft Along:
• Bethany Library: 1:30 p.m., Dec. 4 and 18.
• Beginner-Friendly Crochet Night:
• Belle Isle Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 16.
• Maker Meetup:
• Bethany Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 11.

Fun with Your Grandkids

Create meaningful memories and enjoy the season with these family-friendly events.
• Makerspace: Winter Whittle: Learn how to turn soap into festive works of art.
• Choctaw Library: 4 p.m., Dec. 11.
• Take-and-Make Felt Animal Ornament Kit: Create adorable woodland decorations.
• Edmond Library: Dec. 9-15.
• Paper Mosaic Holiday Cards: Craft unique holiday cards as keepsakes.
• Choctaw Library: 3:15 p.m., Dec. 12.
• Resin Ornaments: Make dazzling resin holiday ornaments.
• Midwest City Library: 5 p.m., Dec. 12.
This December, the Metropolitan Library System is your destination for staying active, learning new skills and making meaningful connections. Join us for these events and more!

Click Below to visit:

Commons on Classen

62 Years of Age or Older

Come See our beautiful apartments!

Efficiency range is Currently $650.00 – $725.00

1-bedroom range is currently $675.00 – $775.00

2-bedroom range is currently $800.00 – $875.00

We have: · Shuffleboard Court · Splash Pad · Work Out Room · Library & Craft Room · And many amenities to fit your lifestyle!

Visit: www.nhsokla.org/apartments

Or email [email protected]

1320 Classen Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

405-601-6819 TDD # 711

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Story by Matt Neil, Oklahoma Real Estate Planner

Since the holiday season is upon us, it is a wonderful time to reflect about how your home has been a centerpiece for the memories that have been made there and the traditions your family has kept. It is also an opportunity to think about what meaningful legacy you will create to continue to enrich your family for years to come.
Your home is much more than a property, it’s a place filled with memories, love, and laughter. Whether it’s the house where your children grew up or where you’ve hosted countless holiday gatherings, it holds a special place in your family’s story. As Oklahoma’s Best Real Estate Planner, I help families think about how they want their home to be a part of their family’s future.
If passing your home down to your children or grandchildren is part of your plan, make sure your wishes are clearly outlined in your estate planning document. We encourage you to speak with an estate attorney to ensure your property is transferred smoothly and in line with your intentions. Most people don’t know that over 70% of families argue over real estate when a family member leaves a property behind without a plan to divide it. In real estate planning, we help families think about how they want to divide their real estate, as it is often overlooked and is often a point of contention among families.
While your home is a tangible part of your legacy, your values and traditions are just as important. The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to reinforce what matters most to you and your family. Consider creating traditions that can be passed down for generations, such as baking a family recipe, decorating together, or sharing stories around the table. Write down or record your memories, life lessons, and hopes for the future. These treasures can serve as a guide for your loved ones, reminding them of the foundation you built and the values you cherish.
Creating a legacy plan is about more than finances—it’s about ensuring that your love, traditions, and values live on. If you’d like help finding the perfect home to complement your legacy or need guidance on how to align your real estate plans with your family’s future, I’d be honored to assist. Give us, your certified Real Estate Planner, a call at 405-757-9980, or email at [email protected]. Let’s make sure your legacy is one that brings your family together for years to come.
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.

At 76, Richard Amend, M.Ed., Journey to Becoming a Certified Santa Claus

Transforming Christmas magic into unforgettable moments, and inspiring joy across generations.

story and photo by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

At 76, Richard Amend, M.Ed., recently took his passion for creating the best Santa Claus experience to new heights. He traveled to Denver to become a Certified AuthentiClaus, a significant achievement after two decades of playing Santa. His attendance at the Santa Claus Portrayal & Business Mastery training is a testament to his commitment to embracing the spirit of Christmas.
His 2023 portrayal of Santa was a milestone for Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living in Northwest Oklahoma City. Campus Director, Joyce Clark, says the time with Santa for photos was the largest ever staged photo session in the facility’s 22-year history.
“Arranging for residents and their families to take photos together with Santa is a prime example of how we emphasize fun and resident-centered services. Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living’s activity calendar is packed with entertainment, games, crafts, outings, speakers, singing, spiritual times, and things to do. We offer the most and best life enrichment program I have ever seen” Clark said in an interview.
Amend has dedicated the past 40 years to working with seniors and has been the Director of Community Outreach at Saint Ann for 18 years. He is especially tickled with his new certified Santa status, which came with training to interact with special needs children, adults, and at-risk youth. This enhances his devotion to creating magical, heartfelt experiences that leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. On behalf of Saint Ann, Amend portrays Santa at a number of other senior living and healthcare providers in the region.
Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. People of all faiths love living at the recently remodeled campus that includes independent living, assisted living, and a convent for the Carmelite Sisters of Villa Teresa. Residents blossom in the home’s active lifestyle and caring atmosphere.
Last year, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Eusebius J. Beltran, posed with Santa, staff, residents, and the nuns. Beltran’s vision of a senior living ministry motivated the Archdiocese to develop the campus 22 years ago. The assisted and independent living center is a not-for-profit Catholic organization serving people of all faiths. Residents are cheerful and very pleased with the rich services and amenities at Saint Ann. Laughter and conversation in the dining rooms accompany delicious meals. Residents say they love Saint Ann’s food. They also enjoy being driven to appointments and shopping in one of the two limousines Saint Ann has in its fleet of vehicles. A 24-hour concierge is a focal point for communications and assists residents with everything from check cashing to package delivery.
Resident families are encouraged to visit and participate. Three guest apartments are available for out-of-town visitors. Many guests come to eat with residents or to enjoy singers, bands, and parties. The grand theatre, private dining room, and other areas are often reserved for family celebrations.
Assisted living at Saint Ann is a cozy lifestyle where helping hand services are offered in addition to all the other campus amenities. Staff are available to assist with bathing, dressing, medication administration, and a number of individualized services. Three fully furnished respite apartments have been popular for folks who want a short-term stay to recover or be attended to while their caregiver is away. Respite care is a wonderful way to check out the assisted living experience without having to move or make any long-term decisions.
As Christmas approaches, anticipation is building for the day Santa’s authentic sleigh will arrive. Wish lists are being created and costumes prepared for photos with Santa Amend. For many, that photo becomes a cherished Christmas card or festive social media post.
Amend says it is a privilege to don the Santa suit every year. “Our residents are full of life,” Amend said. “They invigorate me with their enthusiasm for the season. People say their time with Santa is special, but it is even more so for me. I get to play the role of one of the most loved icons in our culture who conveys kindness and gifting of special things at Christmas.”
Amend is not the only staff member who helps make the Christmas season cheerful. “Our life enrichment team, concierge, marketing, maintenance, dining service, housekeeping, nurse aides, and everyone helps in numerous ways. You will see some of them dressed up as Santa’s helpers, elves, reindeer, and a snowman to make Saint Ann’s winter wonderland more festive,” Amend said.
Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is also known as Saint Ann Retirement Center. It is located at 7501 W. Britton Road in northwest Oklahoma City.
For more information about Saint Ann Retirement
Center visit www.saintannretirementcenter.com

Patty Stevens

(Right) 100 years old. Patty Kelly Stevens, born in 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, was captured by Japanese soldiers in 1941 and interned in Manila until freed by U.S. troops at 20. She co-authored Waiting for America to share her story and proudly flies the U.S. flag, reminding all to “Honor Your Country!” We celebrate her resilience and love for her nation.

Helen Nigh

(Left) 100 years old. Meet Helen Nigh of Tulsa. She had a career as a commercial artist and her artwork is still in use for the Enid Christmas in July poster. Helen also painted a mural of animals in the Pediatric ward at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. She loves chocolate and Christmas is her favorite holiday. Helen’s words of wisdom to us today are: Never Close the Door.

Beulah Jones

(Right) 100 years old. Beulah (Underwood) Jones of Pawnee, born November 3, 1924, dedicated 40 years to hospital maintenance and community service. A devoted homemaker, she loved gospel music, quilting, and with Christmas being her cherished holiday, strengthening family ties. Her advice: “Nurture health through walking, balanced eating, and diligence; and cherish joy.”

Dottie Pennington

(Right) 100 years old. Dottie (Dorothy) Pennington of Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday with lots of her favorite color – Pink – attire, balloons, cake and more! She was married to a US Air Force Lt. Colonel and moved often to bases around the world. Her extended family calls her Mama Dottie and tells great stories of visiting her on summer vacations. She sang them to sleep with her favorite hymn, Jesus Loves Me. Dottie’s words of wisdom for us today are: Always be Truthful.

By Nick Thomas

‘Tis the season when television channels bombard us with round-the-clock Christmas movies while radio stations across the country add festive tunes to their daily playlists. In the latter case, one divisive ditty has been traditionally considered naughty or nice.
Elmo Shropshire didn’t write “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” but he’s been singing the jolly jingle with the not-so-jolly lyrics since first hearing it in Lake Tahoe in the late 70s. The song was released in 1979 and credited to duo Elmo & Patsy, with Elmo’s then-wife Patsy Trigg.
Turning 88 this year, Shropshire (known also as “Dr. Elmo”) is a competitive distance runner, too, gathering several national and world titles in his 80s. He still performs music and for several years has traveled to the East Coast in November/December with a group of musicians called The Holiday Express presenting shows at soup kitchens, hospitals, and schools for kids with special needs, where they also distribute food and gifts.
While he readily acknowledges that not everyone is a fan of his now-classic Christmas song, audiences would probably riot if he didn’t include the novelty ballad – a catchy tune wrapped around witty and admittedly macabre lyrics, featuring Shropshire’s distinctive raspy voice.
“I had no musical background or sang before moving out to California in the 60s,” said Shropshire, a Kentucky native and graduate of Auburn University’s veterinary college, and now lives in Novato, north of San Francisco.
After graduating from Auburn, he worked with horses at racetracks around New York, then moved to the West Coast after a trip to San Francisco and later opened an animal clinic in the Bay Area. He soon became interested in bluegrass music, learning to play the banjo and began performing with Patsy, although the couple later divorced in the 80s. Shropshire even hosted a bluegrass radio show recorded from his boarding house.
When songwriter Randy Brooks played his reindeer song for the couple when they were all stranded in a Lake Tahoe hotel due to bad weather in 1978, Shropshire knew he wanted to record his own version.

“I just made this funny Christmas recording as a gag and a friend took it to a radio station and they started playing it,” he recalled. “People began calling in to say they loved it, but so did others who hated it. After that first Christmas, I thought that would be the end of it. But every Christmas the stations would play it again. Unbeknownst to me, they were copying the song on cassettes, and radio stations began playing it all over the country in the early 80s.”
Shropshire knew he had a hit. In 1983, he sold his vet clinic and used $30,000 to produce a video of the song with one modification: “Grandma survives in the video!” he said. “And I played grandma and grandpa.” Patsy played Cousin Mel.
The original video currently has over 15 million YouTube views (see
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIwLeASnkw), while the song has sold millions of units over the years in various formats – vinyl, cassette, CD, digital, and ringtones.
“It’s impossible to tell the exact number because it’s been used so much and on so many different albums and online recordings,” said Pam Wendell, Shropshire’s wife since 2000. But the royalties keep coming anytime his version is used – in movies, TV shows, and even a plush toy reindeer that plays the song.
While Shropshire has recorded many other songs including various versions of his ‘grandma’ theme – “The Ballot of Grandma” and “Grandma’s Killer Fruitcake” – he takes the controversy of the original in his stride.
“It’s just wonderful to have a hit song, even if you only have one,” he says. “I never thought I could still be making a living from it. It’s just one of those things you could never predict.”
And for those of you grinches who still can’t warm up to a Christmas novelty song about a granny taken out by a hit-and-run reindeer, just be grateful her encounter wasn’t with a John Deere.
That really could have been gruesome.
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.

Dear Savvy Senior, How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions? Dissatisfied Patient

Dear Dissatisfied,
Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors is nothing new. Many older patients feel like their doctors are dismissing their concerns, which can be frustrating and lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care. If you believe your doctor isn’t listening to you, here are some tips offered by the National Institute on Aging that may help.
Prepare for your appointment: Before your exam, make a written prioritized list of any questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor, or print any online health research you’ve gathered, and bring it to your appointment so you won’t forget anything. If you’re in for a diagnostic visit, you should prepare a detailed description of your symptoms, when they began and what makes them worse.
Be honest and upfront: Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s important to be honest and upfront with your doctor. You may feel uncomfortable talking about memory loss or bowel issues, but these are all important to your health. It’s better to be thorough and share detailed information than to be quiet or shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters.
Ask specific questions: If you and your doctor aren’t communicating well, ask specific questions that require a response. For example: What might have caused the problem I’m dealing with? What’s the specific name of my diagnosis? Is the problem serious? Will it heal completely or require ongoing management? What future symptoms might suggest you need emergency care or a follow-up visit? When and how will you receive your test results? If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask: Can you explain that in simpler terms? Or: Can you give me more details about that?
Take someone with you: Bring along a family member or friend to your appointment. Your companion can help you ask questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered and listen to what the doctor is telling you and give you support.
Be persistent: If your doctor isn’t addressing your questions, repeat them or rephrase them. If you still don’t get anywhere, follow up with one of these statements: “I’m worried that we aren’t communicating well. Here’s why I feel that way.” Or: “I need to talk with you about X. I feel like I can’t. Can we talk about this?”
For more tips, the National Institute on Aging offers a free booklet called “Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older Adults” that can help you prepare for an appointment and become a better and more informed patient. To order free copy or see it online, visit order.nia.nih.gov/publication/talking-with-your-doctor-a-guide-for-older-adults.
Consider moving on: If you’re not making any progress with your doctor and the problem persists, it’s probably time to start looking for a new provider. Depending how unsatisfied you are with your care, you could also notify your doctor’s medical group and your insurance company or leave feedback on their online profile. If you’re dealing with a serious issue – like a doctor who prescribes the wrong medication or fails to provide test results in a timely manner – it might be appropriate to file a complaint with the state medical board.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

story and photo by
Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Sherri Law, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, believes in giving back to help others.
Her late daughter Sicily Whatley embodied that trait every day, and Law is carrying on that commitment via a blanket drive helping the Homeless Alliance of Oklahoma City.
Whatley died Aug. 19, 2023, at age 39, due to prolonged untreated blood pressure.
“It was very unexpected,” Law said.
Whatley, who worked at Homeless Alliance of Oklahoma City, left behind three children.
“She really enjoyed working with the homeless,” Law said. “Her death was traumatic for her children and for me. I wanted to do something in her memory because she was so well-liked at the Homeless Alliance. Last year we did a blanket drive and just friends and family donated blankets to the Homeless Alliance.”
Law said she was determined to make the blanket drive an annual event.
“It’s just a way to give back, to pay it forward, to do something for someone less fortunate than ourselves,” she said. “We’ve gotten over 100 blankets, and we’re partnering this year with BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City, and Hope for the Future, which is a non-profit for children who have been removed from the home. We’re going to present them to the Homeless Alliance Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.”
Law said she wanted her grandchildren to learn from grief.
“They were going through such horrible, intense grief. They couldn’t seem to get past the fact that they had lost their mom,” she said. “I wanted them to see that even though you are going through something like this, that there are people worse off than us who don’t have a home, that don’t have a bed to sleep in and that don’t have food on the table. Let’s try to get out of this valley that we are in emotionally and give back.”
Law believes her daughter would be proud of her family’s efforts.
“I think she’s up there smiling. I’m sure she would’ve never thought that her family would come together and do something like that in her memory,” Law said. “I really think that she would just have the biggest smile on her face.”
Law said the Homeless Alliance is appreciative of her family efforts.
“I try to accommodate what their needs are,” she said. “They send us thank you letters. They’re very grateful.”
The Homeless Alliance operates a multi-agency homeless resource campus with access to multiple nonprofit and government agencies providing services including health clinics, veteran services, budgeting and legal assistance. The campus also includes Oklahoma City’s only low-barrier Day Shelter which serves breakfast and lunch, offers showers, mail service, lockers, phones, computers, a pet kennel and access to classes and other service providers. The Homeless Alliance also has a street outreach team which goes out into the community to find people and connect them with services and operates four low-barrier employment programs including the Curbside Chronicle, Curbside Flowers, Sasquatch Shaved Ice, and Curbside Apparel.
Each year, Oklahoma City takes one day to count and survey people who are experiencing homelessness. The intention is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in Oklahoma City, of both the number of people and their characteristics. A large team of community volunteers from more than 25 organizations surveyed people in emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing facilities, hot meal sites, crisis facilities, encampments, and various street locations.
In 2024, there were a total of 1,838 “countable” people who were experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City on the night of the Point in Time count.
Law works at the Homeless Alliance Winter Shelter located at 1724 NW 4th Street, which is open Nov. 1-March 31.
“The shelter opens at 4 p.m. and they give them a warm bed, a blanket, and a meal,” she said. “We can hold 270 people, but when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, we don’t turn anyone away.”
As a disabled veteran, Law receives home healthcare from BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City, via her VA benefits.
“Because of some health issues, I do have to have a home care health aid, which the VA provides for me because it’s medically needed,” she said. “I’m able to use my motorized wheelchair, and that’s how I’m successful on the job.”
Law said faith has helped guide her through her military experience, as well as the loss of her daughter, and led her to a job at the Homeless Alliance.
“I do believe in God, and I do believe He is still on the throne. He still hears prayers,” she said. “I applied for a job there and got it. I’m working. They all remembered Sicily. They loved my story. I am very grateful for this experience to work and honor my daughter.”
For more information about donating blankets to the Homeless Alliance call (405) 415-8410 or visit www.homelessalliance.org.

By Marilyn Olson,
VillagesOKC Executive Director

Carissa Burns, 22, will be a December graduate of Southern Nazarene University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. As part of her study, she completed a three-month practicum with VillagesOKC, learning about active older adults and the many connection opportunities VillagesOKC provides.
Admittedly reluctant at first, Burns finished the practicum with an enlightened understanding of the realities of positive aging. She said initially she had hoped to work with middle-aged adults, but working with older adults has been rewarding.
“I’ve never worked with just older adults,” Burns said. “Never attended nonprofit events before. Never done any real volunteering. Working with Marilyn and the others has really changed my perception.”
She supported the VillagesOKC team at a Senior LifeSkills Learning workshop and the daylong Positive Aging: Inflammation workshop. In addition, she volunteered to help register and check-in participants at the Second Half Expo, which was attended by 1,675 people and more than 100 exhibitors.
“Our goal was to expose her to as much of the 50+ world as possible,” said Executive Director Marilyn Olson. In addition to supporting team member projects, she was given books to read and videos to watch. Books included Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer.
Burns’ goal is to become a clinical therapist after she earns her master’s degree. This was her second practicum. The first was at Bethany High School working with students with learning disabilities.
She said her early reluctance was because she wasn’t sure the practicum at VillagesOKC would give her the experience she needed for her psychology degree. However, after talking with Olson and her practicum advisor Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin, Program Director Family Studies & Gerontology, they came up with plans on how to get her the experience she needed.
“I have learned so much from my time with VillagesOKC. It’s knowledge that I’ll be able to use as I work toward my career goal,” Burns said.
During the practicum, Burns has continued a full course load at SNU, participated with the track team and worked two part-time jobs. She has worked at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for the past four years. She also works three days a week in the fitness center at Expand Energy, the former Chesapeake Energy.
She is a graduate of Bethany High School and ran track all four years, finishing first in 4A State in the 100 meter sprint and second in the 200 meters. From an athletic family, both her parents are personal trainers. Her dad, Dutch Burns, is a track coach at Southwestern Christian University. Her mother, Denise Penczak Burns, is a personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
Olson said working with Burns has been rewarding and she hopes to continue the connection.
“We love being able to influence and encourage younger adults so they have role models for aging with vitality and purpose,” she said.

story and photos by
Nick Thomas

With over 90 miles of trails weaving through the area, Oklahoma City’s numerous parks are a haven for walkers, joggers, and hikers alike. While the green urban spaces invite exploration of the hidden gems and points of interest throughout the city, one must-see landmark for visitors – day or night – is the iconic Skydance Bridge.
Arriving late in the afternoon, we parked on SW Second Street before heading south on foot through Scissortail Park, named after Oklahoma’s state bird – the scissor-tailed flycatcher. Our destination was the 380-foot-long pedestrian Skydance Bridge that spans I-40 and connects the north (40-acre) and south (30-acre) portions of the park. Opened in 2012, the state bird also inspired the bridge’s design with its striking V-shaped steel sculpture towering nearly 200 feet above the walkway, resembling the flycatcher’s distinctive forked tail feathers.

After admiring the bridge, we continued through the park and surrounding area waiting for sunset since the bridge is especially stunning when lit by LED lights during the evening. But there was no shortage of dazzling sights to fill the remaining daylight hours, including a walk around a lake with surrounding trees teeming with colorful chirping birds. Rental pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks glided slowly over the water as their occupants absorbed the relaxing view dominated by Oklahoma City’s tallest building. The sleek 50-story Devon Tower, also completed in 2012, is a skyline scene stealer with its reflective glass exterior. The Vast Restaurant occupies the top two floors offering both meals “sourced from local producers” and spectacular views of the city.
Myriad Botanical Gardens, just a couple of blocks north of the park off Reno Street, was intriguing. Since originally conceived by city leaders in the late 1960s, the 17-acre plot most recently underwent an $11 million renovation in 2022 and features immaculate landscaping, a children’s garden, a restaurant area, fountains, sculptures, and the dazzling Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory encased in a shell of over 3,000 translucent acrylic panels housing an impressive exotic plant collection.
The “Taking Flight: Light as a Feather” art piece, installed 2 years ago at the north end of Scissortail Park, was a delightful surprise find. The 6-ton 31-foot-tall metal sculpture is the artist’s vision of a delicately curved feather gently floating earthward. Stunning any time – and especially at night when fiber optic lights illuminate its intricate details – the sculpture truly comes to life just prior to sunset when we happened to walk past. As the sun hung in the darkening sky behind the sculpture, its dying rays filtered through the figure highlighting the steel bars comprising the feather’s ribs, offering an inspiring picture-perfect moment we were lucky to experience.
For many visitors, however, the star of Scissortail Park will be the illuminated Skydance Bridge straddling the busy Interstate below. The remotely controlled lights, programmable for holidays and special events, displayed a vibrant deep blue glow during our visit, dramatically highlighting the structure’s sweeping design. But the color varies from night to night. When viewed from the bridge’s south end and set against the backdrop of city lights, it was the perfect conclusion to our 2-mile urban nature walk around Oklahoma City.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling.
Visit www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.