LIFE's Vintage Magazine - May 2024

A Place Where YOU Belong

Discover retirement as it’s meant to be at Town Village Tulsa, where you can enjoy life to the fullest without the worry of everyday chores. Join us for a visit to see our spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes and see for yourself that it’s not just like home—it is home. AT YOUR FINGERTIPS:

• All-inclusive, restaurant-style dining

• Vibrant Living Program—daily, individualized life enrichment programs

• Open courtyard and walking paths

• Housekeeping, maintenance, and concierge services

• Bistro, Library, Art Studio, and Theater

• Beauty Salon/Barber Shop

• Gated, covered parking

• All utilities included (cable and telephone excluded)

16 Destination D.C.

Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? You will be after you read this visitor’s guide to our nation’s capital city.

BY ERIN SHACKELFORD

On the Cover

Learn more about the Oklahoma State Capitol building on page 22.

20 Roma Berry Center for Seniors

Explore the new state-of-the-art community hub designed to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s diverse and growing population of older adults.

BY DEE DUREN

24 Know Your World Capitals

Capital cities give visitors a sample of everything a country has to offer. This guide describes examples from the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Must-See State Capitol Buildings

States put their best foot forward when designing unique capitol buildings. See the finest Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Oregon, and New York have to offer.

BY ED DONEY

Covenant Living of Bixby | Bixby, OK

7300 East 121st Place South

Available now! • Independent & Assisted Living

Excellent service, worry-free living • No buy-in fee!

To schedule a tour today, call (877) 312-3248, or visit us online at CovLivingBixby.org

Covenant Living at Inverness | Tulsa, OK

3800 West 71st Street

Limited availability! • Independent & Assisted Living

Skilled Nursing • Memory Care • Rehabilitation

To schedule a tour today, call (877) 478-8455, or visit us online at CovLivingInverness.org.

Letter From Eileen

Dear Vintage Reader,

Happy May! I remember as a child making May baskets, filling them with lilacs and spirea, and hanging them on our neighbors’ door handles. We would ring their doorbells, hide, and watch them make the discovery, very pleased with ourselves. I should take up this tradition again.

Our new Roma Berry Senior Campus has been open for six weeks. If you haven’t visited, please consider yourself invited! The Adult Day Health Center is airy and light. It is so fun to see our folks enjoying the patio in the afternoons, and I cannot wait for the first plants to pop up from the wheelchair-accessible garden beds. Inside, the pool table has become an instant favorite, and the electric fireplace is so cozy. The spacious kitchen is a gathering spot for food and conversation.

The Active Senior Center is hopping. The Activity Center is a 10,000-squarefoot building that stays busy with basketball and pickleball play. If you have never played pickleball and are curious, our beginner’s lessons can get you started. In the remodeled school building next door, something different is going on in every corner. The traditional Tulsa Public School gym, complete with stage, hosts line dancing, yoga, musical theater, movies, and more. Shuffleboard, corn hole, and pinball machines are available. The lounge has tables for cards, mahjong, puzzle solving, and visiting. Guitar, ukulele, and harmonica lessons send music drifting through the air. The art studio offers crafting sessions, painting classes, and ceramic and stained-glass creation. A fitness room has exercise bikes and treadmills. So many fun things to do, and a beautiful space in which to do them. It’s very affordable and scholarships are available, so nobody should be left out. The best part of this project is the friendships that are possible.

Our state-of-the-art PACE clinic offers traditional clinic amenities. Additionally, it has space for patients and families to meet privately with care teams, a lab, and a light-filled space for physical and occupational therapies.

All of the data on healthy aging says isolation is the enemy. Some people have so many social connections that they can barely keep up. Others may enter retirement with a smaller social network, and Roma Berry campus provides a setting in which to meet new people and forge new friendships. I hope you will come and explore what we have to offer. LIFE is good, and we want to share it with you!

Vol. 38, No. 11

EILEEN BRADSHAW

President & CEO of LIFE Senior Services, LIFE PACE & Vintage Housing

KELLY KIRCHHOFF Senior Director of Communications

DEE DUREN

Managing Editor dduren@LIFEseniorservices.org

BERNIE DORNBLASER Advertising Director bdornblaser@LIFEseniorservices.org

LEAH WEIGLE Graphic Designer

JULIE ALEXANDER Assistant Editor jalexander@LIFEseniorservices.org

CAROL CARTER Copy Editor

DICK MCCANDLESS

STAN DIACON Community Distribution

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.

© LIFE’s Vintage Magazine and LIFE Senior Services, Inc., 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction without consent of the publisher is prohibited.

Volume 38, Issue 11, May 2024 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.

Good to Know

Applications Open for Free Air Conditioners

The Tulsa Weather Coalition (TWC) provides air conditioners to those with serious medical conditions. Its goal is to prevent deaths and hospitalizations due to extreme heat. To qualify, you can have no other air conditioner in the home, live in Tulsa County, meet income guidelines, and have a qualified medical condition.

TWC, a program of the Community Service Council, purchases new window units for qualifying households, and donations are needed to fulfill the demand each year. Contact the organization for more information or to donate.

Tulsa Weather Coalition Call 211 csctulsa.org/tulsa-weather-coalition

Enjoy Free Movies at Guthrie Green

Guthrie Green park in downtown Tulsa has kicked off its free 2024 Movie in the Park Series. Tulsans are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the film plus pre-show activities like food trucks, vendors, and more. This year’s line-up includes “Inside Out” on May 16; “The Color Purple” (2023) on June 20; “Shrek” on July 18; “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on August 15; and “Selena” on September 19. This fall, vote for your favorite Halloween movie on Guthrie Green’s social media to choose the October 17 featured film. Pre-show activities begin at 7:30 p.m. with the movies starting at sunset.

Guthrie Green

111 Reconciliation Way • Tulsa guthriegreen.com

988 Mental Health Lifeline is Here to Help

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month. While older adults tend to experience better behavioral health and well-being compared to other ages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five adults aged 55 and older has mental health concerns. Depression, anxiety, and problems with substances such as alcohol or drugs are the most common conditions. These conditions are not a normal part of aging, and resources, treatments, and support are available to address them.

988 is a three-digit mental health lifeline that connects Oklahomans with behavioral health professionals who listen and provide support and resources. If you, or someone you care about, is dealing with loneliness, sadness, stress, guilt, grief, thoughts of suicide, or other issues, call or text 988. 988 help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

988 Mental Health Lifeline

988oklahoma.com

Explore Tulsa’s First Cohousing Community

Heartwood Commons, Tulsa’s first cohousing community for active adults, is hosting an open house this month. Heartwood Commons was designed and developed by a group of proactive local residents who will live on the 4.8-acre property located near 71st and Riverside. Heartwood Commons is an intentional neighborhood that combines privately owned homes with shared spaces to foster a sense of community and an engaged lifestyle for successful aging. Reservations are required to attend the open house and “Cohousing: A Community Approach to Successful Aging” presentation on May 19.

Heartwood Commons

Sunday, May 19 • 2 p.m.

7141 S. Quincy Ave. • Tulsa (918) 519-5298 heartwoodcommonstulsa.com/events

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

“Understanding Clinical Trials”

Wednesdsay, May 15 • 10 a.m.

If you’ve ever considered participating in a clinical trial but hesitated because you weren’t sure it was for you, you’ll want to bring your questions to this seminar. Join Dr. Sarah Land from Central States Research and Dr. Kevin Klos from the Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma as they share general information about clinical trials – what they are, how they work, why they are important, and how you can get involved. The physicians will also describe the specific trials they offer related to Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. Discover how you can potentially benefit from participation while gaining a deeper understanding of clinical research opportunities.

“Caring for You, Caring for Me”

Thursdays, May 16 – June 13 • 2 – 3:30 p.m.

This five-week series is an evidence-based program from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. The workshop consists of five modules dealing with aspects of caregiving including self-care, collaboration with professionals and family members, problem solving, and providing the best care possible. This series will be taught by Martha Rains in partnership with Morton Health Services.

“Decoding the VA for Family Caregivers” Via Zoom*

Representatives from the Veterans Administration will discuss how the VA helps veterans, their families, and caregivers deal with disability and aging issues while encouraging the independence of the older adult. Topics will include:

• VA PACT (Patient Aligned Care Teams) and how VA social workers can help with Advance Directives, Home Health Aides and Case Management Services

• VA Caregiver Support Services

• Veteran Benefits Administration – all about veteran benefits and qualification requirements

* This program will be held virtually on Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared upon registration.

Register online at LIFEseniorservices. org under the resources tab or by calling (918) 664-9000, ext. 1181.

Tulsa City-County Library Hosts 2024 Asian American Festival Celebrate Asian Culture in May

Enjoy live performances, art, classes, crafts, fitness activities, and more at the Tulsa CityCounty Library’s Asian American Festival this month. Events are held throughout May to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the cultures and traditions that enrich our community. Many of the events will be at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Rd., but other branch libraries will host activities as well.

Family Art Night will be at Martin Regional on Thursday, May 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. While there, see artwork created by students from Kyoto, Japan, and try your hand at traditional Asian art forms. Oklahomabased Japan native and tea master Yumie Farringer will introduce participants to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Martin Regional. Attend Night Market at Hannah Hall, 1801 S. Garnett Road, to enjoy food, performances, vendors, and music on Friday, May 17, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Fitness classes include Tai Chi for Better Balance, offered on Wednesdays and Fridays in the first three weeks of May from 2 to 3 p.m. at Martin Regional Library. Instructor Manasa Rajendran will lead Yoga in the Gardens behind the Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson, weather permitting. Check the TCCL website for dates and times. A dance workshop at Helmerich Library will include a live performance by the Kripalya Dance Academy, followed by lessons on how to dance like a Bollywood star. Registration is required for the fitness events.

Learn about local resources by exploring booths from Asian, Pacific Islander, DesiAmerican, and Middle Eastern organizations at the Community Resource Fair for Adults from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 11, at Martin Regional. Book discussions, Korean language lessons, and craft club sessions are also planned during the 2024 Asian American Festival. Visit tulsalibrary.org/events to learn more about individual events and register for classes.

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024

Exchange Center at Expo Square 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Experience Oklahoma’s largest senior event with 150 exhibitors, free health screenings, Rx Take Back, entertainment, and chances to win $100 Reasor’s gift cards.

Silver Linings

Silver Linings is a collection of Facebook videos that features segments previewing upcoming seminars, Crafting with Roxanne and the Caregiver Tool Belt. The segments can be found at facebook.com/LIFEseniorservices.

Crafting with Roxanne Terra Cotta Pot Garden Turtles

Wednesday, May 15

This month we are making terra cotta garden turtles. You will need a 6 ¾-inch terra cotta pot saucer; four 2 ½-inch by 2 ½-inch terra cotta pots; dark, medium and light green acrylic paint; black and white acrylic paint; small paint sponges; a large paint brush; a small paint brush; a sponge paint brush; clear acrylic sealer spray; a 2-inch wooden ball; Loctite Power Grab clear glue; hot glue; and scissors.

To make a smaller version use a 4 ¼-inch clay saucer and four 1 ½-inch by 1 ¾-inch clay pots. You can also make a ladybug using red paint with black dots.

Caregiver Tool Belt: Benefits of Long-Term Care

Wednesday, May 22

Become a Volunteer Get Involved Volunteer for LIFE /

The Ministry Center

The Ministry Center in Tulsa helps thousands of people each year with necessities like food and clothing. The Center, located at 312 S. 33rd West Ave., is looking for volunteers to help in the pantry, sort donated items, conduct interviews, and more. The Center also accepts food and clothing donations. Church groups that like to volunteer or donate can sign up to help with maintenance or host a food or clothing drive. The Ministry Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information, call (918) 585-5310 or visit southtulsa.org/the-ministrycenter

Iron Gate

Iron Gate was founded by members of Trinity Episcopal Church in 1978 and has grown into a daily soup kitchen and food pantry to help those who are food insecure. Iron Gate also provides grocery assistance three days a week. The agency serves a community meal daily and utilizes six to eight volunteers each shift. Volunteers are also needed to help with stocking and manning the grocery pantry. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up to volunteer or host a food drive to collect items for the pantry. Needed items to donate include plastic and paper bags, egg cartons, and toiletry items.

For more information, call (918) 879-1702 or visit irongatetulsa.org.

LIFE Senior Services

Volunteers are needed to help with the Celebrate LIFE gala on June 14. Be a greeter, assist with the silent auction, and more. The Senior LIFEstyle & Wellness Expo on July 9 has openings for volunteers to set up the event, help exhibitors, stuff event bags, and assist with the shredding event.

For more information, call (918) 664-9000 and ask for LIFE’s Volunteer Department to volunteer.

By Joan Hutchings, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer For LIFE Volunteeers Needed for Upcoming Events

Each year, LIFE Senior Services provides care and services to thousands of older adults throughout northeastern Oklahoma. These services are geared to help those in need maintain independence and reduce isolation and loneliness.

LIFE volunteer department’s staff members develop partnerships with nonprofits in the community and match volunteers over the age of 50 whose interests meet the needs of an individual organization. Those nonprofits include LIFE Senior Services itself which has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the organization. Two upcoming opportunities to volunteer at LIFE include Celebrate LIFE, the annual gala in June, and the Senior LIFEstyle & Wellness Expo in July. Volunteers are needed at the gala on

June 14 to set up and break down the event, greet partygoers, and help with the raffle and silent auction. At the Expo on Tuesday, July 9, volunteer roles include setting up the event, greeting and counting guests, checking in vendors, helping exhibitors, and working the drive-thru shredding event.

Other volunteer roles at LIFE Senior Services are available that tap into different skill sets. For example, Medicare and Tax Assistance Program volunteers assist with greeting clients, scheduling appointments, counseling Medicare Part D recipients, and preparing taxes. With the opening of the new Roma Berry Center for Seniors, there will be even more opportunities to get involved and contribute at LIFE Pace, Adult Day Health, and the Active Senior Center.

Contact LIFE Senior Services

Farmers Markets Return!

Spring is a wonderful time of year for fresh produce at local farmers markets. Eligible seniors can boost their buying power by applying for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program’s $50 debit card. The card can be used to buy locally-grown produce, unprocessed honey, and fresh-cut herbs at farmers markets throughout the state.

There are income requirements to receive the card. The annual income limit for a single person is $27,861 and a two-person household can earn up to $37,814. For each additional family member, add $9,953 per year to see if you qualify. Most farmers markets have a booth where seniors can apply, or you can fill out the application at oklac.org/signup/senior.

SNAP recipients (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can double their dollars by using them on fruits and vegetables at participating

grocery stores and farmers markets. Simply buy SNAP-eligible foods with your EBT card and you will receive $1 in DUO Bucks (Double Up Oklahoma) up to $20 a day. Apply for SNAP at okdhslive.org or call (405) 487-5483.

A few of the local farmers markets include the Tulsa Farmers Market at Kendall Whittier Square (South Lewis and Admiral Boulevard), open Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m., April through October. The Sapulpa Main Street Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 222 E. Dewey Ave. Claremore hosts the Rogers County Farmers Market from May to October. It’s located at 121 N. Weenonah Ave. and is open Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m. In Broken Arrow, the Rose District Farmers Market runs from April to October at 418 S. Main St. Its hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

Cleaning & Preparing ...

BROCCOLI

Store broccoli by wrapping it in a slightly damp kitchen towel and refrigerating it for three to five days. Before using, rinse broccoli under cold water and shake to dry. To cut, hold the broccoli by the stalk and carefully cut off the small florets with a knife. Keep the florets roughly the same size for even cooking.

Expand Your Palate

Healthy Benefits of Broccoli & Radishes

Versatile broccoli is low-calorie and loaded with vitamins C, K, and B. It’s a good source of fiber, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Those nutrients benefit digestive health, nerve function, and heart contraction, and help build healthy bones and skin. Broccoli is also a powerful antioxidant.

Radishes are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the joints. They also provide vitamin C and potassium. The greens from radishes are edible and contribute calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These nutrients help with healthy skin, bones, nerves, and heart function.

Now In Season

Broccoli and radishes are budget-friendly superfoods that are high in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and both contain cancerfighting properties.

RADISHES

Store radishes with root ends down in a large plastic bag containing a damp paper towel, then wash them right before use. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Before preparation, give them a good rinse under cold water. Discard the stems and roots before serving radishes raw or cooked.

Roasted Radishes With Soy & Sesame Seeds

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 20 medium radishes, leaves, stems, and rootlets trimmed

• 1 ½ teaspoon roasted peanut oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 medium scallions, sliced thin

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted in a dry skillet until golden brown

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Unless they are very small, halve the radishes lengthwise from the stem to root end. Toss them with the oil on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast, turning once or twice, until the radishes are tender and beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Remove the radishes from the oven.

2. Drizzle the soy sauce over the radishes and sprinkle with the scallions. Toss well and continue roasting for 5 more minutes.

3. Turn the radishes and any juice on the baking sheet into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve immediately.

A

Guide to Visiting Our Nation’s Capital City

If you’re planning a trip to the area, you’re in luck because here’s a visitor’s guide to the District by former Vintage Magazine managing editor Erin Shackelford, now residing near our country’s seat of government.

THE GOOD

There are a lot of great things about visiting D.C. First, there’s so much to see and do! You could spend weeks exploring the District, as well as all the historical areas around the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Second, a lot of it is totally free! The world’s largest museum complex — the Smithsonian — boasts 21 museums total, as well as the National Zoo. Seventeen of the Smithsonian museums are located in D.C. with 11 being right on the National Mall. Admission is free of charge at all D.C. Smithsonian locations. Beyond the free admission to the museums, it’s also free to enter other must-see sights, like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, Arlington Cemetery, and the U.S. Capitol.

Of course, all of the outdoor monuments like the National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and more are all publicly accessible and — you guessed it — free.

THE BAD

It may be a bit harsh to call this aspect of touring D.C. “bad,” but it can definitely cramp your style (and itinerary) if you don’t plan ahead.

It’s become a fairly standard procedure to require visitors to secure timed entry passes. Off the top of my head, I know the National Zoo, the Library of Congress, and the Air and Space Museum ask you to go online and secure passes. The passes are free, but should be requested in advance as numbers are limited. Once the day’s quota has been met, well … you’re out of luck.

Although it is a bit of a pain, there is a silver lining to the system. Because D.C. crowds can be a bit overwhelming, the timed entry passes limit the number of people in the building, ensuring you have better access to the exhibits.

This leads me to the ugly …

THE UGLY

The crowds. Like most metropolitan cities, the crowds can be overwhelming at times. The summer months are certainly some of the busiest. If you want to avoid some of the hustle and bustle, aim for the fall or winter months.

And unless you’re traveling to D.C. specifically to see the gorgeous pink blooms, steer way clear of cherry blossom season, which typically occurs toward the end of March or the beginning of April. The District’s population skyrockets by literal millions on the day of and leading up to peak bloom.

DESTINATION D.C., continued on page 18.

U.S. Capitol Fun Facts

You can’t take a trip to our nation’s capital city without a visit to the Capitol! The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturdays with tours departing every 10 minutes. All tours are free of charge, but reservations are strongly recommended.

Construction began in 1793, but the building was burned by the British in the War of 1812.

What is now the center portion of the Capitol was completed in 1826. In the 1850s, the wings were added and the Capitol dome was enlarged.

There are more than 540 rooms and 658 windows.

Despite having a “crypt,” no one is actually buried there.

The “whispering gallery” is a halfdome shape and produces an acoustical anomaly in some spots, making someone who is much farther away sound like they’re whispering in your ear.

There are 100 statues contributed by all 50 states (two from each state) throughout the Capitol. Oklahoma’s statues include Sequoyah and Will Rogers. Both can be seen on normal tours.

Sightings of a sinister feline (called demon cat or “D.C.”) have been reported for more than a century and are said to be a sign of pending political catastrophes. A set of feline footprints is encased in the cement floor of the Small Senate Rotunda.

There’s a food hall that’s open to the public called the Capitol Café. While the food isn’t spectacular (OK, the white chocolate molds of the rotunda are pretty cool), you never know whom you may see pop in for lunch.

OLD TOWN

TROLLEY TOURS

This tour offers 15 stops. Hop back on when you’re ready to move to the next attraction.

RIVER CRUISE

Savor delicious entrees and desserts as this glass-enclosed vessel drifts by the sights — accompanied by a relaxing atmosphere and live music.

By Land or By Sea

One of our favorite ways to show out-of-town guests around the District is taking the hop-on, hop-off tour buses. The tickets are reasonably priced, the drivers double as tour guides, and you can avoid driving in D.C. traffic (which isn’t for the faint of heart). It’s also a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. I recommend Old Town Trolley (tickets sold at Union Station or Washington Welcome Center), which offers 15 stops. Hop back on when you’re ready to move to the next must-see sight. With Old Town Trolley you can also add a tour through Arlington Cemetery and even a “Monuments by Moonlight” tour, which I haven’t taken yet, but I have no doubt it’s good. The monuments — if you can believe it — are even more impressive at night. One of the Old Town Trolley ticket spots is near the FBI building, Ford’s Theater, and the home where Lincoln eventually succumbed to his injuries, so you can pack even more photo ops into your day!

Another way to see this beautiful city is by sea — or river, technically. A few different river cruise options will take you along the Potomac from the Wharf in D.C. to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. You can book a short cruise or a lunch or dinner affair, if you’d prefer. I haven’t had the chance to take one, but I’ve heard great things. Water cruises do sell out, so make sure to get tickets in advance.

Seven Must-See Sights

There are far too many incredible and historic sites to possibly list them all. However, here are seven you should consider if you get the chance to visit our nation’s capital.

1.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Dedicated in 1982, the Memorial lists the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. You will often find personal mementos, photographs, dog tags, and even a beer can or two placed along the wall, honoring those whose names are listed. Visitors can locate a name on the wall in advance using vvmf.org/wall-of-faces.

2. Washington Monument

Given D.C.’s building height restriction (nothing in the District can be taller than the Washington Monument), this 555-foot obelisk towers over the area. It’s a popular attraction because the views and experience can’t be beat. Tickets are required and are most easily secured online (exactly) 30 days in advance at nps.gov.

3. Georgetown and Embassy Row

To see how the political elite live, stroll around Georgetown and explore nearby Embassy Row. Georgetown boasts stunning architecture, quaint shops, and some of the area’s most historic and fanciful dining options, like Le Diplomate and Filomena Restaurant. Check out the Old Stone House, which is the oldest structure on its original foundation. Its 75 steps were featured in a scene from the 1973 horror movie “The Exorcist.”

Historic sites, restaurants,

Take a day trip outside of D.C. to George Washington’s Mount Vernon home. Enjoy peaceful views of the Potomac.

4. Washington National Cathedral

There’s only one word appropriate: stunning. It’s the sixth largest cathedral in the world and a must-see. Choose self-guided sightseeing or the option of guided tours, including a trek to the top which offers amazing views. Explore the garden and grounds, too. Here’s a pro tip: grab an early breakfast at Open City at National Cathedral. Learn more at cathedral.org.

5. Old Post Office Tower

The Old Post Office Tower located atop the Waldorf Astoria offers the second-best views of the city after the Washington Monument. From the 270-foot observation deck, you can see everything! There are never crowds, it’s free to enter (no tickets required currently), and you get to ogle the gorgeous Waldorf atrium. Enter from an alley in back of the hotel. Learn more at nps.gov.

Detours

Have some extra time? Pop over to Old Town Alexandria to wander the red brick sidewalks and shop the quaint, locallyowned stores. The area is bursting with charm, history, and beautiful and brightly colored row homes. See the Spite House, take a historical ghost and graveyard tour, or dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants overlooking the Potomac.

Go just a bit farther outside of D.C. and take a day trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The estate is peaceful and the views of the Potomac are unmatched. Learn everything there is to know about the General, his home and family, and dine at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. If you’re a wine lover, consider visiting during one of their spring or fall wine festivals. There’s probably nothing cooler than strolling the historic grounds of George Washington’s home while watching the sunset over the Potomac — vino in hand.

All-in-all, with planning, this trip will be one of your best ever!

6. U.S. Botanic Garden

Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can appreciate the U.S. Botanic Garden. An oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, the Garden is a living museum featuring more than 44,000 plants, and no tickets are required to enter. If you’re lucky (or maybe unlucky?), you’ll visit when one of their mature corpse flowers is blooming. Learn more at usbg.gov.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

Visitors to D.C. absolutely must visit the hallowed grounds. While it is free to enter and walk around, it is highly recommended you pay for the tram tour through the property. Plan to stay for the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which happens every hour or half hour depending on the season. Learn more at arlingtoncemetery.mil.

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

and waterfront activities make Old Town Alexandria a hidden gem on the Potomac.

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON

Roma Berry Center for Seniors

The new $14.5 million Roma Berry Center for Seniors is open and ready to meet the needs of a growing senior population. The Roma Berry campus contains three main programs: an active senior center, an adult day health program, and a LIFE PACE healthcare facility.

“We’re so excited to empower older adults through so many stages of aging. At Roma Berry, active seniors can come to socialize and get fit while their loved one enjoys activities and care at our adult day health center,” said LIFE Senior Services CEO Eileen Bradshaw.

“Qualifying participants in the LIFE PACE program are transported to Roma Berry on an as-needed basis to receive healthcare, social services, meals, and various rehabilitative and recreational activities.”

Art Room

A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Activity Center and Sanford and Irene Burnstein Family Foundation Active Senior Center

LIFE’s Senior Center at Roma Berry is a community hub with two facilities offering fitness, social, recreational, educational, and arts opportunities to adults 50 and older.

• Pickleball

• Line dancing

• Basketball

• Yoga

• Music lessons

• Special events

• Auditorium

• Dining space

• Arts and crafts

• Art studio

• Kiln for pottery classes

• Game room

• Café & activity kitchen

Anne and Henry Zarrow

Adult Day Health Center

LIFE’s Adult Day Health Center is a safe and friendly place for at-risk seniors, providing health monitoring, social activities, personal care, and nutritious meals.

Must-See State Capitol Buildings

Not all state capitol buildings are created alike. Check out these showcase structures for a grand tour of architectural styles.

BY ED DONEY

Have you ever forgotten the spelling difference between “capital” and “capitol?” Just remember, the government building is spelled with an “o” as in “Oh wow, look at that!”— a phrase you might hear while touring the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

It’s not easy to find a place that is both historically significant and architecturally breathtaking. Did you know Oklahoma’s Capitol is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Listed properties are deemed worthy of preservation because they possess historic integrity and the stories they tell.

Built from 1914 to 1917, Oklahoma’s Capitol was designed with Classic Revival architecture in mind, styled in the grand Beaux-Arts tradition. That style originated in France and translates into “fine arts” or “beautiful arts,” featuring the massive

columns and symmetry that we see at museums and university campuses.

Some of the materials are homegrown, such as the pink and gray granite quarried in Johnston County near Tishomingo for the raised basement and water table. The remaining exterior is Bedford limestone (aka Indiana limestone). The original design for the Capitol did not include one of its most distinctive features: an open rotunda from top to bottom. Today, you can stand by the state seal on the ground floor and look up at the decorative dome above the fourth floor. But back then, the people who were to be officed in the “basement” felt that space was held in lower esteem than the upper floors. So as a compromise, a glass circular floor was removed and a guardrail was added to better connect that floor to the other levels in the rotunda.

Who was the architect? Solomon Layton is often credited, but his Layton and Smith architectural firm collaborated with another architect, Jewell Hicks of Durant.

If you saw the Capitol in the 20th century, you may have asked yourself, “Where’s the dome?”

Yes, ours was the only state capitol in the U.S. that was originally designed without a dome.

History records that budget cuts, politics, and scarce materials during World War I were big reasons for the omission. But more than eight decades later, in 2002, the dome found a home at a cost of $21 million. And there at the top, a 17-foot-tall bronze statue stands watch, appropriately named “The Guardian,” symbolizing Oklahoma’s strength and perseverance. It was the creation of Enoch Kelly Haney, a SeminoleMuscogee sculptor and painter. “The Guardian” became the first Indigenous figure to stand atop a state capitol.

“I encourage every Oklahoman to visit the Capitol and learn more about our state history, how our government functions, and the building itself,” said Paul Haley, the Chief Architect for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. “The Capitol now offers visitors a wellrounded experience, including a new touchscreen wayfinding system, a café, and the new Capitol Museum. Thanks to a seven-year restoration project, the Capitol is more beautiful and functional than ever before, and we must continue to be good stewards of the people’s house for future generations.”

Tours of the state Capitol are free. For more information, visit arts.ok.gov/tours.

NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL

Nebraska is also proud of its state Capitol building. So much so that the state’s website describes the structure as an “American Architectural Masterpiece.”

At first glance, you might think SpaceX has a launch pad in Lincoln. But that’s not a rocket. It’s the Capitol’s 400-foot domed tower, nicknamed the “Tower on the Plains.” It’s the second tallest capitol building in the U.S. (Louisiana’s is 50 feet taller) and can be seen from 20 miles away.

Art Deco’s sharp edges and geometrical decorative details were especially popular when Nebraska’s

The Oklahoma State Capitol is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Capitol was completed in 1932. It’s known for being the first statehouse design to deviate from the U.S. Capitol prototype. That was the goal of New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue in 1920 — a groundbreaking office tower that reflected the spirit and identity of Nebraska. Goodhue was also a student of Gothic architecture and decorated the Capitol with stories of the state’s history.

The exterior is Indiana limestone with a base design that creates four interior courtyards for natural light and green spaces. The dome’s clay ceramic tiles are coated with a gold paint and clear glaze. It’s symbolically “lifted” by blue and gold thunderbirds. On top stands a 19-foot statue called “The Sower,” a man scattering seeds of grain by hand, standing on a pedestal of corn and wheat.

WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL

The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison leaves a big impression on tourists because of its biggest attraction: the DOME.

Talk about grandeur. Completed in 1915, Wisconsin’s Capitol dome is the largest one by volume in the U.S. and one of the largest domes in the world. It’s the only dome in America made from granite. It’s more than 200 feet high and is encircled by three observation decks. On top is a 15-foot bronze statue by Daniel Chester French named, appropriately, “Wisconsin,” which symbolizes the state motto, “Forward.”

The exterior of the Capitol is constructed entirely of White Bethel Vermont granite. Like Oklahoma’s Capitol, Wisconsin’s architecture is Beaux-Arts classicism, with colossal columns and elaborate window frames. Inside, you’ll see incredible art and furnishings that reflect the state’s ethnic heritage. The Governor’s conference

room has 26 Hugo Ballin paintings, styled after the council chambers of the Doge’s Palace in Venice. The State Supreme Court courtroom has German and Italian decor. The Senate Chamber features French and Italian marble, and visitors will see 43 varieties of stone from around the world, hand-carved furniture, and intricate glass mosaics. It’s no wonder the building is insured for $200 million, not including the artwork and furnishings.

OREGON STATE CAPITOL

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem became a sign of the times and a symbol of resilience during the height of the Great Depression. In 1935, a fire in the basement archives left only a shell of a structure. By 1938, a new Capitol had replaced the previous Italian Renaissance architecture with a modernist and stripped-down design with minimal ornamentation. “We can’t tag the style of architecture. It was built for Oregon, and was based on early Oregon history,” said Architect Francis Keally.

Today’s version is constructed of reinforced concrete, white Vermont marble, and a dome that has a flat top. That’s right. The plateau dome, according to the official website, has a “cylindrical, ribbed lantern enclosing an interior dome.”

One might look at a photo and think the flat dome resembles a laundry detergent cap. But it’s undeniably unique, topped with a heroic bronze statue of a pioneer.

This “Stripped Classical” building was truly stripped of all the usual capitol features. There is no portico, and you won’t find a massive staircase leading up to the main entrance. The architects wanted to make the Capitol easily accessible to the public. In 2002, a solar array was installed on the roof, making Oregon’s Capitol the first to be powered by the sun.

NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL

From no staircase to a “million-dollar staircase,” the New York State Capitol in Albany has enough history to fill our magazine!

New York’s present Capitol was designed by three teams of architects and built from 1867 to 1899. The ground floor’s style was Classical/ Romanesque. The next two floors were built in a Renaissance Classical style. Soaring construction costs compelled Governor Grover Cleveland to hire Isaac G. Perry to finish the project in Victorian-modified Romanesque for the legislative chambers, the fourth floor, and the roof. The Capitol’s exterior is made of white granite from Maine.

But where’s the dome? It was never completed because the massive structure’s weight was causing stress fractures, allowing the building to slowly slide downhill. They stopped the movement by adding a 166-foot-long Eastern Approach staircase to support the front façade.

Meanwhile, the Great Western Staircase cost close to $1.5 million to complete. It took years to build its 444 steps that climb 119 feet high, using Scottish sandstone that was etched by 600 stone carvers. Look closely and you can find 77 portraits of famous people in the carvings.

Visit any of these historic state Capitol buildings and you’re sure to say, “Oh wow!” You’ll leave with a visit to remember, and a spelling reminder.

New York State Capitol’s million-dollar staircase.

Wisconsin’s state Capitol is famous for its granite dome.

For some 500 years, London has been a thriving hotbed of theater, filled with playhouses showcasing the work of playwrights new and old. In terms of sheer spectacle, nothing can beat Shakespeare’s Globe, the stunning replica of the Elizabethan playhouse that premiered many of Shakespeare’s best-loved works.

As a train driver in England, Simon Ford’s work regularly takes him to London, the capital of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), where he spends his hours between shifts exploring the city on foot. According to Ford, this is often the best way to travel.

“Don’t assume that using the underground is the quickest way to get around,” he advised. “What looks like a long trip on the Underground might just be a short walk on the surface. If you are going to use ‘the Tube’ (the London subway system), though, don’t bother with the discounted public transport card. Your debit card or Apple Pay on your phone gives the same discount.”

Ford prefers London in the spring and fall months. The city is hot and crowded in summer, and lines are long. According to Ford, it’s best to avoid weekends, too. Mondays and Fridays, when many commuters are working remotely, are good days to travel to the city. Train tickets are also discounted after 10 a.m.

Know Your World Capitals

Capital Cities Give Visitors a Taste of Each Country

Crowds enjoy the spring cherry blossoms in Tokyo by partaking in seasonal Hanami festivals in Maruyama Park.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Ford recommends the galleries and museums which are free. Highlights include the National Gallery, both Tate museums, as well as the British Museum, the Natural History and Victoria and Albert Museums.

Attractions like the Tower of London, with its Crown Jewels and view of the Tower Bridge, are also on Ford’s list. He recommends a guided walk with a Beefeater — one of the Tower guards. Shakespeare fans should visit the rebuilt Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, too, where five pounds purchases a standing ticket to a play.

Ford suggests avoiding the touristy Oxford Street and opting for a visit to one of London’s many parks instead. Stops at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Covent Garden are “two of London’s best kept secrets.” Pub recommendations include: Waxy O’Connor’s in Rupert Street, Chaddos and the Salisbury near Trafalgar Square, and the Blackfriar on Queen Victoria Street which is set on the site of a medieval Dominican friary.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Major capital cities function as the epicenter of a nation’s government, economy, and culture. Steeped in history, they serve as an important symbol of the country itself. Capital cities can provide “one-stop-shopping” for tourists, a place where visitors can sample a bit of everything a country has to offer. Since traveling with friends is one of the best ways to go, we’ve called on a few of our own to be our guides.

While a visit to densely populated Tokyo may seem intimidating, the city is remarkably safe and touristfriendly, according to Natty Gray Watson, who lived and studied there. While a basic language lesson is always smart, Tokyo isn’t hard for English speakers.

“I’d say what’s more important is to brush up on Japanese social and cultural etiquette for ease of experiences and interactions,” Watson said.

Watson sees the city as an endless adventure. “There’s an unimaginable number of places to go all over Tokyo. Don’t be afraid to leave the beaten path and ditch some of the more touristy areas,” he said.

A Japan Rail pass simplifies public transport and is a great way to experience the city. “The

best thing you can do in Tokyo is ride the trains anywhere and everywhere to truly take in the diverse literal and metaphorical flavors Tokyo has to offer. It’s hard to recommend singular sights for somewhere like Tokyo … you just have to take it all on!”

The city’s low crime rate means safety isn’t much of a concern; however, if you’re crowd-averse, Watson counsels avoiding areas like Shinjuku and Roppongi.

While the city is worth seeing in any season, the spring months of March and April, with Hanami, or cherry blossom-viewing, is a particularly special time to visit. The city’s many parks offer a welcome experience of nature, and trips to Tokyo’s many temples and shrines are a uniquely Japanese adventure.

With a career in international higher education, Tulsan Theresa Kaiser has traveled the globe multiple times, including numerous trips to Riyadh. As a woman who often travels on her own, she likes to be prepared.

“I always try to learn the words for ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ wherever I go. You can get a lot of mileage out of those,” she noted. “For a visit to Riyadh, be sure to stock up on a wardrobe of quick-dry clothing with long sleeves and long pants so you can endure the heat and be respectful of cultural norms. As a woman, I always take a scarf with me in case I need to cover my head or more of my arms. Download the Uber app for the freedom of transportation.”

To avoid excessive heat, Kaiser prefers to visit from October through April. Regardless of when you visit, she advises carrying bottled water to combat thirst. Speaking of thirst, the fragrant Arabic coffee, brewed with cardamom and cloves, is delicious, but don’t be tempted by the nonalcoholic “wine.”

“While there are no places I would worry about avoiding, I would avoid one thing: non-alcoholic wine. There is no alcohol in all of Saudi Arabia.

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Sheryl Chadd often traveled with her family on a 26-hour car journey south from her landlocked country to the seaside city of Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa and one of its three capital cities.

Now a longtime resident of Tulsa, Chadd said Cape Town remains a favorite destination. Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate and location in the southern hemisphere mean that June and July are wet winter months, with the mid-summer months of December and January being a popular time to visit. The spring months of October and November are cool and sunny — a good time to see Namaqualand, north of Cape Town on the west coast, with its many square miles of native daisies. The summer months of February to April bring long warm days with cooler evenings, when a light jacket comes in handy.

Chadd has a few tips for first time visitors. South Africa has 11 recognized languages, but everyone also speaks English. Consider a prophylaxis for malaria, especially during the rainy season. Tap water is safe to drink, and while there are occasional power outages,

However, fancy non-alcoholic drinks, as well as non-alcoholic wine are available. I was once tempted to buy a $50 bottle of non-alcoholic wine for a special dinner until the very kind waiter offered to let me taste it first. It was grape juice,” she said.

Contrary to media-driven stereotypes, Kaiser finds the Saudi people friendly and eager to talk, laugh and share their culture. “Being a rare tourist and an even rarer American tourist, many people will be happily curious about you, understand your limitations regarding their culture, and enjoy practicing their English with you,” she said. “Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and learn.”

Don’t miss the beautiful, interactive National Museum, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and the Al Masmak Fort, built in 1865 to protect the old city of Riyadh. Kaiser’s personal favorites include a meal at the cozy Najd Village to feast on all manner of mouthwatering local dishes, a lazy afternoon break under the awning of a cafe around Deera Square, and splurging on a fancy dinner and incredible city view in the revolving globe atop the Al Faisaliah Center.

most businesses and homes are equipped with generators. Chadd also recommends using the “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus, which can take you from the city center to the vineyards (the country is renowned for its wines) and all the way to scenic Cape Point.

While Cape Town isn’t a high crime city, and the people are friendly and kind, Chadd cautions against walking alone in statistically-lesssafe areas of the city’s center, such as Long Street. Guided tours of the townships, historically poorer and racially segregated areas, are available but aren’t without concerns about cultural sensitivity and safety.

Chadd recommends a visit to Groot Constantia (the oldest vineyard in the Cape Town area), the Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden (home to the highest number of plant species in the world), and a day trip to Cape Point. A seafood meal at Fisherman’s Wharf in Hout Bay or Harbor House in Kalk Bay, and English tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel are personal favorites. For active travelers, a hike along the top of Table Mountain with its magnificent views is considered a must.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Mount Nelson Hotel

Al Masmak Fort, built in 1865 to protect the old city of Riyadh.

Caregiver Toolbelt/

By Erin Powell, LPC,

“I was able to take a trip with my kids – I never could have done that before.”

The Benefits of Long-Term Care What Caregivers Tell Us

So often I hear from families desperate to avoid putting their loved one in a long-term care (LTC) setting. And while I can certainly understand the desire to keep a loved one in a familiar home setting, avoid rising care costs, and have more control over quality of care, I’ve also seen people forget that there can be huge positives to care given in a community setting.

A mix of at-home caregivers and caregivers whose loved one is in LTC discussed this in a recent support group meeting. Many of those whose loved one had made the move to LTC were able to see benefits the community setting provided to them and to their family member. One caregiver

By Allied

shared, “I was able to take a trip with my kids — I never could have done that before.” Another recounted that she is able to feel like a wife again to her husband. “Once other people were helping with bathing him, dressing him, and feeding him, I could let go of some of my anger and just spend time with him — enjoying him again.”

Other caregivers said their loved one interacted more positively with the care staff at the facility than they ever did with them at home. “I would nag and nag him to take his medication — the CNAs come along and have zero issues getting him to take it,” one said. Another caregiver, whose husband has always been very sociable, told us,

Top Five Benefits of Long-Term Care

These statements echo the sentiments I’ve heard from hundreds of caregivers who are now helping care for their friends and family members in LTC.

1. CONVENIENCE

From on-site dining, laundry, and cleaning services, to on-site medical services and hair salons, most caregivers are grateful to have everything under one roof, especially as traveling to appointments gets more difficult.

2. SOCIALIZATION

LTC facilities provide built-in community and socialization that many people living alone or with one or two others lack. For many caregivers, the opportunity for community is number one reason for moving to a facility setting — there are more people to help.

3. CONSISTENCY

Especially for individuals with dementia, the consistent daily routine and predictability of a facility setting can be comforting.

4. PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVERS

Caregivers who don’t have vivid memories of who the long-term care resident once was don’t suffer from the grief and loss that family caregivers experience. Professional caregivers see the person for who they are now, and get to go home after their shift and sleep.

5. ROLE CHANGES

Though family members continue caregiving after the transition to long-term care, the role shifts into being more of an advocate. As much of the hands-on care is provided by others, family members often find they can become reacquainted with former roles like daughter, son, sibling, or spouse.

“He LOVES it! He’s made so many friends, and they are so much nicer to him and more patient with his stories than I was.”

While many said the transition to long-term care was challenging at first, most caregivers reported that their loved one settled in. One caregiver stated she “sees the staff and other residents as an extension of my family. His roommate watches out for him and even reports back to me when any doctors or other people have been to visit him.” Another family member shared, “I know the staff and they know me — I’ve built those relationships intentionally. I want to know they are watching out for him as much as I am.”

By Kathy Jones, Medicare &

Have Questions About Medicare Access to Behavioral Health Serivces?

Assistsance

Manager

Medicare Access to Behavioral Health Services

Making Behavioral Healthcare More Accessible

Following the COVID-19 public health emergency, many older Americans and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare have felt the effects of worsening depression and anxiety or have struggled with the use of substances such as opioids or alcohol. To meet the growing need for services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized new policies to promote access to behavioral health services in the Medicare program.

More than 400,000 counselors can now independently treat Medicare recipients and be paid directly by CMS. Licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors (including licensed drug and alcohol counselors) can now enroll as Medicare providers. CMS has also proposed a new requirement that Medicare Advantage plans include an adequate number of outpatient behavioral health facilities that provide therapy and substance use disorder treatment in their provider networks.

COVERING GAPS IN ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

New Medicare rules also close the gap in the types of behavioral health services covered by Medicare. Medicare will continue to cover services such as psychiatric hospitalization for beneficiaries with acute psychiatric needs, partial hospitalization, and outpatient therapy. For those patients needing more intense services, CMS has expanded coverage for an intermediate level of care. These services, called intensive outpatient programs (IOP), would add coverage for those patients who might struggle with daily tasks but do not require hospitalization.

CMS is promoting access to behavioral health services for underserved communities by changing the required level of supervisor for services performed at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Behavioral health practitioners will now be able to provide services without a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse

Original Medicare Coverage for Behavioral Health Services

Medicare measures the use of hospital services — including services at a psychiatric hospital — in benefit periods. A benefit period begins on the day of admission. The benefit period ends after the patient has ceased to have inpatient hospital care for 60 days in a row. After those 60 days, if you’re admitted to the hospital, a new benefit period begins and you must pay a new deductible for further hospital services. There is a lifetime limit of 190 days for care in a psychiatric hospital.

• In-patient mental health care benefits in a general hospital setting:

• $1,632 deductible for days 1 – 60

• $408 coinsurance per day for days 61 – 90

• Medicare Part A pays for 90 days of inpatient hospital care per benefit period. A beneficiary will have an additional 60 days of coverage that can only be used once per lifetime (lifetime reserve days). The additional days will have a coinsurance per day of $817

• Beyond lifetime reserve days: all costs

• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for mental services you receive from doctors and other health care providers while you’re admitted as an in-patient

• Partial hospitalization and outpatient therapy are covered under Part B deductible of $240 and then 20% coinsurance of the Medicareallowed amount

• Telehealth is covered under Part B deductible of $240 and then is subject to a 20% coinsurance

practitioner physically on site. The change will expand access to services like counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy in more communities while maintaining high-quality care.

TELEHEALTH

Telehealth, using audio and video communications technology, provides certain medical or health services from a distance via phone or computer. Medicare will, at any location in the U.S., only continue telehealth coverage for diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment for a substance use disorder or a co-recurring mental health disorder through December 31, 2024. After that, to utilize telehealth, you must be in an office or medical facility in a rural location.

For specific coverage information under Medicare Advantage Plans, contact your plan for coverage.

Sources: www.Medicare.gov; www. Medicareinteractive.gov and www.CMS.gov

Financial Fitness

/

By Karen Szabo

Opening a CD now allows investors to lock in current interest rates before any potential cuts take effect.

The Benefits of Certificates of Deposit

CDs Experience a Resurgence

In the ever-shifting landscape of financial investments, one option that has recently regained appeal is the humble certificate of deposit (CD). Long considered a safe but relatively low-yield investment, CDs are experiencing a resurgence in interest thanks to the Federal Reserve’s series of interest rate hikes, marking a departure from the historically low rates of recent years. But what exactly is a certificate of deposit, and why might now be a good time to consider investing in one?

WHAT IS A CD?

A certificate of deposit is a type of savings account offered by banks and credit unions that typically offers a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. In exchange for depositing a certain amount of money for a fixed period, known as the term length, investors receive a guaranteed return, or yield, on their investment. CD terms can range from a few months to several years, with longer terms generally offering higher interest rates.

THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE

When the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) raises the federal funds rate, borrowing becomes more expensive, which can help slow economic growth and lower inflation. Conversely, when the Fed lowers the benchmark rate, borrowing becomes easier, stimulating economic activity but potentially leading to higher inflation.

In response to rising inflation, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023, resulting in the rate reaching its highest levels in over two decades. After its December 2023 session, the Fed forecasted it would make three quarter-point cuts by the end of 2024 to lower the benchmark rate to 4.6%. Prices have started to come down, but the group has signaled it wants to see more positive data before pulling the trigger.

Led by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the FOMC considers inflation, employment, and the rate of borrowing in its decisions, among other economic factors. The committee already convened in January 2024, when it decided not to change the rate. Powell has said that the committee agrees a rate cut this year would be appropriate. Their next meeting is in May.

PREPARING FOR RATE CUTS

While the possibility of future rate cuts may be on the horizon, there are steps investors can take to prepare. Opening a CD now allows investors to lock in current interest rates before any potential cuts take effect. Additionally, focusing on improving credit scores can position investors to take advantage of lower borrowing costs once rates decline.

Given the current economic climate, now might be an opportune time to consider investing in CDs. Unlike other savings products, such as savings accounts, CDs offer fixed interest rates that are locked in for the duration of the term. This means that even if interest rates decline in the future, investors can continue to earn the rate agreed upon at the time of the CD purchase.

PROS AND CONS OF CDS

One of the primary advantages of CDs is their safety and predictability. Unlike stocks or other riskier investments, CDs offer a guaranteed return, making them an ideal choice for investors looking to preserve their principal while still earning a modest yield. Additionally, CDs are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, providing an extra layer of security.

However, CDs also have some drawbacks to consider. One notable limitation is their lack of liquidity, as withdrawing funds from a CD before the end of the term typically results in penalties or forfeited interest. Additionally, while CDs offer stability, they may not keep pace with inflation over the long term, potentially eroding the purchasing power of your savings.

While certificates of deposit offer a secure and predictable investment option, they do require investors to sacrifice immediate access to their cash in exchange for steady income. By employing a strategic approach known as a CD ladder, however, investors can strike a balance between maximizing yield and maintaining liquidity.

BUILDING A CD LADDER

A CD ladder is a structured investment strategy that involves purchasing multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates — typically ranging from six months to several years — to achieve a balance between earning higher yields on longer-term CDs and maintaining flexibility with access to funds from shorter-term CDs.

When the first CD in the ladder reaches maturity, investors can choose to reinvest the principal, withdraw the funds, or explore alternative investment opportunities. Meanwhile, the remaining CDs in the ladder continue to earn interest until their respective maturity dates.

One of the key advantages of CD ladders is their ability to adapt to changes in interest rates. As interest rates fluctuate, investors can reinvest maturing CDs into higher-yielding options or adjust the ladder’s structure to capitalize on prevailing market conditions. Additionally, CD ladders offer a level of liquidity not typically associated with traditional longterm investments.

Certificates of deposit offer a stable and predictable investment option in a volatile market environment. Whether building a CD ladder or preparing for potential rate cuts, staying informed and proactive is key.

6.14.24

Cancun Paradise

Vacation

5-night stay in a standard guestroom; lagoon view at the Westin Resort & Spa Cancun; daily breakfast for 2; round-trip coach class airfare for 2 from within the 48 contiguous U.S. to Cancun, Mexico.

Charleston

Luxury Getaway

3-night stay in a deluxe room at the Charleston Place Hotel; daily breakfast for 2; 2-hour private Charleston history and photo walking tour for 2; dinner for 2 at Charleston Grill.

• 5-day valet parking voucher valued at $100 for Tulsa Airport • $250 Prepaid VISA gift card SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

New Orleans Jazz & Dining

Steamboat Jazz Dinner Cruise; a dining experience at Dickie Brennan & Co. Restaurants; 3-night stay in a standard guest room at the Renaissance New Orleans Arts or Pere Marquette Hotel.

Nashville Unplugged

Guided tour of Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ryman Auditorium; 3-night stay in a superior guest room at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

In addition to your choice of trip, winner will receive:

To purchase raffle tickets prior to the event, contact: Kelsey Phillips (918) 938-7618 • kphillips@lifeseniorservices.org

Word Search / The Capitals

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box

A commonym is a group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example, the words Ice – Sugar – Rubik’s – are all cubes. Answers on page 39.

May – Bean – Flag

Lamb – Pork – Karate

Road – Weather – Treasure

Penguin – Kiwi – Ostrich

Bad T.V. Shows – Stamps – Checks

Sheets – Books – Rolls

Chips – Sweet – Spears

Right – Love – Bermuda

Buck – Baby – Wisdom

Crab – Caramel – Candy

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 39.

You Don’t Have an Estate Plan, the State of Oklahoma Has One for You

If you die without an estate plan you’re leaving the fate of your assets in the hands of Oklahoma’s intestacy laws. These laws dictate how your estate will be distributed among your heirs, which may not align with your wishes.

In the absence of a will or trust, you allow the State of Oklahoma to determine who gets your belongings - your home, your car, your savings. The state’s plan typically involves distributing your assets to your closest relatives, starting with your spouse and children, followed by other relatives in a predetermined order. The probate process can be lengthy, costly, and may lead to disputes among family members.

Furthermore, without clear instructions provided in an estate plan, the state will appoint someone to manage your affairs and make decisions on your behalf, which may not be someone you would have chosen.

By creating an estate plan, you take control of your legacy and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Don’t leave your estate to chance – consult with an estate planning attorney to create a personalized plan that reflects your values and priorities.

At Home

/By Julie Alexander, Assistant Editor

Contain Yourself Small Gardens Have Big Benefits

Gardening may just be the key to better health, both physical and mental. Spending time outdoors reduces blood pressure, increases serotonin levels, and creates a sense of well-being for seniors. A 2020 study in Australia reported that gardening gave older adults a connection to nature and provided mental stimulation. Since a garden requires regular care, seniors who work in the soil increase their physical activity, which can have a significant impact on issues like depression and cardiovascular health.

NO ROOM? NO PROBLEM

Container gardening is a great option for those who have mobility issues or don’t have a large space in the yard. A small sunny patio or balcony is all the area you need to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers.

Before creating a container garden, make a plan and a budget. Do you want to grow herbs and vegetables, or colorful flowers? Choose what will grow in the conditions you provide. Vegetables and herbs require a lot of sun, while many flowering plants do well in the shade.

Read the plant tags for information about growing conditions. Plants in containers have to tolerate more stress than those in the ground and they will require more water on hot windy days. Even plants recommended for full sun will need some afternoon shade, especially in Oklahoma.

Once you decide what you want to grow, choose the right container and good soil. Pots in a variety of shapes and sizes grouped together add visual interest. Any container that will hold dirt and has drainage can be used, so get creative!

SIZE MATTERS

Vegetables will need a large pot, while annuals or succulents can thrive in smaller ones. Choose lightweight plastic pots rather than clay as they will be easier to move. Another option is a grow bag. These inexpensive cloth containers are lightweight and have great drainage. The handles make them easy to move and they lay flat for storage at the end of the growing season. Another inexpensive option is a 5-gallon bucket from a home improvement store. It’s the perfect size for growing vegetables; just be sure there are holes in the bottom for proper drainage. If you want to grow beans, cucumbers, or other climbing vegetables, use a tomato cage as a trellis.

Several varieties of vegetables and leafy greens do well in pots. Lettuce, kale, spinach, radishes, and Swiss chard are easy to grow from seed and you will have lettuce in as little as 30 days. To sow the seeds, sprinkle them on top of the soil, and cover lightly with more soil. Water daily until the seeds sprout and be sure they receive at least six hours of sun a day.

Cherry tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes can be grown in containers as well. Read the tag on the plant and look for container-friendly varieties. Use good potting soil and feed with a general-purpose fertilizer.

To make a small kitchen herb garden, group herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme together in one pot. If you prefer to grow flowers, choose plant colors and shapes that complement each other and arrange them in threes. Combine a tall spiked plant in the same container with one that mounds and one that trails. Just be sure they all need the same growing conditions.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

If you have more shade than sun, coleus is a great choice for its colorful foliage. Other shade-loving annuals include impatiens, caladium, or begonia. Sun-loving plants like sweet potato vine, verbena, and petunias thrive in Oklahoma heat and come in a variety of reds, pinks, and purples. Again, read the tag on the plant to know the ideal conditions.

Perennials that attract butterflies and hummingbirds also work well in pots and they will come back year after year, saving you money and time. Hosta, coral bells, and hydrangea are perfect for shady spots. Sun-loving perennials that do well in containers include salvia, coneflower, sedum, and coreopsis.

Once you’ve planted, maintain your pots with regular watering and weekly fertilization. If you don’t have a water source outside, purchase an inexpensive watering can. Miracle-Gro is a good general-purpose fertilizer and is easily diluted in the watering can. In the summer months, plants in full sun may need to be watered more than once a day.

A community hub with two state-of-the-art facilities offering fitness, social, recreational, educational and arts opportunities to adults 50 and older.

• Pickleball

• Line dancing

• Basketball

• Special social events

• Yoga

• Music lessons

• Art studio

• Café & activity kitchen

A safe and friendly place for at-risk seniors, providing health monitoring, social activities, personal care and nutritious meals.

Call now for more information and to schedule a tour.

Roma Berry Center for Seniors

S. 72nd E. Ave. • Tulsa (918) 664-9000 • www.LIFEseniorservices.org

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

Book Club/

I really like nonfiction books. If they are both informational and entertaining, I love them.

These two new nonfiction books take on challenging subjects — grammar and guns — and might have been ponderous; instead, they are skillfully written works of insight and depth.

“GRAMMAR FOR A FULL LIFE”

“Grammar for a Full Life” is nothing like schoolroom tasks of identifying parts of speech and conjugating verbs. Author Lawrence Weinstein, the cofounder of Harvard University’s Writing Center, has written a grammar book that sparkles with originality. In very short, highly readable chapters, he presents English grammar endowed with philosophy, instruction, and selfhelp. Weinstein shows us how grammar helps us understand life.

Here’s a simple example. Want to gain agency in your life? Simply use a transitive verb in the active voice. If we are waiting for a real person to answer the phone we can say, “They’ve put me on hold,” or “I’m holding.” The first tips us into victimhood; the second gives us choice, even if it is only to hang up and call back. The verb moves us from the passenger to the driver’s seat.

I am especially fond of his essays on the tiny but powerful conjunctions “but” and “and.” Mindfully using “but” can bring us back from a setback or failure. It can rewrite our story. Compare the report from a Chinese general who wrote, “We fight, but the enemy defeats us,” to his revised report that says, “The enemy defeats

New, Nourishing, Noteworthy Nonfiction

us, but we fight on.” Weinstein as self-help guide tells us, “If we’re not to lose heart in the aftermath of failures, we must take care how we tell our stories.”

I particularly love his essay about the little conjunction “and” as a life lesson in tolerating ambiguity. Much of this chapter cites Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but Weinstein takes a deep dive when he quotes Bertrand Russell’s summary of George Santayana’s theology: “There is no God, and the Virgin Mary is his mother.”

The word “and” can help us get beyond an either/ or mentality. If tolerating ambiguity is a mark of maturity and higher reason, Weinstein shows us how grammar helps us hold life’s sundry truths up in the air at once.

“ONE NATION UNDER GUNS”

“One Nation Under Guns” by Dominic Erdozain. I’ve been searching for a book to read about America and guns. I am happy with this choice, so well written and deeply researched. The author is a British historian and is currently a visiting professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s described as “a brilliant historical thinker.”

The book begins this way. “In the first five years I lived in the United States, four of the five deadliest shootings in the nation’s history took place — at a school, a nightclub, a concert, a church.” As an outsider, then as a citizen, he asked himself, “Why do Americans tolerate it?”

I ask myself the same question. In the 1960s, six out of ten Americans favored a total ban on handguns. Now about 200 million handguns are in private possession. How did we get here? This short book takes us on a fast-paced, colorful historical journey.

Erdozain dives into “a well-regulated militia,” the Second Amendment, Supreme Court decisions, and the influence of film culture from “Birth of a Nation” through Westerns with their “frontier masculinity.” The twin scourges of our gun culture, he says, are racism and nationalism. In tracing the growing influence of the National Rifle Association, he quotes President Lyndon B. Johnson, disappointed by the weak Gun Control Act of 1968. Strict firearms control laws, Johnson said, are “a measure of a civilized society.” Is the United States a “government of law,” Johnson asked, or a “government by lobby?”

This is not a book for someone who customarily straps on firearms to go to the ice cream store. It’s a book for someone who might wonder, as the author does, if our gun culture threatens our democracy.

Dominic Erdozain

Lawrence Weinstein

Capitol Images

Tulsa Historical Society & Museum • 2445 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa

photos courtesy of Tulsa Historical Society & Museum

Members of the United States Indian Reservation Band standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the inaugural ceremonies of President Herbert Hoover.

This Month in History

MAY 2, 1933

Loch Ness Monster Sighted for the First Time

A newspaper published the account of a local couple claiming to have seen “an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface.” English newspapers sent correspondents to Scotland in search of the animal and a circus offered a reward for the capture of the beast. Another couple later claimed to see the creature on land. Sonar expeditions of the lake have found nothing conclusive so far.

MAY 4, 1959

Ella Fitzgerald Becomes First Black Woman to Win Grammy

The First Lady of Song made history at the Recording Academy’s inaugural awards show when she took home two Grammys for best jazz performance and best female vocal performance. Fitzgerald was also the first woman to receive the Grammy’s lifetime achievement award in 1967. She took home another 11 Grammys throughout her career and sold over 40 million albums.

MAY 5, 1978

Ben & Jerry’s Opens its First Shop

Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened the store in Burlington, Vermont selling homemade products from soup to crêpes. The ice cream quickly became the main attraction, leading to stores opening around the globe and pints selling in almost every grocery store. While many original flavors are buried in the “Flavor Graveyard,”new flavors have followed, including their most popular, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

MAY 7, 1994

Stolen “The Scream” Recovered Edvard Munch’s famous painting, “The Scream,” was found at a hotel about 40 miles south of the Oslo museum from which it had been stolen three months earlier. Two thieves had broken through a window in the gallery and left a note reading “Thousand thanks for the bad security!” The painting was taken in only 50 seconds. Two years later, four men were sentenced in connection with the theft.

MAY 16, 1929

First Academy Awards Ceremony Held

At the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences handed out their first awards at a dinner party of about 250 guests. The host was the first Academy president and actor Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. New movies with sound were not allowed to compete for Best Picture as it was decidedly unfair to silent films, with “Wings” winning the title.

MAY 20, 1774

King George III Approves the Coercive Acts

In response to the Boston Tea Party and other acts of defiance by American colonists, the English king gave his royal consent to a series of laws called the Coercive Acts. The acts punished colonists by shutting down the port of Boston, making British officials immune to criminal prosecution in Massachusetts, and requiring colonists to house British troops.

The Rotunda at the Oklahoma State Capitol Building.

The Oklahoma State Capitol building photographed on May 25, 1931.

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

Across from the Chapel – Memorial Park

Three plots across from the chapel in Memorial Park Cemetery. Located in section 12 Sunset Garden, lot 221, space 1, 2 & 3. All three lots $4,950. Contact Jeff at (405) 595-6351 for more information. If no answer, please leave name and number.

Floral Haven Cemetery Lot

Beautiful Single Cemetery Lot in Sermon on the Mount area (Block 17, Lot 47, Space 2) for only $2,800. (Current retail value 3/26/24 is $5,800.) Site available for viewing and transaction of deed onsite with Floral Haven representative. Contact LM at (918) 949-7505.

Floral Haven Lawn Crypts

Double depth lawn crypt space for two in the Garden of St. Paul including 16x24 bronze marker with vase & 20x28 granite base. Retail sells for $14,995, asking $8,997. Call or text Terry at (704) 460-4232 and leave a message.

Floral Haven Plot

$3000 – In Garden of the Prophets. Beautiful space! Worth $5,500. Call Tonya at (405) 314-3828.

Memorial Park – 3 Lots

Three plots for sale (Lot 59, Section 22, Spaces 2, 3, and 4) in mature area with trees. Flat bronze or granite markers permitted. Current retail value is $1,870 each. Selling all three for $3,600. Buyer must purchase all three. Call or text (505) 681-8075.

Memorial Park Cemetery –Desirable Lots

Plots For Sale in Memorial Park. Four spaces, section 4, lot 42. Desirable established area with mature trees. $2,450 each or discounted further at $9,000 for all four. Transfer fees included. Serious inquiries please call (405) 887-2722.

MEMORIAL PARK – DISCOUNTED LOTS

Two spaces Garden of Prayer, Section 14B Lot 31-Spaces 3-4, Flat Bronze Marker Only $1,100 each. Two spaces Park View North, Section 50 Lot 297-Spaces 5-6, Flat Bronze Marker only $1,100 each, or all 4 spaces $4,000. Transfer fees included. Text or Call Linda (918) 855-2351.

Memorial Park – Garden of the Apostles 2 peaceful resting places in Section 28, Lot 383, Spaces 5 & 6… $1,750 each (Retail $2,150 each) Call/text Phillip: (801) 652-7480.

Memorial Park Prime Cemetery Plots

Section 26, Lot 157, Space 1 * Crypt included * Bronze or Granite approved. $2,000. Section 43, Lot 46, Spaces 2 & 3 * Bronze or Granite approved. $1,900 each. Contact: marphy3@sbcglobal.net

Memorial Park (Tulsa) Niche Lakeside Columbarium Section 27, Niche 139, Level A. Valued at $1,600, asking $1,200 OBO. Not far from Leon Russell’s landmark headstone, complete with geese and view of Enchantment Lake. Call (918) 629-9528.

Park Grove in Broken Arrow

Three lots available in section E of the cherished Park Grove on Houston in Broken Arrow. $3,000 each. Price negotiable for all three lots. Call DK (918) 835-0612.

CLEANING

Live Beautifully! You Deserve It!

Here at Moore Cleaning, we want your house to be beautiful. We have over 19 years experience, and references from our loyal customers. Also offering window cleaning and organizing. We customize our cleaning to meet your needs. Safely cleaning with masks and social distancing if preferred. Reasonable rates.Please call today to set up your appointment. Marybelle Moore (918) 671-5065. Marybellemoore111@gmail.com.

Window Cleaning. Housecleaning Widow 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 and with references. Call (539) 664-1986.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Does Technology Frustrate You? Honest, patient, ethical help with your pc, modem, wifi, cell phone, email, streaming, camera, password recovery, etc. 30+ years of IT experience in Tulsa. Special rates for seniors.References available. Call or text Carmen Armstrong (918) 688-7453.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mutual of Omaha

Life, Long Term Care, Medicare and Cancer/Heart Attack/Stroke Policies plus Reverse Mortgages. Local Agent, Cindy Johnson, (918) 619-5919 cell.

GARDEN/LAWN CARE

AAA Lawns & More

Total tree and lawn care. Specializing in reasonably priced tree removal or trimming any size tree. Property line clean-up. 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.

Garden Services

Flowerbed Design. Garden Installation – specializing in Butterfly & Earthkind gardens. Schedule garden maintenance. Weeding, mulching, annual color, Spring & Fall cleanup, hedge & shrub trimming, tree pruning, stone pathways. Call Charles (918) 636-0298.

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

New Season Lawn & Tree

Spring 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

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

Allen’s Handyman Services of Tulsa

“Your Home Improvement and Repair Specialist.” 23 years serving Tulsa seniors. “One call can do it all.” 10% senior discount. Insured. All work guaranteed in writing. No pay until job is completed. Plumbing, drain cleaning, grab bars, electrical, carpentry, painting, seamless guttering installation/repair/cleaning. Dryer vent cleaning. Roof, tile and drywall repair. Wood siding/trim replacement. Deck repair, power washing, staining. Tree trimming. No job too small. Minimum charge for service. For free estimate, call Allen at (918) 630-0394.

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.

Carpenter’s Son Renovations, LLC

Christ-centered remodeling and construction service. We do everything from full home renovations to minor handyman services. All Flooring (Tile, Carpet, Wood, etc), Fence/Deck, Bathroom and Kitchen, Drywall, Paint, Landscaping, Wheelchair Ramps. Whatever you need we will take care of it. Including prayer! Call for free estimate (918) 509-5407.

Doc J’s Heat and Air LLC

Stay comfortable year-round with our expert heating and air conditioning services. We offer top-notch repairs, new equipment installations, and maintenance plans to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. As a locally owned and managed

CLASSIFIEDS

business, we take pride in providing exceptional service to our community. Call (918) 921-4240.

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.

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

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

Red E Bins of Tulsa

A locally owned family business, offering 5, 10, and 15-yard dumpsters and Red E bags available for rent. Pricing is all-inclusive! Give Huntor a call or text at (918) 734-8655 or visit our website at: Tulsa.redebins.us to rent. Mention “VINTAGE” for a FREE extra rental day.

Same Day Services

Light Hauling /Light Moving – help you rearrange room furniture, lawns-grass mowing/small paint jobs/cleanup/ fence repair/light construction/sheet rock tile repair – We are honest and dependable. References. Call (918) 313-5230.

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.

HOUSING

Share House Assisting Elderly

Looking for someone between ages of late 50s to late sixties, to share rent and utilities in South Tulsa. Must be willing to help an elderly person with light tasks. Call (918) 521-7744

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

Protect Your Family. Preserve Your Legacy. Whether you are planning your estate or need help with a loved one who may be financially exploited, South Tulsa Law will represent you effectively and compassionately. We work in all areas of estate planning and probate, trusts and trust litigation, guardianship, and elder exploitation. Call (918) 512-1800 or visit www.southtulsalaw.com

MOVERS

Tulsa Movers Pianos, Office, Home. Load or Unload Rental Trucks. Low Rates. Free Estimates. Senior Discounts. 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.

On-the-Spot Notary Service

I provide efficient and courteous notary service. I can travel to where you are or meet at a specified location in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area. Call or text Kelly for more information. (918) 688-0458.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

Administrative and Personal Secretarial Support

Handle mail, pay bills, balance checkbooks, make phone calls, schedule appointments, setup filing system, create spreadsheets, write/ edit letters, type documents/reports, provide internet ‘online’ research. The Warshaw Group, LLC, Bobbi Warshaw, MPH and Bob Warshaw, MBA. Contact at (918) 852-5302 or email bobbi.warshaw@att.net.

AFFORDABLE ORGANIZING

Too busy to stay organized?

Overwhelmed? Return harmony to your home and life. We help with: Downsizing, relocating (pack & unpack). Set up home office, nurseries, dorms. One room or entire house. Monthly maintenance. Disperse unwanted possessions, electronics, chemicals. Seasonal transitioning. Prepare for guests. Call Pat at Organize to Harmonize: (918) 200-5991.

Busy Bee!

Let me help you with errands, shopping or getting to doctors’ appointments. I offer personal assistance and companion care. Will do light housekeeping. You can email me at B.Keeley@me.com or call (918) 851-0567.

Compassionate Caregiver

Let me give your loved ones a helping hand. Helping them with

meal planning, light housework, laundry, grocery shopping and short distance errands. Offering companionship. Reasonable rates with many references. I have letters of recommendation. Call Melba at (918) 760-0688.

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. Please call (918) 622-7820 and schedule a free consultation!!!

Ms PAC Ma’am

Need help packing or organizing? I can pack boxes for moving, downsizing, or decluttering. I can help organize rooms, closets, attics, or garages providing you more space. Flexible hours – day or evening. Lots of experience. References available. $25/hr - 2 hr minimum. Boxes/bags provided upon request. Jacki (918) 922-9558.

The Best for Less

Seeking fulltime private duty position in the home, or facility. Single person or couple. Please, only serious inquires. Call or leave message at (918) 644-7591.

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.

In Home Beauty Services of Tulsa

We provide haircutting services to our clients, men and women who are unable to leave their homes, are disabled, in hospice care, or independent living...$25 – $30. Pedicures also available…$45. We make it easy and come to you! Licensed. Contact Sherry (918) 630-6274.

Salon Retro

Hair care for men and women, specializing in senior clients. This month’s special - First time customers receive one of the

following for $15: Haircut or Manicure. $50 for one cut and perm. Pedicures are $25. Very Experienced Hairdressers! In shop services only, come see us in Midtown at Highland Plaza, 5661 East 41st Street (corner of 41st and Hudson). (918) 742-3440.

PET CARE

Dog Walker

The Woof Pack Tulsa: Dependable dog walking services for your four-legged 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.

Laura’s Boarding & Dog Walking Services 40 years experience. Veterinary Assistant experience. Friendly, safe, fenced-in environment (.25 acre yard). Daily exercise provided, first aid, CPR, CNA, senior dog experience. Can administer oral and injection medications. I’m attentive, playful, kind and caring. Daily photos of your furry friend sent to you by text. References available. (918) 812-8001.

REALTOR/REAL ESTATE

Mature Transitions of Tulsa Downsizing, Decluttering, Move Management, Estate Sales, Selling the Family Home. Call today (918) 309-6120. www.MatureTransitionsofTulsa.com.

Preventing Foreclosure, Saving Homes, Securing Futures

If you are going though a situation where you need to sell your house quickly in the Tulsa, Oklahoma or surrounding areas, I buy houses and I can provide you with a stress-free solution that is specifically tailored to your needs. Give me a call today at (918) 409-2185.

SOCIAL

Single Seniors (50+)

We are a fun-loving group of seniors over 50. We meet every Thursday, 11:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Golden Corral, 8144 East 21st Street. We eat at 11:15, have a short meeting and then play cards. Join us for great fun and fellowship. Questions, call Linda at (918) 955-9180.

STAYCATION GETAWAYS

Spring Getaway!

Treat yourself to a Spring Getaway with a relaxing stay. Meadowlake Ranch offers authentic log cabins (complete with private patios & waterfront views) and breakfast delivered to your cabin. Enjoy bank fishing, walking trails, & s’mores by the fire! Book our venue for family gatherings and fun activities. We are located just 15 minutes from

Downtown Tulsa, & 20 minutes from Keystone Lake. Book online of call Susie at (918) 494-6000. Visit www.Meadowlakeranch.com or email meadowlakeranch@cox.net.

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.

TRAVEL

BRANSON BOUND FOR AN EARLY HOLIDAY!

Join a 3 day – 2 night bus tour November 6 – 8. Departs midtown Tulsa. $450 double per person/$519 single includes transportation, lodging, 4 shows, 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners, snacks, and more. Full payment due September 1. See www.grouptrips. com/ChristChurchExplorers for details and leave full message for call back.

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 that by sitting with patients for an hour or so. Training is provided. (918) 493-6555.

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.

Vintage Friends

Tribute donations to support the work of LIFE Senior Services

William Bailie

In Memory of Myrna Bailie

Alan and Sandy Barclay

In Memory of Dr. David Confer

Leslie Edwards

In Memory of Eloise Dolores Hoffman

Sandi Hall

In Honor of Sylvia Davis

Jodye Johnson In Memory of Stephen A. Johnson

Kathleen Kneafsey In Memory of Dr. David Confer

Jeanne Moyer In Memory of Dr. David Confer

Donna Palmer In Memory of Martha Philpott

Phil Snyder In Memory of Lonnie Snyder

Pauline Yeager In Memory of Alice Gosney

The Seed N’ Weed In Honor of Eileen Bradshaw

MAY ANSWERS

For

COMMONYMS

1. Poles

2. Types of chops

3. Maps

4. Birds that don’t fly

5. They all get canceled

6. Ways stamps are sold

7. Pickles

8. Triangles

9. Teeth

10. Apples

BAMBOOZABLES

1. I see you understand

2. Did it cross your mind?

5. Incomplete sentence

6. Count Dracula

3. All in all

4. Little House on the Prairie

SUDOKU

CommunityCare has the right Medicare Advantage plan for you.

As Oklahoma’s largest locally owned health plan, CommunityCare offers you more— including in-network access to the region’s four premier health systems, so you can choose the doctors, clinics, and hospitals you want (other providers are available in our network). And with our Senior Health Plan options, you’ll find the benefits you’re looking for in a Medicare Advantage plan, inlcuding:

3 In-network access to Ascension St. John, Hillcrest, OSU Medical Center and Saint Francis

3 $0 monthly premium*

3 $0 PCP copay

3 $0 Tier 1 drugs

3 Over-the-counter medicine benefit

3 Dental and vision

3 Flex Card for choosing fitness memberships and more

*Other plans available.

— Terry Hood Longtime Tulsa news anchor