Don Woods and `Gusty` - Community Spirit Magazine

EE
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February 2004
Don Woods
and ‘Gusty’
Still Buddies After 50 Years
Special Senior Citizens Issue
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FEBRUARY 2004
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Don Woods and Gusty have been close “friends”
now for fifty years. Read about how the Channel 8
weatherman created the lovable little cartoon
character and how the two continue to entertain
audiences while they share about the saving grace
of Jesus Christ.
“We are a family
serving families.”
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The Passion of the Christ
6
Don Woods & Gusty
Still Buddies After 50 Years
PUBLISHER
Tom McCloud
OKC Fairgrounds
10th & N. May Ave
February 6, 7, Fri-Sat 9-6
& 8, Sun 11-6
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VOLUME 4 • NO. 11
February 2004
Election Year 2004!
Lindsay Roberts’ Women’s Conference
SENIOR LIVING
8
9
Marge Creager
Vern Garbe
Sharing the light around the world for over 50 years
10
11
12
Standing On Your Own Two Feet
The Medicare Prescription Drug Act of 2003
Senior Housing
14
Do You Hear What I Hear?
16
18
Practicing Significance
The Mature Driver—Chuck Mai, AAA Oklahoma
Which Option Is Right For You?
Getting Past the Stigma of Buying A Hearing Aid
LOOKING YOUR BEST
20
21
Microdermabrasion–Is it Right for You?
You Can Have White Youthful Teeth Again
Departments
17
24
25
27
30
Winners’ Wisdom—Dreams Do Come True
Good Stewardship
Heart & Home—Love In Every Language
News Around Town
Community Calendar
Visit our New Website!
www.communityspiritmagazine.com
Now you can download the whole magazine, or simply a couple of the featured articles. Soon, you will be
able to get a detailed map of distribution locations
near you, or search the Community Spirit database for
our recommendations on who to call for almost any
good or service.
Our Mission...
To glorify God by telling stories of individual Christians
whose good works testify to God’s active presence in
Oklahoma.
Through the telling of these true stories, we pray that...
Christians will be inspired to do more good works, the
Body of Christ will be unified,
and that all will hear the Good News — that God offers
everyone an abundant new life in Jesus.
Passion
THE
OF THE
“It is deeply moving, powerful, and disturbing.
A film that must be seen–although the graphic
scenes of the scourging of Jesus are wrenching.”
— James Dobson, Chairman,
Focus on the Family
“Everyone should see this movie... It could be
Hollywood’s finest achievements to date.”
— Tim LaHaye, Tim LaHaye Ministries
Much of Hollywood is
already panning the movie
with accusations that it is
anti-Semitic. However those
who have seen the film agree
that it does not point a finger
at the Jews.
“The moral of... Mel Gibson’s film is that we all killed
Jesus—Jew and Gentile
alike—and tortured him,
and we do so everyday,”
— David Horowitz,
Jewish talk show host and
columnist.
Mel Gibson has one cameo
appearance in the film, but
you won’t recognize him. It
is his hands which hammer
the nails. This alone tells a
strong message
of Gibson’s attitude toward
making this
film, for as he
says, “We are
the ones who
sion of the Christ,”
hammer the
Mitch was on the phone
nails every day.”
the morning he returned
Gibson, along
to book an entire theatre
with
actor Jim
for his church.
Caviezel (Count
Read just a few of the
of Monte Cristo),
Mel Gibson (director/producer) directs
quotes from those who
who plays Jesus,
Jim
Caviezel
(Jesus)
for
The
Passion
of
pre-screened the movie
believes that
the
Christ,
a
film
by
Mel
Gibson.
Photo
and you will understand
making this film
that Mitch is not alone in credit: Philippe Antonello.
could well mark
his excitement. In fact
the
end
of
their
careers
in
Hollywood.
But
during the conference, Rick Warren said, “I
both
are
committed
to
sharing
this
incredibelieve that the release of this film will be
ble message. “I may never work again, but if
the beginning of the 3rd Great Awakening
I go down in this ship then that is fine with
in Christianity... no, I believe it will be the
me,” Caviezel said. Unable to secure
biggest opportunity for evangelism since
investors for the film, Gibson shouldered the
Pentecost.”
entire load of the thirty-five million needed
“Every time I preach or speak about the Cross,
to make and distribute the movie. He did so
the things I saw on the screen will be on my
for one reason, so the world—and you—
heart and mind.”
would understand.
— Billy Graham
But viewers should be advised, as Mitch
Wilburn puts it, “This is not a popcorn and
“The Passion will stun audiences and create an
coke type movie. It is not for kids. It is disincredible appetite for people to know more
turbing and it will forever embed the reality
about Jesus. I urge Christians to invite their
of the crucifixion into your heart.”
spiritually seeking friends to see this movie with
The Passion of the Christ will be released to
them...”
2000 theatres on February 25th.
— Lee Strobel, Former Atheist, Author of
Who are you going to invite?
The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith
Christ
One “R” Rated Movie that we MUST See!
B Y TO M M C C L O U D
new movie
called The Passion of the Christ
hits the Tulsa area movie theatres
on February 25th, we pray that you will go
and take many friends with you. For as Lee
Strobel (Author of The Case for Christ and
The Case for Faith) said, “Sure this movie is
rated R, but in this case, the R should stand
for “Reality.”
We recently interviewed Mitch Wilburn,
Community Minister at Park Plaza Church
of Christ. Mitch had just returned home
from a national conference at the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California,
where four thousand youth ministers had the
opportunity to pre-screen the new movie.
Lee Strobel did the introduction, and after
the movie, Rick Warren (Author of The Purpose Driven Life) conducted a question and
answer period with Mel Gibson.
Through tear-filled eyes, Mitch did his
best to describe some of the scenes of the
movie as well as the impact that the film
made on him personally. “I am sorry,” he said
as he wiped away a tear. “I cried like a baby
throughout the movie and I have cried every
day since.”
Armed with the first-hand experience of
the importance of the message of “The Pas-
W
HEN MEL GIBSON’S
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
5
more than the weather forecast. Incorporating the cartoon into some Bible lessons, Don has produced
simple tracts that have
helped to share the
Gospel with thousands
of people all over the
world.
“The tracts especially
have been popular in Taiwan.
For some reason, the Chinese really
like Gusty,” Don said. The tracts share
a Good News message of how sin separated little Gusty from God and how
the Cross bridged the gap to make it
possible for Gusty (and the reader) to
be with God. Don offered a simple
message of salvation, one that he continues to share with anyone who will
listen.
“So has ‘Gusty’ always been a Christian?” we asked. “Oh no, he had to
smarten up. He has always been a
church-goer, but that is not the same
thing. There is a lot of difference
between religion and knowing the
Lord. You might say that Gusty and I
met Jesus in 1965. I really needed some
help and I went down on my
knees in this empty house.
And for the first
time, I really
repented. I
don’t think I
understood
what had
happened
to me, but
I went to
a Christian friend
and told
him about
it. He
insisted that I
confess it out
loud and I guess it
worked. From then
on, it was a different kind
of life for me. I had a relationship
with God.”
The change in Don’s life and in the life of
his wife was noticeable to all who knew
them, and they have been witnessing ever
since. Though Don is quick to point out that
he “places little store in organized religion
(denominational arguments),” he can’t help
but share the Good News, the opportunity
to have that personal relationship with the
Creator of the Universe.
Since his conversion experience, Don and
Gusty have preached their message of salva-
Don
Woods
&
Gusty
Still Buddies After 50 Years
since Don
Woods and his buddy “Gusty” delivered
the weather on Channel 8. Yet both
Don and Gusty continue to be two of the
most recognizable celebrities in town. In
fact, during the State Fair, it is easy to “forecast” long lines for the opportunity to purchase one of Don’s cartoons of the loveable
little weather guy.
If you were not fortunate to be in Tulsa
during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, you missed out
on watching Don Woods, one of the area’s
most popular weathermen. Presenting the
weather forecast back before the days of
computer graphics and animation, Don used
a simple black board, a piece of chalk, and
lots of imagination to sketch a cheerful little
cartoon called “Gusty” to help communicate
the forecast to his admiring viewers.
Whether Gusty was jumping into the “Frady
Hole,” or suntanning at the lake, the nightly
cartoon provided an extra reason to tune into
Channel 8 News.
Don “met” Gusty back in 1954. Born and
raised in Wichita, Don had returned after
serving as a Navy weatherman in Guam and
SiPan. In an attempt to increase his modest
salary at the weather bureau, Don applied at
I
6
T ’S BEEN THIRTEEN YEARS
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
a Wichita television station.
“The General Manager
of the station
had spent some
time in Omaha
where his weatherman drew a
nightly cartoon
called “Beanie the Coffee Bean,” named after the
station’s sponsor, Omaha Butternut Coffee,” Don explained. The
manager liked the cartoon so much that he
simply insisted that Don be able to draw a
cartoon in order to get the job.
“I was not an artist and I had no idea how
to draw a cartoon, so I went to visit the
father of a friend of mine, who taught me
the basics. After some practice, I came up
with ‘Gusty’ and the manager hired me on
the spot,” Don said as he quickly drew
another classic Gusty cartoon. “I guess I
have drawn hundreds of thousands of them
since.”
Through the years, Don has
used Gusty to communicate
Visit the
February 2004
Gusty website at www.gusty.us
tion wherever possible. “We used to be able
to share it in schools. I would draw Gusty,
talk about Jesus, and even have an altar call,
but of course the public schools
don’t allow that anymore,” he said.
He recalls that back in the 70s,
Channel 8 owner Jimmy Leake
used to even let Don and Gusty
tell the story on television. But of
course that era passed and eventually gave way to a time when Don
was instructed not to talk about
Jesus in the workplace anymore.
But thankfully, Don, who has a
reputation of always telling it like
it is, was never good at separating
his faith from his work. In fact to
this day, Channel 8 Weatherman
Travis Meyer, often tells of how
Don mentored him.
Don leads a simple yet busy life
now. He and his wife live in the
same modest home they purchased in 1965. They have three
children, six grandchildren, and
three great-grand children. “I’m
old!” he joked. “In fact, when I
read the Bible, I am cramming for
my finals!”
Through the years, Don has
developed a passion for art. Much
past “the cartoon” stage of his
craft, he does incredible watercolors of the
places he and his wife visit in their small
motor home. They enjoy traveling and Don
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serves as the chaplain for his RV club. “I am
against sin, for motherhood, and I am not
too controversial, so they decided that I
should be the one,” he joked.
When at home in Tulsa, Don continues to
work. He represents Economy Hearing Aid
Labs as well as the Bill Haynes Company.
He also teaches meteorology at Tulsa Community College.
After so many years of studying the
weather, what has nature taught Don Woods
about God? When we asked him the question, he thought for a moment and said, “It
has taught me that we are utterly dependent
upon the Lord. The longer you live and the
more that you see, you begin to ask yourself,
‘Okay, what am I here for?’ I am here to
totally and completely depend on the Lord
for my life. I mean how can you control a
tornado? We have to depend upon God
completely.”
This year, Don will celebrate a milestone
as he recognizes the 50th Anniversary for
the loveable Gusty cartoon. “There is a
renewed interest in Gusty,” he explained. “I
may have retired, but Gusty is still going
strong! He is now in the Smithsonian Institute and continues to be very popular. In
fact, your readers will soon be hearing about
some big plans that Gusty has for 2004!”
“We can’t wait,” I said. Now, could you
sign that one “To My Friend Tom?”
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February 2004
Trusted Tulsa
Meteorologist
Don Woods
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
7
SENIOR LIVING
Marge Creager
The Drummer with an Ear to Hear… Others
B Y TO M M C C L O U D
I am
convinced that He would talk to Marge
Creager. For of all the people I have ever
met, Marge is undoubtedly the best listener.
It is a skill that He obviously provided to her
on purpose. And in turn, it is a skill that she
has used and continues to use to His glory.
For any Memorial High School grad who
might be reading, you surely remember
“Mrs. Creager” as the Dean of Boys and
Girls. A guiding presence from the school’s
first graduating class in 1968 until 1986, she
touched many young lives with her infectious smile, quick wit, and non-judgmental
attitude. She laughs when she recalls that
some of the kids (especially the boys) would
often come tell her about what they were
thinking of doing before they got into trouble. And even if you never were “officially”
sent to see her, she had a way of reaching out
to every student, making you believe that
you were something special.
But as well as the students remember her
as a counselor and friend, we didn’t realize
that she was busy touching lives outside of
I
F GOD EVER HAD A PROBLEM,
school at the same time.
Like breathing, it is
something she does
without thinking. And
even now at the age
when most women are
living quiet, more sedentary lives, Marge Creager
runs full-steam, hoping
to help at least one more
person before the day is
over.
An avid, in fact awardwinning, member of the Red Cross, Marge
keeps her bags packed, ready to go wherever
people need help. She was in Oklahoma
City to counsel the families of the lost and
injured. She was at the Pentagon to reach
out to the families of the fallen soldiers. And
she was in New York City to listen to the
cries of those left behind. While in Tulsa,
she now focuses much of her time working
as a therapist for Group Homes, counseling
with the many six- to seventeen-year-old
kids pulled from troubled homes.
Many of you know
Marge as the wife of
Mack Creager,
beloved Channel 6
sportscaster and
radio announcer. She
met him at a Christmas dance while they
were attending
Oklahoma A&M.
Mack was a star athlete and Marge
played in the marching band. She
explained that
though she had
played the French
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horn and
sax in high
school, she
couldn’t
afford to
buy an
instrument.
And since
the school
provided
drums, she
jumped
right in
and learned
to play. “I
got to see
lots of
football,
especially
that running back and kicker, Mack Creager,” she
laughed.
Marge and Mack had a great life together
and had been married fifty-five years when
Mack died suddenly in March of 2002. “Boy
do I miss him,” she said as she smiled
through tear-filled eyes. “You men are so
important!” she said as she encouraged me
even in her grief.
The couple had four children, two girls
and two boys, each of whom stay close and
keep good care of their mother.
For fun, Marge has acted as a tour guide
for years, taking groups all over the world. In
fact, she is now busy pulling together a
cruise to see all the islands of Hawaii.
And in between the kids, the travel, the
Red Cross, and her friends, Marge carves
out time to be one of the drummers for
Asbury Methodist’s Senior Ragtime Band.
Laying down a strong rhythm, she covers up
any ability she may have lost over the last
fifty years with a large dose of attitude.
If you ever need a loving, compassionate
ear to listen to your problems, this drumplaying great grandmother would be an
excellent choice. But knock before you enter
the room, for who knows, God may have
gotten there ahead of you.
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
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SENIOR LIVING
Vern Garbe
Sharing the light around the world for over 50 years
B Y Z I K J AC K S O N
N A SMALL, NONDESCRIPT OFFICE
in a
modest building in the heart of Tulsa’s
urban industrial district near 41st and
Sheridan sits a wise, humble man who has
made helping people in Tulsa and around
the world his life’s mission. Vern Garbe,
founder of Garbe Industries, has been in
the home furnishings business for almost
sixty years, and his story reads like
the American dream. After
three years in the Air
Force as a flight
engineer during
World War II, Mr.
Garbe returned
from his European
and Pacific tours of duty
to civilian life. “I came to Tulsa on
a bus with ten dollars in my pocket,” says
Mr. Garbe, who turned 81 on February
5th. “I slept in the bus station overnight,
and then looked for work. I went to work
at a hardware store on 4th and Cincinnati
for two hundred dollars a month.” The
store is no longer there, but Mr. Garbe
found his calling as a retail businessman.
“I found out that I liked people, and
decided I wanted to help people. If they
had a need, I could help them.” Along the
way, he met and married his wife, and they
have been married now for over fifty years,
as much in love as ever.
With the help of his uncle, Mr. Garbe
bought into his employer’s store, and
eventually became the owner. Through his
business, Mr. Garbe finds a venue to minister to people. “I’ve been a merchant in
this city since 1946,” he says. “I witness for
Christ—it helps if you have a place of
business. Then people are coming to you
instead of you going to them.”
Mr. Garbe’s longevity in Tulsa has
allowed him to supply hardware, lighting,
and building materials for the construction of hundreds of homes in the area, as
well as some major landmarks. He tells
the story of the origins of St. John’s Hospital: “The sisters came to town to build a
hospital at 21st and Utica. I helped build
the first building, but they’ve since torn it
down. I’ve outlived the building!”
When asked what his favorite part of
coming to work is after all these years, Mr.
Garbe replied cheerfully, “I’m having the
time of my life, and I love to keep helping
people. Some of my employees have been
with me for over thirty years—we’re a
family. It isn’t about looking at the bank
I
twenty years, Vern Garbe has a vision for
helping people in practical ways. He says
blindness has made him sharper in other
ways. “I listen better, I can taste better,” he
says. “I’ve been blind for twenty years, but
I’m not handicapped.” His unstoppable
drive to help people is fueled by the joy of
the Lord and a good sense of humor.
“We’ve got to laugh more,” he says. “It’ll
increase the length of your life. Helping
people is the goal. You can’t fly alone... I’m
afraid to fly alone.” As God’s co-pilot, this
humble merchant plans to continue to
bless people with a smile, a laugh, and a
kind word.
balance; it’s about spending time with the
people. This whole bunch is a family. We
love each other, and when people come
into the store, we love them too.” New
customers are treated like friends, and regular customers like family. Regulars are
easy to find at Garbe’s, not just because
there’s only one store, but because of the
high level of personal service on each
purchase. “We don’t care
how long it takes,” says
Mr. Garbe, “I want
them to be happy
with it. We want to
Service Beyond
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Although God has blessed him financially, he’ll be the
first to say it’s not
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they’re alive and not
wait until they’re
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His generosity has
made a big difference for many people in the community over the years, yet
he likes to remain
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February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
9
SENIOR LIVING
Standing On Your
Own Two Feet
Tips for Making Your Home Safer
R E P R I N T E D F R O M O K L A H O M A S E N I O R M AG A Z I N E
you’re not
alone. More than eleven million people
over the age of sixty-five fall every year
— that’s one of every three senior citizens.
People with Parkinson’s disease are especially
likely to be among this group because the illness can affect their balance, posture, and
the way they move. Falls can be a serious
problem — they are a major cause of injury,
restricted mobility, and loss of independence.
The good news is that many falls can be
prevented. The most important step you can
take to prevent falls is to maintain as much
strength and coordination as possible by following your doctor’s instructions on taking
your medications, eating properly, and exercising. The next step is to look around your
home for hazards that could lead to a fall,
and correct them. Here are some suggestions
for creating a safer home environment:
I
F YOU’VE FALLEN LATELY,
In the bathroom:
• Use grab bars to get into and out of the
tub
• Use a bath chair or stool in the shower
• Don’t use throw rugs or wax on the bathroom floor
• Use a raised toilet seat with arm rails
• Buy soap on a rope, or put a bar of soap in
a nylon stocking with one end tied to a
towel bar
In the kitchen:
• Use a long-handled sponge/mop to wipe
up spills
• Keep your floors smooth but not slippery
• Store your often-used supplies in easy-toreach cabinets
• Avoid hard-to-reach wall phones; consider
a cordless phone that can be carried from
room to room, or a counter model
Throughout your home:
• Be sure that stairwells are well lit; consider
nightlights for hallways and bathrooms
• Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes with
nonskid soles; don’t walk around in socks,
slippers, or stockings on bare floors
• Keep rooms and hallways free of clutter
• Make sure carpets, including those on
stairs, have skidproof backing or are
tacked to the floor
10
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Above all, use common sense. If bending
throws you off balance, try to avoid picking
things up. If you are unsteady outdoors, use
a cane to negotiate sidewalk cracks and
curbs. If you fall but do not injure yourself,
don’t assume that you must restrict your
activities. Too little activity can cause you to
lose strength and coordination, putting you
at greater risk for another fall. Instead, talk
to your doctor about these and other steps
you can take to reduce your risk of a more
serious fall.
In the Living Room
The living room is important, mostly
because it’s where we tend to spend a large
part of our day when we’re inside. To keep it
a safe place for you, consider these tips:
• Arrange the furniture to give yourself
enough room to move around and
between pieces. Plan a route through the
house that will always give you something
to hold onto in case you lose your balance
• Try chairs with a straight back, armrests,
and a firm seat to make getting up easier.
You can even add a firm cushion to get the
height that’s right for you
• Install handrails on all staircases, especially
outside. Consider adding other railings in
hallways or other areas where you don’t
have something to hold onto
• Buy a device that adapts the small buttons
of a standard phone to huge push buttons.
It can make dialing a lot easier
In the Bathroom
This may be the place where you could use
the most help. Getting around the bathroom
can be tricky, especially since floors, showers,
and tubs can get very slippery when wet. In
addition, most bathrooms are small and
restrict your movement. Here are some helpful devices you can use to make your bathroom a safer place:
• Attach nonskid decals or strips to the tub
or shower floor. You can even use a rubber
mat. These can all help prevent falls
• Get rid of small bathroom rugs that are
easy to trip over. Try a large rug that covers most of the floor or get wall-to-wall
carpeting
• Install tub rails or grab bars throughout
the bathroom. These will help you balance
February 2004
when getting in and out of the tub or
shower
• Use a tub seat or shower chair to make
bathing easier and to eliminate the risk of
falling
• Purchase a raised toilet seat, attach arm
rails to the toilet, or install a grab bar on
the wall next to the toilet. These will all
make sitting on and rising from the toilet
easier
In the Kitchen
The symptoms of PD can limit your
strength and coordination and may affect
your ability to perform certain tasks in the
kitchen. But, there are dozens of useful aids
that can be used to improve your safety and
keep things moving.
Here’s a sample:
• If you have the wall space, install a pegboard you can easily reach. Use it to hang
up the utensils you use most often
• Place a rubber pad or wet dishcloth under
bowls and pans to keep them stable
• Use an electric can opener and jar opener.
They reduce frustration and improve safety
• Try a wooden cutting board with raised
edges to prevent food from scattering
when you cut it. Attach suction cups to
the bottom of the cutting board to prevent
it from sliding
• Collect floor sweepings with a long-handled dust pan. This will keep you from
having to bend to the floor
• Purchase aluminum pots and pans if you
have limited strength. Long pot handles
allow room for both hands when lifting
In the Bedroom
To begin, try to avoid clutter. Keep floor
areas free of shoes and other objects, and
give yourself easy access to your bed, dresser,
and closet. To make it easier for you to get in
and out of bed, consider the following:
• Keep your bed about knee height. If your
bed is now too high, have a carpenter
shorten the legs. If it’s too low, try using a
thicker mattress or mattress padding
• Mount a wooden or metal triangle (called
a trapeze) over the head of the bed. This
can help you change your position, and
you can find one at most surgical supply
stores
• Place a sturdy cardboard box under the
sheets at the foot of the bed. This will
keep your feet and legs free of the sheets
so it’s easier for you to turn over
• At the head of the bed, put wooden risers
under the legs or place a foam cushion
under the mattress. This will make it easier for you to sit up and rise from bed
• Install a railing on the wall about 10 inches higher than the level of the bed. Make
sure the bed is placed against the wall
below the railing. You can use the railing
to help you get out of and turn in bed
SENIOR LIVING
The Medicare Prescription
Drug Act of 2003
What will it mean to YOUR pocket book?
The savings will be even more dramatic
for the lowest income seniors. They will pay
only a portion of the $35 premium (determined on a sliding scale) and will only pay a
$50 deductible (instead of the $275).
So how will the numbers stack up for the
average senior? According to Congressman
Sullivan, a senior paying full retail prices
with monthly prescription bills of $150
($1,800 per year) will have an annual savings
of $723.
The math…
Currently spending $150 per month or $1,800
per year...
Under the program, they will spend $420
per year ($35 per month) on premiums. In
addition, they will be responsible for the
$275 for the annual deductible and then for
the 25% for co-pay (Medicare pays 75%).
Total cost under the program…
Premiums
$ 420.00
Annual Deductible $ 275.00
25% of $1,525
$ 381.25
U.S. Representative John Sullivan addresses a senior group at
Trinity Lutheran Church.
are
lighting up the phones at the area
congressional offices. Hoping for
relief from the high cost of prescription
drugs, they are anxiously calling for an
explanation of what the new bill will mean
to their personal situation.
We met with Congressman John Sullivan,
a supporter of the Medicare Prescription
Drug Act of 2003 that was passed this fall.
He was addressing a group of seniors at
Trinity Lutheran Church. The new drug bill
was foremost on their minds.
During his campaign, Sullivan became
interested in reforming the Medicare program after hearing story after story from
seniors who were unable to afford to take the
drugs that their doctor had prescribed. And
although the congressman readily admits
that the new bill is only a beginning first
step in reforming the monstrous Medicare
program, he is proud to explain that many, if
not most, of Oklahoma’s seniors will highly
benefit by the new drug benefit.
He and his staff are now working to
spread the word about the new legislation,
and though he says that much of the fine
details of the bill are difficult to understand,
he believes that it will be a positive and
helpful change to many of our seniors.
O
KLAHOMA’S SENIOR CITIZENS
The Basics…
The new bill has two types of assistance programs. One starts this spring and the other
begins in 2006. This spring, seniors will be
able to receive a prescription drug (discount)
card. All Medicare beneficiaries, except
Total Paid
Annual Savings of
$1,076.25)
$1,076.25
$723.75 ($1,800 less
those who have Medicare drug coverage, can
Although the bill received bi-partisan
receive the card. By capitalizing on the sales
volume of millions of seniors buying through support, there are many on both sides of the
aisle who are upset at the passage of the bill.
these same channels, the White House
Some say that it did not go far enough to
believes that by using the card, seniors will
help our seniors. Others complain that it is
save 10 to 25% off their prescription drugs.
taking us down a dangerous and much too
In addition, immediate help will be given to
expensive path. But to most of Oklahoma’s
low-income seniors, providing them with
seniors, the new program should result in
$600 in additional assistance during 2004
lower prescription drug prices. And for that,
and 2005.
The second portion of the program begins our senior citizens should be truly grateful.
“It’s a great step in the right direction,”
in 2006. At that time, seniors will be able to
Sullivan argued. And at least this senior citi(voluntarily, its your decision) add drug coverage to traditional fee-for-service Medicare zen club seemed to whole-heartedly agree.
You may contact Kristy Long at Conwithout any loss of current benefits. They
gressman Sullivan’s Tulsa office for more
enter the program by paying a $35 monthly
information on how the new program will
premium (per person) plus an annual
personally affect your prescription drug
deductible of $275. Medicare will then pay
75% of the person’s drug costs up to the first costs. Congressman John Sullivan phone
$2,200. In addition, in the case of a catastro- number is (918) 749-0014.
phe, if the person’s drug bills should exceed
$3,600 in one calendar year, Medicare
will then begin payA
ing 95 percent of the
C Financial Services, Inc.
drug charges.
Bottom line, ConT
gressman Sullivan
believes that OklaR.C. (Randy) Cowell, M.S., LUTCF, CFP, CSA President
homa’s seniors will
initially save 25% or
more through the
prescription drug
card (available in
April) and then will
www.ACTFinancialServices.com
begin saving more
Securities and advisory services offered through:
Hornor, Townsend and Kent, Inc. A NASD/SPIC Member Firm.
than 25% in 2006.
Financial Planning with a Personal Touch
(918) 664-0081
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
11
SENIOR LIVING
When someone you love needs
24-hour nursing services, call on us.
University Village
Nursing Center
• Over 30 years of Experience
• Recognized as “The Best of the Best” 2003
• A “Perfect Score” on State Licensure Survey 2003
• A Reputation for Excellence
UV also offers:
Independent Senior Living
Assisted Living
Parkinson’s Program
Respite Care for short stays
University Village
8555 South Lewis, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74137
www.university-village.info
For information, brochure or tour, call
(918) 298-3396
William Medical Building, Suite 1110
6585 South Yale
Tulsa, OK 74136
918.502.PAIN (7246)
Subspecialty Board Certified in Pain Management
by the American Board of Anesthesiology
“ Offering Leading Edge
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Effective Pain Management”.
“Focused on the Quality of Life”
12
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Senior
Housing
?
Which Option is Right for You?
R
ETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, multi-level and
continuum of care communities, independent apartments, assisted living, residential
care facilities, and finally, skilled
nursing facilities... truly the
housing and lifestyle options for
seniors have changed dramatically over the last decade. Fortunately for today’s older adults,
gone are the days when nursing
homes were the only option
available for adults who could
no longer live completely independent lives.
Today’s seniors have a myriad
of options to choose from,
depending on their personal
preferences, financial circumstances, and the level of assistance they need. The key to
making good decisions about the
best housing alternative for an
individual is acquiring accurate
information, asking appropriate
questions, and planning ahead.
The first step in acquiring
accurate information is understanding the differences
between the types of senior living options. Facilities that call
themselves retirement communities or retirement housing fall
along a continuum that includes
a wide range of services and
programs, some modest and
some comprehensive. Following
are some common terms used to
describe retirement housing,
and basic descriptions of what
each provides:
Independent Senior Housing:
(also called independent living
or active adult communities)
These privately-owned communities with detached homes,
condominiums, or apartments,
often offer scheduled social and
recreational activities or even
luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, golf course, or fitness
center, and cater to a healthy
and affluent older clientele.
Transportation assistance or
other limited services may also
be available.
Senior apartment complexes
(often for lower income seniors)
generally have individual apartments equipped with small
kitchens. Apartments may or
may not offer a common dining
area. Some apartments also offer
social and recreational activities
on a limited basis.
Assisted Living Facilities: These
facilities offer a variety of living
arrangements from modest
shared rooms to fancy private
apartments, and are geared for
older adults who need assistance
with some activities. Licensed
by the State of Oklahoma, these
facilities provide “intermittent”
nursing care and assistance with
medications and daily activities
such as bathing and dress. There
is typically an RN on duty at all
times. Meals, laundry service,
and housekeeping are included.
Planned social activities are provided. Special diets are accommodated. Restorative care and
therapies may be arranged, as
well as physician visits, home
health care, and hospice care. In
most cases, residents pay
monthly rent and additional fees
based on service needs.
Residential Care:
Residential care facilities are
generally small, home-like facilities that care for only a few
adults, usually fewer than
twelve. These facilities are
licensed by the State of Oklahoma to provide assistance with
medications, meals, movement,
bathing, dressing, and other activities for
residents who are ambulatory, perhaps with
the use of a walker or wheelchair. They are
not licensed for intermittent nursing care.
An RN is on call, but on-site assistance is
provided primarily by Certified Nurse Assistants or Certified Home Health Assistants.
Dementia programs may be offered. Meals
and housekeeping are provided. Social activities are planned. Restorative care and therapies may be arranged, as can physician visits,
home health care, and hospice.
Skilled Nursing Facilities: (Nursing Homes)
Few people choose to move into a nursing
home. The decision is usually forced by a
sudden decline in their health or mental
abilities, or by a gradual realization that they
can no longer receive the care they need at
home. The decision-maker is usually a primary care physician or member of their family. Nursing homes are licensed by the State
of Oklahoma to provide two levels of care
under the twenty-four-hour supervision of
licensed nurses. A skilled nursing facility
under Medicare offers rehabilitation services
for a limited period of time. A convalescent
care nursing facility offers long term care.
Multi-level or Continuum Care Communities:
These full-service communities offer a range
of living options on one campus. Many
include independent living, assisted living,
and nursing home care, all on one campus.
Meals, laundry, and housekeeping are generally included and activity programs are usually offered. Residents may move from one
level of care to another as their needs
change.
To help seniors and their families gather
information about housing options in the
Tulsa area, LIFE Senior Services, a United
Way agency, publishes The Vintage Guide to
Housing and Services. A free publication, The
Vintage Guide is a tremendous resource for
families beginning their housing search. It
lists all housing options for Tulsa-area seniors, along with complete facility descriptions, amenities, services, and pricing information.
In addition to the Guide, LIFE Senior
Services also offers individual resource counseling through its Caregiver Support Services. LIFE’s Certified Information and
Referral Specialists are available to help
guide families in their search for the best
housing solution or visit with them about
aging and caregiving issues. These services
are available to the community free of
charge.
To order your copy of The Vintage Guide
or to visit with a caregiver support specialist,
please call SeniorLine at 664-9000.
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What Do These People Have In Common?
They Made The Right Choice.
Ask residents why they chose Inverness Village,
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is over 70% reserved!
Call today for
best selection.
and you’ll get answers as individual as the people
themselves.
For some, it’s maintenance-free living with
concierge-level services and amenities. For others,
it’s the wide array of activities, with opportunities
to meet new friends and neighbors. Still others like
the idea of a full continuum of on-site health care
and flexible financial plans providing solid estate
protection for the future.
Each has a vision of their ideal retirement
lifestyle, yet all agree Tulsa’s first and only life care
community is the right choice for them.
Located on 190 acres in an uncongested,
convenient neighborhood setting near The Oaks
Country Club, we offer a stimulating environment
that focuses on preventive health, personal growth
and life enrichment.
Call (918) 388-4235 or toll-free (877) 481-9988
to schedule a tour today. There’s a good chance it
could be the right choice for you, too.
The Right Choice
For All Life Can Be.
3800 W. 71st Street • Tulsa, OK 74132 • (918) 388-4235 • Toll-free (877) 481-9988 • www.invernessvillage.com
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
13
SENIOR LIVING
Do You
Hear What
I Hear?
Getting Past the Stigma of
Buying That First Hearing Aid
does your wife complain
that the TV is too loud? Are you
constantly getting onto your kids
telling them not to mumble? Are you straining to hear discussions in the board room or
at a restaurant? Are you suddenly complaining that your preacher’s microphone isn’t loud
enough? Then maybe it is time to face the
fact that your hearing isn’t what it used to be.
If so, you are not alone. Approximately
twenty-eight million Americans have a
hearing impairment, and hearing loss is one
of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the United States, affecting people
of all ages, in all segments of the population,
and across all socioeconomic levels. About
30 percent of all people sixty-five or older
have hearing loss. And if you are among the
baby boomers, the chances of needing a
O
KAY, so
hearing aid is higher than any generation
before us… (Blame it on Led Zeppelin and
the others).
Now you can use the old “cup your hand
over one ear” solution. It alone can increase
the sound at the eardrum membrane by 15
decibels in some frequencies. That is about
twenty times the power of the sound if the
hand was not there. But lets face it, holding
your hand to your ear is hard on your posture, as well as being a dead giveaway to the
upcoming twenty-five-year-olds that maybe
it is time for “the old guy” to retire.
Hearing loss can be hereditary, or it can
result from disease, trauma, or long-term
exposure to damaging noise or medications.
Hearing loss can vary from a mild but
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
important loss of sensitivity to a total loss of
hearing.
You can forget the memories of the bulky,
squealing earpiece that your granddad wore,
which is nothing like the digital technology
available today. Hearing aids are available
that will provide you with excellent sound
reproduction, yet which are hidden inside
the ear and nearly unnoticeable.
So actually, there is little reason that you
should be straining to hear, and life is too
short to be missing anything. Run to a qualified audiologist and get tested. (We recommend either ClearTone or Economy Hearing Aid Labs).
Now, should they inform you that you
need a hearing aid, listen to them and make a
promise to yourself that you will not only buy
the hearing aids, but that you will also use
them! Nearly 30 percent of people who buy
their first hearing aid end up putting them in
a drawer. Sorry, they can’t help you there.
According to professional audiologists,
our ears need practice when fitted with hearing aids. Inactive hair cells in the inner ear
will, when out of action, atrophy like the
muscles in those once twenty-inch biceps of
yours. This means that the brain no longer
receives any signals and loses its ability to
identify and decode some sound signals. The
hair cells must be retrained. That is the task
of the hearing aids. They must bring some
life back into the hair cells. This is best
achieved by using the hearing aids at least
eight hours a day.
As with any other rehabilitation or training, the longer and more consistently you
work out, the better the results.
Thus, it is important not to limit the use
of your hearing aids to special occasions or
settings, but to wear them at other times as
well, even when you are home alone. The
ears need to adapt to all kinds of everyday
sounds, including for example the humming
of the refrigerator.
There is not one but many ways in which
a person can deal with hearing loss. And
when it comes to choosing hearing aids, it
goes without saying that the type of hearing
aids which will work best for you naturally
depends not only on your specific hearing
loss but also on who you are, your lifestyle,
and the circumstances in which the hearing
aids are supposed to help you. Your audiologist can help you make the right choice and
give you tips on how to adjust to wearing
them.
So don’t miss a single word! Get tested,
buy the latest technology, and start enjoying
life again. The sound of a perfectly hit golf
ball, the sound of the initial splash when
that five pounder hits your lure, or the sound
of that deer quietly coming through the
brush all await you. Put the pride away and
choose to hear again.
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
15
SENIOR LIVING
Practicing Significance
Are You Prepared for the Second Half of Your Life?
A
All he asks is your attention and in return
he believes that he can help turn your
“retirement” into the most productive time
of your life.
Phil Smith has been highly successful in
business. He has a mechanical engineering
degree and an MBA and was in the oil
and gas production business for almost
thirty years. During that time, he held
positions from field engineering to CEO
and Chairman of the Board. And through
those years, he says that he made many
mistakes, but he is determined to “spend
the rest of my life trying to do better.”
How many of us are in the same boat?
No matter how successful the first half of
your life has been, don’t you dream that
the second half will be even better? Yet at
retirement, all too many of us trade our
goals and abilities for a leisurely life on the
golf course or on the lake. Though there is
nothing wrong with having a good time,
isn’t it a shame that society expects us to
“retire” (stop)
from doing
anything
productive?
From growing and
learning to
do new
things, to
expanding
our business,
to our
involvement
at church,
retirement
has a tendency to “put us
all out to
How often do you get a
pasture.”
chance to make a real
And in the
difference in this world?
process, Phil
believes that
Christian Foster Parents
our society
and especialare making a difference...
ly our
churches lose
out on the
skills and
resources of
the most
highly
trained, most
capable
5151 East 51st Street, Suite 101 • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
group.
Phil
RE YOU SOCKING MONEY AWAY
for that “Golden Age” of retirement? “Though you might be
putting money into that IRA each year,
money is only one part of the puzzle,” says
retired executive, Phil Smith.
Retired at fifty-two, Phil made a study
out of retirement. He read every book he
could find on the subject hoping to discover the secret to contentment, fulfillment, usefulness, and significance... all in
all, to make sure the rest of his life was
even better than the first. In the process,
he discovered many lessons that he now
wants to share with those who are retired,
or those who plan to someday retire.
Not after monetary gain, he offers a
unique class about getting the most out of
the second half of your life. He doesn’t
want your money, nor does he want to sell
you anything. He is not a broker, salesman, or financial advisor. No, the lessons
he offers are given totally at his expense.
One hundred years from now,
it won’t matter how big your
house was, what kind of car
you drove, or how much money
you had in the bank...
What will matter is how
much of a difference you’ve
made in the life of a child.
.....
Foster
a
e
m
o
c
e
B
Parent
1-877-663-1650
16
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Phil Smith,
Author of Practicing Significance
believes that he can help you turn that
“retirement” into “a life of significance.”
Defining the word “significance” as “Glorifying God by fulfilling your unique purposes,” he encourages people to find significance by helping them to discover their
unique purposes and act to fulfill them.
Phil explains it like this. “The smart and
fortunate ones among us will not only prepare for the second half, but will relish and
enjoy the process and be rewarded by having the second half of their lives be more
fulfilling, contented, joyful, and energetic
than the first half of their lives. These fortunate ones learn about themselves, and so
become more realistic. They learn about
the new rules and reward systems, and so
they aren’t resentful. They learn about new
opportunities and even create new opportunities. They adjust so well, that they
would never dream about going back to
the drudgery and pressures of the first
half. They are the ones who learn to practice significance.”
Are you experiencing the
“Halftime” of your life?
One of Phil’s favorite books on retirement
is Halftime, by Bob Buford. The book
explains that we all reach a critical time in
our lives when we should stop and search
for that clearer picture of the life we were
intended to live. Like a football player at
halftime, we can look back at our good
plays and not-so-good ones. We can then
prepare for the second half, determined to
learn from our mistakes. Armed with the
lessons in Phil’s class, we can leave the
locker room and hit the playing field with
confidence, not looking back at the first
half, but rather anxious for the challenges
of the second.
Lesson Outline
The material in this study covers a wide range of topics that
are critical to successfully turning “retirement “into “significance.” Here is the outline of
the course.
I. Introduction to Practicing
Significance
II. Purposes and Goals
Understanding Your Purposes
Outline of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Setting Your Goals
Making and Executing Your
Life Plan
III. Financial Lessons
Personal Finance
Estate Planning
Investing
Life Insurance and Annuities
Other Insurance
Financial Advisors
Financial Issues for Retirees
IV. Giving Lessons
Giving to Non-Profit Organizations
Family Gifting
Volunteering
The Passionate Few
V. Life Lessons
Aging - Physical Considerations
Aging - Mental Considerations
Aging - Preparing for
Retirement
Planning for the Inevitable
Care Giving for Aging Parents/ Spouses
Grandparenting
Learning
Travel
Marriage, Divorce and
Remarriage
What Next?
We pray that this brief explanation has caught your attention. Maybe you have a friend
or parent that could benefit
from this study. Maybe you are
a pastor, minister, or church
leader and you want to help
pull you seniors out of retirement. Or, maybe it is you who
could use this study.
We encourage you to log-on
to the website at www.practicingsignificance.com. Read
through some of the materials.
The entire lessons are there
either for your individual study
or for use in leading the course
at your church. Or, you may
want to contact Phil Smith to
investigate having him personally conduct an overview on
this totally free, yet highly productive course. The continually
updated information on the
website is easily available to
churches of any size. In addition, the site acts as a resource
base for reference material on
the subject of retirement as
well as on effective church
programs that are actually
being used. What do you have
to lose? More importantly,
what do you have to gain? You
just may discover the secret of
turning your “Golden Years”
into “Priceless” ones.
Additional Resources on the Subject
HalfTime by Bob Buford, Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids,
Michigan, 1994
Halftime - Participant’s Guide by Buford, Bob, Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1994
Game Plan by Bob Buford, Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids,
Michigan
Stuck in Halftime (note: a good resource appendix) by Bob
Buford, Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2001
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Zondervan Publishing,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2002
You’re 50, Now What? by Charles Schwab, Three Rivers Press,
January 2002
Wealth to Last by Larry Burkett and Ron Blue, Broadman and
Holdman Publishing, October, 2003
www.Halftime.org
Winners’ Wisdom
B Y J I M S TO VA L L
Dreams Do
Come True
I
RECENTLY HEARD A
DEBATE among academ-
ics, politicians, theologians, and businesspeople
discussing the eternal question, “Do dreams really come
true?” This debate was conducted on an extremely intellectual level, and after two
hours, they had not reached
any meaningful conclusion.
Let me, for the sake of
those curious souls, cut to the
chase and assure you that
dreams do, indeed, come
true. This is not based on any
theory or outdated philosophy. It is based on day-in,
day-out, real-life evidence
from people just like you and
me. From every corner of the
globe, dealing with every circumstance imaginable, in any
arena of life, people are continuing to set goals, work
toward them, and live out
their dreams.
Succeeding in this fashion
is not a matter of age, talent,
education, social standing, or
connections. Success comes
from several steps that are as
old as time and as relevant as
your next breath.
1. Set a goal. In order to
hit a target, you must have
one. Success is not an
obscure, ethereal concept. It
is a very specific dream that
burns inside the hearts and
minds of real live people.
Their individual ideas of success will vary from one
extreme to the other, but in
their own mind everyone
who succeeds has a firm idea
and understanding of how
they define success.
2. Count the cost. There is
no free lunch. Dreams do,
indeed, come true, but they
require work, diligence, sacrifice, and focus.
3. Form a plan. Setting a
February 2004
goal and counting the cost is
of little value unless you are
committed to a practical,
step-by-step, daily plan to get
you from where you are to
where you want to be. A
journey of a thousand miles
does, indeed, begin with the
first step. As elementary as
this seems, most people do
not fail over the thousandmile journey, they fail to simply take that first step.
4. Celebrate your ongoing
success and that of others. As
you progress toward your
dream, stop along the way to
enjoy the progress you have
made thus far. Observe those
around you who are succeeding in making their dreams
come true. Remember that
no one’s success diminishes
your own potential. There is
plenty of room at the top. As
you observe other people
succeeding, it should reinforce the fact that your success is possible, and if you
continue to work your plan, it
is a virtual certainty.
Once you are convinced by
the success of others around
you that dreams do come
true, the only question left
remaining is, “Will your own
dream come true, or will it go
to the grave with you?” As
you go through your day
today, consider not only the
price to be paid in order to
live out your dreams, but also
consider the costly price to be
paid if you fail to live out
your dreams.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a
published author, columnist, and motivational speaker. He may be reached at
5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite
312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by email at [email protected].
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
17
SENIOR LIVING
The Mature Driver
BY CHUCK MAI, AAA OKLAHOMA
changes begin to
occur in their basic sensory and cognitive functions. In fact, research has
shown that many age-related problems can
significantly affect an individual’s driving
performance.
These changes, however, are usually so
gradual that a driver may be unaware of
them. As a result, the driver fails to compensate for ensuing limitations.
Age-related performance changes do not
occur in all people at the same time or to
the same degree. Physiological changes happen at different stages of life, with many
changes beginning even before people reach
licensing age.
For instance, the eye’s ability to focus
peaks at about age fourteen. Hearing ability
usually peaks at age fifteen. Other gradual
changes begin early in the driving career:
visual acuity begins to decline in the mid- to
late twenties, and the eye’s field of vision
starts to narrow in the late thirties.
These and other physiological changes generally accelerate after age fifty. Overall, agerelated changes—both physiological and psychological—usually become significant enough
to affect driving performance near age sixty.
A
S PEOPLE AGE,
Collision Experience of Mature
Drivers
As a group, mature operators—defined as
anyone fifty-five and older, about 29 percent
of the driving population—have fewer collisions than younger drivers. However, the
annual mileage traveled by older drivers is
much less.
Consequently, on a per-mile basis, mature
operators actually have a higher crash rate
than other drivers, and they tend to be
responsible for the collisions in which they
are involved.
Plus, their likelihood of being injured or
killed in a crash is greater.
Cognitive Limitations
Driving places critical demands on both
short-term memory and the ability to integrate information simultaneously from several sources. The result is that many older
people have trouble retrieving information
normally recaptured quickly from short-term
memory.
Thus, many drivers may have difficulty
operating in unfamiliar areas as well as processing and retrieving cues to hazardous situations quickly enough to react safely.
Responding appropriately to traffic signs and
signals, recognizing newer traffic designations, and adjusting to altered patterns and
roadway design are also common challenges.
Compounding this problem is an increased
difficulty in filtering out unimportant visual
information. Fixation on irrelevant objects
and events can distract the driver, and failure
to screen out trivial details requires the driver
to mentally sort through the irrelevant data,
complicating and lengthening the task of
interpreting critical information.
Hearing Limitations
The ability to hear warning sirens and train
whistles at railroad crossings and to respond
to horns of other drivers is obviously related
to safety.
It is equally obvious that the incidence of
deafness and hardness of hearing rises
sharply with age. In fact, hearing impairments that affect fewer than 2 percent of
persons under age seventeen increase to 24
percent of those between sixty-five and seventy-four years old and afflict 39 percent of
persons over age seventy-four.
Limitations of Movement
Rheumatism and arthritis are much more
common in older people than younger people. Such disabilities may contribute to a
tendency to swing wide before turning—a
practice that makes the turning movement
less physically demanding but that also
invites lane sharing on the part of other
drivers. Arthritic joints in the legs or arms
may also make it difficult to react quickly to
sudden changes in a traffic situation.
The limited dexterity of mature drivers can
make looking at mirrors and turning their
heads to check behind more challenging.
Such physical movements are important
to reducing the likelihood of colliding with
objects in a driver’s blind spot and backing
into objects.
Does the experience of mature drivers
make up for their physical limitations?
Unfortunately, not completely. Mature drivers must compensate for limitations. Experience does not remove the motorcycle from
the blind spot or make unfamiliar traffic situations suddenly familiar.
AAA Oklahoma offers an accident prevention program designed to make persons
of all ages better drivers. The seven-hour
classroom course also qualifies participants
for a discount on their auto insurance premiums for up to three years.
To sign up for the program or for more
information, please contact AAA in Tulsa at
748-1031. This motor vehicle accident prevention course
is also offered
in Oklahoma
City. Call (405)
945-3208.
Where Customers Send Their Friends
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Take a Short Drive To Savings!
18
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Election Year 2004!
Be Alert to the Political
Challenges Ahead!
C H A R L E S B I G G S , P U B L I S H E R O F T H E T U L S A B E AC O N
tion funding. That vote could come next fall.
Republican strategists are convinced that
the GOP can capture the Oklahoma House
in November and eventually the Senate.
Part of that optimism is based on the fact
that Oklahoma is a conservative state. Every
Republican candidate for president has won
Oklahoma since Lyndon Johnson (a Democrat) in 1964. As the national Democratic
party drifts to the left, more and more Oklahomans seem to be voting for conservative
Republican candidates.
In Tulsa, the nine members of the City
Council will be up for re-election March 9.
The Council has five Republicans and four
Democrats and all will probably run again.
Mayor Bill LaFortune serves a four–year
term and will not face re-election until 2005.
LaFortune targeted Christian voters in his
2002 campaign and they were instrumental
in his election.
The Council has gone to great lengths to
avoid controversy but their unanimous vote
to support a one penny county sales tax
Want to keep a close conservative eye on
all the upcoming campaigns? We suggest
that you subscribe to The Tulsa Beacon
Newspaper.The weekly insights of this
newspaper will provide you a fair view of
what is going on in local, state, and national politics.To subscribe, call 583-4425.
have you encountered storms in your ministry?
in your personal life?
find your way through the storms.
BOB YANDIAN’S
2004 MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE
HE COURSE OF AMERICA may take a
sharp turn in 2004.
Federal, state and local elections could
help firm the sagging morals of the country
or could pave the way for a course away from
Christianity and traditional morality.
On a national level, American voters will
re-elect President Bush or one of nine or ten
Democratic nominees. Bush is a conservative
who supports traditional marriage, is pro-life
and has emphasized a strong military. He
signed the partial-birth abortion ban—the
same bill vetoed twice by former President
Clinton. All of the Democrats are pro-abortion and would pledge themselves to maximizing abortion on demand. None of the
Democrats oppose homosexual rights and
some even support homosexual marriage.
Between 2004 and 2008, the president
could nominate as many as three Supreme
Court justices. Bush favors conservatives,
although his father nominated David Souter,
who is a left-leaning moderate. Former President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra
Day O’Conner, who does not have a conservative judicial record.
All of the Democrats would nominate
moderate-liberal judges who tend to make
law instead of interpreting law in light of the
U.S. Constitution.
A second term for George W. Bush could
mean the overturning of Roe v. Wade. A victory by a Democrat could mean twenty to
thirty years of a Court with a liberal bent.
In Oklahoma, Sen. Don Nickles will
retire. U.S. Rep. Brad Carson, who worked
on Clinton’s election campaigns, has the
inside track for the Democratic nomination.
Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk
Humphries leads what will be a growing
field for the GOP nomination.
A Democratic victory in that race could
shift the balance of power in the Senate,
where the GOP owns a two-vote majority.
In Oklahoma, term limits will take effect
for the first time in the November 3 election. About one third of the state representatives and senators from the Tulsa metropolitan area will be forced to retire.
The Democrats now control both houses
of the Legislature and Gov. Brad Henry is a
Democrat. Henry stunned state conservatives by pushing for a public vote on a lottery
that would supposedly be devoted to educa-
T
increase for Vision 2025 may not set well
with conservative voters, especially with
some in South Tulsa.
Republican support for the county tax
increase last year came while conservatives in
the Legislature battled state tax increases
and President Bush pushed through income
tax cuts.
While Christians decide on how involved
they should be in politics, several pertinent
issues arose in 2003. The banning of the Ten
Commandments in Alabama, the acceptance
of homosexual marriage in Canada, the
striking down of sodomy laws in Texas and
scattered cases of religious discrimination
against Christians in this country point to
the need of involvement in the process.
There are more conservative Christian
voters than Teamster voters, yet the unions
get a better turnout of actual voters.
The winds of change are blowing and
Christians will have little room to complain
if they don’t vote and vote for politicians
who represent their core values.
A MINISTER ’ S GUIDE TO
SURVIVING THE STORMS OF LIFE
MARCH 31, APRIL 1 and 2
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9610 South Garnett Tulsa, OK 74133
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February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
19
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February 2004
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HERE ARE ALL KINDS of
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT
21
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22
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Lindsay Roberts’
Women’s Conference
Goes Deeper
BY KAREN HARDIN
CALL TO
WOR-
A
SHIP AND
PRAYER is the
theme for Lindsay Roberts’ seventeenth annual
women’s conference, which runs
March 4-6 at the
ORU Mabee
center. But
according
Roberts, this
year’s conference
will be very different. The difference stems from
real-life issues
Roberts has faced
personally in
recent months,
issues which
compelled her to
go deeper for
answers. While
prayer and good
music are typical
and expected features at this
annual meeting,
Roberts’ conference seeks to
unite them to take the believer
to a deeper level spiritually.
That “deeper level” is something that Lindsay and her
husband, Richard— evangelist
and president of Oral Roberts
University—experienced firsthand after a series of personal
events.
“According to the Bible we
are living in perilous times. We
have never felt that to be more
true,” shared Roberts. “After
our daughter was involved in a
horrible car collision this past
October, we were facing the
physical and emotional aspects
of a severe accident. The only
thing we could do was pray.
That kind of prayer changes
your life. In the last six
months, Richard and I have
found ourselves in situations
such as the accident that have
propelled us to a new dimension of prayer and intercession
that we had never before experienced. It has involved a place
of deep worship in which miracles began to break out. It has
been amazing.”
However, bringing this new
depth of prayer and worship to
the conference is only Roberts’
first goal. The second is teaching women how to take it
home with them. “It’s one
thing to be in a service in
which you experience the
miraculous presence of God,
but can it last?” continued
Roberts. “We don’t want this
conference to be like a trip to
the hairdresser where you
receive a new style, but when
you go home and try to do it
yourself, you look like an idiot!
This conference will not only
take people into a deeper
dimension of prayer and worship, but it will teach them
how to take that atmosphere
home with them to experience
daily.”
In addition to the women’s
conference, Roberts has four
new books being released this
month by Tulsa-based Harrison House Publishers. Her
new books in the Make Your
Day Count Devotional series
feature stories from wellknown Christian women such
as Gloria Copeland, Marilyn
Hickey, Taffi Dollar, Sharon
Daugherty, Dee Simmons,
Cathy Duplantis and many
more. The entertaining devotionals provide practical teaching, easy recipes, time-saving
tips and Scriptural application,
perfect for the busy woman.
The four book series includes:
Make Your Day Count for
Women
Make Your Day Count for
Mothers
Make Your Day Count for Teens
Make Your Day Count for
Teachers
Each book retails for $14.99
and is available at Family
Christian Stores, Mardels,
Wal-mart, Sam’s Wholesale
Club, as well as at the upcoming conference.
Featured speakers at this
year’s conference include:
Richard and Lindsay Roberts,
Joyce Meyer, Dr. Pat Bailey
and Marty Goetz. Service
times are Thursday, March 4 at
7:00 p.m., Friday; March 5 at
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and
Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The
conference is free. For additional information call 918495-7944.
Evangelistic Temple School
is proud to announce the addition of a
High School
to our current program!
The 2004-05 school term will see the addition of ninth grade to the
existing prekindergarten through eighth grade program. One grade will
be added each year thereafter.
If you are looking for a school with a reputation for excellence and a
staff that is committed to the academic and
spiritual development of every student, you’ll find
it at Evangelistic Temple School!
Courses in Art, music, Spanish, computers, and
physical education supplement the basics.
ETS is accredited by the Association of Christian
Schools International and the State of Oklahoma.
Visit us at www.etstulsa.com or call 743-5597 to
request enrollment information.
Now enrolling for 2004-05
Call 743-5597
1339 E. 55th Street
www.ETStulsa.com
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
23
Good Stewardship
B Y R A N DY C . C O W E L L , M . S . , L U T C F, C F P, C S A
Women Must Become
Savvy Money Managers
HEN I LOOK BACK at my financial planning career, I have
worked with several occupational groups predominated by women. From
dental hygienists to teachers, each has presented its own unique planning
challenge. Generally speaking, it’s no
secret that women are overlooked when it
comes to financial planning. But why?
William L. Anthes, Ph.D., President of
the National Endowment for Financial
Education, identifies several of the reasons
women in America are finding it difficult
to become financially independent. “Historically, women have relied on men for
their financial support. Many also are conditioned to believe that they cannot competently handle money. While this attitude
toward financial independency is changing, it remains a powerful force in America. That’s why it is increasingly important
in today’s financially complex world for
women to focus on the steps they can take
W
to become more savvy money managers.”
Here are some sobering facts that might
get your attention.
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
Women have a life expectancy of six years
longer than men. Consequently, seven out
of ten women will outlive their husbands.
• Older women are more likely to depend
on Social Security as their sole support,
making them twice as likely to live in
poverty. (National Organization for
Women).
• Based on research done by the Women’s
Institute for a Secure Retirement, women
average 73 cents for every dollar earned by
men. This and the fact that many women
leave the workplace to raise their children or
serve as caregivers translates into a lesser
retirement benefit. “For every year that a
woman stays out of the workforce, it takes
her five years to recover lost income pension
coverage and career advancement.” (National Endowment for Financial Education.)
• Since men usually
will have someone
to care for them,
widowed women
are more likely to
find themselves
alone with no one
to assist them.
According to the
Administration on
Aging, women are
twice as likely to
live in a nursing
home as men.
• According to the
National Center for
Women and
Retirement
Research, eight in
ten women will be
the sole financial
decision maker at
some point in their
lives due to divorce
or widowhood.
Steps You Can
Take
Now that I have
your undivided
attention, let’s discuss some steps you
can take to avoid
24
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
and overcome these potential problems.
Become familiar with your financial
situation. The chances that you will one
day be solely responsible for your own
welfare are too great to ignore. Share in
the financial decisions of the household
and strive to be more educated in the areas
of investments and insurance. This knowledge could be invaluable if you should survive your spouse.
Keep your marketable business skills
up-to-date in the event of the untimely
death of your spouse or a divorce. The
more current your skills the more options
you will have.
Understand your and your husband’s
retirement plans. Women are afforded
certain rights under the law which guarantee that you can receive a portion of your
husband’s retirement. Unfortunately, these
rights are often signed away when the wife
opts for the “life only” payout option.
Never accept this option without a careful
analysis of all pension options.
Since the statistical odds of longevity
are in your favor, there are two things that
you can do to safeguard your future. First,
purchase a long-term care policy as soon as
you can, the earlier the better! If you can’t
afford a policy on both spouses, seriously
consider only insuring the wife. Secondly,
ensure that there is adequate life insurance
on both spouses to ensure that the financial needs of either spouse will be met
when the inevitable happens. Remember,
at the death of a spouse, each of you will
lose the other’s Social Security income, so
why not insure it?
Make certain that the proper legal
documents have been drafted for estate
planning purposes. Your wills, living
wills, medical directives, and trust documents should be reviewed by an estate
planning attorney to ensure they are current and up to date.
I think Tammy Wynette summed up
these findings in the lyrics of her song
“Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman.” The
good news is that women are becoming
more knowledgeable about their circumstances and better equipped to handle
their own finances. However, there is a lot
of work yet to be done. If you find yourself
doubting whether or not you understand
your current circumstances, seek out competent financial help. The bible encourages us to “seek wise counsel.”
Randy C. Cowell is a columnist, author, and president of
ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He
recently published his first book, God Good-Debt Bad,
and welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be
reached at (918) 664-0081 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Heart & Home
B Y N . DA N E T Y N E R
Love In Every
Language
S
MACK IN THE MIDDLE of
most Februarys is a special holiday devoted to
love—Valentine’s Day. Of
course, we Christians are supposed to love everybody, even
the revolting and obnoxious.
This holiday is certainly not
about the “love-everybody” kind
of love. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, not based in
moral duty but in delight of the
heart.
The main focus is on romantic love, but the holiday encompasses more. Perhaps a result of
the efforts of the marketing
department of Hallmark®, the
celebration has certainly been
broadened. We give Valentine
cards and gifts to our parents,
children, and friends. Though
the central theme of Valentine’s
Day is still love of “sweethearts,”
the broader theme encompasses
all love that involves the affections of our heart.
Thank God for this kind of
love. I am glad to love others in
this way, and I’m glad to be
loved by others in this way.
Aren’t you?
Have you heard of the “Five
Love Languages”? A book by
that title, written by Dr. Gary
Chapman, has this subtitle:
“How to express heartfelt commitment to your mate.” The
operative word in the subtitle is
“heartfelt.” The point of the
book is to help people communicate love in a manner that
allows that love to be felt in the
heart, not just known in the
head. When, in certain relationships, love is not felt in the
heart, it will not long be
believed in the head.
For love to be felt in the heart
it must be communicated in a
language familiar to the heart.
Here is the gist of “the five love
languages” as put forth by
Chapman. We humans communicate love in five different lan-
guages. They are: 1) Words of
affirmation, 2) Quality time, 3)
Receiving gifts, 4) Acts of service, and 5) Physical touch.
Chapman states that each of us
tends to have one or two of the
five that stand out in importance
to us. The one or two that stand
out for me are not necessarily
the same as my wife’s. The trick
is to know what her main love
languages are and speak my love
in those languages. If I am successful, she will feel my love in
her heart. If I fail to adequately
convey my love in those most
important languages, she will
not feel my love in her heart and
will eventually begin to doubt
my love in her head.
Not long ago I ran into a fellow who had previously come
with his wife for marriage counseling. He told me again how
helpful the love language material had been to him. He used to
drop by a convenience store on
his way home and buy his wife a
pretty flower. After he discovered that “receiving gifts” was at
the bottom of her list and “acts
of service” was at the top, he
altered his method of communicating love. He began loading
the dishwasher regularly and
was amazed at the difference in
her response.
Let me encourage you to get
to know the love languages of
those dear to you. Then, make
sure you are communicating in
those languages. If you have
trouble with this, seek and persist until you have found the
help you need. The quality of
your most important relationships depends on it.
Dane Tyner is founder and director of
Home Improvement Ministry. H.I.M. is
a Christian counseling ministry with
offices in Cityplex Towers in Tulsa.
Contact the ministry at 918.492.4811.
Visit the ministry website at
www.forhim.org.
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
25
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26
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
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News Around Town
An Evening
of Praise
with
Dennis
Jernigan &
Debra
Ramirez to
be held
Feb. 28th
On Friday,
February 28,
2004at 7:00
p.m., come
join hearts
with the Bair
Foundation
and enjoy “An
Evening of
Praise”
with Dennis
Jernigan and
Debra
Ramirez. This
will be held
at Central
Church of the
Nazarene, located at 7291 E. 81st Street
in Tulsa, between Memorial and Sheridan.
The doors will open at 6:15 p.m.
When Dennis Jernigan heard about
The Bair Foundation benefit, the Lord
laid it on his heart to do a night of worship to celebrate the children and all that
God has done over the years through this
foundation. A born and raised Oklahoman, Dennis has been writing worship
music for many years and is a worship
leader. He is known for such favorites as
“All in All,” “Nobody Fills my Heart Like
Jesus,” and “We Will Worship the Lamb
of Glory.”
Joining Dennis Jernigan for this celebration concert is another well-known
Oklahoman, Debra Ramirez. She is
a friend and advocate to The Bair Foundation. Debra is a graduate of ORU and
Rhema, a minister of the Word and a talented vocalist.
For many years she has followed the
calling on her life through the pageant
world singing for the glory of God. In her
continued pursuit to follow God’s call, she
is in full-time ministry, traveling throughout the nation speaking and singing at
churches, women’s groups, singles groups,
and national conferences.
Both Debra and Dennis believe that
“every child deserves a family.” They
recently completed a
TV Christmas special
which aired during
the holiday season on
Channel 17—Lesea
Broadcasting. Dennis
included his wife,
Melinda, and their
nine children to share
their love of the Lord
and the season dur-
ing this TV special.
The Bair Foundation began in1967,
when the Lord placed a challenge on Bill
Bair’s heart to provide a home for abused
children. His willingness to obey God’s
call on his life has since led to hundreds of
hurting children being placed in safe and
loving foster Christian homes. Serving
children from the ages of three to eighteen, the Bair Foundation now has over
twenty-six offices in six states and serves
over 1,600 children.
Come join us at this “Evening of Worship.” Admission is free, and a love offering will be taken benefiting The Bair
Foundation. For more information, call
(918) 663-1654 toll free at 1-877-6631650 or www.bair.org
Kenneth Hagin Ministries to
Present Winter Bible Seminar
2004
Kenneth Hagin Ministries will hold
its annual Winter Bible Seminar on
February 15-20 on the Rhema campus in Broken Arrow. At what has
become one of the ministry’s largest
national events, the services will
begin Sunday at 7:00 p.m. and continue Monday through Friday at
8:30, 9:30, and 10:00 a.m., and 7:00
p.m.
Commemorating 20 years, Winter
Oklahoma's Oldest Institution of Higher Learning
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We understand the needs of adult students and make it practical - and convenient - for you to earn the degree
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• Your classes will meet one night a week in a location that is convenient for you
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Call Today!
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February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
27
Father Daughter Purity Celebration—Feb 28
Local fathers
and daughters
will once
again enjoy a
fun evening
together as
they celebrate
the God
given benefits
of living a
pure and
honorable
life. This
year’s event
will be held
on Saturday,
Feb. 28th at
6:00 p.m. For additional information or
reservations, please contact Linda Dyson,
298-1002 or Jan Crouch, 299-5721. Left
to Rt. Scott Scroggs, Amanda Scroggs (coBible Seminar 2004 is a special week of
meetings led and hosted by Ken and
Lynette Hagin. Meetings at the seminar
will also feature various guest speakers,
plus special music by the RHEMA
Singers & Band. In addition, RHEMA
Bible Training Center’s annual Homecoming – a time for alumni to “come
home” to their alma mater and reunite
with fellow graduates – will be held in
conjunction with Winter Bible Seminar
2004.
This, the first seminar since the passing
of Brother Hagin, will be especially significant as Ken and Lynette Hagin present a
special “State of the Ministry” address. In
this special address, Ken and Lynette
chairman), Rachel Scroggs, Tur Arsala
(Manager of The Oaks Country Club),
Laurel Dyson, Linda Dyson (co-chairman), and David Dyson.
Hagin will reiterate the vision for Kenneth
Hagin Ministries, RHEMA Bible
Church, and RHEMA Bible Training
Center.
In addition to attending the morning
and evening services, guests are invited to
attend Prayer School and Healing School,
outreaches of RHEMA’s Prayer and Healing Center. Held each weekday at 1:00
p.m., Prayer School opens with worship
and teaching on prayer or a related topic,
and concludes with a time of prayer.
Beginning immediately thereafter at
approximately 2:15 p.m. each day, Healing
School is devoted to teaching on, and
ministry in, the area to physical healing.
For more information on either outreach,
please call (918_
258-1588 Ext.
2280.
Why do
smart kids
fail?
Weak Basic Skills
If your child has struggled with
schoolwork this year, take action now
to make his or her grades better.
Huntington Learning Center can help.
Our certified teachers can pinpoint your
child’s strengths and weaknesses and
tailor a program of instruction to meet
his or her needs. Just a few hours a
week can improve your child’s skills,
confidence and motivation. Call
Huntington today. Your child can learn.
Frustration with School
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(918) 252-1200
28
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Kim Felts of
Felts Fine
Jewelry Named
President of
the Oklahoma
Jewelers
Association
(OJA)
OJA is a statewide
organization of
retail jewelers with
a current membership of 130 jewelers. Founded in
1907, the OJA
strives to strengthen the independent
jeweler and promote the welfare and interest of those engaged in the retail jewelry
business. The majority of OJA jewelers are
also members of the national association,
Jewelers of America ( JA). In addition to
being the President of the Oklahoma Jewelers Association, Kim Felts has received
certification in Diamonds through the
Gemological Institute of America as well
as certification in diamonds and gemstones through the Diamond Council of
America.
Kim Felts says the best thing about
owning Felts Diamonds & Designs is the
opportunity it provides “to work directly
with customers as their Personal Jeweler.”
She believes that precious jewelry that is
to be cherished and then passed to the
next generation should be purchased from
a local certified jeweler “who offers a personal approach and who appreciates the
fact that jewelry must reflect the individual’s style and taste.” Kim Felts has a genuine love of fine quality jewelry and enjoys
bringing the romance of fine jewelry and
diamonds into someone’s life. Felts also
offers Tulsa’s only Certified Master Jeweler, Tim Felts, whose talent is nationally
recognized and who has obtained nineteen
jewelry awards with exquisite designs in
diamonds, platinum, gold and rich colored
gemstones.
Congratulations to Kim and to Felts
Fine Jewelry, a loyal supporter of Community Spirit.
First United Methodist Builders
Class Announces Third Annual
Wish Lemons Run
This annual race has received national
recognition as Paul Harvey carried the
story on his noontime radio broadcast
prior to the inaugural run. Last year’s run
allowed the class to contribute over
$30,000 to support mission activities in
Tulsa and around the world.
The 2004 Wish Lemons Run will again
be a USATF Sanctioned Run on a Certified 5K Course through midtown Tulsa on
March 27th. Registration forms are available at Runner’s World at 4329 S. Peoria.
The race is named for Wish Lemons,
now eighty-six years young and described
as “a fixture on the Tulsa running circuit.”
The run is a citywide, family-friendly
sporting event that promotes healthy living for all ages.
Dr. Jane Scott to Speak at
Catholic Charities’ Adoption
Study Group
Come learn more about adoption at the
Catholic Charities’ Adoption Study
Group on February 5th. Dr. Jane Scott
will speak on the subject of “Attachment
and Bonding.” Bring a dessert and plan on
the meeting lasting from 7:00
p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Call 5858167 Ext. 3016 for the location and to RSVP.
Looking for a Great
place to Volunteer??
Adopt a nursing home resident
and make a difference!
The Tulsa Metropolitan
Ministry’s Caring Companions Task Force needs YOU!
Did you know that nursing
home administrators estimate
that 65 percent of their residents don’t have anyone who
visits them regularly?
Residents are often lonely
and thrive on interaction with
visitors. Many who don’t
receive visitors and roombound individuals who have
no outside contact especially
benefit from the time spent
with a visiting volunteer.
Companionship no only
boosts the mood, but is actually therapeutic. Every minute
given to a resident means so
much to them, regardless of
the activity.
Caring Companions volunteers needs YOUR help in
providing this valuable ministry. All you have to do is
complete an application form
and attend a training and orientation session. The class will
help you feel comfortable in
the nursing home setting and
understand appropriate
boundaries. Caring Companions typically visit their special
new friends weekly.
Don’t be afraid to give of
yourself for you’ll soon find
you are welcomed by many.
You won’t regret volunteering
in a nursing home environment, for there is more happiness born from such an experience than meets the eye.
Touch the heart of someone
who needs you.
For more information, call
Program Coordinator, Sandra
Shea at 749-0074 or Volunteer
Coordinator, Vickie Heyer at
355-4502.
“Giving you an advantage over the competition
with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies”
The holidays are around the corner. Do you have your
corporate gifts? Plan now to let Cookie Advantage send
your holiday gifts. We do all
the work. You get all the credit.
Call for a free sample 369-4777
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with a personalized
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you to your customer
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We do all the work—
you get all the credit.
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Franchises Available. Call Toll Free 888-6COOKIE.
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keep your website up-to-date?
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918.369.5834 | 918.606.1267
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
29
OSSAA State High School
Basketball Playoffs
at the Mabee Center March 11-13
Thursday
2p, 3:30p
1st Session
7p, 8:30p
2nd Session
Friday
11:30a, 1p, 2:30p
1st Session
6p, 7:30p, 9p
2nd Session
Saturday
1p, 3:30p
1st Session
7p, 8:30p
2nd Session
Tickets:
Adults are $6
Students
K-12 are $4
For more information,
please call 918-495-6400.
COMMUNIFebruary
TY CALENDAR
7
Adoption Workshop
for families interested in adopting a
child from another country. 9:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. at Dillon International,
3227 E. 31st St. Suite 22. Cost for
the workshop is $60 per couple or
$50 per single adult. 749-4600
20 Father/Daughter Dance
6:30-9:30. Music by DJ Connection.
Bixby Community Center, 211 N.
Cabaniss. 366-4841
20-21 ORU Homecoming 2004
tion information, call 495-6610.
27-29 ORU Theatre Performance
The Glass Menagerie, a 1994 play
written by Tennessee Williams. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased the
week of the show by calling the box
office at 495-6145.
28 Adult Christian Singles Dance
St. Marks Methodist Church, 10513
E. Admiral Place. Soft drinks, dance
lessons, and a variety of music.
$6.00 per person. 745-5883.
“Passport to the Past, Journey to the
Future.”
Friday will feature the
annual Homecoming
Inform your community
chapel, class reunions,
about
events happening
and departmental open
in
your
church,
club, school,
houses. Saturday will feature the announcement of
business, civic club, etc.
ORU’s Alumni of the Year
Fax us at 298-9064 or write
at the Presidents’ Alumni
Banquet. On Saturday
us at 10019 S. 69th E. Ave.,
evening, come cheer on
Tulsa, OK 74133.
the basketball teams as
the women and men play
Please submit information by the 10th for
Oakland. For a complete
publication on the following month.
list of events and registra-
MONTHLY MEETINGS
I M P O R TA N T N O T I C E
Dear Readers,
The bankruptcy of Great Plains Airlines was
as much of a shock to us as it was to the rest of
the community. Not only did it result in a substantial financial loss for the magazine, it places
us in a predicament as to what to do for our
December and January contest winners of the
already awarded, FREE round trip Great Plains
airline tickets. During the coming weeks, we
will be working with Great Plains and our other
vendors to ensure that our winners are compensated with some other prize. Though through
the world’s standards, it is not something that
we are required to do, we believe that it is the
right thing. You have a right to hold us to a
higher level... and we will not disappoint you.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Community Spirit Magazine Staff
30
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
February 2004
Single Hope Super Class
Every Tuesday Night, 6:30 to 7:30Single Hope Super Class for unattached adults,
divorced or widowed. Come find freedom from the past, victory in the present,
hope for the future. Class led by Dub Johnson, Single Life Skills Specialist, St.
Mark’s United Methodist Church, 10513 E. Admiral Pl. 437-4953, 745-5883
Toughlove® Parent Support Group
A support group for parents. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. Christ The Redeemer Lutheran
Church, 2550 E. 71st st. This is a self-help program for parents who are troubled
by the unacceptable
behavior of their preteen,
teen, or adult children.
The first visit is free. We
do not have facilities for
children. Call 587-LOVE
for more information.
CHURCH SIGN
OF THE MONTH
Messiah’s Dancers
Worship Dance for kids
five and up. Saturdays
2:00 p.m. No charge.
Limited Spaces. Calvary
Messianic Congregation,
6610 S. Peoria. 293-0290
Brookside Lions Club
Meets every Wednesday
at 11:45. Trade Winds,
51st & Harvard. 6224172.
Study About Hebrew
Culture
Learn Hebrew Worship
Dance, every Saturday 2
p.m. and Hebrew Lan-
guage and Cultural Studies, every Wednesday 7 p.m.
at Calvary Messianic Congregation. 6610 S. Peoria
293-0290
Support Group for Single Parents
Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at Christ United
Methodist Church, 3515 S. Harvard.
Free childcare. Contact Kim Hill at 747-8601.
Women’s TEA “Time Encouraging Another”
Meets every 2nd Saturday. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Heartwarmers & Girl Talk with a God base, floats locations.
Call LeeAnn at Southpark Community Church 6632627.
Concerned Women for America in Oklahoma
God needs you to help America! Prayer alone is not
enough. Concerned Women for America in Oklahoma
meet in Tulsa to pray, learn and act to restore Biblical
principles in America, and to protect and defend the
family. Hardesty South Regional Library, 93rd &
Memorial Drive. Time: 10:00 a.m. -12 p.m. every 3rd
Saturday. Join us! Call: 918 252 1574.
Golden Eagle Business Connection
Second Tuesday each month at 11:30 am at Marie
Callender’s - 51st Street, east of Harvard. Only $10
for a delicious lunch buffet, including salad, drink,
and dessert. Free parking, special speakers, door
prizes, and a chance to network with other people.
Contact Tammy Denton, 918-495-6580 to RSVP.
Leadership NOW! Christian Business Fellowship
The focus of this Multi-Denominational Fellowship is
to provide Biblically based programs on leadership,
career development and personal growth. Currently
meeting at Richmond Plaza, on the 3rd Floor(on 51st
between Harvard & Yale). The 1st & 3rd Thursday at
12:00 noon. Lunch will be served at a cost of $6.00.
To make reservations or for more information call
918-296-9104, or go to our website at www.leadershipnowtulsa.com.
International Fellowship of Christian
Businessmen’s Luncheon
CLASSIFIED ADS
$25 for 1 Month
with discounts for pre-paid additional months.
Deadline: 10th of each month, Maximum of 25
words, plus maximum of six words bold headline.
Thursdays at 12:00 Noon, Holiday Inn Select at 46th
and Yale. Good food and fellowship. Inspirational
speakers. Interdenominational - Everyone is welcome. Lunch is $10.00 per person.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Sarah’s Children
Digital Banners Personalized Party Banners, Indoor
Banners, Outdoor Banners.
Print Shoppe Etc., 58083 E. 51st (918) 663-2390
A support group helping women facing fertility challenges. Come for prayer, Bible-study and support.
2nd Tuesday of each month. 6:30-8:00, Asbury United Methodist Church. Call Robin for more information at 742-2521.
Mayer Law Firm, Christian Legal Representation
www.mayerlawfirm.com, [email protected]
(918)293-0744
Broken Arrow Ministerial Alliance
Luncheon Program
Upcoming events
at the Mabee Center
Meets the second Wednesday of each month. (location varies) Contact: Thomas Harrison, President at
the Broken Arrow Assembly of God at 251-8591 x30.
FEBRUARY
Transforming Grace
A Christian program for drug, alcohol, and sexual
addiction recovery, and to reach out to addicts in our
community, by nurturing with the Word of God and
through group support. Thursday evenings 7:00 pm.
1109 E. Memphis, Broken Arrow, OK. Call 250-6462
for more information.
Oil Capital Chapter of the American Business
Women’s Association
Second Tuesday 6:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Select, 5000
East Skelly Drive. For more information, please contact Marcel Davis at (918) 745-0225.
Talk at great length.
Just don't pay that
much for doing it.
2
5
7
19
21
Women’s BB vs. UMKC at 7pm
Men’s BB vs. IUPUI at 7pm
Women’s BB vs. IUPUI at 2pm
Men’s BB vs. Chicago State at 7pm
Homecoming 2004
Women’s BB vs. Oakland at 2pm
Men’s BB vs. Oakland at 7pm
23 Women’s BB vs. Chicago State at 7pm
28 Women’s BB vs. Southern Utah at 2pm
Men’s BB vs. Southern Utah at 7pm
($30.00 rebate and
$20.00 instant store credit)
879-8000
4127 S. Sheridan Rd.
(On Sheridan South of 41st)
February 2004
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
31
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