Community Spirit JUNE / JULY 2018 by Community Spirit

Contents

JUNE / JULY 2018 PUBLISHER & editor Tom McCloud 918-625-5324

FEATURES

CREATIVE Director Ben Allen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Justin Cowell, Kristy Hicks-Hill and Lori Frazee, DDS

Celebrity Attractions

The Demand Project

Good Samaritan Health Services

Community Spirit Endorses Jeff Boatman for OK House

Augustine Christian Academy

Rejoice Christian School

Metro Christian Academy

Wright Christian Acadmy

Summit Christian Academy

Mingo Valley Christian

Treating Migraines, Dr. Jorge Gonzalez MD

www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com

Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit Magazine or its publisher, Equipment Publications, Inc. Philippians 2:1-2 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

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ACT Financial Services

Premier Financial Services

Healthy Smiles

Distribution Community Spirit Magazine is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church. Community Spirit Magazine is published monthly by McCloud Media.

Our Mission: 1. Build Community – Develop a sense of community among all local believers in Christ 2. Inspire Good Works 3. Support Families 4. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunitySpiritMagazine

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Bringing Broadway to Tulsa A

ll dressed up and ready to go to the latest Broadway show? You can thank Kristin Dotson and all the folks at Celebrity Attractions for making it happen. After all, not every city our size has Broadway at its doorstep. Thirty-five years ago, Celebrity Attractions founder, Larry Payton, began presenting Tulsa with the magic of Broadway. Soon, he expanded the task, adding shows in cities like Little Rock, Amarillo, Abilene and Springfield. Along the way, he built a company not only loved by Tulsans, but one respected in New York and throughout the entire Broadway community. When Kristin Dotson answered the newspaper ad twenty-four years ago, she had no idea it would change her life. Fresh out of college, she joined the Celebrity Attractions team which then only consisted of Larry and two employees. She jokes that her only real qualification was that she had interned with a CBA Basketball team and Larry loved sports. “He was a sports nut and didn’t have anyone in the office he could talk to about it. I guess that was my in,” she said with a laugh. Kristin says that in those early days, she did everything from answering the phone to group sales, selling season tickets and laying out ads. “Five years in, I started learning the marketing and eventually became the senior marketing director for Tulsa and Little Rock. When Larry died unexpectedly, the company was restructured and I ended up moving to Vice President. Ed Payton served as CEO for 2 years and when he retired, they offered me the job as CEO,” she explained. The company remains family-owned with Kay and Drew Payton (Larry’s wife and son) on the board. You might say that Kristin is the first non-family member to run the company, although in the closeknit company, Kristin is very near to being family. “Larry was like a father to me,” she said with a ‘desperately still missing him’ smile. Taking on the CEO position was not an easy decision for Kristin. “I am a single-working mom with a child in several activities and the CEO position is a big responsibility. But I was told it was what Larry wanted. He saw leadership for me in my future. Someone else pointed out that I would be presenting a great role model for my daughter. Those were the two reasons I accepted the job.” Kristin doesn’t see her role as a female CEO as being novel. In fact, she says there are more female CEOs in town than you would imagine. “I attend a network of strong, smart women leaders in Tulsa. All

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Kristin Dotson, CEO of Celebrity Attractions grown up in our own respective businesses, we started in entry level jobs and now hold positions of leadership. We meet, talk, mentor and even vent when necessary.” “Celebrity Attractions is a great company. Our senior management team is so experienced and talented that they really just need somebody to steer the ship. The environment is very collaborative with lots of mutual trust. I just get out of their way and they make me look good. That was a big reason I agreed to accept the job. I knew it wasn’t all on my shoulders. We had the staff and they were supportive in me taking the role.” Today, Celebrity Attractions is a home-grown Tulsa business operating in lots of markets. The home office remains in Tulsa, but they have four full-time and one part-time employees in Little Rock. Between the Tulsa and Little Rock staff, they run the Broadway series in Little Rock, Springfield MO, Abilene TX, Amarillo TX. They are also in Lubbock, but are temporarily on hold as they wait for the new performing arts center to be constructed. An industry leader, Celebrity Attractions participates in the Independent Presenters Network, a group Larry Payton started with some

other presenters. They are also active in the Broadway League, often requiring them to sit on legislative committees. Kristin continues to run the company the way she thinks Larry would have wanted. “The cornerstone of Larry’s business was relationships. No matter what happens outside of the relationship, the relationship stays strong. Disagreements and misunderstandings happen in business, but Larry’s approach to everything was to ensure it was a winwin for everyone. That is a lofty goal and isn’t always attainable, but it is what we shoot for. When something comes up and there is some sort of dispute, we just talk it out. Obviously, I have to fight for what is beneficial for the company and I don’t want to roll over in any situation. However, I think in the long-term, you have to pick your battles, protect relationships, and meet in the middle.” Much of Kristin’s responsibility is to hand pick the right shows that Tulsa will enjoy. “We have such a fantastic subscription base, one of the largest in the country for a city our size. Producers love to come here. Because we have such a large base and we have to curate a season that will appeal to so many, we have to cast a wide net. We try to provide a balance offering family shows, edgier stuff, and at least one classic. We try hard to keep our ticket prices reasonable. We want as many people in Tulsa to see our shows as possible. Sometimes with the bigger titles we don’t have as much power to determine that, but we do fight for it.” The Celebrity shows provide an estimated 42 million-dollar annual impact on the city. “When someone buys a ticket to one of our shows, they are likely to go to Utica Square and buy a new outfit, come downtown and eat at one of Elliot Nelson’s restaurants, pay to park and go for drinks after. It is a ripple effect that benefits everybody,” Kristin explained. Celebrity Attractions has one of the highest Season Subscriptions and the smallest populations of any city in the top 10 Broadway Season markets. And it consistently beats the national average for ticket sales even though its ticket prices are nearly 15 percent lower than the national average. They are a nationally recognized leader in the Broadway community, presenting six Broadway Seasons in a four state region. Having access to Broadway shows also adds a quality of life benefit to Tulsa. “We are unique in that we are a for-profit company within the Arts community, but we try to play a role in that community. Tulsa is very blessed to have such a great Arts. Tulsa Ballet is internationally recognized, Tulsa Opera is amazing, the Symphony is fabulous, and Theatre Tulsa is one of the best local theatre companies in the country. We are proud to know that effort to bring in Broadway shows combines with all of that to help make Tulsa attractive to companies and people who are considering moving here,” she said.

Tulsa is indeed blessed to have Celebrity Attractions. Thank you, Kristin. Keep us singing on our way home! Celebrity Attraction’s 35th Anniversary 2018-2019 Broadway Season Celebrating 35 years of bringing Broadway and more to Tulsa, Celebrity Attractions is proud to announce an extraordinary lineup of six national Broadway tours coming in the Celebrity Attractions’

2018-2019 Broadway Season to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. This special anniversary season includes the return of Tulsa’s most popular musical, WICKED, the spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera with LOVE NEVER DIES, Broadway’s funniest and longest-running play THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, an irresistible slice of musical theatre heaven with WAITRESS, the joyous classic to raise a cup to with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and the season concludes with HAMILTON, making its Tulsa debut. September 5 – 23 WICKED – The Broadway smash hit telling the rest of the story about Oz. October 30 - November 4. LOVE NEVER DIES – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. February 26 - March 3 THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG – Broadway and London’s award-winning smash comedy The New York Times called “A Gut-Busting Hit.” April 16 – 21. WAITRESS – An all-female creative team brings this irresistible new hit featuring original music and lyrics to the stage. “It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune. June 18 – 23. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – A classic we all love. Yet one New York Magazine called, “An entirely fresh, funny, and gorgeous new production. A REASON FOR CELEBRATION!” August 20 - September 8 HAMILTON – The smash hit telling the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s righthand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway. Don’t miss a single show! Become a Broadway Season Subscriber. Season Subscriber benefits include many advantages: the best seats at the lowest prices, the same great seats for every show, the ability to buy additional tickets to individual shows before the public (when permitted), the option to exchange show tickets to another performance before the public on sale and the opportunity to purchase tickets to any special add-on productions before the general public.

For more information, visit www.CelebrityAttractions.com

Congratulations Tulsa PAC! Tulsa’s fabulous Performing Arts Center is Celebrating 40 Years! Now remodeling, they are preparing for even more shows and fun. Mark Frie and team, we love you! C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Local Non-profit Fights the Battle Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children The Demand Project… A Need that Demands Your Attention and Support

hink YOUR kids MIGHT be in danger? Wrap your head around this… There are more that 747,000 registered sex offenders in the United States today. As many as 100,000 of them are noncompliant. In fact, no one knows where they are. Next, realize that an average serial child molester may have as many as 400 victims in his lifetime. Do the math. Even if we “only” had to worry about these 100,000, they could potentially harm as many as 40 million kids. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that more kids will be victimized this year than the total number of people that die from car accidents and illegal drugs combined! Your kids ARE INDEED targets and are more at risk every day. And, as the child pornography industry grows, so does the risk of them being molested. A local couple, Jason and Kristin Weis, founders of The Demand Project, are fighting the battle everyday against the sexual sins that ultimately put our kids at risk. Back in 2004, they were living in Colorado with their beautiful family in what seemed to be the perfect world. One seemingly normal night, while watching the news, a headline story would forever grip their hearts and change the course of their lives forever. The story reported that a father had raped his three-year-old daughter, videotaped his brutal crime, downloaded it onto the internet, and if that isn’t devastating enough—thousands of people logged on to watch! That was a monumental moment for this couple, wondering “how can we continue our safe life, when so many children are living in this torture?” They made the decision right then and there to dedicate their lives to eradicating child sexual exploitation.

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Jason, Kristin, and their children moved from their home, family, and friends to get trained up to fight in this battle for freedom. They have never looked back and continue to look forward to a world where children do not have to live enslaved by sexual perversion. They founded a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating, equipping and empowering the community on how to stay safe against child predators who seek to harm children. They provide in-depth presentations that give insights on how predators operate, how to keep children safe online, and how you can stay educated on any emerging technological trends. But their battle doesn’t end with education. The Demand Project believes that law enforcement plays a key role in stopping child predators, protecting children, and rescuing victims. To support law enforcement, they develop strategic relationships with various law enforcement agencies that target child predators and individuals who commercially traffic people against their will. In other words, they directly assist at getting the predators off the streets. With a compassion for the exploited, they also work with law enforcement to rescue victims and help put them on a course towards restoration. In fact, they will soon open a community they are calling, “Mount Arukah,” specifically for restoring the lives of sex trafficked and sexually exploited minors and adult survivors. Jason explained that the Mount Arukah’s Journey Program will be a community-centered therapeutic approach that focuses on restoring sex trafficked and sexually exploited victims to survivors, and equipping survivors to thrive. “We are committed to equipping Mount Arukah residents with all the necessary tools to find their individual pathway to healing and to choose their own journey to freedom,” he said.

Jason Weis & Kristin Weis Founders of The Demand Project

“Once we saw what the problem was we couldn’t go about our normal lives and pretend it wasn’t happening. We knew it was hidden in plain sight.” — Kristin Weis - Co-Founder You can join Jason, Kristin and the entire The Demand Project team as they fight this courageous battle. As you can imagine, taking a stand against sexual predators and rising together to rescue and restore victims is no small task. “As an organization, we would not be able to make such an incredible impact if it weren’t for our volunteers. We have many opportunities for you to join with us as we all work together to fight this epidemic that is sweeping our society,” Jason explained. If you are interested in volunteering visit the website at www.thedemandproject.org/Media.aspx. Here, you will be provided with ways to stay informed, plan events, schedule a presentation, get plugged in and of course…help fund this important non-profit. Will we sit by and do nothing? Or, will we as a people, fight back?

Attention Golfers! You can help raise money for The Demand Project and have fun at the same time! Play in the upcoming GOLF TOURNAMENT on Monday, June 18th at the Golf Club of Oklahoma. Register at www.thedemandproject.org. C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Will YOU Be a Good Samaritan?

emember the parable Jesus told about the traveler who was stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half-dead alongside the road? Both a priest and a Levite saw him and decided to walk on by him. But a Samaritan (someone Jesus’ audience would have looked down on) happened by, took the man to get help and left enough money for all of the man’s expenses to be paid while he was recuperating. He didn’t even know the man, but he did the right and compassionate thing, caring for his neighbors. You may not see them. Their needs might not be as visually obvious as the traveler’s were, but they are right here in Tulsa. Because of fear, cost, transportation, lack of insurance, and demand, many of our community’s unemployed and underserved do not get even the most basic medical care. Desperate, some clog our emergency rooms for simple examinations. Others put off any treatment at all and their once simple illnesses turn into critical ones requiring hospitalizations and even surgery. Would YOU be a Good Samaritan? Good Samaritan Health Services currently has three mobile medical vans which hold 54 clinics at 13 church locations all over town. However, costs and the lack of volunteers keep them from completely meeting the needs of the Tulsa area.

Don’t just walk by! You can help. Consider signing up to be a Good Samaritan!

Testimonials True Stories – True Miracles #1 Consider the story of Kim who was having terrible headaches and blurred vision. Because she was uninsured, she waited and waited, living in pain, hoping things would get better. But they didn’t. When Kim finally made it to a Good Samaritan Clinic, the doctor suspected she had a tumor. He was able to refer her to have tests done to find out what was wrong. The tests revealed Kim was on her way to quickly losing her eyesight because of a tumor causing immense pressure on her brain. “It breaks my heart to know that every day patients like Kim are coming to our clinics, living in pain and worry. They are not sure what is wrong, but they also sometimes don’t realize just how bad things are,” said the doctor.

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He referred Kim to one of their medical partners who performed the surgery to remove the tumor. All this was done at no cost to Kim. She is now safe under the care of Good Samaritan Health Services, surrounded by a caring team of medical professionals who are helping her fully recover and enjoy a healthy and active life. #2 Or how about Vianny? She noticed her stomach was growing and she was in pain. She couldn’t afford to go to the doctor, didn’t have insurance and was afraid in might be cancer. So, she put off any treatment. When she got to the point that she couldn’t eat, she finally came to a Good Samaritan clinic. They immediately took her to St. John Medical Center. That’s when she found out her condition was indeed very serious and required multiple surgeries. She was in and out of ICU twice. The final bill would have been over $300,000 but it was all taken care of. Forever grateful, now she volunteers at one of the Good Samaritan Health Clinics. Giving back never felt so good! #3 And then there is Tommy, who didn’t know just how close he was to serious health problems. Tommy started going to the Good Samaritan Health Services medical clinic at the Harvest Market because of ongoing back pain. On one of his visits he told our doctor about a problem he had been having with his eyesight for about a year. There would be times when he would suddenly lose sight in his right eye or have extremely blurred vision in both eyes. At first it only happened a couple of times over several months, but it began to happen more frequently. Because of Good Samaritan’s unique community partnerships, the doctor at the clinic referred Tommy to an eye specialist for a full eye examination and evaluation. Eye tests did not reveal any eye complications, but the specialists suspected a vascular problem and a lack of blood flow was the cause for the problem. Good Samaritan Health Services again referred Tommy, this time to a vascular specialist for further tests. Tests revealed Tommy had a totally blocked carotid artery on his right side and an almost totally blocked artery on his left. He was in a life-threatening situation and was scheduled for immediate surgery. Today Tommy has fully recovered and is thankful for each new day. He was able to get the medical care he desperately needed because of his friends at Good Samaritan Health Clinic. The examples are endless, but unfortunately, so is the need. Your willingness to become one of the 365 Good Samaritans will make a huge difference. To sign up…Visit www.BeAGoodSamaritan.org. C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Community Spirit is Honored to Endorse

Jeff Boatman for Oklahoma House of Representatives, District 67 By Tom McCloud

Oklahoma is in bad shape. But don’t give up!

ust when I was about to throw in the towel and totally give up on our state legislature, I heard about a new guy, a very special candidate…someone capable of thinking out of the box to make some lasting improvements and get us back on track. I had often prayed that someone would step forward to lead, someone capable of thinking through all sides of the issues to broker solutions that will put us back on the path toward excellence. I longed for someone who would apply common sense to sort out what was best for Oklahoma. I found him. Meet Jeff Boatman, a devoted Christian husband, father, business owner and church leader who is willing to apply his God-given skills, along with some hard-knock experience to make things better for us and for our kids. I like the way Jeff thinks. Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to participate in several startups — some that didn’t make it and some that did. But in the process, he learned from each valuable lesson to ultimately co-found Global Holdings, where he now acts as the Chief Technology Officer. Global Holdings currently provides employment for over 150 Tulsans, and over the years has served millions of consumers nationwide. It’s an example of what can be done when a guy prayerfully invests both skill and dedication. I like the training he brings to the table. Jeff attended the University of Tulsa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, focusing on management information systems and marketing. During his career, he has worked in telecommunications, accounting, and information technology. In 2007, Jeff went back to school to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a tool he will surely find valuable as he works to build consensus at the Capitol. I like the way Jeff believes and serves. Jeff has served his church as a deacon, volunteer counselor, and small group leader. All of these experiences have shaped who he is, helping him to develop a common-sense approach to leadership. I like the way he invests in Family Values Jeff loves his family. He and his wife, Angie, have two biological children, Keli and Joshua. They also are guardians to Nicole, and

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they recently became foster parents to a 14-year-old boy. As members of Southwood Baptist Church, the Boatman family has served in various ways — from running the lights and slides during worship to participating in Bible fellowship classes. They also have gone on mission trips to Costa Rica, Trinidad, and domestic, inner city locations. Central to the Boatmans’ life is their desire to put others first, and they have instilled this value in their children. While maintaining a full-time career in marketing and development, Keli currently fosters four children. I believe Jeff Boatman is the right guy for the job! Jeff gives credit to God for his business success, and he strives to give back to his community and his church. He believes serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the best way for him to do so. I believe he is right. Let’s elect Jeff Boatman.

School

BACK TO

s I wiped sweat from my brow and entered the office supply store, I stood behind a long line of parents and kids. I couldn’t believe it was back-to-school time already. Maybe the excitement of the new-year out-shinned my memories of going to school in 100-degree weather, but then again, back when the pictures of presidents such as Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon hung on the wall, school started after Labor Day, when the summer sun was mostly burned out for the year. None-the-less, walking by the rows of pencils, binders, rulers and calculators took me back not only to shopping for my kid’s stuff, but also to my days of rolled-up, highly pressed jeans and metal lunchboxes. I am a couple of generations back from the experience of nervous first days of school, but somehow memories flooded back to me as I watched the kids bubble with excitement and fear. I couldn’t help but watch a mom and her kids as they perused the required list of have-to-have supplies and searched the shelves to meticulously check-off every item. Suddenly, I felt my stomach turn over and twist into a couple of knots as I flashed back to those first day feelings. It is all part of the experience I guess. The fear is inescapable, maybe just part of growing up. However, it was as real then as walking into an intense board meeting is to me today. But Ms. Howell isn’t there to welcome me like she did in the first grade. She had the smile that could put you at ease. Though I didn’t recognize it at the time, its was the Holy Spirit, shinning from her, that made us relax and know everything was going to be alright. I thought of her as I stood there in the checkout line. It made me thankful for Christian teachers, men and women who have been called into the ministry of soothing little bruised egos and bandaging the hurts of childhood. They are charged with the awesome responsibility of igniting desires for learning. Teaching, mentoring, coaching and maybe even begging young minds to explore new things, they set in motion a lifetime of learning. And they do it all, with prayers that God will prepare them, equipping them for every challenge, from the ringing of the first bell of the day to the sound of the last herd of kids heading to the bus. Thank you Lord, for Christian teachers. In the following pages, we highlight some of Tulsa’s best Christian schools. I have seen their dedication and their example. Your kids are worth the investment and these schools are worth your consideration. In Christ Alone, Tom McCloud, Publisher

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Augustine Christian Academy

Building Great Leaders One Brick at a Time

o say Bryan and Brina Osborne are sold on the Classical education model used by Augustine Christian would be an understatement. They are not only the parents of two highly successful Augustine graduates, they both volunteered to teach for a period of time, Bryan has served on the school board, and Brina now teaches 3rd grade full time. Both come from an education background. Between the two of them, they understand how kids learn. Brina received her BS in Elementary Education and taught for a while before raising kids and homeschooling in their early years. From 2003 to 2010, they owned the first Huntington Learning Center in Oklahoma. Bryan is now an Instructor of Computer Information Technology at Oral Roberts University and is working on his doctorate in Computer Science. Brina currently teaches a group of nine 3rd graders. She has them most all day, covering Latin, World History, Math, Bible, Reading, Spelling and Writing. But enter her classroom and you can quickly tell why World History is a favorite of her students. Designed like a Medieval castle, their classroom is the perfect venue for any 8 and 9-year-old to travel back in time and imagine themselves jousting and fighting in the Middle Ages. Of course, every child, especially the boys, want to sword fight. But Brina channels their energy in other fun ways. For instance, she teaches them to juggle and takes them to the Renaissance Fair. They love it! In most traditional schools, World History is only a semester course taken in high school. But at Augustine, it is a strong part of the curriculum of every grade. “We believe the students need to know about the whole world and the whole history. Taught from a Biblical Worldview perspective, the kids are able to ultimately understand how God has worked throughout the ages. In the 3rd grade, I focus on Medieval times, on England’s kings and queens. We begin at the fall of Rome and watch how the world and church changed. We learn about the beginning of Islam, the crusades and how that part of history still affects us today,” she explained. “Obviously, the curriculum doesn’t go into many of the deeper, gory details at this age. What we do instead, and in fact what we do in all subjects, build a foundation, laying one “brick” or year at a time. In the early years of grammar school, kids are great at memorizing facts. Then by secondary school, they begin to develop critical thinking skills. They question things. It’s normal… natural. The Classical model leverages that in teaching them how to ask the questions. Having laid a foundation in grammar school, dug in deeper in middle school and even deeper in high school, the students are ultimately able to truly think and reason, no matter the subject,” Bryan explained.

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“For instance, we teach in my classroom. At this age, they are mostly memorizing the nouns and verbs. But as the years pass, they learn the details of sentence structure that will help them in any language they study,” Brina said further. Math is taught using what is called Singapore Math. It requires a disciplined step by step, year by year approach, but ultimately teaches them not only to know how to do a math problem, but to truly understand numbers and how they work. Bottomline, as one brick is stacked upon another, Augustine students learn how to think, how to figure things out and how to apply knowledge in this fast-changing world. “And,” interjects Brina, “we don’t just teach kids how to think, we help them to realize that ALL knowledge comes from God and it is for His glory that we want to build and equip ourselves.” Judging from the school’s high percentages of national merit scholars and the success they have in college, the Classical method obviously works. Combined with continued practical lessons in leadership and seasoned with strong dashes of arts and physical education, the Augustine Classical style is churning out highly prepared college leaders. “We are sold and we love it here. I would teach for free,” said Brina with pride. To learn more about Augustine Christian Academy, visit www.acatulsa.org.

Think Augustine is distinctively different? You are right! They are… 1. Consciously Classical- ACA was founded deliberately as a classical school in its philosophy and methodology. 2. Distinctly Inter-Denominational- ACA is an inter-denominational, Christian classical school with students from Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox Christian backgrounds. We are not supported by any one church, and are instead, governed by an independent Board of Governors. 3. Robustly Reasonable- We believe that Truth can stand up to questions, and that well-equipped Christians should be able to think critically and reason logically. 4. Cohesively Christian- ACA seeks to train students to expand their expression of faith through an integrated Christian worldview. 5. Actively Age-Appropriate- The classical model that we use at ACA is grounded in the understanding that students in Grammar School learn differently than those in the School of Dialectic or the School of Rhetoric based on their unique, age-appropriate strengths and abilities. 6. Fundamentally Family-Oriented- We believe that education is more than communicating facts; it is the transfer of life values, principles, and culture from the soul of one individual to another. That transfer most naturally takes place in a family setting, so we value family on many fronts. 7. Radically Relational- At ACA, we don’t seek to grow into a “super-sized” school because we want to foster the unique relationships that set us apart from your “run-of-the-mill” educational institution. 8. Delightfully Diverse- While we are distinctly non-denominational, embracing the varied nuances of Christ’s church in the twenty-first century, we are also delightfully diverse. We intentionally strive to make education accessible and affordable so that those who want to attend ACA can do so if possible. 9. Uniquely United-To enable community service and support our unique “family” atmosphere.

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Christie Wilson New Girls Basketball Coach at Rejoice Christian School Hopes to Build Foundation for Winning and Sharing Jesus Christ

me. I want to be able to pass that on to other kids. I want to be a positive role model. Sure, I want to teach basketball skills, the X’s and O’s, but it is an even bigger challenge to teach them valuable faith lessons,” she said passionately.

Sports have always been a huge part of Coach Wilson’s life. The 2002 Owasso graduate was a standout athlete playing basketball, volleyball and softball. And although her passion was always basketball, she played softball in college at The University of Tulsa.

She was baptized at 13, but says it wasn’t until college until she really understood the importance of it. “I was always in church, always a good kid, but in college, it all became clear… It is not about being perfect. You are going to make mistakes, but it is what you do after those mistakes that really matter. There is a tremendous need for good role models right now. I hope to be that to my team and the students I get to teach.” Will they be a run and shoot team? “That depends upon the players. I am typically very defensive-minded and so is my assistant, Paige Wadley. However, it all depends on the strengths and skills of our players.”

After college, when she heard from some of her past Owasso coaches that they needed some coaching help, she jumped to the opportunity. It was fun to go back to her alma mater where her father, David Wilson, had coached so many years.

Practice starts the first of October and games in November. Before then, the summer camps start in June as well as an intensive workout program conducted by the Rejoice strength coach. “Building a foundation is what I want to do this summer,” she said with a smile.

Twelve years later, she says it is tough to leave, but that she can’t wait to build a new, successful program at Rejoice Christian. “I have known a lot of people who have come over to Rejoice. A lot of former coaches of mine, especially Wally Poplin, have taught and coached here. Just listening to them and hearing them express their passion for this place, gets me really excited,” she said.

Something in her voice made it obvious the hard work starts now. But so does the challenge of building relationships… relationships Jesus will use to make a life-changing difference in the lives of many young athletes.

here’s a growing excitement in the air at the Rejoice Christian School campus. The girls’ basketball team is welcoming both a new head coach and assistant coach and dreaming big dreams as their program looks forward to matching up against powerhouse teams such as Cascia Hall, Holland Hall and Victory Christian. Coach Christie Wilson and her assistant, Paige Wadley, hope to turn that excitement into success as they begin summer camps and look forward to their season opener sometime in November. Both Wilson and Wadley are moving over from Owasso High School, where they helped coach last year’s Owasso team to an amazing 26-3 State Championship season.

“My values match up very well with those here at Rejoice,” she explained. “I look forward to be able to openly share my passion and love for Jesus Christ. My faith is a big part of who I am. I coach because I love the impact I can have on the kids. Growing up, I had some amazing coaches who just really instilled some good values in

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The beautiful, new campus of Rejoice Christian Schools is located along Highway 169 in Owasso. The school offers K-12th grade and prides itself in educating the Mind, Body and Soul. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.rejoiceschool.com.

Quick Facts About Rejoice Christian School: • Just over 1,000 students (Preschool through 12th Grade) • Average Class Size: 16 students • Accredited through ACSI and OPSAC • Faculty are all degreed and certified (Kindergarten through 12th grade) • In total 23% of faculty have advanced degrees • Weekly chapel services and daily Bible instruction and prayer • Community Service and Mission Opportunities at every grade level • Advanced Placement, Honors and Dual Enrollment Opportunities • Members of OSSAA—Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association • Offer 10 varsity sports with elementary sports beginning in 1st grade • Active Fine Arts program—Worship Arts, Speech and Debate, Drama, Art and Music RCS Mission Statement Rejoice Christian Schools exist for the purpose of partnering with parents in training students in Biblebased Christian principles and in the establishment of a high quality academic foundation. RCS Vision Statement It is our Vision to be a Christian school that provides students with excellence in education and strength in character so that students will be spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially equipped to impact their community and the world for Christ.

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Metro Christian Academy Welcomes New Headmaster Pursues Excellence. Leads by Example.

r. Keith Currivean arrived at Metro Christian Academy this week, quickly arranged his office and went to work. As the new headmaster, there is lots to do and no time to waste. He has big plans and although this school year just ended, the next one will be here before he knows it. The 6’ 3” former semi-pro basketball player knows how to get this done. You might say it is not his first rodeo. He was worked for similar schools in Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. His last position was with a very similar school with 800 students at Living Word Christian School in O’Fallon, Missouri. Dr. Currivean is right where he wants to be. Called to Christian education ever since he first interviewed to be a student at his private Christian school in Michigan, he has always had a sense that this is how God wanted him to invest his career. The Metro position seemed especially providential. Not only was the timing perfect, as God’s timing always is, he and his wife, Éowyn, have extended family here. In fact, many of them will live just down the road from them. He won’t be the only one to show up at Metro. The Curriveans will be bringing 5 of their 7 kids to the school. He explained that they have six sons and one daughter. The two oldest sons will be away at college (one at Texas A& M and the other at Missouri Baptist), leaving kids grades 12, 8, 5 and P3 to attend Metro. He jokes, “There is more than one way to grow these Christian schools.” Keith says he grew up in a Christian home with Godly parents and came to Christ when he was only a kindergartener. He was baptized 4 years later and has been an active Christian ever since.

cational Leadership and Counseling. Next, he received another Master’s degree, this time in Theological Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Finally, just last year, he received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), graduating with Honors in Christian Philosophy from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. Dr. Currivean is an interesting guy. Filled with a wide range of talents, he expects a lot from himself and those around him. He is part philosopher, preacher, certified counselor, coach, and teacher. He spent one season playing semi-pro basketball in Northern France, where he jokes that he wasn’t the best on the team, but received the most attention because he was an American. Surprisingly, he also was a semi-professional tuba player. Often quoting Colossians 1:28-29, he pursues excellence and leads others in that pursuit. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Whether in academics, arts, or athletics, Dr. Currivean leads by example, expecting all to work hard to “get all A’s” in everything they do. “By His grace and for His glory, all is done and success is built on a foundation of who we are in Christ,” he says. Experienced in all aspects of running and growing a Christian school, he has a proven track record in budgeting, capital campaigns, building projects, raising academic standards, and shepherding the faculty, staff, students, and families.

He attended Wheaton College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Liberal Arts (Music). He played in the Brass Quintet, sang in Concert Choir, was involved in the Scholastic Honor Society, and ran track and cross-country.

Dr. Currivean has the faith, background, the training, the experience and the confidence to lead Metro Christian Academy to the next level. So, get ready Patriots. It is going to be a fun year! And who knows, he might even play the tuba for you or show you a thing or two on the basketball court.

Keith went on to get his Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Edu-

Established in 1983, Metro Christian Academy is a state accredited, college preparatory school serving students P3-12th grade.

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Academics, spirituality, community and activities are the four pillars by which a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character is fostered and developed during their tenure. Metro cultivates innovators, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners so they are prepared for the path ahead of them.

For more information visit www.metroca.com.

institution that is noted for its Christian culture, academic success, innovative approaches to learning, and successful programs in the arts and athletics. Core Values

Compassion: We are a community that supports and cares for others. Mission Statement Honesty: We are truthful and forthright in To provide, in partnership with involved parents, word and deed. an accredited college preparatory education that Respect: We treat each other with dignity is founded on biblical principles, cultivates Chris- and consideration. tian character and equips students to excel aca- Integrity: We uphold Christian principles. demically, spiritually, physically, and socially. Service: We honor God through service to the community. Trust: We have faith in each other and in Vision Statement God's purpose. Metro Christian Academy strives to be a regionally recognized Christian college-preparatory

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Wright Christian Academy Seniors Turn a Short-term Mission Trip into a Large-term Ministry

et’s face it. Most senior trips are…mostly fun. It’s a time to go on cruise, go to Disneyworld, or to the mountains. There is nothing inherently wrong with just celebrating, but 14 years ago, Jeff Brown, the Superintendent at Wright Christian Academy, wanted to add more depth to the trip. He proposed taking the graduates to Belize, a Third World nation on the eastern coast of Central America. Granted, he never hid the fact that the trip would be what he calls “A Capstone Experience with a Mission Component.” After all, the annual trip includes lots of fun…snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters and even climbing to the top of Mayan ruins. However, maybe even he underestimated the impact the mission component of the trip would make. It has forever impacted four rural Belize schools, and in the process has blessed the WCA graduates as well. For the average graduate at Wright, getting a passport and going to a Third World country was a pretty big leap. But one of the objectives of the trip, is to help the students expand their world view and to get a taste of global missions. For 14 years, the seniors have done that very thing, coming home with a new understanding of just how blessed they are. So why is this trip any different than any other church mission trip? It probably isn’t until you consider that they have now worked with the same 4 schools all of these years, and in that consistency, they have been able to see real change occur. They go the city of San Ignacio to work with schools and students in the San Ignacio Valley. Schools there are mostly private, run by different religious groups and churches. The government pays half of the teacher’s salary and the church is supposed to pay the rest. When the students arrived in those early years, they found tremendous need. The buildings were decrepit and it was obvious that the churches weren’t really supporting them. It wasn’t unusual to find a school which consisted of only one table within a circled area on the floor, which was the only place that didn’t leak from the roof. It might have one book and one pencil, the full extent of their supplies. WCA tried to change that. Beginning the third year, they joined together with an organization called, Reaching Our World’s Kids founded by John Eve. He brought other groups to same schools, continuing the work done by the WCA seniors. Consistency began to turn into long-term ministry.

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“Through the years, we have been able to see a difference. When we began, in one village called Billy White, we found that not one child had ever graduated from their school to go on to what we would call high school. They didn’t even understand why they would need to do that. Now, every year, there are several who pass the test and continue their education. One student went on to graduate from a university and has now come back home to teach,” Jeff explained. WCA’s main role is to take as many supplies to the schools as possible and to love on the kids. However, they also typically put in some tough days of manual labor, mixing concrete and building

stoves. And after living in conditions substandard than they are used to, our students come home understanding how wealthy our society is. They also see the joy the Belize kids have, even when they have so little. Seeing that, our seniors come to the profound recognition that things don’t matter,” Jeff said. Twenty-three seniors went this year. That is up from only 8 that went 14 years ago. This shows two things…Wright Christian Academy is growing! And, word has gotten around. The global mission experience is something nobody wants to miss. Wright Christian Academy will celebrate its 30th birthday next year. It is a special place, full of special people. Maybe you should check it out for your “someday senior?” Take a look at the website and then arrange a tour. We think you will be impressed. classrooms. They also take lots of pictures of the kids and take printers so the kids can give the prints to their moms. In most cases, it is the only pictures the moms have ever had of their children. To say this is a big hit, would be a gross understatement.

www.wrightchristianacademy.com.

WCA believes the trip is making a difference in the lives of their friends in Belize. It is absolutely making a difference in the lives of the seniors from Wright. “Our kids learn how blessed they are, that they have been given so much. If they don’t have this frame of reference, it is hard to appreciate that. Most of the people in the village are still living in one-room houses with wood-burning

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SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HEADS INTO 31ST YEAR WITH MAJOR REMODELING

ummit Christian Academy (SCA) is remodeling much of their campus with over $700,000 in facility upgrades. The remodeling includes updates to the gymnasium, the secondary and elementary cafeterias, the Early Learning Center, and the auditorium.

Established in 1987 as a ministry of The Assembly at Broken Arrow, SCA is located in the heart of historic downtown Broken Arrow in the exciting Rose District. Summit is a non-profit, private, co-ed school that has grown from 20 students to over 400 K-12th grade students. The school’s vision is to KNOW GOD, to MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL, to DISCOVER PURPOSE, and to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. This vision is accomplished by keeping class sizes small and providing gifted and qualified teachers. SCA maintains a biblical worldview in all their curricula, sports, and fine arts programs. Most of SCA’s graduates go on to attend noted universities, and to live vibrant spiritual lives in their churches and communities. Summit Christian Academy strives to keep tuition affordable, and tuition assistance is available to qualified families. Schedule a tour and see how Summit can help your child reach his/her maximum potential.

For more information about Summit Christian Academy, visit www.sca-eagles.com.

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Summit Christian Academy prepares students to live their best Christian life.

We equip our students to experience dynamic and vibrant spiritual lives and to develop their personal potential. This bedrock of discovering God’s destiny prepares them for meaningful relationships and leading prosperous lives of contribution and significance.

OUR MISSION…

We educate and develop students to serve neighbors and nations by partnering with parents to build a Christ-centered learning community with a strong focus on spiritual life, academics, arts, and athletics.

OUR VALUES… BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

Holding to and living out the unchanging Word of God in an ever-changing world. (Matthew 24:35)

CHARACTER

Always doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. (Galatians 5:22-23, Luke 6:31)

COMMUNITY

Valuing and cultivating relationships, recognizing everyone’s unique role in the body of Christ.(1 Corinthians 12:25-26)

EXCELLENCE

Wholeheartedly seeking excellence in everything. (Colossians 3:23)

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Living as God’s sons and daughters and leading by Christ’s example as Shepherd, placing the interests of others before our own. (Romans 8:14-17, 1 Peter 5:2-4)

UNITY

Pursuing oneness of spirit through humility and selflessness, as Christ modeled for us. (Philippians 2:2-11)

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Mingo Valley Christian

Wraps Up First Year At New Campus

ingo Valley Christian, a non-denominational pre-k through 12th grade private school in Tulsa, just concluded its first year in its new location off Highway 169 at 81st. The school has had other locations in its 41-year history, but this new campus, with two buildings currently and ten acres of expansion area, has set the school on a new trajectory for growth and improvement. “We’ve known that we weren’t well known among schools in Tulsa,” says Superintendent Dr. Boyd Chitwood. “If someone called us a hidden gem, we’d grin and bear it, but our commitment to ministry and impact spurred us on not to stay quite so well hidden. Owning our campus, located right along Highway 169, and experiencing substantial growth have all contributed to a healthier awareness of Mingo Valley Christian. And the Lord is using that to bring prospective families who didn’t know us before but with whom we can have fruitful ministry. This first year at our new campus has given us greater cohesion as a community and greater vision.” Admissions Director Lisa Padgett reports that the increased visibility has helped enrollment soar to new levels. “We are thrilled at the new families God is bringing to our doors! Our numbers may be growing, but we are thankful for our school leadership that keeps us focused on our mission to provide an excellent education with a Christian worldview and foster a supportive, welcoming community for students and families.” A distinctive of MVC is its commitment to be intentional in reaching each student, addressing his or her own distinct gifts and struggles. “As a school, Mingo Valley Christian is committed to personalized learning,” says Dr. Chitwood. “We don't teach 20 different curricula in a class, but we do teach 20 different students. The more we can encourage each child to invest themselves in their learning, the more personalized -- and powerful -- that learning becomes. Our definition of educational success is, quite simply, pursuing the fullness of God's created intent for each child we teach.” Mingo Valley Christian incorporates a Christian worldview into all aspects of the learning process. They offer honors and AP courses, NHS/NJHS, concurrent college enrollment, art, computer, music, and foreign language, with technology utilized throughout all academic disciplines. Their highly regarded theatre program attracts arts patrons from across the Tulsa community, and they offer a full-spectrum athletic programs including football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country/track and cheerleading. Additionally, MVC is highly intentional about connecting families and students with one another, with a summer community-building program that reaches out to newly enrolled families and helps them quickly feel enfolded in the community.

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Going forward, Mingo Valley Christian will be developing this 10-acre campus for years to come. Last summer was filled with construction and renovation. This year, the projects are smaller, but the momentum and improvements continue.

Mingo Valley Christian is enrolling for fall, and interested parents are encouraged to visit www.mingovalley.org and call 918.294.0404 for a personal tour.

Plagued by Migraines? Here’s Some Information and Advice that Will Help…

r. Jorge Gonzalez has been treating migraine patients for decades. He has watched as science has learned more about the various types of migraines and has developed more and more tools to deal with this painful and often debilitating problem. We interviewed him to get a better understanding of the cause and the treatments available. 1. How do you know if you are having a migraine and not just a bad headache? Migraines are very distinct from routine headaches. In a classic migraine, people will see an aura. Migraines are electrical and the aura that is seen is usually a complex figure of geometry with angels and crescents, or different balls of light and discoloration, or blurred vision. It then expands and can completely white-out or black-out your visual field. Some people get vertigo and nausea. Then the headache begins. In the “common migraine,” all of this happens at the same time and the headache starts immediately. Some people get another form, experiencing all the symptoms without the headache… “migraine without headache.”

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2. What should I do if I begin to experience the aura sensation? The trick is to abort it right away. You need to treat yourself within the first 30 minutes to an hour, when the stomach is still churning and the blood supply is still absorbing. After the migraine headache kicks in, that reflex is reduced by more than 40 percent. If you wait too long, it may be too little or too late for the medicine to be effective, and you will could end up in the emergency room. 3. Are Women’s migraines different than those men get? Yes, women experience 4 times more migraines than men. Its more hormonal and they get the more conventional migraines. Men can experience migraines called the “cluster.” These can be so severe that other forms of pain may distract from the headache. But both sexes can have cervical arthritis which trigger migraines. We believe that pain from the entry and exit points of the nerves in the spine can become irritated to such an extent that it creates pain and cycle of spasm. When these cycle into each other, they can trigger not only a muscle tension headache, but also a vascular migraine. Some women have more migraines at certain times in

their hormonal cycles and we have to devise our strategies to treat more intensely around the time they expect their monthly migraine to occur. 4. What are some of the common triggers?

have been ground-breaking in that. Preventive medications have also improved such as blood pressure meds, anti-seizure drugs, antihistamines, anti-depressants, and steroids. And when the patient does not respond to these methods, we have Botox, which has proven to be very helpful in inhibiting the migraines by more than 50 percent.

Some feel better when they ingest caffeine. For others, caffeine can make it worse. Chocolate, wines (especially dark wine), or just 7. What should Community Spirit readers do if they exposure to any alcohol can be triggers. But other things can have uncontrolled migraines? be triggers such as odors, scents, like perfumes and pungent odors, flashing lights, loss of sleep, excessive stress, and climatic changes. Ask your family doctor to help you and if he or she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, ask to be sent to a neurologist who likes to treat migraine patients. But 5. How common are migraines? before you go see anyone, try to gather all the information you can about yourself. How often do they occur? What were you doing Very common. In fact, they are one of the biggest contributors to when you first began to experience the aura? What exactly haplow productivity. It costs us billions of dollars a year in lost of pro- pens? Can you identify any triggers? This information will be very ductivity. Not just in absenteeism, but loss of effectiveness, days helpful to your physician. before or after the migraine. Fifteen percent of the population is affected by migraines and is one of the most common contributors Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD, Tulsa Neurospecialists, is located in disability. behind Mahoganyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Old School Bagel at 5010 East 68th 6. Is there hope? Absolutely. We are doing more and more research and have more focused medications than we ever have before. We have a strong list of medications which are both abortive, meaning that they interrupt the migraine. The family of triptans since the early 90s

Street. He specializes in serving the neurological needs of persons with migraines (including vascular and muscle tension headaches), seizures, neuropathies, neck and back pain, movement disorders, dementia, neurological manifestation of stress, Multiple Sclerosis, and Trigeminal Neuralgia.

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Long-Term Care: Crisis in America

truly believe that God has allowed me to experience many of life’s challenges to better equip me to minister to my family, friends and clients. I was seven or eight when my uncle came to live with my family due to a long-term illness. Somehow, we managed to fit my two other siblings and three adults in that twobedroom home in Memphis Tennessee. Back then, that’s what families did when a family member was in need I saw my mom become his primary caregiver and even at that young age, I knew the toll it was taking on her. I was fifteen when my grandmother came to live with us. Once again, I saw my mom struggle to take care of an invalid unable to cope with the day-to-day activities of life. Many years later, when she finally gave in to brain cancer, we

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moved her in with my sister in Florida. I witnessed the results of four generations of my sister’s family struggling to live under one roof and watched as she struggled with financial hardship when

she gave up a very good job and income to care for my mom. I remember how helpless I felt living so far away, as my mom slowly slipped away.

LONGEVITY RISK: THE RISK THAT AN INDIVIDUAL WILL OUTLIVE HIS/ HER RETIREMENT SAVINGS. The emotional, financial, and physical results of long-term illness on my family has indelibly left a mark on me and explains why I am so passionate about helping families protect themselves against it.

Crisis in America Some might say that’s a little over the top? Perhaps, but the number one risk affecting pre-retirees and those already retired is a relatively new concept referred to as Longevity risk. This risk is possibly the most important risk factor that will determine whether you will have a successful retirement or not. There are three reasons this risk could tarnish your “Golden years”. The concept is quite simple and could play out like this. First, the longer you live, the greater chance that inflation will erode your resources. Second, the longer you live the greater your money will be exposed to downturns in the market. Third, and the risk we would like address in this article involves the risk of your or your loved ones needing prolonged long-term care needs. Longevity risk is, in essence, a risk multiplier and a financial planning concern that must be addressed if a successful retirement is to be achieved. This article will address some of the statistics surrounding the subject of long-term care and possibly de-bunk several myths that seem to be prominent today.

Myth vs. Fact Myth- Long-term care is only used by the elderly. Fact- 41% of long term care is provided to people under the age of 65. 1

Bottom line With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day (Heimlich, 2010) and with the majority of those eventually needing some level of care, is it any wonder that 82% of the long-term care providers have pulled out of the market. (Marc A. Cohen, 2012) With only a dozen reputable carries offering coverage and with underwriting getting more and more stick, applying while your young and healthy is imperative! Our last experience with long-term care was recently completed with the death of my mother in law. She had a LTC policy that paid for her assistance and her nursing care. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO FINANCIAL PRESSURES and while we miss her every day, we know that without that policy, she would have died penniless. While she was living, she expressed how much she appreciated “that” policy and the peace she had, knowing she was not a burden on her family. If you or your family is facing potential long-term care issues we would love to assist you with those important decisions. If you are considering purchasing long-term care insurance, we would love helping you navigate that decision. Even with fewer carriers, there are alternative strategies that could possibly work for you.

FACTS 41% of long term care is provided to people under the age of 65. Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (ltcfeds.com/start/aboutltc_whatis.html) 43% of all individual care is provided in home. American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/planning-basics.php) Medicare provides limited benefits for 100 days and until you empty your bank account, Medicare offers no support. Medicare.gov

Myth- Long-term care insurance only pays for a long-term facility. Fact- 43% of all individual care is provided in home.2 Myth- Medicare and Medicaid will pay for long-term care. Fact- Medicare provides limited benefits for 100 days and until you empty your bank account, Medicare offers no support. 3 Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (https://ltcfeds.com/start/ aboutltc_whatis.html) 1 American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (http://www.aaltci. org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/planning-basics.php) 2 Medicare.gov 3

RANDY C. COWELL, M.S., LUTCF, CFP®, CRPC® ACT Financial Services, Inc. Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the author of “God GoodDebt Bad”. Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com. “Randy C. Cowell is a registered Representative of and Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Hornor Townsend and Kent, Inc Registered Investment Advisor. HTK is a member of FINRA/SIPC and does not offer tax, legal and credit service advice. The views expressed are not necessarily those of HTK. ACT Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with HTK.”

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The Perfect Investment Presented by: Justin Cowell - Financial Strategist at ACT Financial Services, Inc.

The good news is that understanding the answers to the following questions will go a long way to help you narrow down the alternatives and make a wise selection. 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE INVESTMENT? Do you need income for current expenses or are you accumulating money for a future need? 2. WHEN WILL YOU NEED THE MONEY? Will you need it next week, next month or when you retire? 3. WHAT IS YOUR TOLERANCE FOR RISK? Will you lose sleep if the value goes down or are you patient enough to wait for a rebound? 4. ARE INCOME TAXES A CONCERN? If you are in a high tax bracket you may be looking for a different type of investment. 5. HOW STRONG IS THE ECONOMY? This can determine which investment will best suit your needs in the coming years. 6. WHAT AMOUNT DO YOU HAVE TO INVEST? If you have a large lump sum you will probably seek a different investment than someone who has a smaller amount to invest. So, what is the perfect investment? Well, it depends on your specific situation. However, I will tell you like I tell my clients, the goal is not to own the perfect investment, it is to own products that balance each other out. By doing so, you create the ideal financial model.

ouldn’t it be nice to find the perfect investment? As a Financial Strategist, people turn to me and my team to help them find the “real deal.” The truth is – we are still looking for it. But here’s an idea of what just such an investment, if it existed, might look like: 1. GIVES A HIGH RATE OF RETURN – A yield high enough to outperform inflation and taxes, and still give you a decent return. 2. NO INCOME TAXES EVER – There would never be any income taxes due on the investment growth. You get to keep all it earns. 3. EASY AND SIMPLE – Something that anyone could manage without any special knowledge. 4. NO RISK – There would be no chance that any part of the investment could ever be lost. 5. ALWAYS AVAILABLE – You could redeem the investment – and receive the cash – anytime without penalty. It would be particularly appealing if an investment with all of these features existed, but truth be told, it simply does not. That’s the bad news. When I work with my clients, I attempt to educate them on the good, the bad and the ugly about the universe of financial products out there. The truth of the matter is that financial products are neither good nor bad. They are simply tools that when used for the correct purpose can enhance your financial well-being. I often use the analogy of a toolbox, or, for the females reading this, your makeup bag. If all you have are hammers in your toolbox, then everything looks like a nail. If all you have in your makeup bag is lipstick, well, I won’t even go there.

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My information is below, if you or someone you know feels anxious about what retirement looks like, I encourage you to call me at my office. I would be honored to buy you a cup of coffee and hear more about your situation.

Investing involves certain risks including possible loss of value of one’s investment. Content prepared by Penn Mutual. © 2016 The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Philadelphia, PA 19172 2127177RM-May20 Justin Graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in business Administration from John Brown University in 2007. For over 30 years, Justin witnessed his father, Randy, approach his financial planning practice as a ministry. This inspired Justin to pursue a career where he could help families and business owners achieve their maximum financial potential. Registered Representative of and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent Inc. Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/ SIPC (918) 664-6511. ACT Financial Services, Inc. is independent of Hornor, Townsend & Kent Inc. Justin C. Cowell - Partner ACT Financial Services, Inc. 4111 S. Darlington Ave., Ste. 800 Tulsa, OK 74135 O: 918-664-0081 C: 918-810-7239 jcowell@htk.com

Preventive Dentistry: The Solution to Avoiding Dental Problems and Saving Money

reventive dentistry emphasizes awareness of your oral health care in order to avoid expensive dental procedures that result from neglect. Combining regular dental hygiene visits, counseling from your dental professional and good home care will result in effective preventive dentistry. Many people have the misconception that their mouth is healthy when it is not, because dental problems are often painless and go unnoticed in their early stages. This common misconception causes many people to delay going to the dentist or to delay recommended treatment. Unfortunately, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;no pain, no needâ&#x20AC;? attitude is usually a costly mistake. The key to avoiding more complicated and costly dental treatment is practicing effective preventive dentistry. If you have been avoiding the dentist, the first step is to schedule a comprehensive exam to see if any dental problems exist. Delaying this most important step can result in significant damage if underlying problems are present in your mouth. After taking the first step of an initial exam with the dentist of your choice, the next step is to develop a routine of seeing the dentist or dental hygienist at least two times a year, and possibly more frequently if you are at

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high risk for periodontal disease or frequent cavities. Other preventive strategies include x-rays, which provide the ability to see what is going on inside the teeth and bone. Flouride treatments are also a common recommendation that help to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are another frequent suggestion for teeth that involve placing a protective coating over the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces to help prevent cavities. Orthodontic treatment may be suggested to correct an improper bite or eliminate teeth crowding to aid in cleaning or to prevent unwanted wear on teeth that occurs when the teeth are not in the proper position. A variety of mouthguards are also available to help prevent damage to teeth from grinding. In addition to these strategies, habits such as avoiding smoking and drinking and a eating a healthy diet are very effective in preventing oral health problems. The bottom line is that neglecting your oral health will often result in being confronted with high cost dental procedures. By incorporating preventive dentistry practices, you can protect yourself from these avoidable dental costs and enjoy the many benefits of good oral health.