Pondering the best choice in a world of sugar and sugar substitutes? Explore natural alternatives to sweeten your palate.
BY JESSICA BARLOW AND KIT HINES
On the Cover
Meet homeowner Sam Allen and realtor Amy Cavallin on page 16.
PHOTO BY DEE DUREN, MANAGING EDITOR
16
Rightsizing
Find the living space that suits your present and future needs. A rightsized home can be a fresh start with practical and emotional benefits.
BY JULIE WENGER WATSON
Small Spaces, Big Style
Smart design choices can transform even the coziest home. Learn how experts change a compact space into a stylish retreat.
BY KAREN SZABO
LIFE on the Road: A Baseball Fan's Travel Playbook
Major League stadiums offer more than just a game — think history, hometown flavor, and unforgettable memories. Here’s where to start.
BY ALYSSA DILLARD
Eileen
eileen.bradshaw@LIFEseniorservices.org
Letter From Eileen
Dear Vintage Reader,
Welcome to our rightsizing edition. Statistics show that 25% of American adults age 65 and over will move in the next five years. That is a lot of movement! Studies show that there is overwhelming consensus that we all want to age in our own homes, if possible, but opinions on what that home looks like vary widely. If you are one of the 25% who are planning to make a move in the next few years, you will likely have many decisions to make. Some choices are driven by economics, to be sure, but where we choose to live has so many emotional impacts as well.
Vol. 39, No. 12
EILEEN BRADSHAW
President & CEO of LIFE Senior Services, LIFE PACE & Vintage Housing
DEE DUREN
Managing Editor dduren@LIFEseniorservices.org
BERNIE DORNBLASER
Advertising Director bdornblaser@LIFEseniorservices.org
ALLISON EZELL
(918) 664-9000
What type of community do you want? Some are looking for all-senior communities, with age-appropriate amenities. Others cannot imagine living in a neighborhood without children riding bikes and people walking large dogs. Will you want less square footage to care for? This is a nice option if your family and friends are nearby. However, if you have children and grandchildren who travel to see you, you may want the space to host their visits. Yard, or no? Modern or cottage? Stay in your hometown or choose a new location for the next chapter? Boundless choices!
So much of our identity is tied to the place we call home. Entering a person’s home immediately gives you a sense of who that person is and what life they have lived. From color choices to wall decor, our homes provide so many clues to who we are. Moving allows us to reshape a bit of that identity, if we choose. Finding and creating an environment that reflects not only our historical selves but also who we want to be in this new phase of our lives can be invigorating.
In full disclosure, however, “rightsizing” can be a lot of work. I should have read this issue’s article on decluttering before we moved last summer!
LIFE’s Vintage Magazine accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates the support of its advertisers. The publisher does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. LIFE’s Vintage Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising. Rates are available upon request by calling (918) 664-9000.
Volume 39, Issue 12, June 2025 LIFE’s Vintage Magazine (ISSN 2168-8494) (USPS 18320) is published monthly by LIFE Senior Services. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LIFE’S VINTAGE MAGAZINE 5950 E. 31st St., Tulsa, OK 74135. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK.
“They
These days, turning 60 doesn’t mean you’re ready to slow down. You just need a little more help than you used to. The first step? A primary care provider who takes the time to understand who you are—and what you want to do next.
Roberta’s next big thing is creating floral bouquets in our community room. What’s next for you?
Roberta Prock | Holiday, FL
Good to Know /
By Julie Alexander, Assistant Editor
25th Annual deadCenter Film Festival
Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival, the deadCenter Film Festival, is the best place to see groundbreaking films from local and international filmmakers. Named one of the “Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine, the festival showcases two Academy Awardqualifying short film categories. Previous deadCenter winners include “Fancy Dance,” “Safe at Home,” and “Riding Legacy: An Oklahoma Black Cowboy Story.” Past Icon Award honorees have included native Oklahomans Alfre Woodard, James Marsden, Sterlin Harjo, and Tim Blake Nelson. The event also offers networking events, filmmaker panels, and a virtual reality experience. Festival passes are $225 and include entry to all events, complimentary food and drink, and more. deadCenter also supports film education and workforce development in Oklahoma’s burgeoning film industry.
deadCenter Film Festival
June 11 – 15, 2025
Various locations in Oklahoma City deadcenterfilm.org
Juneteenth Festival
Set in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, the Juneteenth Festival is three days of food, fun, and family. This year’s theme, “Family Reunion!,” invites festivalgoers to embrace Tulsa as home and share the rich legacy and history of Greenwood and Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people were freed. Originally established to honor emancipation through education and the arts, Tulsa’s Juneteenth has grown into a transformative platform that connects and uplifts people across the city and beyond. In addition to food, art vendors, and entertainment stages, a one-mile and 5K run/walk will be held on June 21. For more information, visit tulsajuneteenth.org.
Tulsa Juneteenth
June 18 – 21, 2025
700 N. Greenwood Ave., Tulsa tulsajuneteenth.org
OK Mozart
Experience world-class performances at the OK Mozart Music Festival. This year, OK Mozart will celebrate the culture and art of Norway, featuring famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. On June 6, Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve will host Grady Nichols and the Manhattan Chamber Players. Cascia Hall’s Performing Arts Center will host Tulsa Honors Baroque Orchestra, followed by a performance by Natasha Paremski on June 7. Throughout the weekend, The Refinery in Bartlesville will showcase artists including Lesa Steele, Eric Wu, Nick Du, Anbo Ni, and the Escher Quartet. With many performances in Bartlesville and Tulsa, there is something for everyone, even a Kids Zone. Senior tickets start at $20. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit okmmusic.org/2025-festival.
OK Mozart Music Festival
June 6 – 8, 2025
Various locations in Bartlesville and Tulsa (918) 336-9900 okmmusic.org
Bixby Green Corn Festival
The 51st Annual Green Corn Festival returns June 25 – 28 in Bixby’s Charley Young Event Park. The city’s biggest event is a community celebration honoring the area’s agricultural heritage. Enjoy a daily carnival, food trucks, beauty pageants, live bands, a fireworks show and, of course, corn. On Saturday, June 28, there is a 5K and fun run, plus box turtle and bullfrog races. The Bixby’s Got Talent show starts at 6 p.m., and the street dance closes the day. The weekend of family fun is sponsored by the Bixby Optimist Club.
Bixby Green Corn Festival
June 25 – 28, 2025
Charley Young Event Park 50 W. Dawes Ave., Bixby bixbyoptimist.com/events/green-corn-festival
Natasha Paremski will perform on June 7 at Cascia Hall's Performing Arts Center.
Photo courtesy of OK Mozart
•
Connect With LIFE /
By Danielle Hill, Senior Volunteer Manager
LIFE EDU
LIFE Senior Services
Community Education
All classes are at Legacy Plaza East Conference Center, 5330 E. 31st St. in Tulsa, unless otherwise noted.
Community Education
Clearing the Clutter
Thursday, June 12 • 10 – 11 a.m.
Are you tired of a messy house? Do you dream of having a home that’s neat, comfortable, and welcoming? Join Kristin Switzer from 2B Organized as she shares tips and tricks on clearing the clutter, including specific information on tackling your closets.
Basics of Medicare
Wednesday, June 18 • 10 a.m. – Noon
This class is designed specifically for those newly eligible or soon-to-be eligible for Medicare. Reservations are required and can be made by calling LIFE’s Medicare Assistance Program at (918) 664-9000, ext. 1189.
AARP HomeFit and Revitalize T-Town
Wednesday, June 18 • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
If you are planning on aging-in-place, come learn about some smart solutions for making your home a “lifelong home” that is comfortable and safe for the journey. We will also hear from Revitalize T-Town, a nonprofit that helps qualifying seniors with free home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility aids.
Senior LIFEstyle & Wellness Expo
Tuesday, July 8, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Exchange Center at Expo Square Make plans now to bring a friend and attend the largest senior event in Oklahoma. With more than 150 exhibitors sharing information, resources and services; the Expo Stage with presentations and entertainment; AARP shredding event; Rx Take Back and even rescue pets for adoption, there’s something for everyone! No registration needed.
Volunteer Spotlight
An Interview With Volunteer Thea Pardo
When did you start volunteering and why?
A: I started volunteering in 2018, after I retired. I took three months off and then I decided my house was clean, the yard work was done, and I was bored. One of the ladies at Sunday school volunteered with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), and said, ‘This is what you need to do, Thea.’ I loved being at RSVP, and that’s what turned me on to volunteering.
How many volunteer jobs do you have?
A: I am an Airport Ambassador, and I volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Clarehouse, and Junior Achievement through the A-Team. I also usher at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center and volunteer at Tulsa Community College Performing Arts Center for Education. I work with Period Pantry — which is a real passion — and Our Blood Institute (OBI). I serve as a Senior Mentor for OSU’s medical program. I help with anything LIFE comes up with, sort money for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Program at Christmastime, and stay very busy with my church.
Do you have a favorite volunteer opportunity?
A: Everything I do is so different, and it is the comaraderie and being around people that means so much to me. Everything I do means something different in my heart.
What is the overall benefit of volunteering?
A: Joy. Filling my time. Being of service to the community.
How do you balance volunteering with everyday life?
A: I do a monthly calendar and I set up a standing rotation on my phone at the beginning of the year. Airport, OBI, Meals on Wheels — those three are standing commitments every month at certain times. I schedule things out and leave Wednesdays, Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays free. As for the volunteer opportunities that are on an as-needed basis, if I have time, I’ll do it. I’m happy with the balance I have.
Tell us something about you.
A: I love to travel. I’m very active in my church and that gives me a sense of fulfillment and joy. I love people. I love being outside in the sunshine. I love an adventure. Friendships and family mean a lot to me.
LIFE EDU /Crafting With Roxanne
Wednesday, June 18 • 3:30 p.m. on LIFE’s Facebook Page
Volunteer at LIFE
The American Red Cross
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? The American Red Cross is seeking compassionate, community-minded volunteers for high-impact roles. Help coordinate disaster response from home as a virtual duty officer, or make a difference in person as a facilities volunteer, fleet volunteer, or kitting and warehouse assistant — all essential to keeping their operations running smoothly. Whether you’re organizing supplies for lifesaving blood drives or ensuring Red Cross vehicles are ready to respond, your time makes a real difference. Join the American Red Cross and help bring hope and support to those who need it most.
Give 5
LIFE’s Give 5 program is enrolling participants for 2025 sessions. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in Tulsa, consider signing up for Give 5. Each Give 5 cohort meets from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday for five weeks. Participants enjoy engaging presentations from nonprofits and groups that are doing great things in our community with the help of volunteers. They then board LIFE’s bus to visit nonprofits and have a behind-the-scenes look at what volunteering with them is like. This program provides a fun and informative experience, as well as a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. To enroll for the next session or a future session, visit LIFEseniorservices. org/give5.
The A-Team
Are you interested in joining a group of volunteers who help area nonprofits with projects on an as-needed basis? If this sounds like you, then consider joining LIFE’s A-Team. The A-Team helps with large-scale mailings, preparation of event giveaways and materials, T-shirt folding needs for fundraisers, and much more! When one of LIFE’s nonprofit partners requests assistance, we let the A-Team know, and those who are available answer the call. It’s a fun opportunity to contribute to the community in a meaningful way while having a good time with like-minded volunteers who also want to make a difference.
To volunteer with these programs or to explore other volunteer options, contact Danielle at (918) 938-7635 or dhill@LIFEseniorservices.org. GET INVOLVED
Caregiver Tool Belt/
By Donna Mancini, Caregiver Support Specialist
LIFE’s Caregiver Tool Belt is Online!
Caregiver Tool Belt is a free, practical resource designed to support and empower caregivers — offering guidance, tools, and encouragement. Find it under the Resources tab at LIFEseniorservices.org.
The job calls for resilience and the capacity to bounce back from difficult experiences. Care providers must learn how to express forgiveness and put aside feelings of resentment and anger. They need to display courage when facing fear, adversity, and disappointment while they strive to use wisdom and good judgment in their decisionmaking.
Many of these character traits must be developed. It is an ongoing and even lifelong process. The word “character” is derived from the Greek, which means “I engrave.” Character is “etched into” us by our experiences and some of us may be able to demonstrate good traits more easily than others.
Qualities of a Successful Caregiver
The Heart of Caregiving Lies in Character
Caregivers often focus on how to help a loved one with specific tasks based on the loved one’s level of care. They jump on the caregiver “roller-coaster” and strive to outwardly manage or juggle the numerous tasks needed for the job.
To empower themselves, they seek resources and education to understand their loved one’s illness. Caregivers establish support systems, seek professional advice, utilize needed resources, and learn to prioritize realistic goals and expectations.
The question may arise, “Is physically doing specific tasks and leaning on various support systems all I need to be a successful caregiver?”
A caregiver said something to me that was very profound. He said, “One of the biggest challenges of being a successful caregiver is working on my personal character traits.” His comment was so insightful.
Caregiving is a multi-dimension endeavor too often given slight consideration. Care providers need to be creative and incorporate strategies that help them manage daily challenges. They must also have essential personal qualities to be successful in their caregiver role. They must demonstrate compassion, patience, and empathy, especially during the most difficult times, and they must be reliable, flexible, and teachable.
The important factor is that all caregivers must take the initiative to work on their own character. It takes time and effort. Those who are willing to develop good traits in the midst of challenges will experience healthier results.
Sometimes, when we believe we “conquered” a certain personality trait, an unexpected situation occurs and snags us by that very trait we worked on. The life of a caregiver typically provides opportunities to be triggered in this way. Often, tasks differ from day to day, or minute by minute, depending on the needs of a loved one.
There are days when caregivers feel successful and days when they face disappointments. It is at this time that caregivers need to be empathetic, compassionate, forgiving, and patient — with themselves.
The very treatment that caregivers want to provide to their loved ones must also be offered to themselves. Successful caregivers boldly seek inward change and humbly receive self-forgiveness, patience, and empathy.
Lovingly impart the best of you into this noble work. You will then experience a deeper level of success and satisfaction in your role as caregiver.
By Kathy Jones, Medicare
How to Lower Your Part D Out-of-Pocket Costs Other Options
With the rising prices of prescription drugs, it’s important to know ways you might be able to lower your costs.
Extra Help
Medicare’s Extra Help Program, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy, is a federal program that can lower prescription costs. Program eligibility is determined by a recipient’s income and assets. The monthly income limit is around $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for couples. The asset limits for an individual are almost $18,000, and nearly $35,000 for couples. If your income or assets are slightly above the limits, you should still apply because some types of income and assets are not counted towards these amounts.
The Extra Help program pays your monthly prescription drug premium for a basic Part D
plan up to approximately $49. You will have no deductible, and your prescription costs are no more than $4.90 for generic medications and $12.15 for brand-name medications. If your covered prescription costs reach $2,000, you will not pay any additional costs.
Prescription Assistance
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, also known as SPAPs, are offered to help state residents pay for prescription drugs. Each program works differently. States may coordinate their program with Part D and require that you sign up for Part D in order to receive assistance. To learn more or see if you qualify, contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you struggle to pay for your medications. These professionals may be able to assist you in one of the following ways:
• If you are taking an expensive drug or one not on your plan’s formulary (also known as a preferred medication), talk to your doctor to see if there is a less expensive generic alternative.
• Ask your doctor if they have samples of your medications.
• If you are getting your prescription filled from a hospital pharmacy, ask them if they have a charity program you may qualify for to access your medication at a lower cost.
• Look at national or local discount programs such as GoodRX, Singlecare, or costplusdrugs.com.
• Contact the drug’s manufacturer to see if they can help lower your out-of-pocket cost.
• Check with other pharmacies that are contracted with your Part D plan to learn if they offer the same medications at a lower cost.
Be aware that some discount programs, or SPAPs, may not be available to people with Medicare, or they may not work with your Part D plan. In that case, the amount you pay will not count toward your $2,000 cap on your Part D costs.
For additional questions or concerns, contact LIFE’s Medicare Assistance Program to speak with one of our Medicare specialists at (918) 938-7683.
Q: What snacks are high in protein and low in sugar?
With new sweeteners continually entering the market, distinguishing between naturally occurring sugars and added alternatives can be confusing. Simple sugars include glucose and fructose, found in fruits and honey. Compound sugars include lactose (milk sugar) and sucrose (table sugar), a combination of glucose and fructose.
Cane sugar is versatile for cooking, baking, and sweetening treats. Brown sugar is refined cane sugar with molasses added, which brings a richer caramelization and contributes to the moistness and chewiness in baked goods.
Honey, produced by bees from nectar and used for centuries as a natural sweetener, contains fructose, glucose, and water and carries a slightly lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Agave nectar is derived from the blue agave plant. The sap is extracted, filtered, and heated, resulting in a syrup that is sweeter than table sugar due to its high fructose content. It’s often used as a vegan alternative to honey.
Monk fruit is a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. The sweet part of the fruit is filtered into liquid and powder forms. Monk fruit extracts are intensely sweet, so only a small amount is needed. Monk fruit extract provides no calories and has a zero glycemic impact.
Date paste is made from ground whole dates, retaining the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Date paste can be used as a binder or sweetener when baking, and the fiber helps slow sugar absorption.
Despite being natural options, sugars should always be consumed in moderation.
Cleaning & Preparing ...
The Scoop on Sugar Exploring Natural Sweeteners GRAPES
Grapes are available fresh, dried, and as juice for good nutrition and convenience. When selecting fresh grapes, choose plump, firm ones that are firmly attached to the stem. They are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and very low in sodium. Store grapes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week.
GINGER
Ginger is a root vegetable containing antioxidants and is a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. Ginger is low-fat, low-sodium, and cholesterolfree. Choose robust, firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin. Ginger root should not be cracked or withered. Store unpeeled ginger root in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
A: Finding snacks that keep you feeling full and energized without a sugar crash is key. Protein takes longer to digest and provides a slower, more sustainable release of energy for the hours after eating. Hard-boiled eggs are packed with protein. You can even buy them peeled and ready to eat at the grocery store. If you’re worried about cholesterol, toss the yolk, since the whites contain the beneficial protein. Greek yogurt, string cheese, and individual cottage cheese containers are great options. Try single-serving containers of hummus or guacamole with your favorite veggies for dipping. This double-whammy snack knocks out one vegetable serving and a serving of heart-healthy fat.
Ask the Experts
Your Nutrition Questions Answered!
LIFE’s team of expert dietitians is here to help. Get the answers you need to fuel your healthiest self!
EMAIL QUESTIONS TO editor@LIFEseniorservices.org
Chicken Pasta Salad
Recipe courtesy of Leah Perez for The Pioneer Woman Makes 8 – 10 servings
Ingredients:
• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 1 cup plain yogurt (not Greek)
• ¾ cup low-calorie mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups red grapes, halved
• ¾ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup fresh dill
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Butter lettuce leaves
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook for one minute longer than package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Fold in the pasta, chicken, celery, green onion, grapes, parsley, and dill. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
3. Sprinkle the salad with almonds before serving on butter lettuce, if you like.
REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS FOR LIFE TRANSITIONS
BY JULIE WENGER WATSON
You’re probably familiar with the term “downsizing,” the act of moving to a smaller home to reduce expenses, declutter, or simplify your lifestyle, but what about “rightsizing?” In recent years, this concept of thoughtfully considering current needs and future desires to find the best living space to accommodate them has become a popular housing trend.
RIGHTSIZING VERSUS DOWNSIZING
For many people, the term “downsizing” can have negative connotations of loss — of space, possessions, or income, for example. Some perceive it as a move for “older people” who are getting towards the end of their independence, a reduction in lifestyle.
While rightsizing can often include moving to a smaller living space, it’s more about finding or maintaining a space that better reflects your current stage in life or even the future you envision, with a focus on lifestyle, rather than stuff. In other words, taking stock of where you are and where you want to be, then finding the right living space to realize that vision.
“Over the years, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been assisting clients as they transition into a new season of life — one that often involves downsizing, or as I like to call it, ‘rightsizing,’” said Amy Cavallin, a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Advantage.
BENEFITS OF RIGHTSIZING
“There are many reasons people choose to rightsize,” Cavallin said. “Sometimes it’s when children leave for college, or when homeowners realize they simply don’t need the space they once did. Others seek a lifestyle with less upkeep and maintenance, lower costs, or a home that allows them the freedom to travel with peace of mind, a true ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle. For some, it’s about living closer to grandchildren, medical care, or enjoying the ease of single-level living.”
Cavallin’s client Sam Allen says a change in family dynamics caused him to rethink — and resize — his living situation.
“Property maintenance and taxes were expensive, and I didn’t use some of the rooms in the bigger house,” he said. His new home is about twothirds the size of the former residence.
“I wanted a fixer-upper,” he said. “I have remodeled a few houses and wanted a challenge. Boy, did I ever get one.” Allen remodeled every room of the home from floor to ceiling and is very happy with the results.
“I have no wasted space. It’s the perfect size for my lifestyle,” he said. Best of all, his daughter and her family live directly across the street. His two grandchildren have their own room in his new space, and he keeps his “grand-dogs” most weekdays.
Whatever the reason for rightsizing, the benefits can be both practical and emotional. Consciously choosing to enhance your quality of life by finding the dwelling space that suits your lifestyle can be empowering.
LIGHTEN UP WITH DECLUTTERING
BY STEVE CLEM
Professional organizers Pat Martin of Organize to Harmonize and Jacki Lechner — also known as Ms PAC Ma’am — know that decluttering isn't just about tidying up. Clearing out excess can create a safer home, ease emotional stress, and bring the joy of giving to others. Their tips can help you reclaim your space, one drawer at a time.
1
Getting Started
Put decluttering on your calendar. Block out a few uninterrupted hours and start small. Stay focused — avoid distractions.
The Sorting Process
Label four boxes: keep, toss, donate/ gift, and undecided (keep this one small).
Organizing a Closet Toss out mismatched hangers and invest in felt-covered ones.
Use your bed to sort clothing as you go.
Buy a shoe organizer and sort the pairs you plan to keep.
3 5
Protecting Valuables
Use a locking file cabinet or safe for financial documents, jewelry, firearms, and medications. Include a sheet of key contacts.
Old Photos Discard faded or unrecognizable photos. Digitize the rest or snap pictures with your phone.
Save a select few in a keepsake box.
4 6 2
Staying Clutter-Free
Spend 10 minutes daily on easy tasks — picking up laundry, clearing trash, and sorting mail — to keep clutter under control.
With help from Realtor Amy Cavallin, Sam Allen found his "rightsized" home across from his daughter — and his grand-dogs, who keep him company during the week.
Rightsizing can provide a “fresh start” for people entering a new chapter of their lives. No longer responsible for the day-to-day obligations and possessions associated with a busy family, the change offers the opportunity to select furniture and décor that match where you are now.
From a financial aspect, rightsizing can save money if the new choice is a more affordable property. Benefits might take the form of reduced mortgage payments or rent, lower utility bills, or fewer costs associated with maintenance.
Cleaning, organizing, and reducing clutter in your home can also make it more manageable and safer, which can recharge you mentally and physically. If you move with your future needs in mind, you can find a space that will allow you to age in place. Ultimately, rightsizing represents the chance to create an environment that aligns with the lifestyle you currently have or the future you envision.
RIGHTSIZING WHERE YOU ARE
Rightsizing doesn’t always mean a move. You may be very happy in your home, but still desire to have a living space that better reflects and supports your current style of living. If staying put, a good start is to assess the space to determine how it does, or doesn’t, align with personal goals. Ask, “Do I need this?” and “What do I need?”
For example, if your goal is to maintain independence in later life, will your home accommodate changes in physical abilities? Are there a lot of stairs, or is it one level? Would it be easy to maneuver in a walker or wheelchair, should you lose mobility or need to recover from a health setback?
Remember that you can often change your home to accommodate your altered health and abilities. The bathroom is an obvious spot to start.
“The quickest, easiest, and most inexpensive modifications to the bathroom are grab bars. Grab bars — safely anchored to the stud walls — are easily installed and fairly inexpensive and can be put throughout the bathroom for balance and stability,” said Dana McDonald, manager of Allied Plumbing Service in Tulsa. “Other modifications include, but are not limited to, comfort height toilets, walk-in or roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, and widening doorways to make them safer and more accessible.”
Look at how you’re actually using rooms. Just because you’ve always called one space “the family room,” doesn’t mean it can’t function in a different capacity. Maybe you’ve always wanted an exercise room and can make new use of an existing space. If you host guests frequently, consider creating an area that can be converted to a guestroom when needed. If your budget allows it, don’t rule out renovations like remodeling a kitchen or expanding your outdoor living space.
RIGHTSIZING WITH A MOVE
Sometimes moving is the best way to rightsize. Now is the time to think about the life you want and find the home that can facilitate that vision.
“When I first meet with a client, we begin with a buyer consultation to discuss their lifestyle goals, financial considerations, and timeline,” Cavallin said. “If they have a current home to sell, we plan for that, too. We discuss what belongings they want to bring to their new home and develop a
plan for items they no longer need, whether that means passing them on to family or organizing an estate sale to help simplify the move.”
While rightsizing to your dream home is an exciting time, it’s not without challenges. Many people may experience a range of feelings.
“This transition is often emotional,” Cavallin said. “Many clients are leaving a family home filled with decades of memories. As a realtor, I believe it’s crucial to recognize and honor the sentimental attachments tied to a home, while guiding clients through a smooth and thoughtful move.”
When contemplating a rightsize move, planning and research are key.
“Often, clients reach out to me for an initial walkthrough and consultation of their existing home,” Cavallin said. “From there, we create a personalized game plan tailored to their vision for this next chapter — identifying the ideal home size, community features, and the lifestyle they’re excited to embrace. With access to a network of estate sale companies, movers, and cleaners, I help coordinate every detail leading up to listing and selling their current home.”
Although some people find their “rightsize” in another house, many use this opportunity to consider other options, such as condominiums, 55+ communities, or senior living options.
“I often find clients are searching for singlestory homes or communities that offer a lowmaintenance lifestyle. Features such as ADAcompliant designs, community amenities like pools or clubhouses, and lawn care services are high on the priority list,” Cavallin noted. “More than just a new house, many seek a community where they can truly live life together with others in a similar stage.”
Any transition can be both challenging and exciting. Rightsizing is no exception. However, with a thoughtful and strategic approach, rightsizing can positively impact your financial and emotional well-being, allowing you to find the home that suits your lifestyle, rather than letting your lifestyle be dictated by the house in which you live. Finding a home that truly suits your needs now helps you strike the right balance between space, convenience, and the ability to stay connected to family and friends.
“Rightsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” said Cavallin. “With the right support and a thoughtful plan, it can be the beginning of a wonderful new adventure.”
QUICK TIP
Choose Soft Color Palettes, Mirrors and Sheer Window Treatments
{ OUTDOOR SPACES }
A small patio or balcony can become an extension of your living area with folding chairs, a compact bistro table, or even a vertical herb garden.
“Small spaces shine when you embrace light colors and maximize functionality,” said designer Emily Henderson. “You don’t have to sacrifice beauty — you just have to be clever.”
BY KAREN SZABO
Small living spaces don’t have to mean cramped quarters. In fact, they’re the perfect canvas for smart design, creative storage, and major personality. Whether you’re downsizing, rightsizing, or just looking to make the most of your square footage, a few strategic changes can transform any compact space into a stylish retreat.
One of the biggest tips from designers? Think multifunctional. “In a small home, every piece needs to work twice as hard,” said interior designer Bobby Berk. Look for furniture that pulls double duty — like ottomans with hidden storage, sleeper sofas, and expandable dining tables.
Smart storage is another must. Maximize vertical space with floating shelves or slim bookcases. Use baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to keep essentials neat but accessible.
When it comes to decorating, think light and bright. Soft color palettes, mirrors, and sheer window treatments can make a space feel open and airy. Layering different textures — like a woven throw on a velvet chair — adds cozy depth without clutter. QUICK TIP
Maximize Vertical Space With Floating Shelves
FOR SMALL SPACES }
A plush place to prop your feet and stash a throw. This versatile ottoman brings comfort, style, and hidden storage to small living rooms. target.com $199.99
A plush place to prop your feet and stash a throw. This versatile ottoman brings comfort, style, and hidden storage to small living rooms. yamazakihome.com $145
Word Search / Smart Moves
Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box contains each digit 1-9 without repeating the number.
Word Clues
Each answer starts with the letter T.
To do this mental word game, read the clues; each answer refers to a word starting with the letter T. Answers on page 31.
A special ability to do something very well.
Something you aim for or try to achieve.
To give extra money to someone who has done a service well for you.
A loud noise during a storm.
The flavor you get when you put something in your mouth.
Fumes from chemicals that are poisonous are ...
All the vehicles on the road.
The day before tomorrow.
A liquid that doesn't flow easily is ...
Leaning to one side.
Bamboozable
A bamboozable is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words in an interesting way. The goal is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each bamboozable is meant to represent. There are six bamboozables below. Answers on page 31.
Looking Looking ATUNE
Crossword
Answers on page 31.
Bonus Content
Across 1 Beehive, for one 5 Pussy foot 8 Contractor's bid
Antarctic swimmer 14 "Present!"
Called balls and strikes
"__ waiting long?"
Years and years
"That is ... "
Old school? 22 Intelligence org. founded by Truman 23 Oldest part of Notre-Dame de Paris
Oscar nods, briefly 26 Break down, as a sentence
Old story? 34 __ of London 36 Word in some alumna updates
__ Domani wine
Comfy shoe brand
Old timer? 42 Like cold, damp weather
Island home of Kahului Airport
Brand of flavored water
High school for the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies
Old guard?
Wee bits
52 Whispery YouTube genre, initially 53 Dangle
55 Grab __ 57 Old flame?
63 "The Godfather" brother 65 Cousin's mom
66 French for "sword" 67 Penalties
68 __ gin fizz
69 Hon
70 Indulges fully
71 End of a texter's request
72 Onesie closer Down
1 Ty who had a .366 career batting average
2 Treat with a Post Malone limited edition version 3 Frosts 4 Tomi Adeyemi genre
5 Pirate's prosthetic, perhaps 6 Gray __
7 One direction
8 Foodstuff known as "mother of all grains" to the Inca 9 Hesitant murmur
10 Poorly kept confidence
11 Genmaicha and matcha
12 Poet __ St. Vincent Millay
14 "Die Hard" villain Gruber
20 Slanted columns
21 Out of neutral
25 Cannes Mrs.
26 Perfectly vertical
27 Diet for aquarium snails
28 Double-crossing spy
30 Like many Sundance entries
31 Garland sometimes given as a graduation gift
32 Milan's La __
33 Bays (at)
35 Legacy creator
40 Singer __ King Cole
41 Bluffing
44 Conditionals
47 Boxers' mats
49 Decorate with a raised seal
50 Savanna herbivores
54 Upfront stake
55 Chums with matching bracelets, perhaps
56 Number of divas
58 Woodworking tool
59 __ and void
60 Over
61 Actress Ward
62 Release before "Rubber Soul" 64 Not quite the worst grade
How well do you know your skin? It all starts with a look in the mirror.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with one in five Americans diagnosed during their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Fortunately, the condition is often curable if caught early, which makes knowing what to look for especially important.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common,
while melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. BCCs and SCCs are growths of abnormal cells in the outermost layer of skin and are commonly found on places like the ears, face, scalp, neck, and hands — places exposed to the sun. If untreated, they can lead to disfiguring changes.
Melanoma develops in the skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It often resembles a mole and can appear anywhere on the body, even on the soles of the feet, under nails, and in the eyes.
Bonus Content
Think you know the signs of skin cancer? Learn how to spot melanoma early. Watch an in-depth video on the ABCDEs of skin cancer — find it in the digital edition under Resources at LIFEseniorservices.org.
Dermatologists recommend doing a self-exam each month in a room with good lighting. Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to check all areas, including your back, scalp, the soles of your feet, and between your toes.
RISK FACTORS
Most melanoma cases are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or an indoor tanning bed. Melanoma is more common in men, possibly due to lower sunscreen use and fewer skin checks. Fair-skinned people with naturally blonde and red hair and light eyes are at an increased risk, but darker-skinned people can also develop skin cancer. The risk is higher if melanoma runs in families or you’ve had it before.
PREVENTION
While we can’t go back in time and erase the hours spent in the sun, we can protect ourselves going forward.
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make it a part of your morning routine, even on cloudy days or when you’re inside near windows. Cover all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and the backs of your hands. Reapply if you swim or sweat.
Try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or anytime your shadow is shorter than you are. Seek shade. Wear lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and wraparound sunglasses with UV protection.
If you see a suspicious spot, don’t wait. Make an appointment with a dermatologist.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Dermatologists recommend learning this guide as you conduct your monthly skin check.
A is for ASYMMETRY.
One half of the lesion or mole looks different than the other half.
B is for BORDER. The borders are irregular and may have ragged or notched edges.
C is for COLOR.
A melanoma may have different shades of black, tan, or brown. Red, white, or blue may appear with time.
D is for DIAMETER.
The spot or lesion is the size of a pencil eraser, about a quarter inch in diameter.
E is for EVOLVING.
Changes in size, shape, color, itching, or bleeding should be seen by a doctor.
A Baseball Fan’s Travel Playbook
By Alyssa Dillard
/LIFE on the Road
From iconic American traditions like collecting trading cards, singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and buying peanuts and Cracker Jacks at the stadium, it’s no surprise baseball is known as America’s pastime. More than just entertainment and delicious snacks, Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums are packed with rich sports history, and just about every one of them offers tours for a behind-the-scenes look. Here are just a few of the 30 MLB ballparks that make a memorable trip for any baseball enthusiast.
1. FENWAY PARK
Boston, Massachusetts
America’s oldest MLB stadium has welcomed fans since 1912 to cheer on the home team Red Sox. Boston’s Fenway Park is known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” due to its intimate feel and unique, historic features. These include Pesky’s Pole, the right field foul pole named after Johnny Pesky, who allegedly had most of his home runs strike or land just past the pole, and the infamous Green Monster, a 37-foot-tall wall overlooking left field. Visitors can take in the view from atop the Green Monster and check out other legendary spots during year-round tours. Pregame tours are also available during the season for early access, and don’t forget to buy an iconic Fenway Frank while you’re enjoying the game!
2. WRIGLEY FIELD
Chicago, Illinois
We’re
Nicknamed “The Friendly Confines,” this Chicago ballpark opened in 1914 with features like the ivy-covered outfield wall and hand-turned scoreboard. Educational field tours are available during the baseball season for a behind-the-scenes look. One of the traditions you’ll experience while cheering on the Cubs is the seventhinning stretch, where spectators stand up and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” often led by celebrity guest conductors. Wrigley Field is one of the best stadiums to try some classic but reimagined ballpark food like the North Side Twist Pretzel, the Big Slugger Helmet Nachos, and you can’t leave the Windy City without trying a Chicago-style hot dog.
3. DODGER STADIUM
Los Angeles, California
Carved into the hillside of the Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers’ home base has provided breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline and San Gabriel Mountains since opening in 1962. This ballpark has plenty of immersive fan experiences from watching the Friday Night Lights fireworks on the outfield grass to enjoying live Mariachi music on Mexican Heritage Night — not to mention all the activities like pitching cages and virtual reality photo booths at the stadium’s heart, Centerfield Plaza. There’s also a variety of concessions from the classic Dodger Dog to barbecue to Korean fried chicken. Fans can also learn about the history of Dodger Stadium and its home team with stadium and clubhouse tours, and even pregame tours to watch the players warm up.
BY CONNIE CRONLEY
Book Club/
Our Immigration History
Explore more in our digital edition—watch a powerful video interview with "White
author Reece
as he discusses the history of immigration and borders in America.
Immigration is a looming issue in the news that seems to me, (a) troubling, (b) complex, (c) deeply rooted in history, and (d) insoluble.
So, I found a book to see if I can suss out the root of the problem, better understand it, and hope for a solution.
“White Borders”
“White Borders: The History of Race and Immigration in the United States from Chinese Exclusion to the Border Wall,” by Reece Jones, covers a long period. This history begins long before anti-Chinese laws in California restricted citizenship to a “free white person.” Before that, the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision in 1857 denied citizenship to free African Americans.
This book is clear that U.S. immigration laws are about racial exclusion, which challenges the notion of America as a melting pot of immigrants where all are equal. The book reads like a novel as it moves from Colonial settlement to modern day. We had no national rules about immigration until 1875, but regional prohibitions stretched back to 1630 when the Puritans enacted a law limiting the entry of “strangers ... with intent to reside.” Early colonies targeted Catholics (especially Jesuit priests), Quakers, the poor, and the infirm.
Anti-immigrant sentiment spiked with the 1849 Gold Rush in California and the arrival of hundreds of thousands of people to the Pacific Coast, many of them non-white. Politicians argued the Chinese were a danger to the white race; the largest mass lynching in U.S. history was in Los Angeles in 1871 (17 Chinese men), and in 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed.
Early Immigration Policy
Jones shows that the country’s use of immigration and citizenship laws for an exclusionary agenda did not begin yesterday. “It did not begin with the 1965 Hart-Cellar Immigration Act that made Mexican labor migration illegal,” he writes, “or the 1924 Johnson-Reed Immigration Act that President Calvin Coolidge said would ‘keep America American’ by completely banning Asian immigration and severely restricting immigration from everywhere except Western Europe.” It began with the first Dutch slave ship in 1619.
From the nation’s beginning, some people were encouraged to come and others were discouraged by law. The Massachusetts colony laws favored more Protestant immigrants. Between the 1830s and 1880s, the state of Massachusetts expelled 50,000 people back to Ireland, Jones writes.
When Japanese immigration swelled, President Theodore Roosevelt pushed back against exclusion laws in the interest of diplomatic relations and established the Gentleman’s Agreement of 1907. The Japanese government politely agreed not to issue passports to Japanese citizens or people of Korea, a Japanese colony at the time.
Bonus Content
Discover additional book recommendations by flipping through the digital archives of LIFE’s Vintage Magazine at LIFEseniorservices.org.
In 1896, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge proposed a literacy test for immigrants targeting nonEnglish speaking people. Specifically, “Russians, Hungarians, Poles, Bohemians, Italians, Greeks, and even Asiatics.” Congress passed a literacy test law year after year, only to have it vetoed by Presidents Grover Cleveland, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. The 1924 JohnsonReed Immigration Act established quotas based on national origin. President Calvin Coolidge got it over the finish line with his campaign slogan, “Keep America American.”
In 1952, President Harry S. Truman vetoed the McCarran-Walter Act, saying it deliberately and intentionally discriminated against many. “That concept,” he said, “is utterly unworthy of our traditions and our ideals.” Congress overrode his veto, and the act became law.
Jones, a professor of geography at the University of Hawaii, tells our immigration law history well, clearly, and concisely. He also lands some, to me, shocking contemporary information. Such as: “A single charitable foundation, the Colcom Foundation, established by the late Mellon heir Cordelia Scaife May, gave $63 million to antiimmigrant groups during the 2016 election.” Most of those groups were established by a single man, John Tanton, an ophthalmologist from Petoskey, Michigan.
The author does not offer suggestions for immigration law reform. His book reveals how America’s immigration system was shaped by efforts to preserve a white-dominated society.
Reece Jones
Chinese women and children are detained in a holding room at the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay. The island was used as a processing center from 1910 - 1940.
Borders"
Jones
Hearth & Home
An unidentified woman stands on a ladder while cleaning a chandelier in the lobby of the Mayo Hotel. Architect George Winkler designed the hotel.
Handy the Penguin stands in front of M&M Lumber on Mingo Road. Six-foot fiberglass penguins began appearing around Tulsa in the spring of 2002 as part of a fundraiser for the Tulsa Zoo’s new penguin exhibit. A total of 107 statues were sold, and a few still remain.
This interior photo of the Skelly Mansion, 2101 S. Madison Ave., in Tulsa, shows the grandeur of the home owned by one of the city’s wealthiest oil men, William Skelly, who built the home for $80,000 in the 1920s. The home is now owned by the University of Tulsa and serves as the residence of the president.
This Month in History
JUNE 1, 1980
CNN Launches
Cable News Network debuted from its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, as the world’s first 24-hour television news network. At the time, NBC, CBS, and ABC dominated TV news with their nightly 30-minute broadcast, and CNN changed the notion that news could only be reported at certain times. Early on, CNN lost money and was ridiculed as the Chicken Noodle Network but later significantly grew in popularity.
JUNE 10, 1752
Franklin Flies Kite in Thunderstorm
Although the exact date has been debated, Benjamin Franklin famously flew a kite during a thunderstorm around June 10th. Franklin conducted this experiment to collect ambient electrical charge in a Leyden jar to demonstrate the connection between lightning and electricity. Electricity was still a largely unknown topic, and Franklin spent nearly a decade experimenting with it, coining terms like conductor and battery.
JUNE 12, 1924
George H.W. Bush was Born
41st President George Herbert Walker Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. House of Representatives before serving two terms as Ronald Reagan’s vice president. Bush later became president in 1988. Bush was the father of the 43rd President George W. Bush and Florida Governor Jeb Bush. George H.W. Bush passed away in Houston, Texas, on November 30, 2018.
JUNE 20, 1975
“Jaws” Opens in Theaters
Despite filming delays and technical difficulties, including malfunctioning mechanical sharks, “Jaws” became an instant blockbuster and the highest-grossing film in movie history at the time. Based on a bestselling novel, the film followed a great white shark terrorizing a resort town. It succeeded in both making audiences afraid of going in water and putting director Steven Spielberg on the Hollywood map, taking home three Oscars.
JUNE 26, 1974
First Item Scanned with UPC Barcode
At a supermarket in Troy, Ohio, a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum became the first grocery store item scanned with a Universal Product Code or UPC. It took decades to create the functional barcode scanning technology, and it received mixed reactions from the public. The UPC barcode eventually became an ever-present feature in modern commerce, with billions of barcodes being scanned daily.
JUNE 29, 1613
The Globe Theatre Burns Down
The building where most of Shakespeare’s plays debuted was destroyed by fire due to a stage cannon during a performance. Like other theaters of the time, the Globe was a round wooden structure. Shakespeare’s acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, built the Globe Theatre in 1599 from the timbers of London’s very first permanent theater, Burbage’s Theater, when the theater’s lease ran out.
Museum of Tulsa History • 2445 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa Tulsa Historical Society and Museum
CARPET CLEANING
ALL PRO Carpet Cleaning
Senior and caregiver discounts. Carpet, furniture, rug cleaning. Pet odor removed and Teflon protectant available. Emergency water extraction. Residential and commercial services. Professional truck mount steam cleaning. Carpet repairs and restretching. Prompt, professional, quality service at a fair price. Certified, insured. Veteran owned and operated. Call Thomas Fink, owner/technician, for free estimate (918) 636-6303.
CEMETERY LOTS
3 Plots in Memorial Park
3 plots for sale located in Memorial Park Cemetery. The lots were $2,850 each and are now $1,500 each
O.B.O. Located in Section 35, Lot 119, Spaces 1,4,6. Call Don at (918) 506-8568.
Floral Haven Memorial Gardens
Two lots in Garden of Everlasting Life. Very easy to locate within the oldest area of Floral Haven. Lot 19B, Spaces 3 and 4. Valued at $5,995 each and will sell for $2,500 each. Call (918) 260-8632.
Four Calvary Cemetery Lots
Four Calvary Cemetery lots (91st and Harvard) located in Mausoleum 1, Patio F, Level A #111. Worth
$20,700 and reduced to $19,000. Call (918) 919-2020.
Low Prices for Memorial Park Lots
Regular price $1,870 each. Section 21, Lot 77A, spaces 1 & 6, both $1,800. Section 21, Lot 23A, spaces 3 & 4, Lot 24A, spaces 3 & 4, two for $3,000, all four $5,000. Seller pays transfer fee. Contact Steven (636) 575-1469 or email steven1912@charter.net.
Memorial Park Cemetery Tulsa
Park Haven North, (Near memorial). 6 plots, Section 6 North, Lot 533, graves 1-6. Call or text: (918) 694-9931.
Memorial Park Companion Crypt
Memorial Park - Companion Crypt. Section 27, Unit 3, Row 23, Companion Crypt A. Current value - $10,925. Asking $8,000. Contact: johnholderman2@gmail.com
Memorial Park Area 4
Spaces 4, 5, 6 in sold out prime section 4, lot 76. $2,000 each plus interment fee. Text (918) 520-8237 for map.
Memorial Park Mausoleum Companion Crypt Companion crypt available in Memorial Park Cemetery. Crypt A located in Section 27-1, Row 57. Priced at $9,025. Call or text H.L. at (918) 284-0306 or email hlmoore_1@att.net
Memorial Park – 2 Spaces
Available
Two spaces available in Memorial Park Cemetery. The spaces, located in Section 48 Lot 320 (spaces 3 & 4) in South Lawn section--one section over from the creek. Lots have been reduced in price to $2350 each from $2,850. Bronze only garden. Willing to negotiate price just call (918) 671-3152.
Memorial Park – 4 Contiguous Plots
Four plots located in Section 15 near Lake of Enchantment. Will only sell as a group. $5,000. Leave message or text (936) 443-2344.
Memorial Park Garden of the Apostles
Four spaces in section 28, lot 111, spaces 1,2,7,8. Bronze only section. Current value $2,150 each. Will sell all four, or in pairs for $1,750 each. Call or text (918) 633-6138 with message ‘Memorial Park Lots’ and a call back number.
Memorial Park, Garden of the Christus South of the chapel. Section 15, lot 260, plots 4, 5 and 6, in a row. Will sell separately or together. Note: this is a bronze-marker only section. $1,500 each. BTW Bob Wills is buried in this section! Call John (918) 446-1730
Memorial Park – Garden of the Prophets
Available: Five adjoining spaces, including two full-sized coffin crypts, located in picturesque Section 57, Lot 398; Spaces 1-4 and Lot 399; Space 4 near the recently added Bronze Angel statue. EXCEPTIONAL SAVINGS! $1,395 ($1,850 value) for each space and $699 ($950 value) for each crypt. Call/Text (714) 313-7616; email paulbland2@yahoo.com
Memorial Park Plots. Huge Savings!
Selling 4 burial plots at Memorial Park Cemetery in nice location. Will sell in pairs or all four. Spaces 1,2,7,8 in Lot 133 in Section 28. Only $1,250 each. Valued at $2,250 each. Call or text (918) 521-0869.
CLEANING
Live Beautifully! You Deserve It! Here at Moore Cleaning we are your trusted source for seniors needing assistance with home cleaning. You are our priority! We have over 23 years experience and references from our loyal customers. We customize our cleaning to meet your needs. Also offering window cleaning and organizing. Reasonable rates. Please call today to set up your appointment. Marybelle Moore (918) 671-5065. Marybellemoore111@gmail.com.
New Season Cleaning Service
New Season Cleaning Service offers residential housecleaning weekly or
bi-weekly. Reasonable rates for a job well done. Accepting new customers!! Call Todd at (918) 630-0747 Visit www.newseasoncleaningservice. com or email newseasoncleaningservice@gmail.com.
Window Cleaning. Housecleaning. Window Cleaning – I make your windows shine no matter what condition they are in. Chandeliers, light fixtures and mirrors. House Cleaning – can do on regular basis, move-in or move-out, construction clean, also will do curio/china cabinets and special projects. Experienced in all areas including detail and organization. Reasonable rates and references. Call (539) 664-1986.
DAYTIME CARE
Daytime Care For Older Loved Ones
LIFE’s Adult Day Health offers convenient, affordable daytime care at three locations in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. For more information, call LIFE’s Adult Day Health at (918) 664-9000.
DRIVER SAFETY
AARP Smart Driver Course
Take the AARP Smart Driver Course and learn proven safe driving strategies plus possibly get a discount on your car insurance. Courses available in the Tulsa area. (866) 238-8355.aarp.org/drive. Interested in becoming a volunteer instructor? aarp.org/auto/driversafety/volunteer.
ESTATE SALES
2MS Estate Sales...Tulsa’s Finest! Downsizing? Estate Liquidation? Let us take the worry away and maximize your return. No out of pocket expense. We specialize in senior transitions, with over 20 years in the senior housing market. My team includes realtors, moving company, senior housing and attorneys if needed. Please contact Michelle Reed (918) 691-5893 or Atulsa@aol.com also Facebook 2MSestatesalestulsa for a free consultation.
Exquisite Estate Sales
A premier Tulsa estate sale company, Exquisite Estate Sales provides professional, trustworthy estate sale services for all sizes of sales, including luxury estates. We make each sale profitable and pleasant for our clients and our sale guests…an exquisite experience from start to finish! Free Consultations (918) 284-4061 or exquisite-estatesales.com.
FINANCIAL INSURANCE
A New Medicare Plan! Do you know about the new Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule? Each year, starting on your birthday, you have 60 days to shop and enroll into a different Medicare Supplement plan with no medical questions! Find out more by calling MedicarePrepare at (918) 420-9999. Our local agents can answer your questions and may be able to save you money on premiums.
CLASSIFIEDS
Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at LIFE Senior Services provides accurate information, counseling and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries, their representatives and persons soon to be eligible for Medicare. Call MAP at LIFE Senior Services (918) 664-9000 or toll-free at (866) 664-9009.
GARDEN/LAWN CARE
AAA Lawns & More
Total tree and lawn care. Specializing in reasonably priced tree removal or trimming any size tree. Fence repair and installation. Insured, honest, experienced and dependable. Veteran-owned. We are a small company with personal service. References available. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Larry. (918) 361-1299.
Aardwolf Leaf & Lawn Care
Mowing, weed eating, edging, hedge trimming, garden tilling, gutter cleaning and lawn clean-up. Free Estimates! Call Patrick Mills. (918) 814-0973.
Flowerbed Design. Garden Installation – specializing in Butterfly & Earthkind gardens. Schedule garden maintenance. Weeding, mulching, annual color, Spring & Fall cleanup, hedge & shrub trimming, tree trimming, tree removal, stone pathways. Call Charles (918) 636-0298.
J Kirby Tractor Service Gardens tilled, Brush hogging and Front loader work. Call (918) 519-5203 or (918) 428-7990
Kimble Davis Tree Service
Specializing in large tree removal and trimming. We also perform preventative tree maintenance and trimming for the health of all your trees. Please call for free estimate. (55’ bucket truck, chipper truck, crane). Call Kimble (918) 853-5383.
Mower Repair / Maintenance
All brands – Riders, ZTRs, Walk-behinds, UTVs / ATVs. Top Quality work, ASE certified Mechanic. Pick-up and delivery available. Tulsa and surrounding counties. Maintenance specials include pick-up and delivery 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call Scott (918) 519-3869.
New Season Lawn & Tree
Summer clean-up available. Mowing, trimming, leaf removal, hedge trimming, flower beds. Small tree trimming. We offer weekly, bi-weekly & year-round services. Best rates, senior discounts.Free Estimates. Accepting new customers!! Call Todd (918) 639-2262. Email info@newseasonlawnandtree.com, and check us out at www.newseasonlawnandtree.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
New Season Tree Masters
Specializing in tree removal and stump grinding. Tree trimming service available. Certified arborist on staff. Serving all of metro Tulsa with over 20 years’ experience. Fully insured. Free estimates Contact us at info@newseasontreemasters.com or call Todd at (918) 934-4868. www.newseasontreemasters.com.
HOME REPAIR/REMODELING
Big C’s Plumbing Services
Your one-stop-plumbing shop! Call us and I guarantee you will never have to call another plumbing company.
Licensed, bonded and insured for your protection...Call (918) 855-9216, tell us you saw us in the Vintage Newsmagazine and receive an automatic 10% discount. Call us now.
Bumgartner Plumbing
Licensed, with over 40 years of experience. Rates are low and based on the job, not the hour. No service call fee or travel time charge. Senior and caregiver discount. Plumbing service and repair our specialty. Honest, professional service you can count on. Lic. #82750. (918) 355-4747.
DRYWALL & PAINTING
New to the Tulsa area! I specialize in drywall repairs, wood repairs, matching textures, painting interior/ exterior. Insured and free estimates. Help us grow in the Tulsa community or in your community!! Call John at (918) 600-9129.
Eternal Way Construction
We can take your dreams and make them a reality. From foundation repair to roofing and EVERYTHING in between, we do remodeling, roofing, flooring, tile, carpet, drywall, painting, foundation repair, plumbing, electrical, and much more. Multiple crews for timely job starts. See our work on Facebook and Eternalwayconstruction.com. Edward (918) 819-7719.
In a Jam? Services
Around the home repairs or replacements, inside and out. Fence Repair/Replacement, Power Washing, Gutter Cleanout, Garage/ Attic Cleanout, Haul-off, Leaf/Snow Removal, Staining/Painting, Drywall Patching/Replacement, Tile/Flooring, Deck Repair, and much more! No job is too small. Have any questions, please give me a call. Joe Moody (918) 740-7209
INAJAMSERVICES77@gmail.com.
JC Restores Construction
Christ centered remodeling and construction service. Services include full home renovation, flooring, fence/deck, pavilions, bathroom and kitchen, drywall, interior/exterior paint, landscaping, wheelchair ramps, handyman services. Whatever you need we will take care of it. Including prayer! Call for free estimate (918) 509-5407.
KMS Heating & Cooling
Locally owned since 1979, KMS is proud to be your new HVAC provider! Your comfort is our top
priority, and our team of experienced technicians and staff are dedicated to providing you with prompt, reliable, and personalized service for all your residential and commercial HVAC needs. (918) 834-7000. www.kmshvac.com.
Same Day Services
Light Hauling or Moving – deliverypower washing-patio furniture-help you rearrange room furniture, lawn mowing/leaves/small paint jobs/ fence staining/fence repair/light construction/window cleaning. We are honest, dependable. References. Call (918) 313-5230 estimates free.
Scrap Metal Haul Off
Free haul off/pick up of appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, hot water tanks and any scrap metal. Call John at (918) 313-4405.
Thackeray & Sons Painting and Repair
No job too big or small. We do it ALL! (918) 946-1209.
HOUSING
Searching for Rental Property in Tulsa
I am searching for a street level private rental property with walker access, possibly a mother-in-law suite or similar. The apartment or house needs to have doors wide enough for a walker and no stairs. Month-to-month or short-term leases are preferred. Call Denise at (918) 576-8678.
LEGAL
75 Years Experience in Oklahoma Courts
Frasier Law Firm is a full-service Tulsa firm with decades of experience in all Oklahoma courts. We handle all matters, including probate, wills and trusts, personal injury and negligence cases. We have estate planning specialists. Reach us at (918) 584-4724 or frasier@tulsa.com.
Full Service Estate Planning Law Firm
Trusts, Wills, Gift and Tax Planning, Powers of Attorneys and more! With offices in Sand Springs and Tulsa. Discount to Veterans and Retired Teachers. Willing to meet you in your place for no extra charge! Call Penni of the Skillern Law Firm at (918) 805-2511. www.skillernlaw.com.
MOVERS
BISON MOVING TULSA
Family-owned local moving company, experienced with senior relocations. Packing, labor-only or full-service available, customized to your needs and budget. Competitive pricing; discounts available for veterans and first responders. Call us at (918) 800-4267 or visit our website at www.bisonmoving.com.
Tulsa Movers
Pianos, Office, Home. Load or Unload Rental Trucks. Low Rates. Free Estimates. 10% discount off every move! Dependable Movers! Call (918) 836-3225
NOTARY
Notary Services Available 24/7 Notary available. Never closed. Will come to your home. Will go to hospitals, nursing homes, private homes as needed. Call Joanne at (918) 282-8230.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
AFFORDABLE ORGANIZING
Too busy to stay organized? Overwhelmed? Return harmony to your home and life. We help with: Downsizing, relocating (pack & unpack), setting up home offices, assisting with placing shelf paper. Organizing one room or an entire house. Monthly maintenance. Disperse unwanted possessions. Seasonal transitioning. Call Pat at Organize to Harmonize: (918) 200-5991.
Home Health Services
Tulsa’s Affordable Home Care offers compassionate, quality home care services to individuals. We provide the following services: personal care, bathing and dressing, companionship, exercise, grocery shopping, laundry, light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal planning and preparation, oral and personal hygiene, respite care for family caregivers. We are now partnered with Veteran Affairs and accept long-term care insurance. Please call (918) 622-7820 and schedule a free consultation!!!
Keep Your Independence
We will help you smooth out those little bumps in Life. Don’t know who to call? Senior Shenanigans-Flexible/ Reliable/Affordable/Creative. In a bind? Let’s work it out together! Stay Free and Safe! Misti (817) 559-3688/ Bill (918) 934-0999.
SENIOR RELOCATION SPECIALIST
Jack(ie) of ALL Trades
Are you going, coming, or just staying put? As "Ms PAC Ma'am" I can pack, unpack, organize, declutter, or downsize a closet, room, garage, attic, or whole house. As "Ms Fixit" I can also assemble your items, hang pictures, decorate, do small odd jobs, or minor repairs. Flexible hours. References available. AFFORDABLE! $25 hour/2 hour minimum. Jacki (918) 922-9558.
WARSHAW GROUP, LLC
We provide general administrative services with a recent emphasis on helping people organize getting their affairs in order. Our approach includes issues, such as, contacts, home, medical, personal, computer, and vital statistic documents, etc. For strictly confidential inquiries call Bobbi Warshaw, MPH at (918) 8525302; email bobbi.warshaw@att.net
PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety Grab Bar Supply and Installation
Including handicap accessories for Residential, Commercial, Decorative, Indoor/Outdoor, Stairways, Bathrooms, and more. Secure your space, whether existing, remodeling
or new construction, we handle it all. Call before you fall! Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured with over 20 years experience. Grab Bars of Tulsa, (918) 619-7324.
PERSONAL SERVICES
Affordable Hairstyling In-Home or My Shop With 37 years’ experience, I can help with all of your hairstyling needs. Men’s and women’s haircuts, specializing in seniors. I will come to your home or you can come to my shop. In-shop special: haircut $7 for first time customers only and perms for $50. Available Tuesday –Saturday. A Mane Event hairstyling, located near 11th and Yale at 937 South Canton. Call Mary Wilkinson at (918) 834-2686.
Salon Retro
Hair care for men and women, specializing in senior clients. First time customers receive one of the following $17. Haircut style not included, or perm and one cut $52. Long hair special wrap extra style not included. Manicures $15, pedicures $25. Experienced hairdressers and nail tech. In shop services only. Come and see us at Midtown at Highland Plaza, 5661 East 41 Street (corner of 41st and Hudson). (918) 742-3440.
PET CARE
Dog Walker
The Woof Pack Tulsa: Dependable dog walking services for your fourlegged family in Tulsa. Helping you take care of your furry friends when you’re out! We offer dog walking and pet pop-ins. Insured. Call or text us at (918) 770-6699. Visit our website at www.thewoofpacktulsa.com.
Home Veterinary Care
Experience Tulsa’s most convenient veterinary service in the comfort of your own home. Our goal is to develop a personal relationship with each of our clients and patients. Contact us today to schedule your house call appointment. Call (918) 892-9382 or email DrFielstra@gmail.com or visit us at www.homevetcaretulsa.com.
REALTOR/REAL ESTATE
Mature Transitions of Tulsa Certified housing professional (CSHP), Senior Home Coach helping Seniors age in the right place. I educate, empower, and equip seniors and/or their adult children to provide a one source solution for their Transitions fears. When it no longer becomes safe to live at home, I help find the right place, downsize, declutter, pack move, resettle, do the estate sale/ liquidation and sell the family home. Call (918) 605-1480 today for your FREE consultation. Overjoyed NOT Overwhelmed!!!
SOCIAL
Seniors (50+)
We are a fun-loving group of seniors over 50. We meet every Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral, 8144 East 21st Street. We eat at 11:00, have a short meeting and
then play cards. Join us for great fun and fellowship. Questions, call Linda at (918) 955-9180.
TRANSPORTATION
My Driver Transportation Service
Let me do the driving. To and from work, airport, shopping, errands, post office, appointments. Also, LIFT VAN transportation available. Able to assist getting to and from bed. Senior sitting. Also, small breed dog boarding. 20 years experience. CLEET certified and licensed. References. Member, Better Business Bureau. (918) 491-9929.
PREMIUM SENIOR TRANSPORT NOW AVAILABLE
Entrusted Transport provides non-emergency medical & senior transportation services throughout Oklahoma. Our drivers are courteous & highly professional. We assist riders all the way to check-in at your appointment OR to home, just like family would! Wheelchair vehicles available. Call (918) 290-3400, Schedule rides any date & time. EntrustedTransport.com.
VOLUNTEER
JUST DO IT!
If you've been looking for a way you can make a difference, consider joining the Millennium Hospice team as a volunteer. Caregiver relief is so important during this difficult time. Volunteers provide caregiver relief by sitting with patients for an hour or so. Training is provided. (918) 740-0244.
Volunteer for LIFE
Discover the variety of volunteer opportunities that LIFE Senior Services has to offer. Whether you want to volunteer within the organization or with one of our local non-profit or public agencies, we can find the best fit for you. (918) 664-9000.
CLASSIFIEDS TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: Bernie Dornblaser (918) 664-9000, ext. 1206 or bdornblaser@LIFEseniorservices.org
Vintage Friends
Phyllis Aschim In Memory of Gerry Volz
William Bailie In Memory of Myrna Bailie
Ronald Coates In Memory of Susan Gandall
Lynn and Katherine Frame In Honor of Eileen Bradshaw
Pat Hibbard In Honor of Donna Mancini
JUNE ANSWERS
For puzzles, see pages
Kathleen Kastelic In Honor of Kathy Jones, the TAP staff, and volunteers
Mary Sommer In Honor of Nelly Vanzetti
The Family of Lillian Reynolds In Memory of Lillian Reynolds
BAMBOOZABLES
CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Your ticket purchase enables LIFE to transform lives and preserve independence for seniors. And, you will enjoy Celebrating LIFE, with great food, friends, and live music. Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown 100 East 2nd Street 6:00 PM Cocktail Attire
Cocktails, Dinner, Silent and Live Auctions, Dancing to the Music of The Wavetones
Scan the QR code for more information or to purchase tickets
— Gail
BONUS CONTENT
Fabulous Flavors
Ingredients:
1 cup melon chunks
1 cup grapes, seedless (red or green)
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup pear slices
1 cup banana slices
1 cup apple slices
Fruit Kabobs With Peanut Butter Dip
Courtesy of USDA MyPlate
1 cup kiwi, sliced in half Bamboo skewers
½ cup yogurt, plain non-fat
½ teaspoon vanilla
⅓ cup peanut butter
Instructions:
1. Place fruit chunks on skewers.
2. To make dip, combine yogurt, vanilla, and peanut butter in a small bowl.
3. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
30 Minute
Spicy Coconut Butter Chicken
Courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest Serves 6
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, toss together the chicken, yogurt, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and toss to coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate.
3. Add onion to skillet and cook 5 minutes, until softened. Add two tablespoons of butter, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the
• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk or 1 cup cream
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• Steamed rice and naan, for serving
chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 3 – 4 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of water and the coconut milk or cream. Stir to combine, bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter. If the sauce seems thick, thin with ½ cup to 1 cup additional coconut milk or cream. Add the chicken and any juices on the plate and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh naan.
BY STEVE CLEM
There are many reasons why someone might want to declutter, but on the most basic level, it is a safety issue. “If I see fall hazards, things people could trip over … that is the number one priority,” said Pat Martin, owner of Tulsa-based Organize to Harmonize. “You want to remove anything that could be a hazard.”
Ready to Rightsize?
FOLLOW THIS GUIDE
THE DECLUTTER MINDSET
1. Envision the future you want
Do you want to travel? Live closer to your kids and grandkids? Live near a university? What kind of climate do you like? What interests or hobbies do you want to develop or continue?
The endeavor of eliminating takes time, patience, and organizational skills. Then, remaining clutterfree may involve a mindset change away from the accumulation of stuff.
Why is the process so difficult? “I think a person has to get to that point where they’re really tired of their clutter,” Martin said. Individuals are often dealing with multiple generations of possessions. “Family heirlooms are especially hard to part with due to the emotional attachments,” Martin stated.
“One of the things we suggest is to keep our favorite things. If mom painted 25 pictures — let’s keep our favorite five.” Martin says the rest can be disbursed to family and friends, sold on Facebook Marketplace, or donated to a local gallery or charity.
“There can be satisfaction knowing that someone else now gets to enjoy those things.”
For items with a strong emotional pull, Martin says to box it up and deal with it in a year. “Sometimes, it is easier to let go after more time has passed,” she said.
When it comes to finding a place to park your discards, there are nonprofit organizations in the Tulsa area that will receive many of your items. Typically, donations are sold in thrift stores that support that organization’s mission. Some pick up your items.
GETTING STARTED
“To help get into the mindset, put it on your calendar and set aside a block of uninterrupted hours,” said Jacki Lechner, a Tulsa senior relocation specialist known as Ms PAC Ma’am. Lechner suggests starting with a small job, like cleaning out a drawer. “The trick is to avoid getting distracted by something else you discover that needs to be done while removing things from that drawer,” Lechner explained. “You must stay focused on the task at hand.”
And, you are going to need some organizing supplies. Martin recommends Amazon for the variety of items available, including tubs, trays, bins, and shelving, and the convenience of having everything delivered to your door. She likes the clear plastic storage tubs where you can see the items stored. “They have them with pull out drawers, so you’re not moving boxes stacked on top of other boxes to get into the one that’s on the
2. Decide whether to stay where you are or move. Are you ready for a change or a fresh start? Can your current home accommodate your needs as you age? Is your home easy to maintain?
bottom,” Martin said. “Put the heaviest tubs on the bottom and the lightest ones on the top.” “Dollar Tree is your friend,” advised Lechner, for a low cost, local option. She buys their overthe-door hangers with hooks. “When you take something off you can hang it on a hook on the door. And then, every day or two, take time to put it where it belongs,” Lechner suggested. Hooks can be used in a bathroom to hold a robe or a towel. She also likes the retailer’s eight-pocket shoe organizers. “I’ll cut those up and use the pockets for different things. In my office, if I have a credit card receipt, it will go into its own pocket for that credit card.”
THE SORTING PROCESS
Lechner suggests having four boxes: One for keeping; one for stuff you want to throw away (a heavy-duty trash bag works for this); one for things you want to give away, and one for the items you still need to think about. “Hopefully, the ‘think about’ is not going to be your biggest box!” Lechner quipped.
“Does this item spark joy?” That is the battle cry of professional organizer Marie Kondo in her popular TV shows, videos and books. “At the same time, you must be realistic in your evaluations,” Lechner added. “I love it, but it has a missing button or no longer fits. You must ask yourself, ‘Will I ever sew it?’ Maybe it’s time to bless someone else with it!”
ORGANIZING A CLOSET
Lechner says to first toss out your misshapen, mismatched clothes hangers and invest in some nice, felt-covered hangers. “A box of 50 sells for $10 at Sam’s Club. Put them all in the same direction, ideally, clothes arranged by color, dark to light. So, you can just look at your stuff and grab what you want.”
“First, clear off your bed. Take everything out of the closet and group them together on the bed — short sleeve shirts together and sweaters together — pile them on top of each other. They’re going to be easy to sort if you do that,” Lechner advised. She says to take each piece and say ‘OK, what am I going to do with it?’ “Then, put it where it goes, so you only deal with that item once.”
There are lots of options for organizing shoes, from racks to wooden boxes, shoe bags to shelving. “If you keep 20 pair of shoes, buy storage
3. Research your options
Use the priorities you uncovered in step one to help you in your search. Review your finances and make a budget. Research, or visit if possible, the locations that interest you. Talk to others who have successfully rightsized.
for a few more,” Martin recommended. “Arrange them by type of shoe, heel size, and colors.”
OLD PHOTOS
What about the boxes of family photos that many of us accumulate and inherit? “There are services that will put old photos and slides on a disc or thumb drive or help you save them to the Cloud,” Lechner said. However, she prefers a cheaper solution. “Find the ones that you want to keep the most, spread them out on the desk, and take a picture of them with your phone. You can make your own photo album from there,” Lechner said. “Then, get rid of the old pictures because they don’t last forever anyway.”
For the ones you do keep, Martin suggests a keepsake box. “After you have thrown away ones that have faded and ones with people you don’t know, you can make a keepsake box. Every year, it can become a family tradition to go through that box of old photos,” she said.
PROTECTING VALUABLES
“Valuables and confidential documents should be locked up,” Martin insisted. “I love to see a four-drawer locking file cabinet for investments, banking and credit card statements, as well as jewelry, purse, guns, and narcotics. Should something unexpected happen, your stuff is safe and in its place. You may have a houseful of strangers in your home. With a cell phone camera, it takes one second to click a photo of a document laying on a table, and they have your information.”
Martin says to create a sheet with important phone numbers and addresses — your kid’s numbers, your doctors' numbers, emergency numbers, and the next-door neighbor’s number, in large print. Place it in a central location. “If something happens, in a chaotic moment, it can be easily located,” she said.
KEEPING IT CLUTTER-FREE
Once a space is organized, the trick is to keep it from returning to a state of disarray. “It's a matter of establishing habits,” Martin said. She suggests spending 10 minutes each day to remain clutterfree. “Do easy, quick things like pick up laundry that’s on the floor or pick up all the trash. You may not be able to find an entire day to spend organizing, but you can find 10 minutes,” Martin added.
LIFE on the Road/
By Alyssa Dillard
Visit These Big-League Ballparks, Close to Home
Looking to catch a game without going too far from home? While our print issue featured some of the country’s top baseball stadiums, there are a few standout parks closer to our area that deserve a visit. Whether you’re cheering in St. Louis at Busch Stadium, soaking up the nostalgia at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium, or enjoying modern amenities at Globe Life Field in Arlington, these regional gems offer bigleague excitement within a road-trip’s reach.
Classic and Closer
1. BUSCH STADIUM
St. Louis, Missouri
This arena, which opened in 2006, is the third Busch Stadium. It was built in a retro-classic style with panoramic views of downtown St. Louis. Cardinals fans can get a unique look at the ballpark and learn about the team’s history on one of the daily tours, which includes admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. Busch Stadium is especially great for kids with attractions like the Hi-Chew Family Pavilion featuring an arcade and baseball-themed virtual reality experience, and the Busch Stadium store to snag some authentic merch. Be sure to try some baseball classics like popcorn and hot dogs, including specialty bacon-wrapped hot dogs and St. Louis Slinger Dogs topped with hash browns, nacho meat, cheese, and an egg — if you’re into that. You can also find some unique treats like St. Louis-style barbecue, Dingers Donuts, and Asian-stir fry.
Hi-Chew Family Pavilion (left) and a St. Louis Slinger Dog are sure to add to the family fun at Busch Stadium.
CLICKME!
Check out this video for an exclusive tour of Busch Stadium.
Enjoy strolling through the Royals Hall of Fame, and then stop by the concession stand for a fan-favorite –Brisket Acho.
3. GLOBE LIFE FIELD
Arlington, Texas
The Texas Rangers played their first game at Arlington’s Globe Life Field in 2020. The state-of-the-art arena was built with modern features, including the world’s largest single-panel operable roof. The 5.5-acre fully-retractable roof helps provide shade and cooler temperatures during the hot Texas summers. The ballpark makes for a great family-friendly destination with perks like a Kids Zone and the Home Run Dugout Batting Bay. The stadium offers pregame and ballpark tours, and premium tours that include the opportunity to play catch on the outfield. Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the concessions! Other than the ballpark classics, you’ll find the Boomstick (a 2-foot-long chili cheese hot dog) and the Boomstick Triple Play with loaded nachos, a chili cheese dog, and a double hamburger all topped with nacho cheese.
Check out this video for an exclusive tour of Globe Life Field.
2. KAUFFMAN STADIUM
Kansas City, Missouri
Originally called Royals Stadium when it opened in 1973, the arena was renamed 20 years later after the late Kansas City Royals owner Ewing Kauffman. Kauffman Stadium can easily be identified by its signature two-tiered fountain stretching across 322 feet of the outfield with jets shooting water up to 70 feet high. Royals fans have many options when it comes to the daily tours that last from 75 minutes up to two hours, visiting locations not normally accessible to the public. Be sure to check out the Royals Team Store and the Royals Hall of Fame. Kauffman Stadium prides itself on its Kansas City-style barbecue with concessions like BBQ Poutine and the fan-favorite BrisketAcho. Other famous snacks include crab fries, freshly dipped ice cream, and cheesesteaks.
Check out this video for an exclusive tour of Kauffman Stadium.
The Boomstick Triple Play with loaded nachos, a chili cheese dog, and a double burger.
CLICKME!
CLICKME!
Fozzie, for one
Stink to high heaven
Half-__: coffee blend
Insult
Standing tall 46 Camera lens setting, and a feature of both ends of 17-, 23-, 46-, and 57- Across? 47 San Antonio field trip site
Tried again 49 Irish novelist Binchy 52 Eggshell shade 53 Pup of unknown origin 54 Some drama degs. 55 Questlove's hairstyle
Winter malady 58 Dull routine 59 Solo of "Star Wars"
