LIFE's Vintage Newsmagazine - September 2015

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GRANDEST OF LOVE:

The Grandparent-Grandchild Bond

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN MAKING MEMORIES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS

LIFE SENIOR SERVICES 5950 E. 31st St. Tulsa, OK 74135-5114

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1960 Tulsa, OK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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14 Grandest of Love: The Grandparent-Grandchild Bond Grandparents undoubtedly fill a special role in a child’s life that is different from the role of a parent. Besides unconditional love, there are plenty of health and wellness benefits to reap when grandparents and grandchildren share a strong, meaningful connection.

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Vol. 30, No. 3 LIFE Senior Services, Inc. Publisher Laura Kenny President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Kirchhoff Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning

16 Grandparents

Raising Grandchildren

Erin Shackelford Managing Editor eshackelford@LIFEseniorservices.org

Some grandparents are raising their grandchildren because military parents are deployed, parents tragically died or – in the case of the Martinos – the sole parent is ill-equipped.

Regardless of the reasons, grandparents are stepping up in record numbers.

Kaylee Campbell Associate Editor kcampbell@LIFEseniorservices.org Bernie Dornblaser Advertising Director bdornblaser@LIFEseniorservices.org

20 Making

Memories with Your Grandkids

Leah Weigle Graphic Designer

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Carrie Henderson Bowen Circulation Coordinator cbowen@LIFEseniorservices.org dick mccandless Community Distribution

From the Publisher 6 Welcome to Camp Looking Back 8 Noonie-Papa Caregiver Corner 10 What started as a simple plan to spend time A Look at the Legal with their 12 grandkids has grown into a bona Side of Caregiving fide camp adventure that Steve and Norma look Medicare & You 12 Enrolling in Medicare Part D forward to as much as their campers. for 2016 12Social Security to Begin Annual 13 Review in Early September Mastering the Art of LongYour Medicare & You Distance Grandparenting Handbook Will Arrive Soon

As a long-distance grandparent, your time with grandkids may be limited to summer vacations or major holidays, but you can still play an important role in their lives. Even the simplest gestures can keep the bond flourishing, despite the distance.

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Healthy Aging

Keeping You and Your Grandkids Healthy

Because the relationship between grandparent and grandchild is so precious, there are certain measures that grandparents should take to ensure the health and safety for themselves and their grandchildren.

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Carol Carter Copy Editor

You might be noticing that your grandkids are staring at a screen for hours on end; and you worry that they aren’t getting enough physical activity or human interaction. You want to engage them, expand their minds, spend quality time together, all while having fun. And you can!

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

Noteworthy Mindbender & Puzzles Business Directory Calendar Events & Seminars at LIFE Senior Services People & Places Classifieds Vintage Friends

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine is a monthly publication for seniors, their families, caregivers, professionals in aging services and others interested in issues of aging. It is published by LIFE Senior Services, a nonprofit organization.

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine accepts advertising solely 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 Newsmagazine reserves the right to refuse advertising. Rates are available upon request by calling (918) 664-9000.

This publication is distributed at no charge. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Suggested amount: $24 per year.

© LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine and LIFE Senior Services, Inc., 2015.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction without consent of the publisher is prohibited.

Editor’s Note: Three photos used in the August 2015 edition of LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine (pages 8 and 14) were from the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa.

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

“Fulfilling our mission to promote and preserve independence for seniors – today – tomorrow – always, LIFE Senior Services is proud to bring you LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine.”

letter from the

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publisher

hat’s in a name? Choosing your grandparent name can be almost as challenging as it was to select your own kids’ names. Whether you picked Nan and Grandad, Nonny and Poppy or the traditional Grandma and Grandpa, you probably didn’t know the name was magic until the first time your grandchild called you by it. Regardless of your name as a grandparent, you are the link to your grandchild’s ancestors and a connection to the family’s common history. In addition, your age serves as proof of survival and resilience, and stories you have to pass down are ones filled with valuable life lessons and fond memories.

The role a grandparent plays in the life of a child can’t be understated. From providing an extra layer of unconditional love and protection to being a mentor, nurturer and role model, a grandparent’s impact on the family is priceless.

In Grandest of Love: The Grandparent-Grandchild Bond on page 14, you will discover just how precious the bond between a grandparent and grandchild truly can be.

Besides shared love, there are shared health and wellness benefits when a strong, meaningful connection is created and maintained between a grandparent and grandchild.

And for those of you who may not have grandchildren yet or at all, we offer a selection of local nonprofit organizations where you can start making a difference in the life of a child or teen on page 15. Because not only does interacting with youth benefit your own health and wellness, it also could mean the world to a child who doesn’t have a supportive mentor.

Laura Kenny President and CEO of LIFE Senior Services, LIFE’s Vintage Housing and LIFE PACE

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While grandparents enjoy helping care for their grandchildren, some grandparents are facing a very different reality. One in which they are the sole providers and caregivers for their grandchildren. Due to a variety of factors, more and more grandparents – especially those in Oklahoma – are finding themselves in this sometimes frustrating and demanding, yet rewarding, situation.

In Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on page 16, you’ll meet one senior couple who have been raising their grandchildren (who range in age from 7 to 13) for years.

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

While there are challenges for seniors in this position to overcome, there are resources throughout our community that can help.

For those of you looking to master the art of longdistance grandparenting, you’ll find a helpful article chockfull of easy and unique ideas to help keep you connected with a geographically-distant grandchild on page 24. When those grandchildren do come to visit, you will have plenty of boredom-busters in your arsenal to keep them entertained after reading our “things to do” article on page 20. From the always-fun Tulsa Zoo to more unique and adventurous undertakings, like geocaching, you’re sure to find an activity perfect for you and your grandchildren.

In addition to our list, we encourage you to check out TulsaKids Magazine’s comprehensive event calendar. Their calendar is bursting at the seams with free events ranging from monthly museum happenings to sporting events and movie nights. Learn more about this free monthly parenting publication on page 21.

You’ll also meet Steve and Norma Murphy, who every year host “Camp Noonie-Papa” – a bona fide summer camp adventure – for their 12 grandchildren. This year, Steve and Norma, plus six boys and six girls headed to Colorado for a week of canoeing, camping, horseback riding, archery and more. Discover how the Murphys create all-ages fun, plus how these yearly camps are strengthening their bond with their grandchildren on page 22.

Finally, September is National Grandparents Month, and we invite you to share photos of you and your grandchildren with us. You could see your picture on our Facebook page or in the October edition of LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine! To submit a photo, please email editor@LIFEseniorservices.org or call (918) 664-9000 for information on other submission options.

I hope you enjoy reading about the glory of grandparenting!

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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looking back

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Generations of Tulsa Grandparents

All photos courtesy of Tulsa Historical Society.

Three generations (James, John and Hunter) of Hull family men, c. 1890s.

Grandmother reading to her grandchild, c. 1950s.

Grandmother, clutching her pearl necklace, with her grandchild, c. 1910s.

Want More?

See additional pictures in the digital edition of September’s Vintage Newsmagazine at www.LIFEseniorservices.org.

in history Multigenerational family photo, c. 1890s.

J.M. Hall with Agnes and Joan Kennedy, c. 1933.

this month in history September 4, 1886: Geronimo surrendered For 30 years prior, the Apache chief battled to protect his tribe’s homeland; however, by 1886, the Apaches were exhausted and hopelessly outnumbered. General Nelson Miles accepted Geronimo’s surrender, making him the last Indian warrior to formally give in to U.S. forces. The surrender signaled the end of the Indian Wars in the Southwest.

September 18, 1973: Carter filed UFO sighting report Then future President Jimmy Carter filed a report with the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, claiming he had seen a UFO in October 1969. He described waiting outside around 7:30 p.m. in Leary, Ga., for a Lion’s Club meeting to begin when he spotted what he called “the darndest thing I’ve ever seen” in the sky.

September 9, 1971: Attica prisoners instigated a riot Prisoners rioted and seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility in New York. Later that day, police retook most of the prison, but 1,281 convicts occupied an exercise field where they held 39 prison employees hostage for four days. After negotiations stalled, police launched a disastrous raid on September 13, in which 10 hostages and 29 inmates were killed.

September 21, 1942: The Superfortress took flight The U.S. B-29 Superfortress made its debut flight in Seattle, Wash. It was the largest bomber used in WWII by any nation. The plane was able to carry loads almost equal to its own weight at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet. The plane’s most infamous mission was the delivery of two 10,000-pound atomic bombs.

September 13, 2004: Oprah gave away nearly 300 cars Oprah gave away new Pontiac sedans, each worth $28,500, to her entire studio audience. Oprah told her producers to fill the crowd with people who “desperately needed” the cars, and when she announced the prize, mayhem erupted. It was, as one media expert told a reporter, “one of the great promotional stunts in the history of television.”

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

September 29, 1907: “Singing cowboy” was born in Texas Gene Autry, perhaps the greatest singing cowboy of all time, was born in Tioga, Texas. A young Autry was quickly attracted to a new style of music, which combined the traditional cowboy music and the folk songs, ballads and hymns of Southern-style country music. Autry’s lasting fame, though, came from his career as the film industry’s favorite singing cowboy. © The History Channel www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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CAREGIVER CORNER

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Caregiving can be complicated. Caregivers are expected to juggle a variety of tasks, communicate with doctors and help manage finances, while respecting the wishes of the person they are caring for. In an ideal situation, a caregiver would have had many pre-planning conversations with his or her spouse or parent(s) and feel wholly confident in the decisions he or she is making on their behalf. In order to attain this level of sureness, there are certain legal documents that should be discussed and completed, including: v durable power of attorney (DPOA) v advance directive for healthcare v trust documents with trustee instructions

Durable Power of Attorney A DPOA gives a caregiver the authority to make decisions for their loved one. The authority can be granted for medical decisions, financial decisions or both. The term “durable” means that the power continues even if the grantor of the power cannot make decisions on their own behalf due to illnesses or injuries, like a debilitating stroke, advanced Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia or a car accident. A DPOA can bestow broad or specific powers. Because of this and the document’s general importance, it is advisable to have an attorney draft a DPOA.

Advance Directive for Healthcare An advance directive for healthcare is a crucial document. It gives you information about your loved one’s medical preferences, if they become incapacitated – temporarily or permanently – and unable to make their own decisions. An advance directive for healthcare, sometimes called a living will, offers instructions about whether or not life-sustaining medical care is desired, who is allowed to make medical decisions for the incapacitated person (called a healthcare proxy), and whether or not organs or the entire body is to be donated. It is not necessary to use an attorney to draft an advance directive for healthcare, but as with any powerful legal document, it is advisable to get the opinion of an attorney.

Trust A trust is a written document that manages property while a person is alive and distributes the property after the person’s death. There are benefits to a trust, but recent legislation in Oklahoma and other states, makes them less necessary. There are more options available today for probate avoidance; such as transfer-on-death deeds for personal and real property, bank accounts and financial instruments. A trust is a complex legal document and should be drafted by an attorney.

Guardianship Not every situation is idyllic; and not every person who needs care has prepared for it. If a caregiver is assisting someone with dementia or another debilitating diagnosis, the remaining option is to utilize the courts and seek guardianship. Guardianship is designed to protect incapacitated adults 10

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

(called wards). It is a court proceeding with court-required oversite. The court will tailor the powers of the guardian to match the needs of the ward.

The court may also be petitioned to change or dissolve the guardianship.

A Confident Caregiver Caregivers, while respecting the wishes and intentions of their loved one, can use the documents discussed to help with decisions regarding healthcare, insurance, finances and more. These powerful documents can ease some of the stress caregivers face by empowering them to efficiently and confidently manage the affairs of their loved one.

The wish for all caregivers is to have the tools they need to provide the best care; and completing and putting in place certain documents can help. Furthermore, having a conversation with your loved one about their preferences and wishes before the time arises can benefit all parties involved.

by Mickey Hinds Source: LIFE’s Vintage Guide to Housing & Services

Join Catherine Welsh from Welsh & McGough, PLLC to learn about the tools that protect you and your loved one’s health and property. This program will explain the planning tools that promote a person’s right to make decisions about their healthcare and personal assets. Catherine will discuss advance directives, powers of attorney, wills, trusts and Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders. You will also learn about simple measures that can help avoid probate.

Thursday, September 24 • 10 - 11:30 a.m.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health Broken Arrow 3106 S. Juniper Ave., Broken Arrow Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Woodland Manor woodlandmanorapthome.com

918.461.1929

Located 2 blocks east of Memorial on 61st Street 8641 E. 61st Street .Tulsa, Ok.

TULSA’S FINEST APARTMENT HOMES FOR ACTIVE SENIORS 55+

WONDERFUL AMENITIES

One Bedroom One Bath

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Two Bedroom Two Bath

Courtesy Van Exercise Room 2 Saltwater Pools Garages Available Limited Access Gate Clothes Care Center Clubhouse Onsite Beauty Salon

Washer/Dryer Connections Weekly Activities Dishwasher/Disposals Self Cleaning Ovens Ponds With Fountains Outdoor Gazebo Patios/Balconies with Storage Room

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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medicare & you

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Medicare’s fall Open Enrollment Period is quickly approaching, and you may be wondering whether or not you should enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). The answer depends on your current situation, including whether you have drug coverage, your monthly income and how much you spend on prescription drugs.

If you have drug coverage that is at least as good as or better than Medicare’s basic drug coverage (referred to as “creditable”), and you are pleased with it, you should probably keep your current coverage. If you need to join a Medicare prescription drug plan later, you can do so without penalty. The company – such as an insurance company through an employer or union – that provides your drug benefits should send you a written notice in September telling you whether or not your coverage is considered creditable. If you are not notified, call and ask for their answer in writing.

If you do not have drug coverage or have drug coverage that is not as good as Medicare’s, you need to think about whether Medicare Part D will help you. Below are some questions to consider: v Will a Medicare drug plan save me money? Make a list of your prescriptions, the dosages you take and what you pay each month. Then, compare what you pay now with what you would pay if you enrolled in a drug plan (including the monthly premium). If you have high drug costs, you may save money through a Medicare drug plan, but make sure that the plan you choose covers the drugs you need and works at the pharmacies you use most frequently. v I have very low prescription drug costs, so why would I consider enrolling in a Medicare drug plan? If you have low prescription drug costs, having Medicare drug coverage could cost you more now, but could protect you from high drug costs in the future. You may want to consider enrolling in a plan that offers a low monthly premium to ensure that you have coverage should your prescription drug needs change. v Can I get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage if I have limited income and resources? Yes, if your income is less than approximately $1,471 ($1,991 for couples) a month in 2015, and your resources are less than $13,640 ($27,250 for couples). If you meet these guidelines, you should apply for the Extra Help, or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), which is a federal assistance program. Then, you should enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan. With the Extra Help, most of your drug plan costs will be paid for by the government. v If I don’t enroll in a Medicare drug plan when I’m first eligible, can I enroll in one later? If you do not enroll when you are first eligible for Medicare Part D, you can enroll during the next Open Enrollment 12

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

Period, which is October 15 through December 7 each year. Be aware that if you didn’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage for at least 63 consecutive days, you may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty. The penalty is 1 percent of the average national premium ($34.10 in 2016) for every month you were eligible for Medicare Part D, but not enrolled in a plan. It is also important to note that if you qualify for Extra Help, you will be granted a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and will not have to pay a late enrollment premium penalty.

For help comparing, selecting and enrolling in a Medicare drug plan and applying for the Medicare Part D Extra Help, contact the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at LIFE Senior Services at (918) 664-9000 or toll-free at (866) 664-9009.

by Cindy Loftin Medicare Assistance Program Coordinator at LIFE Senior Services Source: www.medicare.gov

Be A MAP

Volunteer If you enjoy helping people and feel comfortable using a computer, LIFE’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit your skills and interests.

Call LIFE Senior Services at (918) 664-9000 to learn how you can make a difference for people on Medicare. You’ll be glad you did!

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

If you receive Extra Help paying your Medicare prescription drug plan costs through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), Social Security may be contacting you in early September to review your status. These reviews are conducted annually by Social Security to ensure that individuals are still eligible for the Extra Help and are receiving all the benefits for which they qualify.

If you are not one of the people selected for a review there will be no change in the amount of Extra Help you receive.

However, if you are one of the people selected for a review: • Social Security will send you the “Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help” form to complete.

• You will have 30 days to complete and return the form.

Family members, caregivers and third parties can help you complete the form.

• Social Security will review your eligibility and determine if any adjustments need to be made to the Extra Help you receive.

• Adjustments – if made – could include the amount of Extra Help you receive increasing or decreasing, or the Extra Help being terminated.

• Social Security will send you a letter with their decision.

• Any adjustments made to the Extra Help will be effective in January of the following year.

• If you are one of the people selected for a review and you do not return the completed review form, your Extra Help will be terminated in January of the following year.

For more information about Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs or general information about Social Security, call (800) 772-1213, TTY: (800) 325-0778 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov. To learn more about Medicare prescription drug plans and Special Enrollment Periods, call (800) MEDICARE (633-4227), TTY: (877) 486-2048 or visit www.medicare.gov. You can also call the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at LIFE Senior Services at (918) 664-9000 or toll-free at (866) 664-9009.

Your Medicare & You Handbook WILL Arrive Soon

The 2016 edition of the Medicare & You handbook will be arriving at all Medicare households starting this month. The handbook contains important information to help you make the most of your Medicare coverage, including a summary of Medicare benefits, rights and protections, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare.

Information in the handbook is current from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2016, so it’s important to keep your copy for future reference.

The handbook will be delivered to most people via postal service. However, some people will instead receive an electronic version, which they signed up for on the Medicare website. If you are interested in receiving future issues of the handbook electronically, complete the form at www.medicare.gov/gopaperless/home.aspx. www.LIFEseniorservices.org

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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There’s nothing in the world quite like visiting your grandparents’ house. Every trip is filled with excitement about the special attention and love you will receive that only a grandparent knows how to give. And for a grandparent, the anticipation of a grandchild coming to visit for the weekend can bring just as much glee.

According to Attached Parenting International, “Grandparents whose grandchildren live with them or are being raised by them play a vital role as primary caregivers to those grandchildren. But even grandparents whose grandchildren do not live with them have a critical role in supporting their grandchildren’s parents.” For example, grandparents can be great sources of parenting tips, and often, affordable childcare.

“Besides modeling what constitutes a normal relationship, grandparents provide children with a sense of safety and protection, a link to their cultural heritage and family history, and a companion in play and exploration,” said Mary Gavis, M.D., in an article for www.kidshealth.org.

Grandparents have always been important, but their level of involvement seems to be increasing, due to the large number of singleparent households and the increase of women in the workplace. Grandparents fill a special role in a child’s life that is different from that of a parent, said Susan V. Bosak, author of How to Build the Grandma Connection. “Parents have to worry about who children will become in the future; their role is to be providers and disciplinarians,” Bosak said.

“Grandparents can just enjoy children for who they are in the moment. The love of a grandparent is often freer, more unconditional, and far less psychologically complex than a parent’s love.”

Benefits for Grandchildren Bosak discussed several benefits for children who have a close connection to their grandparents, including: • Children gain a better sense of who they are and where they’re from. They have roots, a history and a sense of perspective.

• Children develop higher self-esteem, improved emotional and social skills (including an increased ability to withstand peer pressure), and can even have better grades in school.

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• Children feel special. Yes, they’re spoiled a little. Children know that being with their grandparents is special. They don’t expect the rest of the world to treat them the way their grandparents do. A grandparent’s love is unconditional.

• Children receive undivided time and attention from grandparents that tired, busy parents can’t always give them.

• Children have someone to talk to and confide in. While children usually want to be different from their parents, they often enjoy being like their grandparents. This gives grandparents a lot of power and ability to influence a troubled or confused child.

• By sharing in a grandparent’s interests, skills and hobbies, children encounter new activities and ideas. Grandparents can be very patient, effective teachers. Knowledge, skills and attitudes children learn from grandparents tend to stick with them throughout life more than those gained from other sources.

Benefits for Grandparents Bosak also discussed several benefits for grandparents who have a close connection to their grandchildren, including: • Grandparents feel freedom in their new role. They don’t feel the pressure they felt as a parent. As a grandparent, you get all the benefits and joys of parenthood without many of the drawbacks.

• Many people view grandparenthood as a second chance. If parents weren’t able to spend as much time with their own children as they would have liked or made some mistakes, grandchildren are a fresh start.

• Active, involved grandparents consistently report lower levels of depression and higher degrees of life satisfaction. They tend to be happier with the present and more hopeful for the future.

• Grandparents and grandchildren fulfill the role of student and teacher for each other.

And it’s not always the older person who does

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

the teaching. Children like to feel needed, and they can teach their grandparents a lot – like how to find stuff on the Internet!

Grandchildren also help grandparents see the world anew again, through a child’s eyes.

Benefits for Parents Additionally, the role of a grandparent in the life of a grandchild helps the grandchild’s parents tremendously. According to Bosak, the benefits for parents include: • A loving, supportive grandparent can give parents someone to talk to – someone who has “been there,” and can now help put issues into perspective.

• It’s comforting for parents to know that there are other adults who love their children and are watching out for them.

• Grandparents take some of the pressure off parents. They can provide reasonable physical or financial help when it’s needed.

• Having a grandchild could actually improve the relationship of the grandparent and parent.

Many people say their relationship with their parents improved when children entered the picture. For example, an overly strict parent suddenly becomes a “softie” as a grandparent.

Adult children see their parents in a new light, and this can help heal relationships.

Grandparenting in the Real World One Tulsa grandparent, Kay Herring, has had the opportunity to be a “gran” up-close and personal.

After her husband’s death, Kay came to live in Tulsa in 1997, where her son, Layne, and his wife, Cathy, were living. At that time, their children, Chelsi and Chase, were 9 and 11, so she enjoyed helping raise them. In 2006, she moved to an independent living community in Canyon, Texas, to be close to her daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Kirk. At that time, their children, Payton and Allie, were 5 and 10, so she had the privilege of helping rear that set of grandchildren, too.

CONTINUED ON BOTTOM of page 15 www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Not only does interacting with a young person benefit your own health and wellness, it can mean the world to a child who doesn’t have a senioraged mentor to look up to or learn from. Below are some local nonprofit organizations where you can start making a difference in the life of a child or teen. Call for more details about specific ways you can help. v Camp Fire Green Country (918) 592-2267 v Girl Scouts (800) 707-9914 v Emergency Infant Services (918) 582-2469 v StoneSoup Community Venture, Tulsa’s Table (918) 640-8345 v YWCA’s Girls on the Run (918) 858-2342 v Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (918) 744-4400 v Reading Partners (918) 949-1979

“When the kids in Tulsa got their drivers’ licenses, I moved on to the next set of grandkids, so I could chauffeur them around,” Herring said. “I made these moves just so I could enjoy them, not at all at their parents’ requests, but it worked out that I got to fulfill being a helper with both moms working.”

Some of her fondest memories were doing things with her grandkids that their parents didn’t have time to do. For example, she would take them to Wal-Mart during a time when business was slow, set up a lawn chair in the toy aisle, and let them look for hours at all of the toys and tell her which ones they wanted.

“The grandkids are the very center of my world,” she said. “They’re the lights of my life.” Herring said perhaps part of the reason she’s so close to her grandchildren is that she was close to her own grandmother. When her father was diagnosed with lung cancer and died when she was 6, Herring’s granny became her caregiver. “Granny ran a grocery store, and we lived above the grocery store,” she stated.

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Herring said one of the biggest benefits of being so close to her grandchildren has been that it’s kept her in touch with the younger generation. Not only is she much “techier” than the average grandma – she uses both a smart phone and an iPad – but it’s also given her a multitude of children who call her “Gran.” “I have lots of adopted grandchildren – entire neighborhoods,” said Herring.

Grandparents like Kay Herring are more influential than they realize.

They are the connection to a generation that perhaps many young people are unfamiliar with. They are an important link in today’s world.

In the book Connecting the Generations: The New Role of Grandparents, Roma Hanks, Ph.D., wrote, “It is my belief that grandparenting is the most important family role of the new century … Today, there is a growing alliance of grandparents who will positively influence the lives of their grandchildren and the younger generations in their society, some by providing urgently needed daily care, others by building deep emotional connections with their grandchildren.”

by Lindsay Morris LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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“Families are formed in many different ways,” is the phrase Teresa and Joe Martino use to explain their family to the three children who call them “mom” and “dad.” Teresa and Joe are grandparents raising their grandchildren: a 13-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl.

The Martinos have cared for the children since the children were young.

And though the journey is a tough one, they are committed to the joys and sorrows that come with raising grandchildren.

Starting a family was the Martino’s dream when they married in 1988.

Unable to conceive, they bravely chose to adopt older siblings, 10-yearold Mindy and 9-year-old Adam (names changed). They hoped to give the children a better future. Sadly, Mindy entered a lifestyle similar to her birth parents, replete with drugs, alcohol, abusive partners and unplanned children.

“It isn’t that our daughter doesn’t love her children, but she comes first,” said Teresa. Fortunately, Mindy willingly allowed her parents to raise the children, sparing the kids the trauma she had experienced. “The children call me ‘mom,’ and call their mother ‘mommy Mindy,’” said Teresa. “They look at her as a big sister.”

The Martinos aren’t alone. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents, with Oklahoma having one of the highest rates.

Why Grandparents Get Involved

Some grandparents are raising grandchildren because military parents are deployed or parents tragically died. But frequently, the situation develops 16

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

because of things like drug abuse, alcohol abuse and/or incarceration.

“Oklahoma has a high rate of grandparents raising grandchildren because we incarcerate so many women,” said Sandie Sullivan, leader of the Grandparents Support Group in Skiatook. Women Behind Bars, a documentary produced by the University of Oklahoma in 2012, ranked Oklahoma as number one for female incarceration per capita in the United States. Regardless of the reasons, grandparents are stepping up in record numbers.

A New Life

“The difficult part is just trying to keep up,” said Teresa, who works fulltime outside the home. “The kids have a lot of energy. Each child is in extracurricular activities – soccer, gymnastics, Girl Scouts. I get up at 5:30 a.m. and go to bed at 10:30 p.m. I do two loads of laundry a day.”

Teresa also struggles with her identity. “It’s hard knowing when to be a grandma and spoil them, and when to be a mom,” said Teresa. “They are a little spoiled,” she admitted.

“It changes the grandparents’ lifestyle,” said Sullivan. “Where they were thinking about retirement, now they are thinking about changing their houses, changing their vehicle and even changing their friends – people their age aren’t interested in having little kids around.”

And then, there are the financial issues. “I see grandparents who have great family incomes,” said Sullivan. “But many are dependent on Social Security.

All of a sudden, they have a couple of kids and don’t know what to do.”

com

www. linkedin.

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Whatever the issues grandparents raising grandchildren are facing, there are resources available to help, if grandparents are willing to reach out.

“Older people in particular don’t want to air their dirty laundry,” said Judy Leitner, coordinator of Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “But, for the children’s sake, they have to get past that and get the help they need.”

Resources for Grandparents

u Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS): Sullivan encouraged all grandparents raising grandchildren, regardless of income, to apply for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) through OKDHS. “No matter how much you make, you can qualify for TANF,” said Sullivan. “It’s not much money,” she added, “but once you qualify, you become eligible for other services, such as SoonerCare (health insurance) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).” If a grandchild has been removed from his or her parents by the state, the grandparent can apply for Kinship Foster Care and receive payments from the state to help meet the needs of the grandchild.

OKDHS also offers grandparents a helpful resource guide. Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is packed with valuable information for grandparent caregivers. It covers everything from the emotional ups and downs of being a custodial grandparent to child development, immunizations, insurance coverage, and financial and legal resources. The easiest way to access it online is to enter “OKDHS Starting Points” in your web browser, e.g., Google, Yahoo, etc.

For more information about OKDHS services and to request a copy of the manual over the phone, call (877) 283-4113. Find OKDHS online at www.okdhs.org. u Grandparents Support Group: “Sometimes you just need someone to talk to who understands,” said Sullivan. “To hear another person’s story can make you feel like you aren’t alone. It is very hard for grandparents to give up on their adult child,” added Sullivan. “They continue to give them chance after chance. But the little kids are the ones who need the most help. To do that, you have to pull away from the problem.” For phone support or for information about the Grandparents Support Group meetings, call Sullivan at (918) 381-1931. u Family & Children’s Services: In addition to their many other classes, Family & Children’s Services offers a specific class for grandparents raising grandchildren, covering topics, such as communication, positive parenting, conflict resolution and self-care. “We offer 50 different programs and classes,” said Claudia Arthrell, director of professional services at Family & Children’s Services. “Grandparents are totally welcome at any of those.”

Arthrell, herself a grandparent, particularly encourages grandparents to practice self-care. “There is such a difference in energy level,” she said.

“Kids can just wear you out. Self-care for the grandparent is so important.”

The cost of classes at Family & Children’s Services is $20 per session, with scholarships available for those with lower income. Contact Family & Children’s Services at (918) 587-9471 or www.fcsok.org. u Child Care Resource Center (CCRC): CCRC is Tulsa’s first stop for anyone looking for childcare. “We also provide grandparents with free first-aid and CPR classes, as well as membership to our Toy Lending and Resource Library,” said Karen Smith, director of CCRC. CCRC also offers classes on child development and parenting. Call CCRC at (918) 834-2273 or visit www.ccrctulsa.org.

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GRANDPARENTS RAising Grandchildren continued from page 17 u Al-Anon: Al-Anon is a support group for people who have family members with alcohol or drug problems. Al-Anon provides the tools for leading peaceful, balanced lives, regardless of whether or not family members stop their destructive behavior. For information about the free meetings in your area, call (918) 627-9114 or visit www.tulsaiso.org. u Grandparenting Classes: Saint Francis Health System offers classes updating grandparents on changes in baby care. They also address communication skills between grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. The fee is $10 per couple. For more information, call (918) 494-2229. u Area Agency on Aging: Individuals over the age of 60 who are caregivers, whether for a disabled relative or a grandchild, can get respite assistance from their local Area Agency on Aging. “Grandparents can get vouchers to pay someone else to care for the child or children, so they can get a break,” said Leitner. To find out more, call (800) 211-2116 or visit www.incog.org.

Resources for Children

u Family & Children’s Services: Having parents who are in trouble or absent can leave deep scars. Children often blame themselves. Meeting with other kids in the same situation and/or receiving one-on-one counseling can make a huge difference in a young life. Family & Children’s Services offers play therapy, individual and group counseling, anger management, trauma treatment and more. Services are on a sliding scale based on income. Contact Family & Children’s Services at (918) 587-9471 or www.fcsok.org. u SoonerStart: SoonerStart is a free program, offered through the state, to help meet the needs of children from birth to 3 years who have disabilities or developmental delays. Services include counseling, home visits, nursing and nutrition services, occupational and physical therapy, speech therapy and more. For more information, call (918) 835-8691. u Alateen: Through Alateen, teens and tweens, ages 11 through 18, can come to understand that they didn’t cause the addiction problems in their family, they can’t cure it and they can’t control it. Such support can be a relief for kids who feel they are somehow responsible. For information about the free meetings in your area, call (918) 627-9114 or visit www.tulsaiso.org. u The Tristesse Grief Center: The Tristesse Grief Center offers group and individual counseling, on an income-based sliding scale, for children and adults who have lost a loved one. They also offer fun activities throughout

the year, such as Sundae Sunday and Healing Hearts Camp. For more information about The Tristesse Grief Center, call (918) 587-1200 or visit www.thegriefcenter.org.

Legal Issues

“Most of the grandparents raising grandchildren don’t have official guardianship,” said Leitner. “They hope their adult children will come back and take responsibility. With some [grandparents], it takes longer to realize that it’s not going to happen.”

In order to have the legal right to enroll a grandchild in school, vaccinate a grandchild or make medical decisions regarding a grandchild, grandparents must have legal custody or guardianship. The kind of legal authority a grandparent needs depends on the situation. u Power of Attorney: With power of attorney, birth parents grant authority to grandparents to do such things as enroll a child in school and seek medical attention. The court is not involved, and rights may be revoked at any time. u Legal Custody: Legal custody is granted to the grandparents by the courts, giving grandparents legal authority to make all decisions regarding the children. Birth parents remain financially responsible for the children, and have the right to visit the children. Legal custody is granted only when parents are deemed unfit by the courts. u Guardianship: Guardianship provides the authority to consent to medical treatment, enroll a child in school and stop birth parents from taking the child out of the guardian’s home without consent from the court. u Adoption: The legal rights of the birth parent are terminated and the grandparents become the child’s legal parents.

Though obtaining legal authority can be expensive and confusing, it is frequently necessary. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma can provide muchneeded information and legal forms. Legal Aid also provides services at a reduced rate for those with low income. You can reach Legal Aid by calling (800) 211-2116 or visiting www.oklaw.org.

The Rewards

“There are days when I start feeling sorry for myself,” said Teresa. “I don’t have ‘me’ time. Then I look at the flipside, and realize the difference I am making in these kids lives. And when they give you a big hug and tell you that they love you, that’s the most rewarding part.”

by Cindy Webb

There are days when I start feeling sorry for myself,” said Teresa. “I don’t have ‘me’ time. Then I look at the flipside, and realize the difference I am making in these kids lives. And when they give you a big hug and tell you that they love you, that’s the most rewarding part.

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Though some grandparents are raising their grandchildren, others are fighting for the right to even see their grandchildren. Not being allowed contact with a grandchild you love is heartbreaking, especially if you think the grandchild isn’t being properly cared for or is in danger.

In Oklahoma, if a parent refuses to allow grandparents contact with their grandchildren, the grandparents may seek a court order to be allowed visitation rights. But, to be granted visitation rights, grandparents must prove: k parental unfitness; k t hat the child would suffer harm in the absence of grandparent visitation; and k t hat there is a preexisting positive relationship with the grandchild.

It must be noted, however, that visitation is never awarded in Oklahoma if the nuclear family is intact and both parents object to visitation.

For more detailed information about the law regarding grandparents’ rights in Oklahoma visit www.grandparents.about.com/od/ grandparentsrights/qt/Grandparent_Rights_in_ Oklahoma.htm.

You can also become a member of Grandparents’ Rights Association USA and Grandparents’ Rights Association of Oklahoma to support legislation to protect the rights of grandparents. For information about these organizations, visit www.grausa.org or contact Charlotte Painter-Bell at (918) 808-3886.

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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Making Memories with Your

Many of you have likely heard the words, “I’m bored,” from your grandkids. It’s every kid’s chant when activities and attention spans wane. You might also be noticing that your grandkids are staring at a TV, computer, phone or tablet for hours on end. You worry that they aren’t getting enough physical activity or human interaction. You want to engage them, expand their minds, spend quality time together, all while having fun. And you can!

The Great Outdoors The award-winning Tulsa Zoo, with senior admission starting at only $8, and children’s starting at $6, is a great place for an adventurous day out. The Tulsa Zoo offers yearly special events, like HallowZOOeen (Oct. 27–31), breakfast with the Easter bunny, holiday lights and so much more. If you have a teenage (13+) grandchild, consider volunteering at the zoo together.

What better way to have fun, learn a ton and spend quality time serving your community? The Tulsa Zoo is located within Mohawk Park, and within the park is a bevy of other fun activities.

The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center ($2 fee per car) is a fantastic spot for a hike and picnic. The Nature Center is a great place to encounter diverse habitats along Bird Creek, a forest full of trees, plant life and wildlife, including more than 200 kinds of birds, 50 kinds of butterflies, aquatic turtles, deer, mink, flying squirrels and more. Red Bud Valley, located near Catoosa and managed as part of Oxley Nature Center, is another place to experience nature. Admission is free, but don’t forget your insect repellent and sunscreen.

If golf is the name of your game, Mohawk Park also boasts two 18-hole public courses to challenge your sporting prowess. With walking rates starting at $10 for juniors and riding rates topping out at $31, the Mohawk Golf Course might be just the place to hang out with your grandkiddos. If you’re not in the mood for a full round of golf, you can hit a bucket of balls for a mere $4.

What’s big, blue, 43-years-old and lives in Catoosa? It’s one of historic Route 66’s biggest attractions: The Blue Whale. Pack a lunch, and take the short trip to Catoosa for a fun-filled – and free – day of fishing and exploring at this unique and quirky roadside attraction. Just head toward Catoosa on Highway 66 – you couldn’t miss it if you tried!

Speaking of blue … throw on your swimming gear and head to the popular Blue Hole Park swimming hole located near Salina, Okla. The large, cool swimming hole features a shallow play area that’s perfect for young swimmers. Bring a bucket and catch crawdads in the crystal clear water. RV and tent campsites are nearby for those wishing to stay overnight. Swimming is $10 per car, and camping is $20. From Tulsa, go east on Route 412 to Locust Grove, then turn north on Route 82 to Salina. In Salina, go to the only traffic light and go east on Perry Road, which turns into Kimball Road.

You’ll see signs for Blue Hole Park after seven miles.

If you or your grandkids are movie buffs, Guthrie Green hosts “Movie in the Park” every Thursday, now through October 29. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first serve. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks, and relax under the stars whilst sharing your favorite films with your loved ones.

Guthrie Green hosts many events throughout the year. For a full schedule of movies and events, visit www.guthriegreen.com.

Climate-Controlled Indoor Fun If you prefer indoor fun, head over to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.

Admission is a bit steep at $13.95 for seniors and $11.95 for kids under 12, but it’s worth it when you think about the special events, exhibits and all-day-fun you can experience.

Places, like Dave & Busters (off 71st St. and Highway 169), the newlyopened Main Event (in Tulsa Hills), Andy B’s (87th and Lewis) and Dust Bowl Lanes (211 S. Elgin Ave.), are scattered around the Tulsa area, and offer a variety of cool, indoor fun, including videogames, bowling, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, as well as dining. Be prepared to spend some money in these places. And if flashing lights and lots of noise bother you, these may not be the places for you.

Are you and your grandkids more subdued and literary? The Tulsa CityCounty Library (and public libraries outside of the Tulsa metro area) offer solace from bouts of intense weather. With more than 25 area libraries spread across Tulsa, Sperry, Skiatook, Collinsville, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks and Sand Springs, you and your grandkids will never struggle to find something to read. Libraries offer a wide range of classes and events to quench your thirst of knowledge. Local bookstores can also be a great place to spend time together.

Philbrook Museum of Art is a place for everyone – young and old.

Oklahoma college students get in free every day; plus, the second Saturday of the month offers free admission and many family-friendly art activities, tours and scavenger hunts for kids of all ages. With two locations – one in midtown and one downtown – there’s plenty to explore. Plus, the midtown location (2727 S. Rockford Road) boasts a great Sunday brunch.

Fun is Free It’s not always about where you go or what you see, it’s about the memories.

The same things you enjoyed with your grandparents are things you can enjoy today with your grandkids. Making pinhole cameras, playing cards, teaching your grandson how to tie a tie, cooking, sewing, thumb wrestling and gardening, are easy and inexpensive ways to entertain grandkids and make timeless, cherished memories.

by Joey Mechelle Stenner

For a list of 100 free things to do with your grandchildren, visit www.familyeguide.com/free-things-to-do-with-your-grandkids/.

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TULSAKIDS MAGAZINE

Grandparents can find a wealth of information in TulsaKids Magazine, a free monthly parenting publication. The calendar is packed with things to do with your grandchildren, and the articles provide accurate, up-to-date information on child development, education, discipline, travel and entertainment for parents and grandparents of children ages 0-18. Visit www.tulsakids.com to access the comprehensive online activity calendar, as well as the complete digital edition. Find printed editions at locations throughout Tulsa. Call (918) 582-8504 to find a copy near you.

What could be more exciting and adventurous than a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices?

Geocaching involves navigating to a specific set of GPS coordinates in an attempt to find the geocache (container that holds the “treasure”) hidden at that location.

The rules are simple; if you take something from the geocache location, you must leave something of equal or greater value, write about your find in the logbook and log your experience online.

All you need is a GPS device (e.g., GPS-enabled mobile phone), a basic membership and the desire and ability to venture out and about. You can register for a free basic membership at www.geocaching.com.

Geocaches can be found all over the world, so you can literally hunt for treasures wherever you go.

It’s important to note that it’s never a good idea to geocache alone, especially if it’s dark or you are in an unfamiliar area.

Call liFe’s seniorline

(918) 664-9000

So if it’s adventure you are looking for, geocaching is the way to go. Happy caching! www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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In the little break between the last day of school and the flurry of summer activities, Norma and Steve Murphy take their 12 grandkids to camp. But they aren’t just the drivers who drop them off and retrieve them a week later.

What started as a simple plan to spend time with their grandkids has grown into a bona fide camp adventure that Steve and Norma look forward to as much as their campers. Camp Noonie-Papa is their creation. And every summer, they embark on a journey with their grandkids – six boys and six girls – ranging in age from 5 to 17. Last year, their fishing trip to Mountain Home, Mo. netted 100 trout. And this year, the couple brought their pack of campers to Snow Mountain Camp in Colorado.

Kelsey: Why did you start a grandkids’ camp?

Norma: We have four daughters; and at that time, we only had four grandchildren. We wanted to have some one-on-one fun with them, as well as give the parents a little vacation. We were trying to figure out how we could have each of them for a week, but that would take a month with four families! So, we decided to have them all at once.

Steve: I think it’s been fun the way it started – mostly just us wanting to be with the grandkids. I grew up around a bunch of cousins; and we were close, so we were trying to recreate some of that.

Kelsey: How did it grow into Camp Noonie-Papa?

Norma: For the first eight years, we stayed home because they were all so little. We would have a schedule – we’d go to the zoo and the aquarium.

We also did crafts at home and swam in our swimming pool. One year we said, “This is like a real camp!”

Steve: What we were going to do and where we were going to go just evolved as their ages changed. As they get older, you have to up the ante if you’re going to keep them! But so far, they’ve always been so excited for camp. After the camp, the kids say, “Can we do the same thing next year?”

Then, during the year, they start asking, “Where are we going this year?”

We always keep it a secret, though.

Kelsey: How do you create all-ages fun?

Norma: It’s really worked out well. They enjoy doing stuff together.

At the camp we went to this year, we did everything as a group, and the counselors adapted each activity – like archery, horseback riding and canoeing. The big ones help the little ones.

Steve: The big ones are always trying to show the little ones how good they are. Every so often, a little one will show a big one up. The bull’s-eye during archery came from a granddaughter in the middle of the pack – she just nailed the bull’s-eye! They have fun that way.

Kelsey: How has this special time helped you build and strengthen bonds with your grandkids?

Norma: I think it’s huge. In fact, I was just reminding one of our daughters, you may not always be here – it’s important for your kids to trust other people in their life.

Steve: When you get to be with them day and night for a week, it helps – especially when you’re just focused on having a good time. Then, as they do things, they’ll struggle. For example, we were on a long hike and it was hard on one of our grandkids. She was hanging back, and I’m hanging back, loving on her, encouraging her … and she made it! Well, that was a big deal to her. Her countenance changed once she made it to the top because she didn’t know she could do that. And that kind of stuff – that’s real bonding stuff.

Norma: It really is a time we can bond with them in a way that we normally can’t. We’re very busy; they’re very busy, and we don’t get days of concentrated time with them during the rest of the year. It’s nice to have that time with them to let them know we’re there for them, and we love them.

Steve: Last year, when we decided that we wanted to go on the river, I said, “Look, we’re going to have to put all of the 5-year-olds with me.”

We fished all day long, and I lined up all four of their seats sideways on the boat. They went for 40 minutes up that river just smelling the air and showing each other things. You would have thought they were 20-year-olds – they thought they were 20! It was just fun watching them. It was one of those grandparent moments where you go, “That was so important to get to see them do that.”

Kelsey: What advice do you have for other grandparents?

Steve: I had a grandmother that was so stinking sweet. Anytime you were with her, she made you feel like you were the most important person on earth. She didn’t have any money or trappings around her that were fancy, but it didn’t make any difference. It doesn’t take a lot with kids. It means a lot to them that somebody made them feel special. You know what? You don’t have to spend a lot of money, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time. Make whatever effort you can make. It will be enough for you, and it will be enough for the kids.

by Kelsey Duvall

Norma: The two older ones are camp counselors now – they wouldn’t miss it for anything! In the beginning, I paid somebody else to help us, then about four years ago we realized, “Hey, those two girls are a big help!”

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he relationship between grandparent and grandchild is special and unique. Grandparents serve as role models, teachers, nurturers and mentors. Over the years, the image of the stereotypical grandparent has changed. These days, grandparents are doing more than hanging out in their front porch rocker. They are active – working, traveling and following their dreams.

The same is true for their children and grandchildren. Families rarely live down the street from each other. More and more, families may be scattered across the country or even live a continent apart. And busy school and work schedules often interfere with time children once spent with their grandparents. However, figuring out ways to bring the generations together can mean a lot for both young and old.

According to Arthur Kornhaber, author of The Grandparent Guide and founder and president of the Foundation for Grandparenting, the grandparent-grandchild bond is second in emotional importance only to the bond between parents and children.

“It’s the only relationship in which people are crazy about each other simply because they’re breathing,” said Kornhaber. “Grandparents and grandchildren are hard-wired to connect in ways different from parents and children. They have this adoration and unconditional love and joy in one another’s existence.”

That’s why the simplest of gestures – from a postcard to a phone call – can keep that bond flourishing, despite the distance. As a long-distance grandparent, your time may be limited to summer vacations or major holidays, but you can still play an important role in the life of your grandchildren.

v Keep Those Cards and Letters Coming Letter writing is a vital connection for grandchildren and grandparents.

Children rarely get mail these days, so a letter with their own name on the

envelope is sure to be as thrilling as the letter inside. The Professional Educators Benefits Company Heritage Planning Series suggested asking questions and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to encourage a written response.

Include little sketches, photos or treats to add more fun.

Instead of or in addition to letters, send each grandchild a postcard with a simple, personal message. These don’t have to be from exotic ports of call – pictures of animals, planes or cartoons are a big hit with kids.

Tulsan Shirley Spears agrees. For 12 years, her son and his family lived in Europe. She says the situation wasn’t ideal, but she did her best to be a part of her grandchildren’s lives. “I sent cards and letters all the time,” Spears recalled.

“I bombarded them with mail! I don’t think the handwritten word has been replaced, despite all the technology we have today.”

Sharon Lovejoy, author of Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars: A Grandma’s Bag of Tricks, offered this proven idea to help make letters fun and frequent.

“When grandchildren sit in front of a sheet of stationery, they feel daunted by the prospect of filling the entire page,” Lovejoy said. “Go to the local arts and crafts store and buy blank watercolor postcards. They’re the perfect size, and they are great for the kids’ paintings or drawings. Address the postcards to yourself, stamp them and send them to your grandkids. Ask their parents to encourage them to write or draw you something every couple of weeks. Even though you are out of sight, a steady stream of letters and pictures ensure that you’ll never be out of your grandchildren’s hearts.”

Lovejoy also offered this delightful tip to celebrate grandchildren’s birthdays.

“Years ago, ‘grammy’ Marilyn Brewer showed me a stack of birthday cards she was mailing to her granddaughter Kara. On every birthday, she sent a card for each year of Kara’s life. What grandchild could ever forget a grammy who flooded the mailbox with cards? They can be homemade, so the only expenses are paper, envelopes, stamps and time.”

v The Next Best Thing to Being There If you’ve tried to carry on a conversation with a child under the age of 10, you know they aren’t especially good at talking on the telephone. Instead of a brief phone call, send an audio or video tape of yourself with a message to your grandchild. Or record yourself telling bedtime stories. Ask their parents for their favorites or just record ones you enjoy.

Lovejoy suggested sending inexpensive disposable cameras to your grandchildren, along with pre-addressed, stamped padded envelopes for its easy return. “Equipped with a camera, a child feels important and powerful and will gladly snap photos to share with granny,” she said. “When you ask your grandchildren to show you what their lives are like by taking pictures of their friends, pets, school or trips, you will surely get a response. Have parents mail the cameras back to you, so that you can get the film developed and share in their lives away from you. The next time the kids visit, you can talk about the pictures together.”

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Spears also sent countless photos to her grandson and granddaughter when they were living in England. “We exchanged a lot of pictures, we kept them coming and going,” she said. “It was exciting to see what they were doing, and I could share what I was up to here.”

Even though Spears’ son and family recently moved back to Tulsa, her daughter’s family lives in Colorado, so Spears continues to practice her longdistance grandparenting skills. “Children today are so in tune and interested in the world, so it’s very enlightening to talk to them,” Spears explained. “I’m enjoying seeing the world through their eyes and learning along with them.”

v Stay in Touch with Technology Want to know what the kids are up to these days? Send them a text, an email or Skype with them. You’ll be the coolest granny around. And if you don’t know how to do any of that high-tech stuff, guess who can teach you?

Your grandkids!

If you aren’t ready for Skype, take this tip from Lovejoy, “One grandmother I know mounted her and her husband’s enlarged photos on cardboard backing, and asked the parents to show her grandchild the images whenever they talked on the phone.”

v Join the Club Looking for something fun to share with your grandchild? How about creating your own Book of the Month Club? Each month, send each grandchild a book. Lovejoy recommended focusing on special subjects that you like to talk about when you’re together. If you’re crafty, create special laminated bookmarks out of favorite photos that will remind your grandchildren of your good times together. Grandfathers who miss telling “dad jokes” might want to start a Joke of the Month Club with their grandkids over the phone or through email.

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v Making the Most of Your Time Together Of course, all the photos, letters and phone calls can’t replace actually seeing your grandchildren in person. According to www.kidshealth.org, studies show that only one-third of grandparents live near enough to a grandchild to see him or her once or twice a week.

While this is far from an ideal situation for most grandparents, columnist Barbara Graham pointed out that there are a few benefits. “The grandchildren never take me for granted,” she said. “They are primed for my visits, which are something of an event. I come bearing gifts. I take them on special outings. I play with them until I’m so exhausted I can’t see straight or remember my name.” She added, “Their parents never take me for granted either. They are so thrilled to see me … that they practically run out the door when I arrive and leave the kids with me.”

For Spears, being a long-distance grandmother gave her the opportunity to travel. “I get to vacation in new, exciting places while enjoying my grandchildren. There are so many ways to stay in their lives. You figure out ways to make it work.”

To make the most of your time together, www.kidshealth.org suggested teaching your grandchildren skills, such as baking, gardening, quilting or chess, while your grandchildren demonstrate their skills at rollerblading, video games or soccer. You have a lifetime of skills, stories and information to share, but you’re never too old to experience new things. After your visit, Lovejoy suggested making a scrapbook, photo album or collage of your time together. “Send it to the kids as a keepsake and as a reminder of how fun grandma’s house can be,” she said.

So, while you may not live down the street or across town from your grandchildren, you can still be a part of their lives – and keep the “grand” in grandparent!

by Karen Szabo

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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HEALTHY aGING

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he relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is unique.

Out of this bond can come some of the sweetest and most cherished memories, both for grandparent and grandchild. Years down the road, the grandkids will remember waking up to the smell of a big breakfast at their grandparents’ house, while the grandparents will remember the sound of little feet running down the hallway.

Because this relationship is so precious, there are certain measures that grandparents should take to ensure the health and safety for themselves and their grandchildren. Grandparents – if not otherwise vaccinated – can pass some ailments to little ones. Also, certain household items, like medications and cleaners, can spell disaster if not properly stowed away.

Get Vaccinated

Dr. John Carment, assistant professor of geriatrics at the OU School of Community Medicine, recommended that all grandparents get the Tdap vaccine if they haven’t already. The Tdap vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). “This shot is very important if your grandchildren are under the age of 5, because they are especially susceptible to whooping cough,” Carment said. “Whooping cough will just be a bad cold for adults, but it can be life-threatening for little ones.”

According to www.adultvaccination.org, “All adults age 19 to 64 years need a one-time whooping cough booster vaccine.” The site suggested that adults over the age of 65 get a one-time whooping cough booster vaccine if they will be in close contact with infants younger than 12 months.

Carment also recommended that grandparents get the annual influenza vaccine, which is suggested for nearly everyone, regardless of age.

Model Healthy Habits Besides vaccines, there are other things that grandparents can do to keep themselves and their grandkids healthy. “Something as simple as modeling healthy behavior, like handwashing, can reduce illness,” Carment advised. Kids are very impressionable, so instilling healthy habits at home can also help children avoid illnesses at school.

Another extremely important aspect of staying healthy is eating well, and grandparents can be excellent role models when it comes to healthy eating and exercise habits. “Today, obesity is an epidemic. And it’s especially a problem with children,” said Carment. He suggested cooking and eating healthy well-balanced meals together, as well as encouraging activities that keep grandkids away from videogames and hand-held devices. For example, help the grandkids beat the heat by buying an inexpensive plastic pool for them to splash around in. Or, when the weather cools down, take a stroll around the local zoo. You’ll find more activity ideas on page 20.

26

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

Also, do not smoke around grandkids. “A lot of problems can occur with secondhand smoke. Even when you smoke outside, there can be lingering smoke in the house,” said Carment.

Out of Harm’s Way It is also imperative that all medications are safely stored prior to grandkids’ visits. “Even something you think is completely innocuous, like iron pills, can be dangerous. Children often ingest iron pills because they are red, and they resemble candy. Vitamin supplements can also cause trouble, so make sure and hide any and all pills,” said Carment. Household cleaners and toxic chemicals should also be securely stored.

Making Memories Finally, grandparents play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives by connecting them to the past. “My older patients talk a lot about memory and keeping the brain healthy,” said Carment. “Keeping your brain healthy allows you to pass on stories about ancestors and the past. It’s good for grandchildren, as it gives them a sense of who they are and where they came from.”

According to www.agingcare.com, games, like crosswords and other puzzles, can stimulate brain power and help increase mental acuity. Plus, completing puzzles and word games can be a fun activity to do with your grandkids.

Spending time with your grandchildren is so important, and you don’t want

anything to stand in the way of maximizing your time with them. Strive to at least do the simple things, like safely storing pills and getting the necessary vaccinations, so nothing can detract from creating memories that will last for years to come.

by Tiffany Duncan

The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) and LIFE Senior Services are partnering to support grandparents caring for their grandchildren, providing either full-time parenting or part-time care while parents work.

Participants who complete this free CPR, first aid and safety course will learn lifesaving skills and receive a complimentary membership to CCRC’s Toy Lending Library where they can check out toys and learning materials for their grandchildren, birth through age 8. This course will be taught by Retta Seger, certified CPR instructor through the American Red Cross.

Wednesday, September 23 • 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health Broken Arrow 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA SENIOR RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

We are apartment communities,

OWASSO BIXBY BROKEN ARROW GLENPOOL REDBUD PRAIRIE VILLAGE AUTUMN PARK VANDEVER HOUSE not assisted living communities orVILLAGE nursing homes.

3102 S. Juniper Ave. 14900 S. Broadway 12877 E. 116th St. N. 8401 E. 134th St. (918) 369-8888 (918) 451-3100 (918) 322-5100 (918) 371-3221 BRISTOW WOODLAND VILLAGE 131 E. 9th (918) 367-8300

COLLINSVILLE CARDINAL HEIGHTS 224 S. 19th St. (918) 371-9116

JAY JAY SENIOR HOUSING 1301 W. Washbourne (918) 253-8100

SAND SPRINGS HEARTLAND VILLAGE 109 E. 38th St. (918) 241-1200

BROKEN ARROW KENOSHA LANDING 2602 W. Oakland Pl. (918) 485-8885

COWETA CARRIAGE CROSSING 28530 E. 141st St. (918) 486-4460

JENKS PIONEER VILLAGE 315 S. Birch (918) 298-2992

SAPULPA HICKORY CROSSING 2101 S. Hickory (918) 224-5116

SKIATOOK WEST OAK VILLAGE 1002 S. Fairfax Ave. (918) 396-9009 STILWELL STILWELL SENIOR HOUSING 400 N. 8th St. (918) 696-3050

TULSA CORNERSTONE VILLAGE 1045 N. Yale Ave. (918) 835-1300

TULSA COUNTRY OAKS 5648 S. 33rd W. Ave. (918) 446-3400 TULSA PARK VILLAGE 650 S. Memorial Dr. (918) 834-6400

TULSA HERITAGE LANDING 3102 E. Apache St. (918) 836-7070

TAHLEQUAH BROOKHOLLOW LANDING WISDOM KEEPERS Under Construction 1286 W. 4th St. 2910 E. 129th E. Ave. • Tulsa • (918) 485-8885 (918) 453-9900 Serving seniors age 62 or older who meet qualifications and income guidelines. • Section 8 accepted. • Professionally managed by Sooner Management Consultants, Inc.

not assisted living communities or nursing homes.

VINTAGE AND CHEROKEE HOUSING

&AFFORDABLE

We are apartment communities,

Carefree

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Making Life’s Changes Easier for You. Let Us Help You With • • • •

A plan of action for downsizing Executing the easiest transition plan Coordinating your move Getting settled in

Seniors on the move

Complimentary Consultation

(918) 488-0004

Glenwood Apartments 10221 E. 34TH ST. • TULSA, OK

GLENWOODAPT.TULSA@ATT.NET

(918) 663-7797 Retirement Living for Seniors Age 62+ & Adults with Disabilities

• • • • • • •

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

All Bills Paid 24-hour On-site Staff Laundry Facilities Library & Computer Room Planned Activities & Bingo Emergency Pull Cords On-site Beauty Salon

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

27

Noteworthy Philbrook Museum’s Creative Living Open House Helps Older Adults Explore Do you enjoy visiting art museums, learning and meeting new people? If so, you may want to visit the Creative Living Open House for older adults at Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Road, Tulsa. Attendees will learn about Philbrook’s programming, including a new program in partnership with LIFE Senior Services. The open house will take place Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1 to 3 p.m., is free to attend and includes light refreshments. For more information or to reserve your space for the event, call (918) 749-7941.

Tulsa Town Hall’s 81st Season will expand your mind Outstanding speakers will open minds, stir curiosities and inspire imaginations. Available by season subscription only, tickets are $75 for all five lectures. Lectures will take place in Chapman Music Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St., Tulsa, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For an additional $25 per person, per lecture, season subscribers may attend a Q&Astyle luncheon with the guest lecturer. Luncheons will take place at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa immediately following each lecture. Reservations for the luncheon are required at least one week in advance. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.tulsatownhall.com or call (918) 749-5965.

This season’s speakers and topics include: • October 2: The Writing Life with Sue Monk Kidd – Kidd is the author of The Secret Life of Bees, The Mermaid Chair and The Invention of Wings.

• November 6: James Carville Looks at Politics – Today and Tomorrow – Carville is one of America’s best-known political consultants.

• January 15, 2016: Fighting for America’s Future with David L. Boren – Boren is a former Oklahoma governor and U.S. senator, and the current University of Oklahoma president.

• March 11, 2016: Experiencing the Art of Possibility with Benjamin Zander – Zander is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic.

• April 22, 2016: Leadership Lessons from the White House: Doris Kearns Goodwin on the American Presidents – Goodwin is a renowed presidential historian and author.

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Events to Inspire, Educate and Motivate!

Experience Oklahoma’s Oral History from the Comfort of Home

Dedicated to the preservation of the oral history of Oklahoma, Voices of Oklahoma captures the voices and stories of Oklahomans, famous and otherwise, in their own words. Even the host, John Erling, is something of an Oklahoma legend.

With 30 years of entertaining Tulsans as host of Erling in the Morning on KRMG radio, and as a community leader and member of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Erling believes that preserving the stories of Oklahomans will reveal the depth of emotion and pride that built our great state. Covering a variety of topics, including oil and gas, ranching, politics, education and more, this ever-growing collection of interviews sheds an interesting light on the Oklahoma experience. The stories are formatted in an artful way that recalls the ways of radio listening before television became the norm. To share the experience of real, heartfelt conversations with many of Oklahoma’s greatest assets, sit back in your chair and join Erling as he spotlights the most original, fascinating voices of our time, preserving them for the future thanks to today’s technology. We suggest starting with the 100th interview, featuring centenarians Vida Culvern and Opal Moss, 102 and 103 respectively at the time of recording, or choose your own favorite topic from the menu. For your listening pleasure, visit www.voicesofoklahoma.org.

OSU “Linking Gerontology and Geriatrics” Fall Conference Highlights Wellness of Older Adults The sixth annual “Linking Gerontology and Geriatrics” conference will feature keynote speakers Barbara Speedling and Carol Ryff, Ph.D., on Wellness: Building Capacity for Tomorrow’s Older Adult. Focusing on the wellness of older adults, the conference will include a focus on Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). PASRR serves to ensure that individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities are identified through

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

effective screening and assessments so that they receive appropriate services and are placed in the least restrictive, most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. The conference aims to inform professionals and the public on a range of healthcare and compounding issues, such as mental illness and vision impairments, and to focus on resilience and best practices that promote the overall wellness of older adults. Other topics at the conference will include holistic care for older adults, and potential solutions regarding the workforce crisis in senior behavioral health, such as peer support services.

The conference will take place Sept. 24 and 25 at Oklahoma State University – Tulsa, 700 N. Greenwood Ave., with the keynote addresses beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. The cost of the two-day event is $55 for the public or $35 for students and adults age 65 and older, and registration is open through Tuesday, Sept. 1. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days. For more information and to register, visit http://osu-okgec. okstate.edu. Professional continuing education credits will be available for RN/LPN, LPC and LMFT. Other continuing education options are pending.

Brady Heights Historic District Celebrates Its Past and Future with Historic Home Tour One of the first neighborhoods built outside of downtown Tulsa, the Brady Heights Historic District features homes built between 1900 and 1930, two of which were built before Oklahoma’s statehood. Once home to Oklahoma’s early political, mercantile, oil, spiritual and social leaders, the area includes a variety of home styles, including Folk Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman Bungalow and American Foursquare. After suffering abandonment and crime during the 1960s and 70s, the district experienced a rebirth when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1980s. Now one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Tulsa, Brady Heights boasts families and individuals of all races, income levels, ages, sexual orientations and religions, many of whom have lovingly restored the historic homes.

The Brady Heights Historic District of Tulsa will host its annual Historic Home Tour, Sunday, Sept.

27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will include at least 10 homes, with guests being treated to casual discussions with homeowners relating the history of their homes and the steps they took to restore them. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on site at the tour’s starting point, the Centenary United Methodist Church, 631 N. Denver Ave., Tulsa.

Proceeds will benefit community projects of the Brady Heights Historic District, Inc.

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Brookhollow Landing

OPENING SOON!

2910 S. 129th E. Ave. Tulsa

(918) 451-3100

Call for More Information.

• 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments • Small Pets Allowed

• Full Kitchens with Appliances • Elevator

• Planned Activities

Must be 62 years of age or older, and meet income guidelines.

Vintage Properties professionally managed by Sooner Management Consultants, Inc.

Woodland Village

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

$100 OFF

First Full Months Rent!

131 E. 9th St. • Bristow

(918) 367-8300 Call for Move-in Specials.

• 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments • Small Pets Allowed

• Full Kitchens with Appliances • Elevator

• Planned Activities

(918) 241-1200

109 E. 38th St. • Sand Springs

Must be 62 years of age or older, and meet income guidelines.

Vintage Properties professionally managed by Sooner Management Consultants, Inc.

 www.LIFEseniorservices.org

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

LIFE’s

 

april

May

July

June

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

29

||

mindbender & puzzles ||

Word search: Grandparenting

commonym

Find and circle all of the words.

Activity Adore Celebrate Children Cookies Culture

Encourage Family Fishing Fun Golf Grandchild

Grandfather Grandmother Heritage History Joy Kindness

Love Maternal Memories Movie Paternal Photograph

Play Recipe Recollection Rely Shopping Stories

Tag Tradition Vacation Visit Welcoming Wisdom

A commonym is a group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example: the words; A car - A tree - An elephant ... they all have trunks. These will make you think! Answers on page 39.

Easy - High - Lounge ________________________

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Corn - The U.S. Army - Kentucky Fried Chicken ________________________

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Matchbooks - Magazines - Beds ________________________ Malls - Bacon - Comic ________________________

Nanny - Kid - Billy ________________________ Judges - Ruth - Kings ________________________ Black - Lazy - Bloodshot ________________________ Body - Crossing - Life ________________________ © 2013 Wuzzles & Puzzles

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy. Answers on page 39.

8 6 9

2 4

1 7 3

4 5 7

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© 2013 Livewire Puzzles

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

www.LIFEseniorservices.org



Medical Staffing & Home Care Specialists

SERVICES INCLUDE:

Nurses - RNs, LPNs • Home Health Aides Companions • RN Supervision Intermittent Visits or Hourly Care Home IV Therapy • Sitter Service Call us. We can help.

I’m Amazing!

SM

24 Hour Service 7 Days a Week

(918) 665-1011 www.My-FirstCall.com

All employees are screened, fidelity bonded, liability insured, and drug tested.

We Can Help You Stay In Your Home

Your Life, Your Way FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Health Support Hospital Sitter • Specializing in Dementia • VA Benefits Community Activities • Errands and Shopping Companionship • Personal Care Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

(888) 559-8847 www.ABetterLifeHomecare.com

Serving Creek, Tulsa, Washington, Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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Business DIRectory

||

Our Care Comes With Heart.

Providing In-home Assistance

Personal Care/Bathing • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Transportation Medication set up by R.N. • 2 to 24-hour care• Staffed with Certified Home Health Aides

Providing Wellness Services

Adult & Travel Immunizations • Health and Cholesterol Screenings • Foot Care Program

918-743-9810 • 7875 E. 51st St. • Tulsa

pickup your Complimentary

VinTaGe GuiDe

available at liFe locations and all Tulsa City-County libraries as well as the Catoosa, Coweta and Claremore libraries

www.liFeseniorservices.org

(918) 664-9000

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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business directory

||

AWARD-WINNING

EXCELLENCE IN HOME CARE Home Care and Dementia Experts • Transportation Certified Home Health Aides • Up to 24 Hour Care Companion & Sitter Services • Medication Reminders Caregivers are Bonded and Insured

(918) 574-2273

www.seniorhelpers.com

Licensed Home Care Agency (No. 7926)

If you are concerned about the cost of Assisted Living or Home Care, there is a little-known benefit available through the VA, if you are 65 or older.

Up to $2,120 per month.

Call (918) 369-6192 or visit veteransassistedcare.com Many veterans approved in 90 days or less

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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calendar

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Events Meetings Coping with Grief Presented by LIFE Senior Services September 1 • 3 – 4 p.m. • Free Inverness Village 3800 W. 71st St. • Tulsa RSVP • (918) 664-9000

To submit a calendar item, please contact Associate Editor Kaylee Campbell at kcampbell@LIFEseniorservices.org or (918) 664-9000, ext. 272.

Medicare Options: A Panel Discussion September 16 • 2 p.m. • Free Broken Arrow Senior Center 1800 S. Main St. • Broken Arrow (918) 259-8377 • www.baseniors.org

PostOak Wine & Jazz Festival September 5 • 2 – 11 p.m. • $10 PostOak Lodge & Retreat 5323 W. 31st St. N • Tulsa (918) 425-2112

Tulsa Greek Festival September 17 • 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. • $3 September 18 & 19 • 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 1206 S. Guthrie Ave. • Tulsa (918) 583-2082 www.tulsagreekfestival.com

NEATs Fall Kick Off Celebrating NEATs Artists, Musicians & Writers September 9 • 10:30 a.m. • Free Yale Avenue Christian Church 3616 S. Yale Ave. • Tulsa (918) 743-1303 • www.neatstulsa.org

Rib Crib’s Rock ’N Rib Festival September 17 – 19 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. • Free September 20 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Outside the BOK Center 3rd St. & Denver Ave. • Tulsa (918) 894-4256

Movie in the Park: Selena (1997) September 10 • 8:30 p.m. • Free Guthrie Green 111 E. Brady St. • Tulsa www.guthriegreen.com

Evenings at the Bernsen Presents Amy Cottingham & Friends September 18 • 7:30 p.m. • $10 Bernsen Center 700 S. Boston Ave. • Tulsa (918) 388-4720

Tulsa Metro Retired Educators Presentation on Vision 2025,

by Anna America September 15 • 10 a.m. • Free Education Service Center 3027 S. New Haven Ave. • Tulsa (918) 369-2617 NEATs Seminar: iPads & iPhones Led by Josh Washburn of Verizon September 16 • 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Free • 3119 S. Jamestown Ave. • Tulsa (918) 743-1303 • www.neatstulsa.org NEATs Movie: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel With popcorn & refreshments September 16 • 1 p.m. • Free 3119 S. Jamestown Ave. • Tulsa (918) 743-1303 • www.neatstulsa.org

34

Caregiving 101 Presented by LIFE Senior Services September 22 • 1 – 2 p.m. • Free LIFE’s Adult Day Health 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Tulsa Genealogical Society 50th Anniversary September 22 • 6 p.m. • Free Library Outreach Center 2901 S. Harvard Ave. • Tulsa (918) 627-4224 www.tulsagenealogy.org Movie in the Park: Forrest Gump (1994) September 24 • 8:30 p.m. • Free Guthrie Green 111 E. Brady St. • Tulsa www.guthriegreen.com

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

Casey’s Infantry Tactics Presented by Rex Griffin, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Indian Nation Camp 3 September 24 • 6:30 p.m. • Free Herman and Kate Kaiser Library 5202 S. Hudson Ave. • Tulsa (918) 663-1228

Support Groups

Coffee with the Chief Featuring Broken Arrow Police Chief David Boggs September 25 • 8:30 – 10 a.m. • Free Broken Arrow Senior Center 1800 S. Main St. • Broken Arrow (918) 259-8377 • www.baseniors.org

LIFE’s Caregiver Support Groups (918) 664-9000 Respite provided • Free LIFE’s Adult Day Health at Broken Arrow September 10 • 3 – 4:30 p.m. • Free September 24 • 5:30 - 7 p.m. • Free 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow LIFE’s Adult Day Health at Central September 3 • 6 – 7:30 p.m. • Free September 17 • 3 – 4:30 p.m. • Free 5950 E. 31st St. • Tulsa LIFE’s Adult Day Health at North September 15 • 5 – 6 p.m. • Free 902 E. Pine St. • Tulsa

Scrapbooking 101 September 30 • 12:30 – 2 p.m. • Free Owasso Community Center 301 S. Cedar St. • Owasso (918) 272-3903

Sundae Sunday September 6 • 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. • Free The Tristesse Grief Center 4646 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. 200 • Tulsa (918) 587-1200 • www.thegriefcenter.org

Seniors on the Go: Fun, Food & Fellowship Tuesdays & Fridays • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Jenks Senior Citizens, Inc. 211 N. Elm St. • Jenks (918) 299-1700

Spouse Loss Group Six-week series beginning September 7 6 – 7:30 p.m. • $15 per session or $60 for all six sessions The Tristesse Grief Center 4646 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. 200 • Tulsa (918) 587-1200 • www.thegriefcenter.org

ACBL Duplicate Sanctioned Bridge Mondays & Wednesdays • 11 a.m.

Broken Arrow Senior Center 1800 S. Main St. • Broken Arrow (918) 355-6652 Single Seniors 60+ Join for lunch, visiting & cards Wednesdays • 11:30 a.m.

Buffet Palace 10934 E. 21st St. • Tulsa (918) 371-4367 or (918) 341-3375 Ukulele Class Bring your own ukulele, beginners welcome Wednesdays • Noon – 2 p.m.

Broken Arrow Senior Center 1800 S. Main St. • Broken Arrow (918) 259-8377

Tulsa Hearing Helpers Support Group For people who have lost hearing later in life September 10 • 10 – 11:30 a.m. • Free Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access 8740 E. 11th St. • Tulsa (918) 832-8742 • www.tsha.cc Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group September 24 • 6 p.m. • Free Dinner provided Saint Simeon’s 3701 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. • Tulsa RSVP • (918) 794-1945 Oklahoma Parkinson’s Disease Support Group September 24 • 2 – 4 p.m. • Free Owasso Community Center 301 S. Cedar St. • Owasso (918) 272-3903

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Widow/Widower Workshop September 26 • 8:15 – 6 p.m.

September 27 • 1:15 – 8:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church 3515 S. Harvard Ave. • Tulsa (918) 852-3402 • (918) 747-8601 $25 • Some meals included Grief Journey Group Tuesdays • 2 – 3:30 p.m. • Free Tuesdays • 6 – 7:30 p.m. • Free The Tristesse Grief Center 4646 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. 200 • Tulsa (918) 587-1200 • www.thegriefcenter.org

Dancing Lake Keystone Square Dance Club September 4 & 18 • 7:30 p.m. • $3 Mannford Community Center 101 Green Valley Park Rd. • Mannford (918) 865-2846 Belles & Beaus Square Dance Club September 8 & 22 Workshop 7 p.m. • Dance 7:30 p.m.

St. Marks Methodist Church 10513 E. Admiral Pl. • Tulsa (918) 437-7277 Melodies & Memories September 19 • 2 – 5 p.m. • Free First Christian Church of Jenks 308 E. Main St. • Jenks (918) 299-7381 • www.fccjenksok.com Friday Night Dances Fridays • 7:30 – 11 p.m. $5 members/$6 nonmembers American Legion Post 308 11328 E. Admiral Blvd. • Tulsa (918) 437-1635 Line Dancing Class Presented by the Owasso Community Center Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 1 – 2:20 p.m. • Free Tuesdays • 7:30 – 9 p.m. • Free YMCA • 8300 N. Owasso Expy.

Owasso • (918) 272-3903

Clog Dancing Lessons Presented by Turtle Creek Cloggers Mondays • 5:45 – 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays • 6 – 8:30 p.m.

LaFortune Community Center 5202 S. Hudson Ave. • Tulsa (918) 627-0067

Fitness More Laughter Yoga Club Presented by LIFE Senior Services September 22 • 1 – 2 p.m. • Free LaFortune Recreation Center 5202 S. Hudson Ave. • Tulsa RSVP to (918) 664-9000 Parkinson’s Swim For individuals with Parkinson’s and their loved ones September 22 • 3 – 4 p.m. • Free Saint Simeon’s Wellness Center 3701 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. • Tulsa RSVP by September 18 (918) 794-1945 Exercise Class Designed for Older Adults Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Free Owasso Community Center 301 S. Cedar St. • Owasso (918) 272-3903 Beginners Tai Ji Quan – Moving for Better Balance Tuesdays & Thursdays • 2 – 3 p.m. • Free Owasso Community Center 301 S. Cedar St. • Owasso (918) 272-3903 Tai Ji Quan – Moving for Better Balance Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. • Free Owasso Community Center 301 S. Cedar St. • Owasso (918) 272-3903

Round Up Boys Dance Mondays • 6:30 p.m. • $5 Broken Arrow Senior Center 1800 S. Main St. • Broken Arrow (918) 607-3600

LIFE leaves designate additional community offerings from LIFE Senior Services. www.LIFEseniorservices.org

Events & Seminars at LIFE Senior Services LaFortune Brown Bag Series: Diabetes Basics Join Debbie Gibson, St. John’s diabetes educator, to learn about diabetes, including risk factors, treatment options, nutritional information and more.

Wednesday, September 9 • 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

LaFortune Recreation Center • 5202 S. Hudson Ave. • Tulsa Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Focus on the Four: Recycling Recycling in the City of Tulsa is easy. Join the City recycling team to learn the ins and outs of recycling, and tips on disposing of wastes, such as batteries, paint, grease and more.

Tuesday, September 15 • 10 – 11:30 a.m.

LIFE Senior Services • 5950 E. 31st St. • Tulsa Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Relocation Stress Syndrome for Family Caregivers Moving, and the stress associated with it, has associated risks for seniors. Learn how to prepare for a move and identify symptoms of relocation stress to keep you and your loved one healthy and safe.

Wednesday, September 16 • 6 – 7:30 p.m.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health • 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Basics of Medicare If you are newly eligible or soon to be eligible for Medicare, this seminar is for you. The seminar will cover the basics of Medicare, explain what you need to know about Medicare’s different parts and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your coverage options. This seminar is intended for persons newly eligible or soon to be eligible for Medicare. It is closed to licensed Life, Accident and Health Insurance Agents, insurance company personnel, and anyone affiliated with a Health Maintenance Organization or other conflicts of interest.

Wednesday, September 23 • 10 a.m. – Noon LIFE Senior Services • 5950 E. 31st St. • Tulsa Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Social Security 101 Whether you want to apply for Social Security benefits, estimate future benefits or apply for Medicare, there are helpful online resources. A representative from the Social Security Administration will explain what you can do online and provide information to help you navigate the Social Security website tools.

Wednesday, September 23 • 1:30 – 3 p.m.

LIFE Senior Services • 5950 E. 31st St. Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 CPR Training for Grandparents See page 25 for details.

Wednesday, September 23 • 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health • 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000 Legal Options for Advance Planning See page 10 for details.

Thursday, September 24 • 1 – 2 p.m.

LIFE’s Adult Day Health • 3106 S. Juniper Ave. • Broken Arrow Free • RSVP • (918) 664-9000

Senior Centers LIFE’s Senior Centers are open Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer an excellent selection of social, creative, educational, fitness and health activities to keep members physically active and socially engaged.

Call today for a tour and discover all that LIFE has to offer!

See all activities for each center listed online at www.LIFEseniorservices.org LIFE’s Senior Center at East Side 1427 S. Indianapolis Ave. (East of 15th St. and S. Harvard Ave.) Adrienne Gilley • (918) 744-6760

LIFE’s Senior Center at Southminster 35th Pl. (West of S. Peoria Ave.) Jamey Henderson • (918) 749-2623

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people & places ||

These ladies (two of whom are centenarians) modeled for the fashion show at NEATs’ annual Book Review, during Montereau residents Tot, Barbara, Hilda, June, Doris and Billie’s which Mary Helen Stanley spoke on Bob Hope’s Comedian daughter gathered to celebrate Bille Field’s 84th birthday at of the Century book.

These centenarians were honored at the annual NEATs Benefit Concert Montereau’s Renoir Café. on July 1 at Yale Avenue Christian Church. From left to right: Louis Hile, Edith Kolar, Mildred Kellenberger, Vida Culvern, Dorothy McFadden, John Haws, Opal Clark Moss.

Country Club of Woodland Hills resident Miles Fidler is pictured in a pet photo booth with his trusty schnauzer Boomer in celebration of National Pet Day, which was July 11.

Mary Renfro, 88, shares a special moment with her great-greatgranddaughter Aubrielle Ferguson, 7 months, during a family celebration.

Bessie Strickland, Delores McBee and Billy McBee learned more about allergies at a community education luncheon presented by Hillcrest Silver Elite.

Broadmoor Retirement Community resident Dottie Piet was interviewed by News on 6’s Rick Wells about her historic music classes, during which she dresses up and plays music from certain eras. Dottie’s dressed as Rosie the Riveter for her 40s and 50s era American Sing-A-Long.

Tai chi class members from Broken Arrow Senior Center enjoyed their trip to a local zip line. They zipped across six tree tops!

June Ross, Broken Arrow Seniors’ executive director, is joined by the family of James “J.R.” Robertson at the dedication of the west wing of the Broken Arrow Senior Center in honor of Robertson. Over 100 people attended the ceremony.

Send Us Your Pictures

We Want To See Smiling Seniors with Their Grandchildren In honor of National Grandparent Month in September, send us your pictures of you and your grandkids and you might see your picture in an upcoming issue. Whether at a birthday party, play date or game night, we want your photos! Submit high-resolution photos with a caption to editor@LIFEseniorservices.org by the 1st of every month.

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine does not endorse advertiser products or services.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

AUTO REPAIR Strickland Automotive Strickland Automotive is locally-owned and - operated with over 40 years of auto repair experience. We perform all types of vehicle repair, from computer and electrical problems to engine and transmission overhauls. ASE Certified mechanics. Open six days a week, with towing provided. Call Gary.

(918) 832-7072.

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. Call Thomas Fink, owner/technician, for free estimate (918) 636-6303.

CEMETERY LOTS Everlasting Garden in Floral Haven Four (two and two) discounted burial plots in Everlasting Life Garden in Floral Haven. $2,900 each or $5,000 for two. Call (910) 400-5204.

Lots Available in Memorial Park Three burial plots for sale. Don’t wait until a death emergency happens. Buy ahead of time. Lots located at Memorial Park in Tulsa, close to 51st Street in Sunrise Garden. $1000 each. Call (918) 358-3864.

Memorial Park Lot For Sale Space 6 in Lot 67 in Section 36 located in Memorial Park Cemetery. Asking $2,400.00 or best offer. Please call Steve at (719) 373-4615.

Memorial Park Lots For Sale Six spaces in Section 6. Lot 559. $1700 each or $9000 for all six. Call (918) 455-4138.

CLEANING PRODUCTS Home and Business Cleaning Products Save $$$ lots of money. Use concentrated natural organic cleaning products for home or business. We have been in business for 40 years without one complaint. Discounts for all seniors.

Save even more!! Information call A & B Distributors (918) 366-4606.

COMPUTER SERVICES Computer and Electronic Assistance Are you stuck and need Help with your computer or any electronic device.

Price and Son Computer and Technology Services, LLC will be glad to assist you in your home. Call James or Jared at (918) 236-6010 or email us at office@pricestechhelp.com to schedule an appointment.

Computer Help At Reasonable Cost Retired computer tech will help with all your computer needs. Does your computer need to be moved or repaired or do you need help with setup or usage?

Can also provide periodic maintenance and updates. Call Ed at (918) 629-1395.

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

DAYTIME CARE Daytime care for older loved ones LIFE’s Adult Day Heatlh 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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Hiring for Home Care Aides!

Brighten your neighbor’s day by helping them stay safe in their home. We are looking for caring individuals to provide assistance to elderly/disabled clients. Tasks may include errands, light housekeeping, and personal care assistance. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, auto insurance and pass OSBI background check. Certified and Non-Certified positions! Apply Today!! www.oxford-healthcare.com or call: (918) 258-1111.

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 for you, we handle all advertising, staging and the sale it self. We specialize in senior transitions, having been in the senior housing market for over 10 years. Please contact Michelle Reed (918) 691-5893 or Atulsa@aol.com for a free consultation.

Estate Sales PLUS Estate Sales PLUS manages Estate Sales… Moving Sales… Downsizing…

Consignments… & Appraisals. Selling your home? We bring HUGE crowds of potential buyers and work with your realtor to showcase your home. Estate Sales PLUS is Bonded, Insured and an accredited member of the BBB. For a FREE CONSULTATION, call David Ross at (918) 982-2320, email estatesalesplus@cox.net or go to www.estatesalesplus.com Miss Lilly’s Estate Sale Services Miss Lilly’s Estate Sale Services specializes in Estate Liquidation, downsizing or moving sales. Our Estate appraiser has over 30 years of experience. If you are selling your home, we will work with your agent and bring potential buyers into your home.

Contact Patti Lorimer at (918) 906-3539 for a FREE estate evaluation OR email misslilly’s@cox.net OR visit our website www.misslillysestatesales.com

EXERCISE Women’s Exercise – Free Visit Exercise for women any age. Burn calories while relaxing on our tables.

No sweat. No strain. Low cost of $25 per month. First visit is FREE! No contracts.

5732 S. 70th E. Ave. Call Tone Zone at (918) 622-6116.

Rhythm and ZenMoves Classes Beginning Wednesday, Sept 9th Rhythm and ZenMoves classes will be offered from 9:30-10:20 at Whiteside Community Center. It is a 6 week program with

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movement and gentle stretches to music.

The cost is $30 (or $7 for drop in classes).

Chairs provided. Instructor, Christy Hays.

Call (918) 645-5905 for more information and additional class opportunities. www.ZenMoves.Me. FINANCIAL/INSURANCE Investments-InsuranceRetirement-Legacy Market volatility, rising healthcare costs and longer life spans may make achieving desirable retirement more difficult. As financial professionals we help clients develop and monitor customizable options toward reaching their goals. Ken Finch, CLU, ChFC, AEP and Marilee Lonergan at (918) 392-5477. AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), SIPC, AXA Network, LLC. Medicare Assistance Program The Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at LIFE Senior Services provides accurate information, counseling and assistance relating to Medicare benefits 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 (866) 664-9009.

classifieds

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a small company with personal service.

References available. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Larry. (918) 361-1299.

Mower Repair / Maintenance All brands - Riders, ZTR’s, Walk-behinds, Hand-helds. Top Quality work, ASE certified Mechanic. Pick-up and Delivery available. Tulsa and surrounding counties.

Maintenance specials include pick-up and delivery 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call Scott (918) 519-3869.

New Season Lawn Care & Landscape Now accepting new customers. Mowing, trimming, leaf and small debris removal, shrub planting, mulching flower beds.

Small tree trimming. Will haul off small appliances, scrape metals, etc. We offer weekly, bi-weekly & year round services for the manicured look. Best rates, senior discounts. Free Estimates. Call Todd (918) 639-2262.

HOME REPAIR/REMODELING

Lawn Care & Handyman Services Lawn Care/Mowing starting at $35/Leaf Removal/Landscape Design/Tree Work/ Fence Repair & Building/Seasonal Color Design/Yard Spray Treatment/Debris Cleanup/Interior Remodels/Parking Lot Maintenance. Owner Operated- Fully Insured- Free Quotes-Reliable-CourteousProfessional Service-References Available Upon Request. Call J&S Landscape to take care of all your lawn care & handyman needs (918) 406-4889.

A-OK Plumbing A-OK Plumbing is now offering handyman services. No job too big or too small. Free estimates. We work by the job or hourly.

10% off to all first time customers. Relax, everyone’s welcome. Sit back and give us a call. Special senior rates offered.

(918) 810-0397.

A Handy Helping Hand Professional home maintenance, painting, and improvements. Whether you’re making overdue repairs, sprucing up your home and garden, or optimizing your home’s “sale-ability” potential, call Joe Surowiak with A Handy Helping Hand.

Professional results. Competitive rates.

(918) 520-0333.

Allen’s Handyman Services of Tulsa “Your Home Improvement and Repair Specialist.” 15th year 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. Roof, tile and drywall repair.

Wood siding/trim replacement. Deck repair, power washing, staining. Tree trimming. No job too small. For free estimate, call Allen at (918) 630-0394.

A Smart Concepts Home Improvements Smart Concepts for Home Improvement has 20 years of experience repairing and improving homes. Steve can fix anything, from the front door to the back door, from the basement to the attic. Call anytime for a free estimate on drywall, plumbing, electrical, doors, windows, and decks. Call Steve for repairs, remodels, paint jobs, etc. (918) 636-2376.

Lawns & More Total lawn care. Firewood available starting at $75 per rick delivered and stacked. Gutter cleaning, fence repair and new installation available. Dedicated to making your lawn look its best. Insured, honest, experienced and dependable.

Veteran-owned. Stump grinding. We are

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 receive an automatic 10% discount....call us now.

Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage Plans The Health Insurance Enrollment Center is here to assist you with Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Call Bob Archer today at (918) 814-5550 for free information. Let me guide you through the outstanding Medicare Plan options that are available to you.

GARDENING/LAWN SERVICES Kimble Davis Tree Company Family-owned and operated. Specializing in all aspects of tree care: restoration, pruning/thinning, removal, stump grinding, hedge trimming, firewood available.

Serving Tulsa for 25 years. References.

Member BBB. Insured. ISA certified arborist. Check us out at www.kdtreeco.com. Call Kimble at (918) 853-5383.

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|| classifieds || BJ’s Handyman Services I will tighten it, nail it, glue it, paint it, cut it, hang it, change it, assemble it, install it, and do other odd jobs. Quality work at reasonable prices. Our goal is to keep your costs low. Life member of Handyman Club of America. Serving seniors since 2005. We now accept all major credit/debit cards. Call BJ at (539) 777-2915. This is a local call.

Bumgartner Plumbing Licensed, with over 30 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.

Burton Painting and Floors Specializing in all aspects of exterior and interior home painting. Staining, sealing, and painting faux finishes. Decks, fences, cabinets and floors.Free estimates. 25+ years of experience. Reliable, courteous, professional service. Fully insured.

(918) 378-2858.

Contracting for Seniors by Van Repairs, painting, remodeling, some plumbing and electrical, small jobs.

Special needs: grab bars, ramps, hand rails, door alterations to accommodate wheelchairs, handicap fixtures. Working with individuals, families, seniors, businesses since 1987. We function with integrity, with special concerns for seniors. Free estimates, insured.

(918) 636-6849.

Dave’s Heat and Air, Inc. Licensed, insured, and bonded. Honest and reliable service for over 30 years.

Competitive rates. Specializing in heating and air conditioning service and repair. All makes and models. Residential and light commercial. Tulsa metro area. Familyowned and operated. (918) 437-8101.

Doorman Door Service of Tulsa Thinking about replacing your windows?

Call us first, glass replacement may be a better option. The Doorman provides service and installation for doors, windows and siding. We offer a senior and military discount. Financing is available and we accept all major credit cards. Visit us at www.tulsadoorman. com. (918) 430-4398.

Freedom Electrical Services Do you need outlets, ceiling fans or lights hung? Freedom Electrical Services provides quality workmanship. For all your electrical needs, call (918) 216-1846.

Handyman & Construction Services New & Remodel Commercial & Residential - 25 Years All Handicap Accessories - grab bars, handicap access abilities; Framing, Drywall, Tape & Bed; Texture & Paint, Plumbing, Electrical, Tile, Laminate & Wood Floors & Fences.

Free Estimates, Competitive Rates, Professional Service. Call Craig at (918) 892-4168.

Handyman/Painter Minor house work & repairs such as plumbing: leaky faucets, install new faucet & hardware. Electrical: replace bad light switches, or receptacle (wall plug Continued

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ins) fix old light fixtures install new fixtures & ceiling fans, wood staining, furniture repair, interior /exterior home painting and repairs on walls or ceiling. Call David at (918) 346-3774.

Hutson’s Handyman Service Carpentry. Painting. Home repair. Basic plumbing. Sheet rock – new and repair.

Storm doors and windows. Install ceiling fans. Clean and repair rain guttering. $15 service call charge. $35/hour.

10% senior discount. What do you need done? Member, Better Business Bureau.

(918) 835-8205 or (918) 645-5761.

Same Day Services Light Hauling /Light Moving - help you rearrange room furniture, lawns-grass mowing/small paint jobs/cleanup/ fence repair/installation of wireless security system on doors/winwdows - We are honest dependable. References. Call (918) 313-5230.

Z&J Remodeling No job is too big or small. Painting, carpentry work, roofing, room additions, decks, sheet rock, carpet & carpet repairs, storm damage repairs and more. Free estimates and insured. (918) 629-1903.

HOUSE CLEANING Housekeeper Available Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly. Thorough and Honest. Integrity at work yesterday, today and tomorrow. 15 years experience.

Adjustable fee according to situation.

References Available. Call (918) 282-1617.

HOUSING Home Share Wanted Paul D. Redman, 73, would like to share a home with a nice, neat, clean, honest person. Should like football, golf and movies on TV. I have a Big TV. I’m a non-drinker, big reader. My last house mate and I were together 9 years. Please call if interested. Thx. (918) 814-4288.

LEGAL 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

OIL AND GAS Mineral, Oil/Gas Interests Want to purchase minerals and oil/gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO, 80201.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE AAA+ Personal Assistant Specialists Absolutely the best physical, mental and emotional needs care giving for yourself or loved one. Professional, discreet and dependable. No revolving door of people in your home. Meal planning, shopping and preparation. Transportation, travel companion or business assistant. We can fit your needs. Call Carol (918) 430-6448.

Accomplished Help at Home Former owner and administrator of Oklahoma state licensed facility. Help

LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

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in home management coordinating your needs. Cooking, light housekeeping, transportation to doctors’ appointments.

I value your dignity with respect. Excellent references. Adjustable fee according to situation. (918) 728-5489 or (918) 270-1671.

Bobbi and Bob’s Personal & Business Assistance Secretarial and administrative tasks, project manager assignments, running errands, grocery/personal shopping, take to beauty shop, take to medical appointments, organizing home/office, housecheck, handle healthcare and medical insurance paperwork. Call Bobbi Warshaw, MPH, or Bob Warshaw, MBA, at (918) 747-3807.

Website: www.errands-to-go.com, Email: bobbi.warshaw@att.net.

Financial Organizer Are you overwhelmed handling monthly finances (paying bills, balancing your checkbook, organization) for yourself or a loved one? I can help! I create customized systems that fit your needs, either for set up only or ongoing monthly.

Call me to discuss the options available.

Essential Strategy Consulting, LLC. Gwen Stevens (918) 557-5259.

Mail Stacking Up? Do you have trouble seeing to write checks? No family close by to help?

Confused about your income or expenses? I will pay your bills, setup deposits, correspond with insurers, accountants, bankers, doctors, brokers and creditors. Organize information for your taxes. Monitor all accounts for fraud.

Notarize your legal papers. Bonded and insured. FREE initial consultation. Senior Money Manager - Call Sherry (918) 625-2001.

Mary’s Errands/Senior Services Tulsa I do personal errands such as: deliver your groceries, pharmacy pick-ups, post office, pet care, escort to appointments/ activities, dry cleaning, Wal-Mart runs, meal delivery, and more! If you don’t see what you need listed call me!

Mary 1-(918) 791-3770, text or email: maryehayes@att.net Midtown Errand Runs Monday thru Friday. Time varies. $20 an hour. Contact Sophie Chinneth.

(918) 408-3757. Leave voicemail with name and number.

PERSONAL SAFETY EARS Emergency Alert Response Systems.

Enjoy living at home while we listen for your safety with our quality personal medical alarm and monitoring service. Affordable with no long-term commitment. Locally owned and operated (918) 298-0500 or toll-free (877) 885-3277.

HALO Medical Alarms HALO provides emergency response throughout Oklahoma with an office in Tulsa. Let a HALO medical alarm provide you with the confidence and security to live independently in your own home, where you are most comfortable. Call (918) 392-0566 or (877) 747-HALO (4256). www.halomedicalalarms.com

PERSONAL SERVICES Affordable Hairstyling In-Home or Shop Transportation and home service available for your hairstyling needs.

I will come to you at the hospital, rehab or nursing home. A Mane Event hairstyling is for the entire family.

35 years experience. Senior specials for haircuts, perms and color.

In-shop special: Haircut $7 for first time customers in shop ONLY. Tuesday through Saturday. Near 11th and Yale at 937 South Canton Ave. (918) 834-2686.

Darlene’s Salon Services Hair care for men and women, specializing in senior clients. Wet sets, blow drying, back combing, perms, colors, and cuts.

Manicures and pedicures available. This month’s special: haircut OR shampoo and set for $12. First time clients only with this ad. Come see us at Highland Plaza, 5661 E. 41st St. (Corner of 41st and Hudson).

(918) 742-3440.

Detlef’s Master American European Hair Design Established 1964. Precision cuts, color corrections, perms by design from sensible to sensational. Former owner of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Miss Jackson’s Salon and Coiffures Continental Salon. Catering to classy and mature styles for ladies and gentlemen.

Monday – Saturday. Call (918) 663-8779.

4833 South Sheridan, Suite 405A in Fountain Plaza. By appointment only.

In-Home Beauty Services of Tulsa We provide beauty services to our clients who are unable to leave their home, disabled, hospice care or independent living. We offer full beauty service for men and women in Tulsa and surrounding areas. Our services include: shampoo & sets, haircuts, perms, manicures. pedicures. Licensed and Insured. Visit our website www.inhomebeautyservicesoftulsa.com.

Call (918) 630-6274.

PET SERVICES Cat Boarding Going out of town and need someone to care for your cats? The Kat Shack offers a calm and peaceful place for your cats to stay: no cages, no dogs, and lots of love.

23 years animal experience.

(918) 364-cats (2287). www.thekatshack.com.

REAL ESTATE Residential Home Sales Thinking of selling your home to move to a senior supportive environment?

Perhaps to move in with an adult son or daughter who can help assist with your needs? Get the specialized attention you deserve by contacting Jay Workman with Coldwell Banker Select today for a free consultation. Email jayworkmanrealtor@ gmail.com or call (918) 734-2004.

SOCIAL/SUPPORT GROUP Single Seniors (60+) Are you over 60, single, divorced or widowed? We are a fun loving group

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www.LIFEseniorservices.org

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Vintage Friends

of single seniors over 60. We meet every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Buffet Palace, 10934 East 21st Street.

We eat at 11:30 have a short meeting and then play cards. Join us for great fun and fellowship. Questions, call Bob at (918) 371-4367 or Nancy at (918) 341-3375.

TRAVEL

In appreciation of contributions to LIFE Senior Services received in July 2015.

We sincerely apologize for any error or omission. If there is an error, please call Carrie Bowen at (918) 664-9000.

Anonymous D. C. Anderson Helen T. Arnold Sharon Atcheson Gretchen Battaglia Thomas Boone Jack and Betty Box Larry and Ann Marie Boyce David and Margaret Bredow Oren and Dorothy Brewer Robert and Ann Caruso Louise Christie Bonnie M. Clough Mary Cook S. Jane Cooper Gary and Yolanda Crooms Billye Davidson Marva Dykes Jacque M. Fowler Wayne and Aline Gent Bill and Pat Grosso Margaret Halter Frank and Jane Hamilton Perry and Patricia Hammond Mary Hawthorne Gene and Gertie Henson Mary Hight Charlene Holbert Richard and Sybil Holland Samuel J. Holland Mr. and Mrs. Bill Holland Cam Hong INCOG Area Agency on Aging Jess and Sylvia Insall Jerry V. Jones Memorial Trust Fred and Ruth Ann Kailer Ruth M. Kelly Gerry L. Kemper Jacque Krusemark Andrea K. Laceby Lois Lind Dr. Sue W. Lohmann Dr. Brenda and Mel Martin Mary Johnese McDonald Jo Ann McKinney

Affordable Motorcoach Tours 2015 Trips: Miami & Key West-November 6-16 $999. Branson Holiday- Dec 2: 5 shows $310. $75 Deposit. Junkets by Jill Travel (918) 407-9031. www.Junketsbyjill.com

TRANSPORTATION Call Patricia!

Need a go-fer to run errands, take you to an appointment or grocery shopping? Need someone to take you to hair appointments, the pharmacy, make deliveries? Need someone to stay with you during an outpatient medical procedure? Also, available as a driver/companion for traveling; rates negotiable. Call Patricia! (918) 437-3456 or (918) 855-2302.

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.

Travel Made Easy Motor home with lift and driver available for short in-state or long out-of-state trips. Seats 6 comfortably. Cross country patient transfer or sightseeing. Also available for rent: powerchair for shopping, hospital visits, etc.

Member, Better Business Bureau.

(918) 491-9929.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES New Century Hospice Welcomes Volunteers! Have an iPad or laptop that you can use to share “the world” with a patient needing companionship?

In Tulsa, Bixby & Mannford areas. Enjoy parties? We need birthday cards mailed, cupcakes delivered, and holidays celebrated on time! Call Debra at (918) 493-4930.

CLASSIFIEDS TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT:

Bernie Dornblaser, (918) 664-9000 or bdornblaser@LIFEseniorservices.org

www.LIFEseniorservices.org

SEPTEMBER Answers COMMONYM

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Types of chairs Covers Have strips All are islands Coffee terms

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About LIFE Senior Services

LIFE Senior Services is a recognized leader in aging services and an acknowledged voice on aging issues and is proud to be a nonprofit United Way organization. If you would like to make a donation in support of LIFE Senior Services, please mail your contribution to: LIFE Senior Services 5950 E. 31st St. Tulsa, OK 74135-5114 Make your donation securely online: www.LIFEseniorservices.org

LIFE’s SeniorLine has Answers!

All have Colonels Goats Books of the Bible Eyes Guards

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In Honor of Honorarium for Mickey Hinds St. John Medical Center In Honor of All Survivors Jim and June Jordan In Honor of Ludie Ray Georgia Ray In Honor of Beverly K. Smith Jess L. and Miriam B. Stevens Foundation In Honor of Erma Smither’s 100th Birthday R. D. and Jean Cheatham In Memory of

In Memory of Gary Anderson Rosalie Denton In Memory of Irma Benight Smith Troy R. Smith In Memory of Katy Butts Bill Butts In Memory of Theresa Ann Finck Theresa M. Finck and Mary Ann Finck In Memory of Bob Mathis R. D. and Jean Cheatham In Memory of Irv McGuire Doris McGuire In Memory of Jo McMillen Lisa McMillen In Memory of Mullowney Family Dorothy M. Mullowney In Memory of Lee Sowell Carter P. Carr In Memory of Ben Tidwell Boyce Tidwell

Have Questions?

For puzzles, see page 30.

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Craig and Irene Osgood Pam Peck Janice Pike Dick and Gerry Pittenger Margaret Pray Kenneth Renberg Karen Ryan Bobby D. Sayre Jody Seaman Esther B. Semones Suzanne Y. Shadley Andre F. Siegenthaler Charles A. Sloan Boethos Foundation, Inc Dan M. Smith Carol J. Solberg Good Neighbor Fund of Spirit AeroSystems Tulsa Church of St. Mary Stanley and Carol Staubach Marilyn V. Sylvan Mary Ellen Taylor Susan and William Thomas Charlie Mae Thornton Rudy V. Tiehes Juanita Vandiver Margo Wallace John A. Warren F. L. and Jane Wilkinson Mary Jo Wright

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liFe’s seniorline representatives are experienced, caring professionals with special training in aging issues and caregiver concerns. They’ll listen to your situation, ask pertinent questions and connect you with trustworthy community resources and services.

Call seniOrline aT

(918) 664-9000

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LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | September 2015

www.LIFEseniorservices.org