The Senior Journal

Not law yet but if the proposed budget passes, how would the cuts affect aging Oklahomans/Americans? This is a question. We will answer this and more from two experts in their field, this Saturday at 9:05 on Freedom 96.9 FM Oklahoma’s talk radio. Pictured left is Rebekah Williams; Currently Rebekah serves as an Ombudsman Systems Advocate/liaison working with state and federal law makers for the last 21 years. Pictured right on “zoom” is; Esther Houser served as the Oklahoma State Long-Term Care Ombudsman just shy of 36yrs. We NEED your voice to be heard to our Oklahoma legislators, representatives and senators. We are providing a list here: Ok Fed Delegation Field Offices Rebekah W. Rebekah Williams has established herself as a leading figure in senior advocacy over her 21-year career, focusing on improving the lives of seniors in Oklahoma. Currently Rebekah serves as an Ombudsman Systems Advocate/liaison working with state and federal law makers on bills that are in the best interest of the aging population. With a life’s goal that “All People Age Well in Oklahoma.” Esther Esther served as the Oklahoma State Long-Term Care Ombudsman just shy of 36yrs. In her position she advocated for the rights of elders in long-term care facilities across Oklahoma, and legislative advocacy at both the state and national levels. She serves as President of the Oklahoma Silver-Haired Legislature Alumni Association and is active in legislative advocacy at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637

WHAT IS FRAMES WITH PHOTOS? I can tell you we had several requests to replay this OSJ Radio hour because it is so important to keep special memories out of your phone and into frames easily! We are going to tell you and explain to you exactly what Frameswithphotos.com is and how it not only benefits you but your favorite non-profits too! Frames with Photos is Okla born and all components to it are Oklahoma based! Businesses, Services, Organizations and You as an individual can benefit! Yours truly as in Robin Gunn the Publisher, Editor & On Air Host is taking an interest in Frames with Photos and you can too! Listen in at 9:05 this Saturday, April 26th on Freedom 96.9 FM to get yourself educated on this important endeavor! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ George McDowell – Born and raised in OKC, George graduated from Northwest Classen and University of Oklahoma. Has been in the promotional product business for over 50 years founding McDowell Incentives in 1993. Has been involved in many nonprofits from Lyrics Theater, Chance to Change, Salvation Army, OKC Town Hall and Crossings Church. Presently is dedicated to fundraising for OKC nonprofits. Kurt McDowell – Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Kurt McDowell is a graduate of Brown University and co-founder of McDowell incentives, Inc., a full-service promotional marketing firm headquartered in Oklahoma City. In addition to minority ownership of Frames With Photos, Inc., he has also served on many nonprofit boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters and NextGen Under 30. He very passionate about the nonprofit sector and currently serves on the Prison Ministry staff at Crossings Community Church and is a children’s leader at Bible Study Fellowship. Frameswithphotos.com Info@frameswithphotos.com (405) 849-4960

learn more at: https://okseniorjournal.com/latest-radio-shows/

BACK BY Popular Demand … Want to freeze your property tax once you are 65+? You certainly can in this program! This is not a marketed program… that’s why we did a OSJ Radio show on it. We also have a flyer on our newsletter every Friday. To join the Oklahoma Senior Journal newsletter along with our 10,000 other members, please go to OKSeniorjournal.com. To my left is Julie Ackerman, who has become an expert in her field on the property tax freeze for seniors. She discusses all about it. We do need to get our representatives and senators involved, and we will give you that information in this newsletter and on the OSJ radio show. We also have an encore of the OSJ radio show on Sunday at 1 o’clock on Freedom 97.9 FM. There are over 400,000 65+ who own their own home in the state of Oklahoma. Each of these owners is able to freeze property taxes once they are 65 or better. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don’t miss the show! And read the flyer – scan the flyer’s QR code on it for more information. Julie Ackerman is passionate about getting this word out on property freezing for seniors and so is the Oklahoma Senior Journal. Listen in this Saturday @ 9:05am on FREEDOM 96.9FM Oklahoma’s Talk Radio. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Julie Ackerman Julie Ackerman, a resident of Oklahoma since 2000, was born in Montana and lived in Texas before settling permanently in Oklahoma. She has lived in Shawnee Twin Lakes, Pottawatomie County, Shawnee, and now Oklahoma County where she plans to retire at the age of 67. Julie is available to speak at churches, retirement communities, or organizations of any kind. Email her for more information at seniortaxfreeze@yahoo.com. Facebook: facebook.com/seniorpropertytax Email: seniortaxfreeze@yahoo.com oksenate.gov/senators okhouse.gov/representatives

St. Jude Evening of Hope Gala with proceeds going to the St. Jude Research Hospitals will be on May 3rd, 5:30pm at the Omni Hotel in OKC. (See flyer and link below for more information.) I learned so much from the show Saint Judes was originally established in 1962 by Danny Thomas and continues to be ran by his daughter Marlo Thomas, who still is on the board stay tuned to the fantastic show and the Saint Jude evening of Hope gala that you can get involved in through your corporation, your business your services or individually. Claudia My name is Claudia Al-Botros and I am a healthcare administrator for Psychiatric Care Solutions. I am a dedicated mother, and wife as well as an advocate for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I currently serve on the St. Jude Committee in Oklahoma City, giving back and making a meaningful impact in the lives of children battling cancer. I am passionate about fundraising and advocacy, ensuring that St. Jude continues its mission of providing lifesaving treatment to children at no cost to their families. Calbotros@aol.com 405-924-3231 ________________ Danette Danette Mondalek has over 27 years of experience in healthcare administration and is the Oklahoma Regional Director of Managed Care at SSM Health, focusing on payer contracting. She excels in strategic negotiations and team building, enhancing healthcare systems’ efficiencies. Passionate about quality care for seniors and at-risk populations, she actively supports various community organizations and promotes accessible healthcare for all. dmondalek@hotmail.com 405-250-0430

Learn More At: https://okseniorjournal.com/latest-radio-shows/

OKSJ SHOW 3 15 25 MORADA SENIOR LIVING. Learn More at: https://okseniorjournal.com

The 22nd year of Informed Senior Seminar is April 4th from 8am to 12pm and Bonus this is a FREE event !! Held at OSU/OKC campus at: 900 N. Portland Ave in the student center on the 3rd floor. Pictured above is Ms. Sheryl Presley the TRAID coordinator and this events committee head. Breakfast will be served from 8am to 8:30am and then a special panel discussion on scams, where you can ask questions. Special brake out sessions will be available to attend after the panel discussions. There will also be educational vendors sat up for FREE take away information. Multiple FREE Door Prizes will be given away as will! No RSVP needed ! The Oklahoma Senior Journal will be given away at this event and the OSJ has been on the committee board for 20 years! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sheryl Presley, TRIAD Coordinator, Oklahoma City Police Department. Shery. became Oklahoma City’s TRIAD Coordinator on October of 1998 This position requires working with the elderly in Oklahoma City she also works closely with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department in educating the elder citizens of Oklahoma as to their rights, opportunities available to them and laws that may affect their lives. She began ber career with the Oklahoma City Police Department on February 1992, as a Detention Officer in the City jail She served in this capacity for approximately 4 years when she transferted to “CIU”, the Crime Information Unit in January 4996 Sheryl holds an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Oklahoma State University. She has held several Fraud Forums for Oklahoma City Police Department and Piedmont Police Department. She has enjoyed a long acquaintance with the Oklahoma City Police Department. Her father, George Doughty, served with the Oklahoma City Police Department for 34 years. She has one son named Skyler. Informed Senior Seminar April 4th 8am to 12:00pm at the OSU/OKC campus (Free Event) for more information see flyer in the OSJ e-newsletter or call Sheryl Presley at: (405) 642-9271

WHAT IS FRAMES WITH PHOTOS? We are going to tell you and explain to you exactly what Frameswithphotos.com is and how it not only benefits you but your favorite non-profits too! Frames with Photos is Okla born and all components to it are Oklahoma based! Businesses, Services, Organizations and You as an individual can benefit! Yours truly as in Robin Gunn the Publisher, Editor & On Air Host is taking an interest in Frames with Photos and you can too! Listen in at 9:05 this Saturday, March 1 on Freedom 96.9 FM to get yourself educated on this important endeavor! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ George McDowell – Born and raised in OKC, George graduated from Northwest Classen and University of Oklahoma. Has been in the promotional product business for over 50 years founding McDowell Incentives in 1993. Has been involved in many nonprofits from Lyrics Theater, Chance to Change, Salvation Army, OKC Town Hall and Crossings Church. Presently is dedicated to fundraising for OKC nonprofits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kurt McDowell – Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Kurt McDowell is a graduate of Brown University and co-founder of McDowell incentives, Inc., a full-service promotional marketing firm headquartered in Oklahoma City. In addition to minority ownership of Frames With Photos, Inc., he has also served on many nonprofit boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters and NextGen Under 30. He very passionate about the nonprofit sector and currently serves on the Prison Ministry staff at Crossings Community Church and is a children’s leader at Bible Study Fellowship.

2-22-25: Senior Day 2025. Learn more at https://okseniorjournal.com/

It is a call back OSJ Radio Show … We had so many emails & phone calls to rerun the “… More on Family Caregiving” show and we thought during this sleet and snow week that this would be the perfect time to replay! Family Caregiving is the hottest ticket and fastest growing entities all over the world to discuss. My mother (Bobbie Gray Diffee-Gunn) and I took care of my Father (Gordon Gunn) for 13 1/2 years, full-time 8 1/2 years and part-time for 5 1/2 years. He had Dementia which is under the umbrella ofAlzheimer’s. We have learned a trunk load full of information about Family Caregiving. We will be addressing this on the OSJ radio show (Freedom 96.9FM @ 9:05am this Saturday, 1/18/25) After the holidays I received texts, email, and phone calls at the OSJ Magazine from adult children who are noticing issues with their parents like never before. Tune into this expert conversation with my mom and I on the issues of Family Caregiving and resources that are available. We also learned some great tricks of the trade that will help you and your loved one on an easier path with Journey on Family Caregiving. My mom and I are available for public speaking to any of your organizations or services on Family Caregiving. We’ve been speaking on this subject now for about five years. There’s absolutely no cost. Listen in this Saturday @ 9:05am on FREEDOM 96.9FM Oklahoma’s Talk Radio! Bobbie and Gordon Gunn ___________ Robin with parents Bobbie and Gordon Gunn Bobbie Gray Diffee-Gunn was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and came to Oklahoma City in the Bethany area in 1953 and has lived here the rest of her life. Except where her children were born in Ada, Oklahoma, but then came back to Bethan. She married the love of her life in 1955, Gordon Carl Gunn and has been a caregiver for him and others in her family along with her mother Laura Diffee. _______ Robin R. Gunn, along with Tippy as in Tippy Toes (Marketing Department) has been the publisher and editor for the last 33 years of the Oklahoma Senior Journal, the original and longest running 50+ magazine. Robin is also the cofounder of Second Half Expo and has been a radio air host for the last 7 1/2 years! Robin and Tippy Gordon Carl Gunn (my Daddy & Mom’s Beloved) was born in 1928 and married mom at the Penney Nazarene College where he was a fifth year senior and she was one of the new freshman coming in. They built a beautiful life together in Bethany and Ada, Oklahoma and then back to Bethany. In 2005 Gordon was diagnosed with dementia and we walked that road with him for 13 1/2 years. He passed at age 92 at the veterans center in Norman, Oklahoma. Robin R. Gunn (405) 816-7889 Oklahoma Senior Journal | Publisher, and Editor | On Air Host | App | Expos | Networking | E-newsletter | Speaker | Columnist for the Oklahoman & USA 🇺🇸 TODAY! Facebook: OKSeniorJournal and Instagram @OKSeniorJournal | Email: rgunn@okseniorjournal.com

Celebrating Hope through Art with the Healthy Living of OKC, part of the Maps three program on Adult Wellness @ Education for the 50-Plus. Please notice the flyer in this OSJ e-newsletter for more information. Has your life been impacted by cancer? Unfortunately, pretty much all of us can say “yes”that we know someone in our immediate family or friends or ourselves. Celebrating Hope Through Art. Is a therapeutic way to approach this all to negative impact of cancer. This is the brainchild of Healthy Living OKC and a local artist. Please tune in to the OSJ radio hour tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:05 on Freedom 96.9 FM. For this impactful show. Ginger Kuncle with Healthy Living OKC over the NW Center on Rockwell & Hefner along with the Norman Healthy Living Center! Her title is Development Director for Healthy Living & Fitness. An expert in her Feild and listening in tomorrow will give you the education & information you need. healthylivingokc.com Ginger Kunkle is the Development Director for Healthy Living and Fitness, the non-profit operating two of the metro area Adult Wellness and Education Centers: the Maps3 Adult Wellness and Education Center located on North Rockwell, and the Adult Wellness and Education Center in Norman. The mission of each center is to promote the health & wellbeing of adults age 50 and over by providing opportunities for physical activity, social engagement and lifelong learning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Facebook: www.facebook.com/healthylivingokc Instagam: @healthylivingokc Phone: 405-857-7390 Website: www.healthylivingokc.com

Richard W. Amend the Mission & Community Relations Director at Saint Ann for the last 18 years. The Saint Ann independent & Assisted Living Center Community was established 22 years ago. The reputation of Saint Ann Retirement Center proceeds itself! There is no buy in and it’s all inclusive in independent and assisted living. Chef prepared restaurant style dining and the amenities go on and on and we have great resident stories! Please tune in this Saturday, 3rd of February at 9:05 on the rise and thrive OSJ radio hour on Freedom 96.9 FM or you can listen in on the OSJ App or on our 1700 podcast platforms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Richard has worked at Saint Ann Retirement Center for the past 18 years. Prior to that, he worked at Christ the King Church for 25 years in Senior Adult Ministry. He has an M.ED. in Adult Education emphasis on Gerontology. He has always had a passion working with senior adults and truly loves Saint Ann’s. He and Cecilia have adopted 8 children. Richard also is Santa for hire for Santa Claus as well as working at Saint Anne as Santa Claus during the holidays! Screenshot 7501 W. Britton Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73132 | (405) 721-0747 | also available on Facebook through their website. https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/ Saint Ann accepts all forms of faith!

Gaylene Stiles is the Education Coordinator for VillagesOKC.org. We will be discussing what POSITIVE Aging is though VillagesOKC… A plan not a place. There will be monthly gatherings at Metro Tech from 10am to 11:30am (see schedule flyer or at villagesOKC.org) Our first question is; What is Positive Age and how can you make it work for you and your loved ones? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gaylene Stiles is the Education Coordinator for VillagesOKC. She joined VillagesOKC after retiring from Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City in 2020 where she was the Director of Community Health and Access for over 30 years. Positive Aging consists of monthly educational sessions that are designed to provide education information while encouraging senior adults to find their purpose and living with vitality. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3908 N. Peniel Ave, Ste 340, Bethany, OK 73008 info@villagesokc.org (405) 990-6637

More on … Family Caregiving is one of the hottest ticket and fastest growing entities all over the world to discuss. My mother (Bobbie Gray Diffee-Gunn) and I took care of my Father (Gordon Gunn) for 13 1/2 years, full-time 8 1/2 years and part-time for 5 1/2 years. He had Dementia and Alzheimer’s. We have learned a basket full of information about Family Caregiving. We will be addressing this on the OSJ radio show (Freedom 96.9FM @ 9:05am this Saturday, 1/18/25) After the holidays I received texts, email, and phone calls at the OSJ Magazine from adult children who are noticing issues with their parents like never before. Tune into this expert conversation with my mom and I on the issues of Family Caregiving and resources that are available. We also learned some great tricks of the trade that will help you and your loved one on an easier path with Journey on Family Caregiving. Listen in this Saturday @ 9:05am on FREEDOM 96.9FM Oklahoma’s Talk Radio! Bobbie Gray Diffee-Gunn was originally born in Arkansas and came to Oklahoma City in the Bethany area in 1953 and has lived here the rest of her life. She married the love of her life in 1955, Gordon Carl Gunn and has been a caregiver for him and others in her family with her mother Laura Diffee. Robin R. Gunn, along with Tippy as in Tippy Toes (Marketing Department) has been the publisher and editor for the last 33 years of the Oklahoma Senior Journal, the original and longest running 50+ magazine. Robin is also the cofounder of Second Half Expo and has been a radio air host for the last 7 1/2 years! Robin R. Gunn (405) 816-7889 Oklahoma Senior Journal | Publisher, and Editor | On Air Host | App | Expos | Networking | E-newsletter | Columnist for the Oklahoman | okseniorjournal.com | rgunn@okseniorjournal.com

Ginny Curtis-Gillespie is the founder and backbone of Navigating Medicare. She has worked in the insurance industry for 39 years and the Medicare space for 21 years. She is passionate about working with the Medicare population and helping them feel confident in making decisions about their health coverage. She is happily married with three grown children and 10 grandchildren. Jennifer Melton is the codirector of Navigating Medicare. She has been licensed for 13 years and holds a master’s degree in education. She loves spending time with her clients and guiding them through the process of selecting the plan they deserve. She is a loving wife and mother of three children. Navigating Medicare Navigating Medicare Navigating Medicare Office (405) 842-0494 Fax (405) 302-4959 2232 West Hefner Rd Ste A Oklahoma City, OK 73120 On Facebook under Navigating Medicare OKC www.navigatingmedicare.com

The OSJ Radio Hour as in The Rise & Thrive OSJ Radio Hour … Has a “back by popular demand” OSJ radio hour… in studio is originally aired 12/14/24 and due to emails, a phone calls and texts… we knew we had to bring this show back to our listening audience! It is a world 🌎 of information (especially after the holidays) where adult children, friends and those concerned with the well being of their parents or loved one. Most of what you will hear is FREE or very low cost! Interactive Companion Pet – Realistic & Lifelike… What is this ? We will answer that and more on tools for families or professional caregivers. This show is dedicated to those the care for others. Either you will be a caregiver or you will be cared for. Pictured left to right in the above photo is Loyd Lightfoot, Shelley Gladden, and Donnie Lewis. These are experts in their field and their expertise is your reward! These are helping hands that can make difficult situations better for you or your loved one ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Donnie Lewis, Program Manager III at Oklahoma Human Services Community Living, Aging and Protective (CAP) Services since 2024, manages the US Department of Health and Human Services Lifespan Respite Grants that partners with agencies across Oklahoma to support for caregivers. Community Engagement & Coalitions | Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) IMG_2587.jpg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Loyd Lightfoot is an LRG Specialist with Oklahoma Human Services. A skilled professional with diverse experience in healthcare, tribal water/wastewater management, youth leadership, and community partnerships. Proven ability to organize conferences, recognize industry excellence, and collaborate with tribal housing authorities. Experienced in working with the Lifespan Respite Grant and Caregiving Resources. Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) | Oklahoma Human Services p. 405-521-2281 | c. 918-948-0810 | Loyd.Lightfoot.CTR@okdhs.org IMG_2588.jpg ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shelley Gladden, Assistant Director at Oklahoma ABLE Tech since 2012, oversees the core programs of the AT Act, and plays a role in securing financial support at the state and federal level to better serve Oklahomans. An advocate for people with disabilities and a person with hearing loss, she serves on several state organizations and is passionate about serving Oklahomans. Shelley is Assistant Director – Assistive Technology Programs Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Oklahoma State University • Dept. of Wellness.

The Rise & Thrive OSJ Radio Hour is bringing back a well received show, due to popular demand!!! We are proudly rerunning and reintroducing G&S Cleaning Services on our OSJ radio hour; Mrs. Shirrhonda Wettinburg owner of G&S Cleaning Services for the last 9 years!!! Her personal path lead her to open G&S Cleaning Services and she has never looked back! Shirrhonda handles in her services – Commercial, Residential and Rental “Make Readies” . I have personally hired Shirrhonda to clean my home (and many other projects ) Shirrhonda works and prays with my Mom who has hired her as well, both of us have used her services for the last 8 years now. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, and a superb job well done going above and beyond is her M.O. and Mission Statement! Hear her miraculous story of her life this Saturday December the 28th on 96.9FM FREEDOM Oklahoma’s Talk Radio and ALSO consider giving a cleaning service FROM G&S Cleaning as THIS Holiday Season. Everyone can use that! Here is how to get ahold personally to Shirrhonda: 405-421-6046. If you missed this OSJ Radio show or you know someone that did get to tune-in … please do tune this Saturday 12/28/24 at 9:05am 96.9FM because the information is so vital and this makes a great gift as well maybe something for the new year for friends and family! My name is Shirrhonda Whittenberg, owner & operator of G&S Cleaning since 2016. I am a wise woman, very bold, confident and courageous. I’m a woman that has triumphed over my past. I’m someone who has broken generational curses. Seeing the change in me which I’m thankful to God. WIth all my experiences shaping the way I think and act and believe!

Pictured on OSJ radio studio is an Interactive Companion Pet – Realistic & Lifelike… What is this ? We will answer that and more on tools for families or professional caregivers. This show is dedicated to those the care for others. Either you will be a caregiver or you will be cared for. Pictured left to right in the above photo is Loyd Lightfoot, Shelley Gladden, and Donnie Lewis. These are experts in their field and their expertise is your reward! These are helping hands that can make difficult situations better for you or your loved one! Donnie Lewis, Program Manager III at Oklahoma Human Services Community Living, Aging and Protective (CAP) Services since 2024, manages the US Department of Health and Human Services Lifespan Respite Grants that partners with agencies across Oklahoma to support for caregivers. Community Engagement & Coalitions | Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) okdhs.org OKCares.org Loyd Lightfoot is an LRG Specialist with Oklahoma Human Services. A skilled professional with diverse experience in healthcare, tribal water/wastewater management, youth leadership, and community partnerships. Proven ability to organize conferences, recognize industry excellence, and collaborate with tribal housing authorities. Experienced in working with the Lifespan Respite Grant and Caregiving Resources. Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) | Oklahoma Human Services p. 405-521-2281 | c. 918-948-0810 | Loyd.Lightfoot.CTR@okdhs.org Shelley Gladden, Assistant Director at Oklahoma ABLE Tech since 2012, oversees the core programs of the AT Act, and plays a role in securing financial support at the state and federal level to better serve Oklahomans. An advocate for people with disabilities and a person with hearing loss, she serves on several state organizations and is passionate about serving Oklahomans. Shelley is Assistant Director – Assistive Technology Programs Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Oklahoma State University • Dept. of Wellness