cottage, garden, and apartment homes. New and exciting amenities are being offered. Tours are available with a retirement counselor. Call 918-388-4235 to schedule yours!
Brightstar BrightStar provides seniors with Lifecare, a quality home health care solution that often allows people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home instead of having to move to a nursing facility. Available from one hour to around-the-clock care, they provide everything from companionship to skilled nursing. Brightstar is respected as a leading Oklahoma Licensed Home Care Agency. All care is supervised by a Registered Nurse and all staff members are background checked, drug screened, interviewed extensively, bonded and insured. Brightstar also offers Kidcare, private duty home care to children, as well as staffing for medical facilities and practices of all types. Brightstar is located at 5110 S. Yale Ste. 530. They can be contacted at 918-392-9949. You may learn more about the many services offered at www.BrightStarCare.com.
Clear-tone Hearing Aids Founded in 1984 by brothers Jim and Mike Feeley, Clear-tone is well-known for its stateof-the-art hearing aid center where customers can buy factory direct and take advantage of the specialized knowledge, service and pricing that only the manufacturer can provide. This continues to attract visitors from all over the world to their facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma to be tested and fit with hearing aids. Clear-tone Hearing Aid Laboratories, Inc. is located in Tulsa at 2323 S. Sheridan Road. 918-838-1000 or 800-722-8050. www.cleartonehearingaids.com. Dillon Funeral Home at Woodland Park Cemetery Dillon Funeral Home offers unique services and a fresh new attitude toward the funeral industry. They are trained and prepared to take care of every detail from the pre-planning, to the funeral, the flowers and the burial or cremation. Jerry Dillon and his staff are happy to assist you with everything right from the comfort of your home. They serve all of the Tulsa Metropolitan area with a professional team backed by Senior Funeral Director, Frank Smith FDIC, a licensed funeral director with 30 years experience of serving families. www. dillonfamilyservices. com, 918-245-4142.
Inverness Village Inverness Village is Tulsa’s only non-profit community for people 55 and better offering the Life Care Advantage and a wellness lifestyle. Located on 190 acres in a parklike setting, Inverness provides resort-style services to residents. The campus boasts a Village Commons area, an extension of your living space, featuring a health and fitness center, multiple dining venues and indoor/outdoor amenities offering something for everyone. Residences include 4
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Larry Dillard Medical Services Larry Dillard Medical has been serving the Tulsa metropolitan area since 1996 by providing a full selection of medical equipment. From the latest models of powerchairs and scooters, to diabetic shoes, off-the-shelf orthotics, compression hosiery, crutches, canes and bedside toilet seats, they have the products you need. They are happy to assist you in filing your Medicare, Medicaid and they accept a wide range of private insurance. The store is located at 708 W. Main in Jenks. 800-654-8867 or 918299-6922. Other Advertisers in this special issue… Amramp of Oklahoma Amramp provides its customers with a low cost ramp system available for sale or rental by the day, week, or longer. The nonskid mesh surface is safer than wood or concrete. The ramps require no contractors or construction permits and are easy to use, dismantle and transport. Only Amramp’s open pattern ramp surface allows moisture to pass through, preventing dangerous ice film and it’s slip and fall issues. Learn more about Amramp at www.amramp. com. For a free home evaluation anywhere in the Oklahoma, call 918-521-6710. Cottage Healthcare The Cottage Extended Care facility is an intimate 66-room facility for Nursing and Rehabilitation conveniently located in midtown Tulsa near St. John and Hillcrest Hospitals. They pride themselves on treating residents as they would treat family - one special person at a time. The warm, home-like atmosphere of our newly remodeled facility offers private and semi-private accommodations. To learn more, visit www.cottagehealthcare.com or call (918) 742-7080. Country Club of Woodland Hills Country Club of Woodland Hills is one of Tulsa’s finest independent and Residential Care rental retirement communities. The beautiful 10-acre campus offers all the amenities of a fine resort or country club. The active, senior apartments and cottages along with fine dining, activities and a warm and helpful staff make retirement at Country Club a pleasure. They also offer the option of residential care (very similar to assisted living services), which includes 24-hour staffing, for those who may need a bit more care – now or in the future. Country Club is the retirement community you’ll be proud
to call home. 6333 S. 91st E. Avenue in Tulsa, 918.252.5451, www.ccwh-living.com. Floral Haven Cemetery Floral Haven offers a variety of prearrangement options and has a long history of service to the families of our community. They are the only facility to have our own private crematory, funeral home, cemetery and family reception facility, all in one location. They also offer Grief Recovery Workshops and are known for their Memorial Day Weekend tribute to our Veterans. Their staff will work with you to create a truly personalized service and a pre-planning program designed to suit both your wishes and your budget. Floral Haven is located at 6500 S. 129th East Avenue in Broken Arrow. 918-252-2518. Interim Healhcare If you are considering using private Duty Services in the home, Interim HealthCare can provide the appropriate level of care. *Private Duty RN, LPN and Certified Home Health Aides *Customized service plans to fit individual/ family needs. *Services can be for a few hours to around-theclock. 918) 749-9933 Oklahoma Methodist Manor For senior living… with the comforts of home, come discover Oklahoma Methodist Manor. Set on 40 acres of stately trees and flourishing gardens, The Manor offers a wide selection of gracious homes with respected, Medicare and Medicaid certified healthcare services, should the need arise. Enjoy a full calendar of events, on campus and in beautiful Mid-Town Tulsa, close to churches, shopping and cultural attractions. This is an exciting time, as the campus experiences a thrilling transformation: They are building CRESTWOOD, with new services and amenities the whole community will enjoy. 4134 E. 31st Street, Tulsa, (918) 574-2590. Montereau in Warren Woods A non-profit, continuing care retirement community, Montereau enables residents to live safely and securely, free from concerns about future long-term care. Montereau opened in 2003 in the heart of Tulsa, high atop a hill on 172 acres at 6800 S. Granite Avenue. Close to 300 residents live in apartments, villas and garden homes at Montereau. The 50,000 sq. ft. commons area includes three restaurants, a multi-purpose theater, indoor swimming pool, card and game room, lounge, library, business center, and salon. In The Health Centers at Montereau, a continuum of care is available including assisted living, skilled nursing, and Alzheimer’s/ Dementia care. www.montereau.net. 491-5250
Moore’s Funeral Home The Moore family has been providing a very crucial service for the people of Tulsa since 1929. Even before they introduced their 50¢ a month Full Family Funeral Plan (often taking chickens and other things in trade when money was really tight), they were here for the Tulsa community when they were needed most. The Moore’s have done so with compassion, courage and commitment, the cornerstone of generations of service to this community and it’s children. Moore’s offers multiple locations to serve you including Memory Chapel at 14th and Peoria, Eastlawn Chapel at 19th and Memorial, Rosewood Chapel at 25th and Harvard, Southlawn Chapel at 51st and Mingo and Owasso Chapel at 116 N. Main in Owasso. www.moorefuneral. com 744-1202.
the unique healthcare needs of older adults. They prevent, manage and develop care plans that address the special health needs of the elderly. Warren Clinic geriatrician Dr. Insung Kim works with patients to maximize their quality of life. A geriatrician’s care goes beyond medical issues to consider a patient’s living situation, memory, mobility, function and frailty. This approach allows Dr. Kim to recommend conservative and noninvasive treatments to help patients remain active and live independently. Warren Clinic Geriatrics, Insung Kim, M.D., 6160 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136, 918-497-3650, www.warrenclinic.com.
Senior Suites Skilled Nursing & Long Term Care Community A beautiful facility nestled on a quiet, 8-acre wooden setting, this Broken Arrow community was built in 2007 to provide amenities and service that separates it from any other in town. Visit their website at www.senior-suites.com or call 250-5405. Tristesse Grief Center The Tristesse Grief Center provides a variety of comprehensive grief and bereavement counseling programs and services to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one, regardless of their ability to pay. Individual counseling or grief support groups are available for those from age 6 to 96. Each program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of the individual, the families and their support systems. Theirlicensed professionals have extensive training and experience in grief therapy. Individual sessions are available by appointment, Monday through Friday. Child Loss Group meets on Monday evening and Spouse Loss Group meets on Wednesday evening. www.thegriefcenter. org.
Warren Clinic A geriatrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to meet ma r C h 2010 C ommu n ity S p ir it
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Oklahoma–born
Joins Effort to Bring Shuttle to Tulsa!
Like most boys in the 60s, John Herrington played “spaceship” in empty boxes in his garage. Drawing gauges and dials on the cockpit of his make-believe spacecraft, he pretended to blast-off along side his heroes, men like John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Little did he know, someday he would sit in a real spaceship, thousands of miles above earth. John was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma in 1958, but later moved to Plano, Texas, where he graduated from Plano Senior High School. Though he went on to college, he says he was always more interested in rock climbing than in studying and soon dropped out. Taking a job on a surveying crew in Colorado, he began to understand the real life applications of mathematics and he now credits his boss for urging him to quit his job and go back to college. School was more important to him the second time and he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He then joined the Navy and became a Naval Aviator. He made three operational deployments, two to the Northern Pacific and one to the Western Pacific and then became an Instructor Pilot and Naval Test Pilot. He also received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1995 and soon afterward, was selected for the astronaut program. On November 23, 2002, John’s boyhood dreams of being in space became a reality when he was sent on the STS-113 Endeavour. It was the sixteenth Shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station and although it didn’t received the publicity of the early spacecraft, it succeeded in its mission, delivering the Expedition-Six crew back to earth, installing and activating the P1 Truss, and transferring important cargo from the Shuttle to the Station. The mission required that John perform three EVAs (extra-vehicular-activity) or “spacewalks,” totaling 19 hours and 55 minutes outside the spacecraft. John, a Christian since claiming Jesus Christ as his Savior as a teenager, describes the experience as nothing short of breathtaking. “You feel absolutely and totally alone. You suddenly realize there is nothing behind you, nothing but millions of miles of galaxies. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that there just must be a Designer and that I am so insignificant to it all. It was a spiritual experience that is difficult to describe,” he said. He explained that although spacewalks obviously carry a 6
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Astronaut – John Herrington Promotes The QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show – Tulsa Air & Space Museum on April 24th. considerable amount of danger, the astronauts are equipped with safety harnesses and with a jet pack that could get them back to the spaceship if something happened. Commander Harrington’s mission was also significant in that he was the first Native American Indian in space (first card-carrying member of a tribe). A respected member of the Chickasaw Nation, John has been able to use his NASA experience as a platform to encourage kids, especially American Indian kids, to take more interest in math and science. A few years ago, he rode his bike across the country, stopping at schools to promote the importance of mathematics. Schools all over the country followed his journey online and listened to his lessons. The extremely fit and very busy, 51 year-old laughed at being on the cover of a special “Senior” issue. But now semiretired, John does face the challenge of how to do even more in his second half as he did in the first half. It sounds like he is off to a good start. He recently commanded the crew of NEEMO, an underwater experiment in the Florida Keys. Living in an Aquarius habitat for ten days, they studied its underwater surroundings, engaged in science on the human body, evaluated future equipment for the Space Station and prepared for living and working in space. John has also become a special friend of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. He has become the chairman of the commit-
tee to “Land the Shuttle,” a campaign for Tulsa to be home to the retired Space Shuttle. He contends that Tulsa, because of its rich aeronautical heritage, is the perfect place for this important piece of space history. Commander Harrington is planning on attending the exciting QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show Tulsa on April 24th. Especially if you ever sat in a cardboard box and pretended to go to space, come meet this real hero. Dreams really do come true.
Attend the Air Show!! This, the first official flight by the Rocket Racing League in Tulsa, is an air show you will never forget. It will feature manned rocket racers that will zoom above Tulsa, flying through a digital obstacle course in the sky. Not only will it be incredibly entertaining for your whole family, all the proceeds go to the campaign to “Land the Shuttle.” Date? Saturday, April 24th, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Price? $15 for Adults and $10 for Children at the gate Advance tickets $11 for Adults and $7 for Children. Location? Tulsa Air & Space Museum, 3624 N. 74th E. Ave. Main gate will be located at the Intercontinental Jet Services directly South of the museum. Parking? FREE Food? Lots of great food and beverage vendors onsite including Rib Crib, Texas Roadhouse, Mazzios, Harden’s Hamburgers, ChikFil-A, QuikTrip Kitchens, Dip n Dots and more. Celebrities you can meet? People like Oklahoma Astronaut Owen Garriott, Oklahoma Astronaut William Pogue, Cosmonaut Richard Garriott, Dr. Peter Diamandis (creator of the X-Prize which resulted in the world’s first privately funded manned spaceflight), Erik Lindbergh (grandson of Charles Lindbergh), Donna Shirley (manager of NASA’s Mars Rover Program), TOPGUN Pilots, Air Show Pilots, and Rocket Racing League pilots and team owners. (Participants are subject to change.)
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Is Your Church Scooter-Friendly? A New Challenge to Churches Churches…Beware and prepare. America is aging; the baby boomers are facing retirement; and soon the way we “do church” is going to have to change. Our aging congregations will force us to reconsider everything from the length of our lessons; to the volume of our music and the way we fund our expenses. But first things first. New local building codes and handicap standards will soon force us to deal with a specific problem that will soon be rolling in. Mobility scooters, once only common in the big box stores, will soon be making they way into the church buildings at a monumental rate. And as they arrive, they will bring in a host of things for churches to reconsider.
Jazzy Select Power Wheelchair
Randy Bright, a respected local architect who specializes in church buildings, explained that when the American Disabilities Act was passed in the early 90s, it brought about significant changes in the way buildings would be designed. Written as a civil rights act, not a building code, it guaranteed our handicapped accessibility to all public buildings. Randy further explained that although churches were exempt from the ADA, they were not exempt from building codes. So, when the 2006 International Building Code based its requirements on the ADA, churches became responsible to make their buildings meet these handicapped accessiblity standards. 10
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Victory 9 Scooter What does that mean to churches? For one, it required more space around doors to allow a wheelchair user to operate the doors and more space in toilet compartments to allow space for wheelchair users to maneuver in toilet compartments and to transfer themselves to on and off the toilet. Surely, all of us would say all of that is a good thing. But now come the scooters, forcing another huge group of changes. “With the increasing use of scooters, it is only a matter of time before codes will bring accessibility requirements in line with the use of scooters. So far as I know, nothing has be codified yet, but I have heard that the 5-foot turning radius will be increased to 7-feet, requiring that hallways and restrooms be larger than current codes and increasing the building area,” Randy explained. “Many churches, especially those constructed prior to the 1990s, do not meet current accessibility requirements. In some cases, it is virtually impossible to bring them into compliance, especially buildings that require walking up exterior stairs to enter the building. This is especially true for buildings constructed in the early 1900s where there is little room to install lifts, ramps or elevators that can handle wheelchair or scooter traffic. There are a lot of churches in America that are being faced with the dilemma of choosing between preserving a historical building, making massive modifications to the architectural character of these buildings, or abandoning them for new facilities,” he said. Whether by discovery and citation by building code officials, or forced through a lawsuit by the general public, our buildings will eventually have to be brought up to these new standards. Tony Rainwater, President of Amramp Oklahoma, explained that ramps, or the lack of ramps are often the first things to alert churches to the lack of accessibility. His company has built a business on providing both long term and short term solutions to these issues. Their ramps come in a variety of sizes and configurations and typically can be installed in only a few days.
He says that they have seen an increase in the number of calls both from homeowners and from churches and other organizations. “America really is getting older and the need for safe accessibility is increasing right along with it,” he said.
According to Pirbo, a leader in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, wheelchair and scooter sales are expected to nearly double in size over the next five years, from the current $3.9 billion to $7.9 billion in 2015. Jay Eichler, President of Larry Dillard Medical Consulting, is already seeing a big spike in the number of scooter and powerchair sales. But it is the powerchairs in particular that are the big seller. Instead of being steered with handlebars like the scooters, they are driven with a joystick. Their turn-radius is greater and they typically take up less room. “Today’s seniors have access to products like these and therefore have greater mobility than yesterday’s seniors. This will no doubt keep them coming to church longer, that is, if churches make room for them,” he explained. As challenging as it might be for some churches to adapt to the needed changes, it is obviously an investment that must be made. Surely, churches can not turn their backs on the treasured elderly. Committed to remove any roadblocks that keep people from attending church, we can’t let the difficulty of getting around at church keep our elderly members away. Instead, we must learn to accommodate them, preparing for the day, in
the not too distant future, that we come driving into the church lobby in a scooter or a powerchair of our own. For more information on the challenges of meeting the new requirements, contact Randy Bright at 918-582-3972. Randy W. Bright is an architect with thirty-one years of working experience in the practice of architecture and twelve years specializing in church architecture. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies. Randy is the owner of RW Bright Architects, Inc., a company specializing in church and church-related projects since 1996. In 1996 and 1997 he delivered the “Building the Church” seminar to over eighty Tulsa regional churches, a seminar that was designed to assist churches with initiation of their building programs. Since then he has done a number of notable church projects including Ridgeway Baptist in Sapulpa, Broken Arrow Church of Christ, Church of the Holy Spirit in Tulsa, New Heart Fellowship in Broken Arrow, Aspen Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, and most recently the Crescent Valley Baptist Church of Tahlequah. He is a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church in Sapulpa and makes his home in Sand Springs with his wife and daughter. They also have two adult sons who live in Tulsa.
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Question: It has been more than a
year since Dad died, but I just can’t seem to get through the stages of grief. I know he is in a better place, but it still hurts. Even people with the greatest faith can still suffer the emotional pain of the loss. Your father is in a better place, but you are still here, having to deal with a life where you do not have the chance to spend time with him. Your spiritual relationship is strong, but you are suffering the pain of emotional loss.
“It is a common misconception that we must go through the “stages of grief” in order to recover from an emotional loss.” It is a common misconception that we must go through the “stages of grief” in order to recover from an emotional loss. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in the hospice movement, found that it is common for people, suffering a terminal illness, to go through five phases in coming to grips with this. These “stages of grief,” as they have become to be known, include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, and do not necessarily follow that order. The problem is that many people assume these are also stages of grief experienced by the survivors, even thought she never suggested this. Several research projects have proven that this does not relate to the emotional pain of the survivors, but the myth of stages of grief still persists.
“The biggest obstacle in recovery for most grievers is the unfinished business in the relationship. “
with that person. We see things that remind us of that person who died and are reminded of how we wished that they were still with us so that we might share our feelings with them directly. This does not mean that you will never feel better. It just means that you need to take action to deal with your emotional pain in loosing your father. The best action plan I have found for dealing with the emotional pain of a loss is outlined in “The Grief Recovery Handbook,” by John James and Russell Friedman. This is a step by step approach to figuring out what is emotionally incomplete in the relationship and helping you tie up the loose ends. While you can work on this on your own, with the help of a partner, it usually works better if you join an Outreach Program that uses these materials. My next workshop will begin on March 30th at the Floral Haven Family Center.
Steve Moeller is the Director of Community Relations at Floral Haven. He is a certified Grief Recovery® Specialist and also serves as the Mid America Educator for the Grief Recovery Institute in California. Steve has lead Grief Recovery® Workshops at Floral Haven for 20 years, is active in a variety of community organizations and is a frequent speaker in matters concerning grief and recovery. He also serves on the “Ask the Experts” panel at FuneralPlan.com.
The only true stage of grief that most survivors experience is that sense of being overwhelmed by the news of the loss. This may last for moments or much longer, depending on the relationship. Since each person is unique, our relationships are also unique. This is why every family member may feel the loss differently. The biggest obstacle in recovery for most grievers is the unfinished business in the relationship. We are constantly thinking and being reminded of the things we wish had been different or better in that relationship and our unmet dreams and expectations of what the future might have been like mar C h 2010 C ommu n ity Sp ir it
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Mom- “ME” Makeovers
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Mom- “ME” Makeovers
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Mom- “ME” Makeovers
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Mom- “ME” Makeovers
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A 27 DAY BODY TRANSFORMATION GAMEPLAN Bootcamp Tulsa Offer’s Transforming Make Over Secrets We are all looking for that quick fix, that magic pill to being thin and healthy. The television and magazines are full of such gimmicks, most of them unsuccessful and others, down right dangerous. But right here in Tulsa, a dynamic young coach by the name of J.C. “Coach” Conneely, is helping people get control of their lives and their waistlines. In the meantime, he is catching the attention of experts across the country. In fact, his “Bootcamp Tulsa” has recently been named as one of the country’s Top 10 Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps. J.C. is the Founder and President of JJC Enterprises, LLC. His sports performance company, Dynamic Sports Development, developed Bootcamp Tulsa, Tulsa’s first outdoor fitness program. The somewhat unusual approach gets people out of the gym, away from all the often over whelming rows and rows of equipment. Combining cardio and a strength-training program that capitalizes on their own body resistance, he teaches them workouts that they can do anywhere. His approach works. Lives are being changed. “The name sometimes scares people. This is not a military style approach. Instead, it is fun, creative, and its works for anyone, from the advanced athlete to people who haven’t exercised in years,” Coach Conneely explained. Competing only against themselves, participants go through short 45-minute workouts designed to allow people of all fitness levels to exercise together without embarrassment. Participants pay one fee and can go to as many sessions during the week as they want. However, he insists that everyone attend at least 3 workouts a week. The price is a very reasonable $177 for the first month and $149 per month from then on. Bootcamp is a year-round program. Workouts are done outside except during the months of December, January and February. But his approach is much more than a progression of exercises. He provides the tools necessary to empower individuals to create what he calls, “Ultimate Lifestyle Changes.” Encouraging them to “Take it to the next level,” he motivates people to take control of their life by taking control of their health. The “No Nonsense, No Excuse” program has been transforming lives for over 10 years now. From professional athletes and pageant contestants, to businessmen and pastors, hundreds of people are signing up for bootcamps held at parks all over the Tulsa area. To share his program with even more people, J.C. has recently released a book entitled, “The Secret To Real Weight Loss Success, Your 27 Day Body Transformation Gameplan.” Published by Total Publishing and Media, the book is now in bookstores all over the country. In the book, the reader is lead through a 27 Day Body Transformation Gameplan,
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using powerful and practical mindset principles that will help them achieve the body they have always desired and feel great about themself. He shares the secrets to developing eating habits that will lead to lifestyle change, so that they will lose the weight for good. After reading the book, you will understand why food timing is crucial and how you can still eat the foods you enjoy and still lose weight. Using principles from the Bootcamps, no equipment is required and all the exercises can be done right at home.
About J.C. “Coach” Conneely Credentials: B.S. Science in Health and Exercise, Oral Roberts University CSCCa Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach USAW Olympic Weightlifting Coach Division 1 University Director of Sports Performance Multiple coaching, sports performance and fitness certifications All Natural Bodybuilder Author Motivational Speaker Life Strategies Coach
J.C. was raised in New Jersey by his mother. Growing up in a single parent home, money was tight and he watched his mom work multiple jobs to provide for J.C. and his sister. “Although we never had much from a material standpoint, we were rich by our own standards. My mom taught us to work hard and treat others with compassion and to value good health,” he said. After high school, he had opportunities to play athletics at the collegiate level. Instead though, he found himself at Oral Roberts where he began working in the strength and conditioning department, helping other athletes achieve their maximum potential. Soon, he found opportunities to not only coach them physically, but to also spiritually and mentally. He says however that at the same time people we coming to him for advice, he was secretly going through his own personal struggles. “I made some poor decisions that cost me time, a lot of money and heartache.” But then he enrolled at Victory Bible Institute and he began to understand God’s plan for his life. Times still weren’t easy, but he began to realize he could live a life of complete health, abundance and happiness. Now when he coaches, he does so with understanding that it is his ministry as well as him profession. He has a desire to help others find success, balance and happiness in all aspects of their lives. “You really can conquer your thinking and experience true success, walking a life of abundance,” he insists.
“Coach JC’s Gameplan delivers the truth about how the mind is an incredibly powerful weapon. It shows you how mastering your mindset can be the tool to obtaining anything that you want in life. The power of my mind has been the engine that has driven me through all life’s obstacles, both on and off the court. The Secret To Weight Loss Success is the coaching that will change your life forever.” Samuel Dalembert NBA-Pro Basketball Player – Philadelphia 76er’s
Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty was able to read the first draft of JC’s new book and made the following comment. “Jonathan has given you truths that will help you become the person God made you to be. These truths come from the Bible – God’s wisdom. As you follow the practical, clear instruction to keep your body, mind and spirit in top condition, you will rise to a new level in your life. Getting yourself in agreement with the Creator of the Universe is the big step in life. God loves you and His plan for you is wholeness in every part of your being. For many years we have watched Jonathan Conneely walk out these truths. He is not telling you something he just thinks is a good idea. These truths are ones he has put into practice.” Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty Victory Christian Center Tulsa, OK
To order the book… go to CoachJC.com and click on where it says Coach JC’s latest book now available.
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Question: My daughter is complaining of a sore throat and I think it might be strep throat. Why won’t my doctor call out an antibiotic?
Answer:
Your doctor prefers not to call in an antibiotic because your daughter’s sore throat is simply a symptom, not a diagnosis. Actually the majority of most sore throats are due to viruses not bacteria such as strep. The symptoms which should lead you to suspect strep are sore throat, headaches, body aches, red rough sandpaper-like rash, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. Although a sore throat is a very typical complaint, it may not always be present with strep throat. Fever also can certainly occur with streptococcal pharyngitis but need not be present for diagnosis. If your physician strongly suspects strep throat, there is a rapid strep test available in most offices which only takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. This test is about 80-90% accurate, therefore if it shows negative, sometimes physicians will obtain a throat culture as well, which can take up to 2-3 days for confirmation. If the rapid strep test is positive, an antibiotic should be prescribed and the child will be considered contagious for the first twenty-four hours of treatment. Her symptoms should resolve within forty-eight hours of antibiotics. Most physicians also recommend sterilizing or purchasing a new toothbrush after forty-eight hours of antibiotic treatment to prevent reexposure. Of course if you begin to suspect your other children are complaining of similar symptoms, I would recommend contacting your physician. As I mentioned before, most sore throats are very often caused by viruses such as mono, adenovirus or rhinovirus and will not respond to antibiotics. Due to the increasing problems with antibiotic resistance and possibility of side effects, it is prudent only to use antibiotics when needed. If you daughter’s strep test is negative, most clinicians will recommend supportive treatment of cool soothing liquids, analgesics for fever/discomfort and /or throat lozenges if age appropriate. If the sore throat symptoms are not improving in 3-4 days, a persistent or high fever (104 or more), increasing difficulty swallowing, increasing neck pain or stiffness, or child is appearing toxic, she should be seen by her physician. If your child continues to have multiple episodes of strep infection (more than 6-7 episodes in a year), then you can consider discussing with her doctor whether a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist may be warranted to consider possible removal of the tonsils. 24
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Janet Jones, M.D. is a pediatrician whose office is located near St. Francis at 61st and Yale. She is a graduate of OU medical school and has been practicing pediatric medicine for over 10 years. She can be contacted at 918-481-4880.
Hay Y’all…We’re Invited to Dinner
There is a group of folks you need to meet and they have asked us all to dinner. Filled with a passion for helping kids, they run an impressive school called Happy Hands. Why Happy Hands? You see, Happy Hands Education Center is a unique school specifically designed for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and children who have other communicative disorders. By mixing expertise with lots of love, they are able to empower these special children with confidence, education, life skills and the abilities necessary to achieve all of their dreams. When you see these education heroes and their students in action, it is easy to understand why there are lots of “Happy Hands” at this incredible school. The staff and its board members have invited us all to a special Silent Auction Dinner to help raise money for their upcoming move to an exciting, brand new facility at 88th and Garnett. It is a western theme, so grab yer’ hat and boots and prepare to have a great time. You will enjoy some great vittles and even some entertainment. Once Happy Hands moves into their new facility, we will do a
full story to share more about this incredible 501c3 non-profit. But for now, here is some basic info about them. Come support them at the dinner. We are betting that you will be impressed!
The 16th Annual Happy Hands Silent Auction Dinner Saturday, March 27th 6:00 p.m. At Northeastern State University Building A 3100 East New Orleans Street (101st Street) Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Tickets are available for $35 online at www.HappyHands.org Happy Hands offers a full-time, year-round, early intervention program which focuses on developing language and communication skills for children ages infant to six years-old. The teachers use a Christian-based curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities in drama, art, science exploration, sensory activities, child-centered play, structured learning activities and field trips. Happy Hands is highly respected in the community and is accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education through OPSAC (Oklahoma Private School Accreditation Commission). They are also accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and they are a 3-Star Center, the highest rating of the Department of Human Services.
Happy Hands Education Center, Inc. 5717 E. 32nd Street - Tulsa, OK 74135 School Office: (918) 665-1200 Development Office: (918) 660-0855 Fax: (918) 660-0899
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The Trouble with Hookah Are YOUR College and Young Professionals Smoking It? There is a new fad sweeping across the country. Fed in part by a curious attraction to the Middle Eastern culture, a new generation of otherwise non-smokers are meeting in Hookah Bars to sit, talk, mingle, and smoke specially-flavored tobacco through water pipes. The water pipes called “Hookah” have been around for hundreds of years, originating from the northwestern provinces of India. Though they can be used to smoke opium or hashish (marijuana), the pipes in the hookah bars springing up across our colleges and university communities typically are filled with Naklia shisha, a combination of foreign tobaccos, mixed with molasses and dried fruit. The smoke is filtered through ice cold water, making it cool to the back of the throat and easily tolerated by even the first-time smoker. Other common names for the shisha are HubbleBubble, narghile, narghila, or sheesba. Amazingly, the same kids who have been bombarded with a lifetime of messages about the dangers of smoking are easily mislead
into thinking “smoking hookah is cool, different, and absolutely harmless. They will quickly tell you that they don’t smoke, even if they frequently smoke hookah. They will also contend that smoking hookah is not addictive like smoking cigarettes. “The smoke is filtered through the water, eliminating the tars and nicotine,” claimed an employee of Nara Cafe, a Tulsa Hookah Bar. “I can smoke it for an hour or more at a time and not have the coughing I used to get with smoking cigarettes. It must be better for me,” she said. But according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Smoking Hookah may be many times worse than smoking cigarettes. Here are the facts: 1. Smoking tobacco through water does NOT filter our cancercausing chemicals. Water-filtered smoke can damage the lungs and heart as much as cigarette smoke. (1) 2. Although the cool smoke does not burn the lungs when inhaled, it STILL contains carcinogens and is unhealthy. (2) 3. Compared to a single cigarette, hookah smoke is know to contain: a. Higher levels of arsenic, lead and nickel b. 36 times more tar c. 15 times more carbon monoxide (2) 4. Herbal shisha still exposes the smoker to tar and carcinogens just like herbal or “natural” cigarette. (1) 5. Smoking of hookah requires taking longer and harder drags. This leads to an increased level of inhaled nicotine and carcinogens in the lungs. (1) 6. The longer the session, the more nicotine and toxins are inhaled. (2) 7. It only takes 45 to 60 minute session (a typical hookah session) for the amount of nicotine and tar to add up to one pack of cigarettes. (2) References 1”Hookah.” Sacramento State: Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drug Education Program. October 19, 2009. http://www.csus.edu/alcohol/hookah.html 2“Top Facts: Hookahs.” The Bacchus Network. October 12, 2009. http:// www.tobaccofreeu.org/pdf/Hookah.pdf 3“Quick facts: Learn the basics about hookahs.” Iowa State Daily. October 19, 2009. http://www.iowastatedaily.com/articles/2006/09/25/ fyi/20060925-archive0.txt
Another study quoted in a special health alert produced by the American Lung Association says that a 40 to 45 minute hookah session increases nicotine and cotinine up to 250 per26
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cent and 120 percent respectively. Recently, many US city, state and federal jurisdictions (including Oklahoma) have moved to ban smoking in public places. But hookah bars have typically been able to fly under the radar of such regulations. A plea has been made to at least one member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives to review the regulations concerning such bars. At the time of this article, our research found that Tulsa currently has two Hookah Bars. Be aware, hookah may be just the thing to repackage and remarket deadly tobacco, hooking and addicting a whole new generation.
But Ain’t it Sexy?
Hookah smoking also… Stains your teeth, your hair & skin Gives you pre-mature wrinkles Makes you and your clothes stink I don’t know who you date, but guys, that is NOT sexy.
A note from the publisher. Although I normally am the first to reject efforts by our government to regulate and legislate the legal behaviors of consenting adults, this is one area which deserves some attention. There is currently no oversight of the materials or the processes used to make the many different flavors of shisha. Much of it comes from foreign countries and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please contact your state representatives and ask for their immediate attention to this growing trend. Steps taken now will protect this next generation from the proven, deadly results of smoking tobacco. Your voice now, will absolutely save lives later. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Using a hookah to smoke tobacco poses a serious potential health hazard to smokers and others exposed to the smoke emitted. Hookah tobacco and smoke contain numerous toxic substances known to cause clogged arteries and heart disease. Sharing a hookah may increase the risk of transmitting tuberculosis, viruses such as herpes or hepatitis, and other illnesses. Babies born to women who smoked one or more water pipes a day during pregnancy have lower birth weights (were at least 3 1/2 ounces less) than babies born to nonsmokers and are at an increased risk for respiratory diseases. Secondhand smoke from hookahs poses a serious risk for nonsmokers, particularly because it contains smoke from the tobacco and smoke from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.
“It’s a myth that hookah smoking is safer than smoking cigarettes. The tobacco is no less toxic. Hookah smokers actually inhale more tobacco smoke than do cigarette smokers because of the massive volume of smoke they inhale.” MayoClinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hookah/AN01265
“Studies indicate that hookah smokers are absorbing high levels of toxins and carcinogens that may contribute to heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory disease.” Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/dangers-of-hookah-smoking.htm
“Hookah smokers are at risk for the same kinds of diseases as are caused by cigarette smoking, including oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, cancer of the esophagus, reduced lung function, and decreased fertility.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/tobacco_industry/hookahs/index.htm
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Change Your Oil – Help to Save Lives Local JiffyLube® Service Centers Participate in the
3rd ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PARTNERS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Jiffy Lube wants to make sure the engines in your car and your body remain strong. The Jiffy Lube® service centers in the Greater Tulsa Area are participating in the company’s 3rd Annual Maintenance Partners for Life campaign to support the American Heart Association’s® Go Red For Women movement. Heart disease is the nation’s number one killer of women and men, and Jiffy Lube stores across the country are committed to donate more than $1 million to help stamp out the disease. Research shows many people are unaware of threats to their heart health and vehicle health. Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. And in a recent vehicle inspection campaign by the Car Care Council, 88 percent of vehicles failed at least one part of the inspection process. The Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life campaign stresses the importance of being vigilant about heart health and vehicle health, and educates people on smart, preventive maintenance of their bodies and vehicles. Customers will receive valuable information on keeping both “engines” performing at their best. “Maintenance Partners for Life is our commitment to raising community awareness and much-needed funds for heart
Nearly 2,400 Americans die of cardiovascular disease every day, an average of one death every 37 seconds. disease prevention,” said Greg Moore, Area Supervisor for the Greater Tulsa Area Jiffy Lubelocations. “I invite everyone to join us in contributing Come receive a to the fight against heart FREE Health disease, helping make an impact nationally and in Screening by the our own backyard.” American Heart Greg explained that just like we should proAssociation! tect our car’s engine with Saturday, March 6th regular oil changes, we 10:00 a.m.–Noon should not neglect our heart, our body’s engine. Jiffy Lube at 11621 “If you are like me, I take E. 31st St. better care of my car than I take care of myself. My car doesn’t drive in by itself, I have to make that happen. In the same way, we all need to take the initative to take better care of ourselves.” 30
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February 1st through “Every time I speak with March 14th customers our American Heart Assocan participate in the fundraising campaign ciation team, I am remindby donating $3 to Go ed how much a small Red For Women and in return will receive a donation can impact the Jiffy Lube Maintenance cause in a positive way,” Partners for Life savings said John Sanfacon, head book worth $100 in preventive-maintenance of marketing and savings. innovations for Jiffy Lube International will try to raise $1 Jiffy Lube International. million for the third consecutive year in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement to fight heart disease. More than 1,700 Jiffy Lube locations in the United States are participating in the company’s Maintenance Partners for Life campaign, which stresses the importance of maintaining heart health and vehicle care. Jiffy Lube has raised more than $2.3 million for the cause since 2008. Between now and March 14, customers who donate $3 at a participating Jiffy Lube will receive a Maintenance Partners for Life booklet containing more than $100 in savings. Customers this year also can make donations online through a dedicated Jiffy Lube Web site, www.jiffylubegoesred.com. All proceeds collected here in the Tulsa area will be allocated to Go Red For Women initiatives right here in our community. You can help! Go to your nearest Jiffy Lube location. Donate funds to the Go Red for Women campaign while you protect the heart of your automobile as well.
February 1st through March 14th customers can participate in the fundraising campaign by donating $3 to Go Red For Women and in return will receive a Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life savings book worth $100 in preventive-maintenance savings.
Jiffy Lube, with more than 2,200 service centers in North America, serves approximately 27.5 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube International is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company.
According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks are not always sudden and intense. Often, they start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort and often people wait too long before getting help. Here are the signs they list on the Go Red website.
About Go Red For Women Since 2004, Go Red For Women has captured the energy, passion, and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease - the No. 1 killer of women. Today, we want millions of women across America to take heart disease personally. Using the simple platform “Love Your Heart,” Go Red For Women engages these women - and the men who love them - to embrace the cause. Healthcare providers, celebrities, and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red For Women, please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org.
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1 for help.
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by Lyn Thompson
How to Build an Effective Cancer Ministry 32
For most pastoral staff, prayer leaders and friends, cancer concerns are often at or near the top of every prayer request list. As a life-threatening disease, with a diagnosis hitting an ever-increasing percentage of the population, it affects most every family in some way. The need for faith-based ministry to cancer patients and their families, both in area churches and community wide, is overwhelming. Studies by the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries indicate the number of Americans diagnosed with cancer each year will double by 2050. Today, about 1.3 million people annually receive a cancer diagnosis. By mid-century, that will have increased to 2.6 million annually. Hardly anyone today doesn’t know someone with cancer – a friend, coworker, neighbor, family member, etc. Because cancer afflicts so many, and impacts every aspect of their being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual -- Our Journey of Hope® (OJOH), the spiritual outreach program of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), is inviting churches to participate in a unique opportunity: a one-day, free seminar, called Building an Effective Cancer Ministry. The event, sponsored by CTCA, with co-sponsor Community Spirit magazine, is scheduled for April 24, 2010, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CTCA, 10109 E. 79th St. (81st St. & Hwy 169), Tulsa.
It will feature an array of nationally known and insightful speakers including: • Cancer survivor and former National League baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky, and his wife Jan, both Christian authors as well, from Endurance, a ministry of The Outreach of Hope, www. endurance.org; • Dr. Harold Koenig, cancer survivor, author, boardcertified physician in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and geriatric medicine, and co-director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health; • Ken Curtis, cancer survivor, ordained minister and founder and president of Gateway Films/ Vision Video and Christian History Institute; • Dr. John C. Thomas, professional counselor, associate professor in the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University and co-author of the book What’s Good About Feeling Bad?, finding purpose and a path through your pain; • Phyllis Jessey, caregiver for a cancer patient and co-founder and co-chair of C o m m u n i t y S p i rit
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the All Ribbon Group, a non-profit organization that strives to empower community, faith-based and corporate organizations in their quest to support and educate individuals diagnosed with cancer. • An afternoon panel composed of cancer ministry leaders from churches of different sizes and whose ministries are of differing formats. The purpose of the event is to provide greater understanding, capability and tools for building an effective and sustainable cancer ministry at churches to reach the community with the love and care of Christ. “We hope our speakers and panelists will inspire and motivate those who attend this event to start faith-based cancer ministry in their churches,” said Lyn Thompson, spiritual outreach coordinator for CTCA in Tulsa and a 23-year cancer survivor. “The need is great, and we have brought together speakers and panelists who will provide a wealth of ideas and tools to that end.” While there are cancer support groups available in some communities, there aren’t many in others. And there are even fewer cancer support groups nationwide which are faith-based and offer cancer patients spiritual perspective, growth and health. The vast majority are group meetings with no spiritual component and no authentic ministry to help men, women and children deal positively with the sometimes devastating ramifications and consequences of this disease. “When you’re on a cancer journey, you need spiritual care, as well as care for physical and mental/emotional needs,” Lyn explained. “People cared for holistically are better equipped, empowered and strengthened to fight the disease. Because CTCA is committed to providing integrated care with a strong, spiritual component within our facility, it’s a natural extension for us to want to see effective, faith-based cancer ministries spring up in churches and communities throughout our area and the nation. That’s why we started Our Journey of Hope in 2005, and that’s why we’re hosting this event.” What’s needed to provide cancer ministry Whether a church is large, small or somewhere in-between, it can provide life-changing, powerful and sustainable cancer ministry to congregants and community.
Dr. John C.Thomas
Dr. Harold G. Koenig
“All that’s needed is vision, an understanding of the most critical components and some creative ideas for how to build this ministry in the church setting and as an outreach to the community,” Lyn shared. “At the OJOH Building an Effective Cancer Ministry event, people will have the opportunity to question panelists from small, medium and large churches, with completely different cancer ministry formats, about their ministries -- how they started them and keep them vibrant. A presenter from The All Ribbon Group will also speak about creating an infrastructure for cancer ministry that will make it sustainable, even if ministry leaders change.”
Ken Curtis
Phyllis Jessey
Seating is limited to 200, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. So that more churches may participate, each congregation is asked to limit representation to one or two people. For a complete listing of presenters, as well as the seminar agenda, please go to www.hopenavigators.com and click on the Building an Effective Cancer Ministry box. Online registration is also available there. Or, contact Lyn Thompson at 918286-5235 or lyn.thompson@ctca-hope.com.
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Life to be a Drink Offering to God Physician tries to be channel through which God By Lyn Thompson can touch others
“You know how God directs your steps, but you often don’t know the end goal until you get there, look back, and see how He’s prepared you by all the steps for what He’s brought you to now?” Dr. Don King rhetorically queried. “Well, when I came to Oral Roberts University (ORU) and the City of Faith (COF -- a medical complex built by ORU to house a hospital, research facility and medical offices) in 1983, I realized what perfect training God had given me by the varied background He’d led me through to that point. No matter what role they asked me to fill, I had the background and experience to do it.” Director of Hospital Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Tulsa, Dr. King says his tenure with ORU and COF was a “divine call” he held dear. When, as medical director of COF he had to close the medical side in 1990, he felt a personal loss as well. In the years he worked there, he received 11 promotions, and when COF closed, he was not only medical director, but associate dean for clinical affairs and chairman of preventive, administrative, and international medicine. Four months later, CTCA opened, having seen potential in the closed medical complex. Dr. King joined CTCA in their new facility as vice president of medical affairs. “Within six months, CTCA was growing, a blessing to ORU and to patients,” he recalled. “Within a year, there was no longer a need for a full-time physician executive, so I went back to clinically treating patients and pouring myself into their lives.” A self-proclaimed agnostic as a sophomore at UCLA in 1965 Dr. King realized that even though he planned on a career in medicine
to bring “the maximum good to the maximum number of people,” he was really no different from any other selfish person doing nothing for others, because he was going into medicine for selfish reasons. “I was struggling to understand my purpose and goal in life,” he said. “I knew it had to be more than just pleasing myself. I’m good at reading people, and I saw how people who said God existed abused a belief in Him, which made me skeptical of His existence. But I also knew I didn’t have the kind of selfless love they talked about Him having within myself. So I asked Him, if He were really there, to reveal Himself to me, forgive me for trying to live without Him, asked Jesus to be my personal Lord and Savior, gave my life to Him—because I wanted to know Him personally. He came in instantly, and I felt an incredible sense of His presence and peace which has never left me.” From that experience in 1965, Dr. King has followed the Lord, seeking more and more of Him and willingly going and doing whatever he heard God tell him. For him and his wife of 40 years, Joy D. King, MD(ret), DMin, this has included taking the first steps of faith through doors not yet opened, and then seeing God move: overseas medical and missionary work; having a medical ministry to ministers; working to establish a mission church within United States; and believing God for miracles and seeing them occur … time and again … both personally and for those with whom they work. “Great faith requires great presumption,” Dr. King said. “If you believe God is who He says He is and that His character is one that wants to heal, redeem, love His children, is compassionate, restorative, and can do all things, then you must know that miracles are coming by every few moments. I learned from Oral Roberts that I just have to open my spiritual eyes and grab them as they come by.” As a cancer survivor himself, Dr. King has great empathy for his patients at CTCA and their family members. “When you accept the fullness of an office God gives you, He also gives you a special anointing for it,” he shared. “I believe my life is a drink offering poured out before the Lord into the lives of the people He touches through me, whether patients, families, or fellow employees. “This helps me assist patients,” he continued. “In addition to conventional medical care, patients can receive greater wholeness through the fruits of the Spirit (i.e. peace, joy), even if not yet receiving the gifts of the Spirit (i.e, physical healing) for which they pray. Patients are more than a scan or test. Undesirable results should not be the sole determiner of whether they’re up or down that day. God living within helps me grow progressively in the love I have for my patients, and in sensitivity, caring and understanding. “I’m not perfect, and I don’t have His perspective and capacity perfectly,” continues Dr. King. “But I’m growing in intense proximity to Him and in my capacity to release Him to others as I remember I am His vessel, created by Him, filled by Him, useful for His service, and a conduit through which He can touch others.”
A Multidisciplinary Approach Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers a variety of experienced cancer doctors and clinicians who form a multidisciplinary care team who team up to fight cancer on all fronts. The CTCA care team includes: medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, hematologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, pain management physicians, radiologists, pathologists, internists, and more. In addition, naturopathic medicine providers, registered dietitians, cancer rehabilitation therapists, mind-body specialists, and chaplains are available to support patients during treatment. While CTCA oncologists and specialists help fight cancer, the complementary medicine clinicians provide supportive therapies to help patients tolerate treatment, manage side effects, and enjoy a good quality of life. The CTCA care team will also address other medical issues as they arise, such as diabetes and respiratory, heart and digestive conditions. It’s a whole person, patient-centered approach to cancer care. To learn more about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, visit cancercenter.com 34
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Loving Home
Grigsby’s Carpet and Tile Carpeting is beautiful, but have you ever considered that it is practical as well? It adds warmth and is soft under feet and easier on children’s knees. It is much quieter than hard surface floors. It comes in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to decorate with. And, it can hide many sub-floor irregularities. Finally, it is economical and the installation costs are generally less than some of the hard surface products. Grigsby’s Carpet and Tile is an excellent place to buy carpet. Not only are they one of the largest of any showroom in the region, they have been an avid supporter of Community Spirit for many years. Go see them. They can help you with any flooring need.
Sponsored by:
Mark Close Roofing mar C h 2010 C ommu n ity Sp ir it
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Loving Home
B
efore the first jonquil pushes through the frozen ground, our thoughts have already turned to spring. Just as birds start to gather twigs for their new spring nests, our nesting instincts, too, have taken hold. Our homes become a reflection of our anticipation for the days of renewal that springtime brings. Whether you like to add touches of spring in each room, or prefer to adorn one focal point in your home such as a mantle or your dining room table, welcome the new season with light and fun decor. Decide on your spring decorating theme....will it be a garden theme? A beautiful garden theme requires little more than adorning your home with clusters of spring flowers such as potted tulips. Place them, pots and all, into lovely urns for your mantle or table centerpiece. Enjoy them indoors now and save the bulbs for planting later. Or maybe you prefer a more whimsical theme... create a tablescape with garland, candles, and bunnies. These playful vignettes appeal to the childlike spirit in us all. When transforming your home for spring, don’t forget fragrance. Home fragrance plays such an important role in setting the tone. The warm and spicy aromas we enjoyed at Christmas now give way to much lighter citrusy and floral notes that represent springtime. There are so many choices today to fragrance your home such as scented candles, infusion lamps, or diffuser reeds. The latter is perfect if you prefer a flameless option. Reeds are placed in a decorative container filled with fragranced oil that releases the scent of your choice into the room. Once your home is adorned in its best spring attire, it’s a wonderful time to gather friends and family to celebrate! 38
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The awardwinning Beatles production, RAIN – A Tribute To The Beatles, makes its debut
at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for 8 shows only, March 30th-April 4th. In a show the Denver Post calls “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,” RAIN boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” to classic hits including “Revolution” and “Come Together.” Tickets go on sale Monday, March 1st. RAIN covers the Fab Four from their very first Ed Sullivan Show appearance through the Abbey Road album, through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hardrocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying performers in their own right. RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles comes to Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center March 30th - April 4th for only eight performances. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 1st and may be purchased via phone (918) 596-7111, (800)364-7111, in person at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office, or online at www.MyTicketOffice. com. Groups of 20 or more may call Celebrity Attractions at (918) 796-0220 for a discount. RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles is presented by Celebrity Attractions and is a part of the 2009-2010 Broadway Season including CIRQUE DREAMS Illumination and THE WIZARD OF OZ and the add-on production of TUNA DOES VEGAS. Celebrity Attractions is proud to have American Airlines, News Channel 6 and Tulsa World as sponsors for this spectacular season.
C O U FREE P O N 371- ROOF Mark Close Roofing & Construction Inc.
17 POINT ROOF INSPECTION Includes Hail Damage
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Loving Home
ATTENTION!
“The Greatest Generation” is Under Attack Anyone who knows me well can attest that I love history, especially the era surrounding World War II. Movies, documentaries - if it’s on the history channel I’ll be watching it! One of my favorite war movies is entitled Saving Private Ryan. Directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, it is considered to be one of the most realistic and accurate reenactments of the Normandy invasion ever produced. To witness the degree of sacrifice and commitment of those brave men fighting for world freedom personally left me speechless. The men and women who fought and died during World War II have earned their generation the distinguished title of “The Greatest Generation.” This article is respectfully dedicated to them.
Crowns of Silver Having been in practice for nearly twenty years, many of my clients are veterans and survivors of the Great Depression and World War II. I enjoy them because of their wisdom and the fact that they have put their convictions into action. From the time of my first encounters with older folk, my parents taught me to respect my elders. The bible teaches us to respect and honor those with crowns of silver. For the past three years I have spent many counseling sessions dealing with the fears that my retired clients are facing. Fears of Medicaid and Medicare reform, Social Security fear-mongering, and their overall lack of income due to increased utility and healthcare costs are just a few of the many fears they verbalize. One thing is for sure - their generation is a proud lot and very independent. A USA Today article dealing with bankruptcy in America presented some alarming facts about this “Depression Era” generation. Once known for their thriftiness and frugality, it would appear they are changing their viewpoints on debt and shall we say, becoming more “NSYNC” with the younger crowd. (You might not get that unless you had a child growing up in the 80’s.) Racking up debt at an unprecedented rate they too are beginning to suffer from the burdens associated with debt.
Debt Has No Regard For Age According to the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, a recent study at Harvard University, the age group with the greatest increase in bankruptcy filings was those individuals greater than 65 years of age. During a period from 1991 to 2001 they managed to increase their filings by a staggering 244%. For those who may think there was a misprint, their increase was 244%! That’s almost three times greater than the next age group, 55-64. Is it a change of heart or decisions made out of desperation? Has the wisest group among us finally thrown down their shields and surrendered to the great nemesis debt? Why are so many of our nation’s senior citizens opting for financial bondage and summarily forgetting a lifetime of experiences? There are several reasons that can be sited as contributing factors to the problem. The skyrocketing cost of medications, unexpected medical emergencies, loans made to children and grandchildren, and major home repairs have all had a cumulative affect on the average senior’s household debt. According to SRI Consulting Business Intelligence, the average household debt for those 65 and older is up 164% in just eight years. This is almost double that of those younger than 65.
SOS Sometimes I write these articles wondering if anyone actually reads them. Does anyone really care that Satan is using money to systematically divide families and destroy lives? If you feel as strongly as I do, please join me as we pray for those with financial burdens. Pray for a financial revival among our congregations and for boldness among our pastors that they might preach bold stewardship messages. If you are feeling the burden of debt but somehow feel that you are alone and out of step with society, have faith that you are not alone. Share your thoughts with me or someone else that could use a word of encouragement. Like our friend Dave Ramsey often says, “If debt is normal then I want to be weird.”
Storm Clouds Rising With the stock market entering historic low levels, interest rates nearing a 40-year low, the only glimmer of hope lies in an inflation rate that has been neutral for the past two years. With many seniors relying primarily on Social Security as their major source of income, a decade of interest rate reductions has reduced the interest income they receive from their savings and certificates of deposit to amounts well below their need. Even though inflation has been neutral for most durable goods over the past two years, the soaring costs of healthcare and prescriptions have more than made up the difference. Out-of-pocket medical expenses from 1999 to 2001 alone have increased by nearly 50%.
Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Author of God Good-Debt Bad Ranyd 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 Advisory services offered through Hornor Townsend and Kent, Inc. 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.” A9JC-0625-06 mar C h 2010 C ommu n ity Sp ir it
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Loving Home
Here’s a riddle for you:
What does God want us to do with our money?
The answer? It’s not our money.
So, what should churches and church leaders be considering in the midst of these economic times, especially if they are concerned with current or potential downward trends in their weekly giving? Let me begin by unpacking two critically important concepts to fully explain the purpose and meaning of the riddle. We must have a clear understanding of the word “stewardship”. We must know what it means, and what it does not mean. We must also have an understanding of the concept of ownership.
Stewardship
What stewardship IS: A measure of how well an individual or entity manages another’s property and/or possessions.
What stewardship is NOT: A synonym for church giving (i.e. “our stewardship has been down for several months in a row”).
I have reviewed several dictionary resources and, on average, each dictionary had nine different definitions for the root word “steward”. Not one of these definitions mentioned church-based giving. The accurate meaning of the word “stewardship” communicates an amazingly rich concept involving how we should make daily financial decisions. We should make financial decisions each day as if we are managing, or “stewarding,” someone else’s resources. To demonstrate the magnitude to which this concept is being examined, I am reminded of a conversation I heard recently among several national church leaders who are experts in the topic of church finances. The question asked was, “is the word ‘stewardship’ an old-fashioned word? Further, should the word ‘generosity’ be used in its place?” These leaders determined exactly what we have believed and been coaching for some time: we must become faithful stewards FIRST, which ALLOWS us to be generous. The phrases are absolutely NOT synonymous.
STEAWARDSHIP≠GIVING
A large part of why the debate exists surrounding the possibility that the word is old-fashioned stems from the manner that the word “stewardship” has been used. Unfortunately, the word has too often been connected with a capital campaign such as, “We are launching our ‘Capital Stewardship Campaign’ this year”.
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Ownership
Before we can fully embrace the concept of stewardship, we must have a working knowledge of “ownership”. The concept of ownership is a subset of “Lordship”. As I meet with church leaders, I find that the concept of “who owns our possessions” concept is not routinely discussed. To apply the principles of the first concept, stewardship, it is important that we first recognize and ask the question: who owns those resources that we drive, wake up in, or experience each day? The answer is: God owns everything.
The Riddle
As we coach church leaders who desire a culture of stewardship and generosity, it’s easy to focus on the word “generosity” first, even exploring a series on ways to be more generous. What needs to be addressed first, however, is how to understand the riddle: It isn’t our money. The answer to the issue that most churches are dealing with regarding decreasing revenues (giving) is NOT to teach more on giving; in fact, it is something else altogether. To be candid, appealing to church members to give for Haiti relief or for the benefit of starving children in a third-world country, “just because it’s the right thing to do,” is almost cruel. We as believers need to understand that just because property exists with our name on it does not mean it is actually our stuff. Further, we should respond by being an obedient steward of the resources that are under our responsibility. Churches who desire a culture of stewardship and generosity, should start by weaving these rich principles of stewardship and ownership throughout a body of believers.
Understanding this riddle, as well as living by its root concepts, provides pleasing results:
Less bondage and more freedom.
P. Kevin Shahan serves as an Area Director for Crown Financial Ministries. Before joining Crown, Kevin worked for over 20 years in the financial services industry helping families manage their resources. After volunteering for several years with Crown, Kevin was called to lead the local ministry from a full-time staff position. In his role as Area Director He coaches churches, businesses and schools so that all people will be spiritually and financially transformed through living in God’s economy.
Loving Home
Question: Are you considering a conversion from your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?
Answer: The arrival of year 2010 has created a new
“opportunity” to consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Previously, those tax filers with over $100,000 in income could not convert to a Roth. Traditional IRA’s have been available since 1984. Generally speaking, traditional IRA’s offer the benefit of having a tax deduction for the amounts contributed with the growth being tax-deferred until you make withdrawals when the full amounts are taxable. Contributions to a Roth IRA (Roth IRA’s became available in 1998) are not deductible but the future withdrawals are tax-free. Further, distributions from a traditional IRA must begin no later than the year you turn age 70 ½ whereas you don’t have to take Roth IRA distributions during your lifetime if you choose not to.
“If you are thinking you may want to convert to a Roth IRA, there are several things you should consider.” If you choose to convert all or part of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010, the income upon conversion is split and reported as taxable income between the two years of 2011 and 2012. Conversions after 2010 are reported as taxable income in full in the year of conversion. If you are thinking you may want to convert to a Roth IRA, there are several things you should consider. The first might be: Why do you want to pay the taxes now on the conversion instead of later as the distributions are received? Perhaps the reason you made contributions to a traditional IRA instead of a Roth IRA is so you could save immediate tax dollars and put off the inevitable. Perhaps you thought tax rates would be lower during your retirement years. Therefore your current contributions would save more tax dollars relative to the tax on withdrawals later on. What has changed your approach on this matter? Yes, it does appear likely that the income tax rates will be increasing. Historically, the rates have been somewhat of a roller coaster. Just how long will the rates stay higher … 4 years, 8 years? So what will the rates be when you withdraw from your IRA’s over your retirement years which could be 20 or 30 years or longer? Try to not have a short-term perspective as you ponder.
Conversions to a Roth IRA will cause additional income to be reported on your tax returns. If you have children in college who might otherwise qualify for financial aid, the additional income reported in your return could result in no longer qualifying. If you are already receiving social security benefits, the additional income could cause more of your social security benefits to become taxable. Perhaps you may not need any IRA withdrawals during retirement due to other sources of income. Roth IRA’s do not require any distributions to be received during your lifetime. Paying the taxes now upon conversion so your beneficiaries will not have to pay taxes 30, 40, or more years from now as they receive withdrawals sounds like a nice thing – for them. If it is likely that you will have a federal taxable estate – depending on what the estate tax laws turn out to be – then this could also be a nice thing for you too. Otherwise, it may not be your best financial move. Very generally, the best candidates for converting to a Roth IRA are the very wealthy who have more than sufficient assets to happily retire and those whose heirs are themselves in the upper income tax brackets. As you plan for your retirement years, paying any conversion taxes now will certainly reduce the amount of assets available not only for future growth for you but will also reduce the available money to spend during your retirement. Do you really want to give some of your retirement assets to the IRS? Remember that Congress gave everyone the “opportunity” to convert traditional IRA’s to Roth IRA’s since it is a revenue generator for them to help cover the federal deficit. Before you decide to jump on the opportunity, make sure it is a good idea for you! Steve Milam, CPA/PFS is the owner of Milam & Associates. With over 33 years of experience in public and private accounting, Steve provides full services of tax, financial reporting and personal financial planning for individuals and small to mid-size businesses. The tax practice handles tax compliance as well as planning and consulting. Steve grew up in Tulsa and serves on the boards of several community and professional organizations. Phone: 493-2002 • Fax: 493-2052 smilam@milamcpa.com • www.milamcpa.com
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I recommend Dillon Funeral Home... When my mother passed away, I just didn’t know how I was going to get through it. But Jerry Dillon and his staff took care of everything. I had never met them before, yet they brought in such a sense of confidence that I knew immediately that I could trust them. They were professional, compassionate and kind, all at the same time. They listened. They truly listened and took an interest in what I had to say. It made me realize that they really cared. I notice things like that. Since then, I have been recommending them to everybody I know. You can trust these guys.
– Janis Dover Barber, Tulsa Frank Smith Licensed Funeral Director
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