November 2012 | Community Spirit Magazine

G. BARRY EPPERL EY

November 2012

Contents Features: 6 Christmas at the Movies 11 The Christmas Store 12 The Bair Foundation 16 Grace Hospice Celebrates National Hospice Month 19 Having Holiday Parties and Enjoying Them 20 ORU Section

COLUMNS: 9 Floral Haven 13 Randy Cowell 25 Lose Your Quit with Danny Cahill 29 Matters of the Heart with Deniece Adsit

PUBLISHER & editor Tom McCloud CREATIVE Director Ramond Walker COVER PHOTO Don Kreutzweiser CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Moeller, Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Danny Cahill, Deniece Adsit www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com

TULSA Sales Office 10019 S. 69th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74133 phone: (918) 307-2323 fax: (918) 528-6209 Distribution Community Spirit is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church.

Community Spirit is published monthly by McCloud Media.

Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit 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.”

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 Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunitySpiritMagazine

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C H R I S T M A S AT T H E M O V I E S

Christmas at the Movies THE ULTIMATE FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOW SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2:30 PM

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hat is your favorite Christmas song? If you are like most of us, when you think of Christmas, you just can’t help but picture Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas” or if you are younger, maybe it is the delightfully sinister songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can’t help but picture that mean old Grinch, can you?

Now, allow yourself to mix in those mental images of your own family memories as you sang along to these great movies. It puts you right in the mood for Christmas, doesn’t it?

So what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to relive the wonderful Christmas tunes from those cherished films? The TCC Signature Symphony along with the Fine Arts Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and a whole host of other special guests have invited all of us to re-experience Christmas At The Movies, Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2:30 p.m., at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. It’s all part of the 2012-13 Spotlight Series, six delightful, Broadway-quality shows coming to the Broken Arrow this season.

“This will be a truly collaborative effort from many wonderful entities in this community,” said Mark Frie, executive director of the BAPAC and director of the show. “It is a unique opportunity as well for students of Broken Arrow to perform alongside a professional orchestra, which will actually be the first time a full symphony has played in the BAPAC.” TCC’s Signature Symphony, along with artistic director

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G. Barry Epperley, will share the stage with dozens of Broken Arrow Public Schools students from band, orchestra and choir, as well as an elementary school children’s ensemble, plus a dance troupe from Moore’s Dance Studio in Broken Arrow and several other guest, including Mark and his wife, Kim Frie. Two BAPS teachers will also be a part of the Symphony, including Sarah Richardson and Jeff Loud.

MARK AND KIM FRIE

“To have all that talent residing in our city is nothing short of amazing,” said Frie. “These students and teachers will come together with their diverse backgrounds and united under the banner of wonderful Christmas music that’s near and dear to many people’s hearts.”

Selections from the show will include classics from the most beloved holiday films, including White Christmas, Holiday Inn, The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas

It’s truly “Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” and this show will undoubtedly put us all in the mood!

Tickets range in price from 15 to 30 dollars and are available at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts box office or at www.brokenarrowpac.com or contact the box office at 918259-5778.

“I’m convinced…Music is God’s language.”

-Barry Epperley T H E S I G N AT U R E S Y M P H O N Y

and many more. It will also be a night to pay tribute to Ralph Blane, Broken Arrow’s favorite son, who wrote “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and other Hollywood classics.

It will be Christmas at its best. Just imagine the beauty and majesty of the TCC Signature Symphony. Next, add in some great professional voices. Then, think out of the box to add “The Pride of Broken Arrow,” the Broken Arrow marching band that continually receives top International honors. Finally, mix it all into a cute Christmas play and you have a Christmas spectacular guaranteed to warm your heart for the entire holiday season. In fact, it is our bet that you will be singing all the way home.

Pulling together such mixtures of talents is something people have come to expect from Barry Epperley. Just last month, he matched his respected symphony up with the western swing band of Asleep at the Wheel. Such musical diversity was all part of his vision as he founded the Signature Symphony in 1978.

Epperley has had a colorful career, first working as an arranger/producer for Disney Corporation and then along side such legends Duke Ellington, Johnny Mathis and Count Basie. During his service as conductor of the US Army Chamber Orchestra, he performed for three presidential administrations and many international dignitaries. He came to TCC in 1995, two years before the Signature Symphony was asked to become a professional orchestra-in-residence at the VanTrease Performing Arts Center.

Singing many of the Christmas favorites will be Mark and Kim Frie. Both with world-class voices, they have traveled the globe, performing independently and together in such famous venues as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Skylight Opera, North Shore Music Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Center and New York City Opera. Kim is currently the music teacher at Centennial Middle School in Broken Arrow.

Patrons of the show will be treated to special holiday music before the show in the lobby. Santa Claus will also be available for FREE photos by the PAC’s giant Christmas tree.

When you attend Christmas at the Movies, don’t be too surprised if Barry Epperley tears up in a couple of the parts.

You see, this professional director has a heart for Christmas music. He can’t just do the music without thinking about the message. “Its all about the Christ Child.

Sure, we do some standards, “SleighRide” for instance, but it is all about the message,” he said.

“People have to understand that this is my life. I am a Christian man, right where I am suppose to be and doing what I am suppose to be doing. I am always listening, always praying. I truly believe that music is God’s language. I worked in churches my entire career, was at Christ United Methodist for 32 years and only retired 3 years ago. I always told Reverend Pierson that he could talk all he wanted, but it was the music that touched people’s hearts.”

At times, Epperley has been criticized for being too overtly “Christian” during the Christmas shows. “But this is Christmas,” he said inquisitively.

After working for Oral Roberts for 18 years and being in charge of the music during the shows for 4 of those years, he believes God often places an anointing on people and music, sometimes even non-Christian people. He continues to use Johannes Brahms as an example. “If you can sing his Requiem without tears, you must have ice water in your veins.”

Epperley comes by his faith naturally. His father was a choir director and Barry began singing in the choir when he was only 8 years old.

Now after a lifetime of achievement in music, he still is touched when music and verse come together to tell the story of his Savior.

We asked him whether he thinks people will still be singing “Oh Holy Night,” in another 100 years. “I believe they will. As long as people appreciate music and thought, they will continue to love these same great songs.”

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Broken Arrow Invites You to Spend Christmas With Them Broken Arrow loves Christmas! From shopping and meeting Santa, to Christmas lights to entertainment, you are going to love spending your Christmas holidays in this thriving city with a hometown feel.

Here is a brief list of some of the activities they have planned for you and your family…

November 2nd - Annual Buy Broken Arrow Campaign Kick-off Each year, the Broken Arrow Area Chamber of Commerce holds an annual Buy Broken Arrow Campaign that promotes the City of Broken Arrow and the many wonderful businesses that are a part of our community. Shop with participating Broken Arrow merchants and collect tickets for your chance to win part of $15,000.

November 8th - Holiday Tea Off November 10th - An Affair for All Seasons XV A festive event with craft booths, baked goods, good food and door prizes every half hour.

St. Anne Parish Hall, 301 S. Ninth Street, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM December 1st - The Miss Broken Arrow and Outstanding Teen 2013 Scholarship Pageant 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. North Intermediate High School Auditorium, 800 East College

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December 1st - The Civitan Christmas Parade Main Street, 10:00 a.m.

December 9 - Historic Homes Tour Fundraiser In downtown Broken Arrow. View holiday decorations, Christmas caroling, light refreshments and more! Call the Broken Arrow Historical Museum for tickets and information. 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Broken Arrow Historical Museum, 400 South Main Street, 918-258-2616. Cost: $15.00/ adults, children free.

December 15th - Santa’s Candy Cane Run Santa Claus is coming to Broken Arrow! On December 15th, Santa Claus will kick off the 1st annual Santa’s Candy Can 5k and Fun Run. Join hundreds of runners and walkers dressed in holiday gear as they make their way through downtown Broken Arrow. 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Performing Arts Center, 701 South Main Street December 16th - “Christmas at the Movies” at the Broken Arrow PAC November thru December - “Quilts: Past to Present” The exhibit will include an extensive display of quilts and quilt tops. You will also find antique and vintage sewing machine along with sewing ephemera. Plus, a bake sale will be hosted by Historical Society members. All day. Broken Arrow Historical Museum. 400 South Main Street

STEVE MOELLER FLORAL HAVEN

Question: The subject of funeral and cemetery arrangements came up in our book club last month, related to the book we were reading. Do you do any group presentations where people can ask questions, without the requirement that we buy anything?

The short answer to your question is a very definite yes!

A lot of people have questions about cemetery choices, funeral and/or cremation planning and even Veteran’s death benefits, and feel a bit uncomfortable calling or stopping in for information. That is why Floral Haven has set up a series of different presentations that we can offer, either in our Family Center or any other location, to not only cover the basic information, but also to answer questions that people might have. With more people asking questions, often you will learn about things that you might not thought of asking yourself.

Floral Haven has long believed that informed consumers make better choices. Since most people are faced with having to plan final arrangements only a few times in their lives, their knowledge on the subject is usually limited to things they have seen at services they have attended or from seeing a service on a television program. These are hardly the best sources of information, since they are specific to those individuals and situations. A relaxed gathering of friends in your home, church, club house or other familiar surrounds provides everyone the opportunity to learn about the many options open in creating a truly personalized service or cemetery site.

Planning such an informational gathering does not require that you have a large group of people attend. These gatherings can be as small as six or eight people to larger groups of twenty or more. If the setting allows, we were even provide sandwich trays or other refreshments, at no charge, to create a more relaxed and comfortable environment for everyone. Our entire focus is on creating a safe opportunity for people to learn the information that will help them make better choices for themselves and their family.

If your group or organization would like to plan such an information presentation, please call Mark Bodicky at 918-4591594. Mark is the Director of Pre-planning Services at Floral Haven and would be happy to talk with you about how we could schedule such an event with you and your friends. There is no charge for this service and certainly no obligation. He has presented programs

such as this many times over the years and is delighted to share information with groups of any size.

After a loss, most people wish they had talked about the many different choices they had to make in advance. The majority of people have no idea of the many options that are available with cremation or more traditional service offerings. Most Veterans have no idea of what benefits are provided by the Veterans Administration, or assume that they provide far more than is actually the case. By taking the time to learn about these many different things in advance, in a comfortable and relaxed setting, you have the chance to learn the truth that will help you and your family make educated decisions, rather than strictly emotional ones.

STEVE MOELLER Steve Moeller is a licensed funeral director, has been in funeral service for 35 years and 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 recover. He also serves on the “Ask The Experts” panel at FuneralPlan.com.

We offer educational presentations for groups of any size Take the time to learn about all of your options!

FLORAL HAVEN

Crematory • Funeral Home • Cemetery • Floral Shop Family Center • Mausoleums • Cremation Gardens

918-252-2518

www.FloralHaven.com

November 2012 Community S pirit

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HAMLET RECIPE

A Holiday Recipe from The Hamlet Ingredients: • 1 Pre-made chocolate cookie piecrust • 1 Jar (12 oz.) Robert Rothschild Farm Peppermint Candy Cane Dip • 8 oz. Whipped Topping • 1 Jar (14.5 oz.) Robert Rothschild Farm Dark Chocolate Sauce (optional) • Candy canes, crushed for garnish (optional)

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hat could be more festive than a Candy Cane Pie? Here is a recipe that will be a hit at your Christmas party. You will find the secret ingredient, Robert Rothschild’s Gluten-Free Peppermint Candy Cane Dip at either of the two Hamlet locations.

It is as simple as it is delicious!

Instructions: Place Peppermint Candy Cane Dip into a bowl. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Pour the mixture into prepared piecrust.

Chill at least 4 hours or longer if making it ahead. Alternately, the pie can be served frozen. If so let the frozen pie rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve chilled.

Optional: Drizzle with warm Dark Chocolate Sauce and garnish with candy cane sprinkles.

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THE CHRISTMAS STORE

Contact Mission’s Christmas Store A legacy of love!

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n Saturday, December 8, 2012, Contact Mission will celebrate it’s 10th Christmas Store Event, continuing a legacy of love to hundreds of kids in need living throughout Tulsa.

Last year, 1747 brand new toys, books, electronics, clothes, boots, purses and games filled the Contact building, located at 49th and Union, on Tulsa’s west side. Nearly 400 children, most of whom live in poverty, were blessed through this compassionate effort.

In 2011, 98 grateful parents, grandparents and foster parents “shopped with dignity” by choosing what they wanted to buy for their children among brand new items. Also, the Contact Christmas Store items are affordable. Everything is reduced to 75% - 90% of their actual cost! Shoppers are thrilled that they can buy presents for their children.

“We are so grateful for all the donors and volunteers that make the Christmas Store possible,” says Diana Maguffee, the event coordinator. “Our building will transform into Santa’s workshop on December eighth. The “store” will be divided into sections of well stocked shelves according to age groups from infant to teen! Free stocking stuffer items, snacks and refreshments will also be available to our shoppers.”

“Normally, guests stand in line for hours before the doors open at 10:00 a.m. We want to make sure that once they step inside, they feel welcomed, valued and loved,” Diana adds.

“You will have a greater blessing when you give than when you receive.” Acts 20:35 (ERV) The Christmas Store blesses families who receive the gifts, as well as the groups and families who give them.

A wonderful example of a family who felt blessed by giving to the Christmas Store is Chance Alred (son) and Laura Kuester (daughter) of the late Mike Alred. Mike was a long time

supporter of Contact Mission.

“Dad passed away on October 26th last year,” Chance explained, “and although our family was mourning his death, we (the family) decided to continue his legacy of love.”

“Contact Mission’s Christmas Store was my father’s quiet passion,” Laura added. “You could spot him shopping, late at night, pushing multiple shopping carts, each one filled to the top with toys for the kids!”

Well, Mike Alred’s legacy of love did continue! The family brought truck loads of educational toys, baby items, bikes, sports equipment and gifts for teens.

And, on the day of the Christmas store, the Alred and Kuester family showed up with helping hands, smiles and hugs for the Christmas store guests.

“We really enjoyed coming to help! It was fun! We talked and prayed with people. Our families will be a part of the Contact Christmas Store every year!” Laura concluded.

Chance sums it up by saying, “We wanted our work at the Christmas Store to represent the hands of Christ and honor our Heavenly Father as well as serve as a legacy to the wonderful father we were blessed to have.”

How can you help?

Become a Contact Christmas Store Shopper!

Shopping tips: • Bring unwrapped (brand new) items by December 6, 2012 to: • Contact Mission, 1529 West 49th Street in Tulsa.

• Suggested price range: $8.00 - $25.00 (please keep price tags on items) • Shop for children ages infant through 16 years old • Make a cash donation so additional gifts can be bought for age groups/areas that fall short of the anticipated demand.

• Proceeds from Contact Mission Christmas Store support Contact Bible Camp, a month long Summer Camp for nearly 100 Tulsa kids living in poverty.

Contact Mission describes the cooperative efforts of Contact Church of Christ and Tulsa Neighborhood Networks, Inc., a 501 ( c) 3 not-for-profit corporation.

Call Diana MaGuffee at (918) 447-1130 to get involved with this year’s Christmas Store. For more information about the ministry, you can contact Joel Osborn, Executive Director at Contact Mission.

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B A I R F O U N D AT I O N

Bair Foundation foster parents are making a difference. A S pecial L etter from a ver y blessed little bo y. . . me when others didn’t. All children need that in their life. You never gave up on me either, like my other caretakers have. You saved me by accepting me into your household.

Besides being the best parents a child could ask for, you’re my heroes, my saviors. The greatest gift that God can place on this earth isn’t money or luxuries, its two loving parents. Every child’s dream is to have parents like you.

Thank you for everything, I could never repay you for what you have done in my life.

Love , Your foster son To find out more about how you can make an “eternal” difference in the life of a child or teen, contact The Bair Foundation Child & Family Ministries at 918-298-5059 Dear Mom and Dad,

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any people call themselves parents: but they are not.

Real parents accept responsibility for their blessed creation. John, you are a real father. Linda, you are a real mother. Together, the both of you are true parents. I only wish I could be half the parents for my children, as you have been for me.

God puts every person on this earth for a reason. Then He selects a few to resemble His angels. Although you may not have wings on your back, you share the qualities that an angel would have. Both of you are angels in my eyes.

The unconditional love you give me is unbelievable. Day after day, no matter what I do, you still love me. Both of you are supportive and if I ever have a question, I know who to run to. Dad, the advice you give inspires me to want to grow and to step in your footsteps in life. Mom, with all that I’ve put you through, you still love me with no limitations. I don’t understand why.

What I admire most is that you never gave up on me. You believed in me. No matter how bad I felt about life and all its problems, you were my crutch to lean on for support. I could count on you to let me know that things would get better, and they did, just like you said.

The one thing that touches my heart (and brings me to tears) is something that nobody has done before. You believed in 12

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RANDY COWELL

Getting Your Financial House In Order

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ou are settled in for the evening and you complain of severe chest pain. After antacids and gas remedies you finally put a crushed aspirin under your tongue and head for the hospital emergency room. Your admission is expedited because it sounds like a heart attack. Fortunately for you, after a myriad of tests and procedures, it is confirmed that your heart is in good shape and the pain came from some “other” place. This is a story that is played out in ER’s across the country every day. I know because it has happened to me.

Fortunately, I was one of thousands successfully treated and released. But what about those less fortunate that arrive in serious condition and due to their injury or some other health condition cannot answer for themselves and must rely on others for help. What legal and medical issues are at play in the latter situation? This month we will explore the legal documents you MUST have to avoid potential heartache and expense.

To illustrate why this topic is so important, I would like to go back to 1990. There was a twenty-six year old young lady that collapses, and whose heart stops. You might remember the story of Terri Lynn Schivo. In a semi-comatose state and needing constant care, there is a malpractice case settled for 1.5 million dollars, and put into a trust for Terri’s welfare. There are no advance medical directives, also known as a living will, and no power of attorney for healthcare. What happens over the next fifteen years is the tragedy. Michael, her husband, contends that Terri verbally indicated that she would not want to live in a condition such as the one she is in, and in 2000 petitions the court to discontinue tube feedings. Terri’s parents go to court to fight the tube removal, yet in 2001 it is removed only to be reinserted two days later. In 2003 a judge agrees to have it removed again, and this time Governor Jeb Bush orders the tube reinserted. After extensive court battles, Terri’s dignity is once more violated and in 2005 the feeding tube is removed for the third time, and Terri dies. After fifteen years of medical and legal wrangling, many tears, and a nation captivated by this tragedy, the sad story of Terri Lynn Schivo comes to an end. Nearly $700,000 has been spent to care for Terri and according to attorneys managing the trust, at the end the welfare trust balance is left with only $50,000.

Documents You Need NOW! Now that you know how I feel about the subject let’s discuss the two documents in addition to a will every adult should have. There are two documents that make up your “advance directives”. The first is a living will that outlines your wishes in the event you are left in a vegetative state.

The living will is a document that indicates a person’s intentions as they relate to the medical interventions he or she wants in the event of terminal illness or a comatose state with no reasonable hope of regaining consciousness.

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPOA HC) is a more comprehensive document that appoints a person to make healthcare decisions in the event a person should lose the decision making capacity. According to the article “The document should be compliant with federal healthinformation privacy laws, so that doctors, hospitals and insurance companies can speak with your designee.”

Getting your financial house and more specifically your financial documents in order is of the utmost importance.

Being good stewards with the resources God has entrusted us with does not necessarily end with your investments or debt management. Managing you future medical liabilities and controlling your future medical care should be at the center of every Christian’s financial plan. I encourage every reader to seek out competent financial and legal advice when dealing with these concerns.

RANDY C. COWELL Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He is the author of “God Good-Debt Bad”.

Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers.

He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com.

So what Have We Learned?

In addition to a will, there are two documents that you need to avoid the heartache experienced by Terri Lynn and all parties involved. In 2011, Saabira Chaudhuri, published an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled The 25 Documents You Need before you die. After much thought and enumerable life experiences I want to offer a change in title to read The 25 13

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C E L E B R I T Y AT T R A C T I O N S

Takes Flight at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center November 13-18 For Eight Performances Only!

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elebrity Attractions and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh are proud to announce Tulsa’s most eagerly awaited stage production comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center November 13-18 for eight performances only.

With four productions currently running on three continents, MARY POPPINS is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide to date, the show has grossed over $644 million and welcomed 9.3 million guests. The musical is the winner of 44 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony®, Olivier, Helpmann and Evening Standard awards.

MARY POPPINS, a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006.

Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the awardwinning creative team, with co-direction and choreography

by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne. MARY POPPINS features set and costume design by Tony® Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and music supervision

by David Caddick. The tour’s creative team includes Tour Director Anthony Lyn, Associate Choreographer Geoffrey Garrett, and Music Director Daniel Bowling.

MARY POPPINS received its worldwide premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in December 2004. Following its successful three-year London run, the production launched an acclaimed U.K. tour.

The Broadway production of MARY POPPINS officially opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on November 16, 2006, recouping its initial Broadway investment within 52 weeks of its premiere. MARY POPPINS is the only show from the 20062007 theatrical season still in performance.

The MARY POPPINS North American tour has garnered continuous critical praise and achieved box office success since its launch in Chicago in March 2009.

Welcomed by Bank of Oklahoma, MARY POPPINS comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center November 13-18, 2012.

Tickets go on sale Monday, October 15 and may be purchased via phone 918.596.7111, 800.364.7111, in person at the Tulsa PAC Ticket Office or online at www.MyTicketOffice.com.

Groups of 10 or more may call 918.796.0220 for a discount. For more information, visit Celebrity Attractions’ website at www.

CelebrityAttractions.com.

Celebrity Attractions is proud to have American Airlines, Oklahoma’s Own News On 6 and Tulsa World as sponsors for this spectacular season.

Welcomed by

November 13-18 TULSA PAC

918.596.7111 MyTicketOffice.com

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no vember 2012 Community S pirit

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GRACE HOSPICE

It’s All About Family

Grace Hospice Celebrates National Hospice Month

F R O M R I G H T TO L E F T: F ront - G ail P omman , Paula H anna , S andy P hillips , M eg C arson ( V olunteer C oord. ) B ack - R ick O rr , Patti O rr , L iva - N ina G osnell ( A ss . V olunteer C oord ) , M ary S . H amilton and R on Watson . N ot pictured - J eanie J ones

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t can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life: facing a terminal illness. For thirteen years, Grace Hospice of Oklahoma has risen to the challenge by helping patients, their families and friends face this challenge with compassionate end-of-life care.

Grace Hospice was founded in the fall of 1999 by Otis Eversole with the purpose of providing compassionate hospice health care services in a professional and ethical manner. Grace hospice is the largest independently owned hospice in Northeastern Oklahoma.

Grace Hospice is Medicare-certified and meets the physical needs of patients by providing them with medications, supplies, equipment, hospital services, and home-based care.

However, its main focus is on alleviating pain, preserving 16

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dignity, and seeking relief for patients Although some medical insurance plans, along with the Medicare Hospice Benefit, cover hospice care, many individuals are in need of this service and have no insurance or other means by which to obtain it. Grace Hospice believes every person facing the imminent end of his or her life deserves care. The inability of a patient to pay for hospice care should not be a barrier to receiving pain and symptom management. Grace Hospice provides hospice services to those who are in need of it regardless of their financial circumstances.

“For us, it’s about much more than just simply treating a patient’s illness. We provide palliative care so we can address the intense emotional, spiritual, and physical pain that accompany loss. At Grace Hospice we recognize that death as a natural process of living. We strive to honor each patient

“For us, it’s about much more than just simply treating a patient’s illness. We provide palliative care so we can address the intense emotional, spiritual, and physical pain that accompany loss.

At Grace Hospice we recognize that death as a natural process of living. We strive to honor each patient by maximizing the quality of life experienced in his or her remaining time. “ by maximizing the quality of life experienced in his or her remaining time. We also celebrate the patient’s life after he or she has passed on,” explains Ava Hancock, Executive Director of Grace Hospice.

Hancock and her professional staff work to educate people about hospice care and help them understand how hospice works. The most common question is “how do we know if we qualify for hospice care and what does hospice provide?”

Hancock explains that there are Medicare regulations in place to help physicians determine if a patient qualifies for Hospice Care. A person must have a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less left to live. Two physicians must make this determination and certify in writing. At Grace Hospice, a nurse will evaluate a potential patient following Medicare’s guidelines. If it’s determined that a patient is eligible, that person can elect to use their hospice benefit.

Grace Hospice provides a holistic approach to care addressing the physical, spiritual, emotional and social facets of a family. They have a dedicated group of professionals who are trained in end of life care, providing pain and symptom management; whether that pain is physical, emotional or spiritual. This team is made up of physicians, nurses, nurse aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers. They work with the patient and his or her family to develop an individualized plan of care to address your unique needs.

While Grace Hospice provides care during the course of the disease they also provide support to the family throughout the duration of care and for a 13-month period of bereavement after the death.

“Our services extend well beyond the patient,” explained Hancock. “We provide respite care for caregivers as well as counseling and support groups. Those services continue for 12 months after the patient has passed and include annual memorial services for all families who have lost a loved one.”

For family members, having hospice care can allow them more time and energy to be with their loved ones.

“Grace Hospice truly was a Godsend for our family when my father had Alzheimer’s disease. They not only provided great care for him but also for my Mother who needed emotional and spiritual support. I can’t say enough good things about the wonderful people at Grace.” Explained Amy Bates, whose father Marshall Kittleson was a Grace Hospice patient.

Grace Hospice’s services extend beyond that and into the community. They have ongoing bereavement classes and support groups, educational events and trainings on topics such as Advanced Directives and Living Wills.

Many who participate in the support groups and bereavement classes become part of Grace Hospice, joining their extensive volunteer program. There is a special group of volunteers who met several years ago while attending a bereavement support group. They bonded over their shared loss and have since become close friends, socializing outside of their volunteer work. They meet every Thursday and help in many ways, creating gifts for patients, helping with paperwork, volunteering at events and much more.

“At Grace Hospice, we are a family and those we care for also become family,” adds Ava Hancock. And that is what owner Otis Eversole set out to do 13 years ago today and they plan to continue for many years to come.

Because every moment counts...

Grace Hospice helps you embrace every moment. We provide expert medical care and counseling services to our patients including: Nursing services 24 hours/7 days a week Medications related to the terminal illness � Pain and symptom management � Emotional, spiritual and bereavement counseling � Family support services for friends and family � �

Services are provided in your home or in a care facility. All services are offered regardless of your ability to pay.

Phone (918) 744-7223 Toll Free (800) 659-0307 www.gracehospice.com Not affiliated with Grace Living Centers.

no v ember 2012 Community Spirit

17

Put a Turkey on a !

Hungry Family’s Table usands of hungry, Thanksgiving is nearly here andurtho lp for the holiday. less fortunate Tulsans need yo he

from Nov. 19-21.

5,000 Thanksgiving turkey baskets John 3:16 Mission plans to distribute ily of four, will to provide a delicious meal for a fam These baskets, each with enough food iving meal. nksg Tha Tulsa neighbors will enjoy a hearty ensure that 20,000 of our neediest s of children most food insecure state and thousand Oklahoma remains the nation’s 4th meal will come gry and wondering where their next and adults go to bed each night hun from the following day.

Don’t let that day be Thanksgiving.

ion shelter canned goods to the John 3:16 Miss To help, bring your frozen turkeys and s a week or day n seve . p.m 7 n Tulsa from 7 a.m. to at 506 N. Cheyenne Ave. in downtow M-F. . p.m 5 to . a.m 9 , Cincinnati Ave. to the Family & Youth Center, 2027 N.

ation.

Call 918-587-1186 for more inform les this Thanksgiving.

Help us put a turkey on their tab

“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 NIV

www.john316mission.org

MERRY MAIDS

Having Holiday Parties and Enjoying Them

W

ith the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your holiday party.

It is well known that the holidays can become hectic really quickly.

Family is in town, you are running around trying to purchase gifts and of course, the kids have extra school activities as well. However, the extra responsibilities that come with the holidays shouldn’t stop you from celebrating with friends and family. If you plan accordingly, you can have the greatest holiday bash yet.

It’s simple; you just have to get started early to avoid last-minute stress.

There are many things to consider before hosting a festive holiday bash.

Let’s start with the basics. Start out by deciding what food you will prepare for the event. Create a list of ingredients and dishes you will need to accommodate your guests. Once you have an idea of how much how many people are actually coming, you can adjust the amount of food accordingly. The main thing is that

you have a list ready to go when you need it.

Next, it is important to have holiday decorations to set the theme of your event. It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on decorations.

However, a few key pieces can really set your event apart from every other holiday party. Statement centerpieces draw your guests to the refreshments and stand as a constant reminder of what you are celebrating. Themed napkins are also a great way to set your holiday party apart from the rest of the year. Scented candles like pumpkin or cinnamon spice will fill your home with the smell of the season. So take some time to think about decorations you may want at your event and, you guessed it, create a list.

Once you have all of your lists created, you can start to gather items you will need. Little by little, pick up decorations, serving dishes, napkins and plates. That way when the week of the event comes, you don’t have to worry about them.

The most important part of a party, however, is making sure that your house is clean.

It is utterly disappointing to go through so much work to plan a great holiday party, but to turn around the day of and realize your house is a mess. Try to make sure your countertops are clean since guests will be placing plates and cups down throughout the kitchen and dining area. Vacuuming is also very important to make sure your floors don’t appear filthy.

Don’t miss the bathrooms as well. People will be in and out of the bathrooms all night, and it is important for them to be clean.

If you don’t have the time to clean your entire house before the event, have someone else do it! It is important to utilize other people when you can.

Call Merry Maids at 918-924-5415 to do the cleaning for you. While they are cleaning your home, you can use that extra time to check things off your to-do list. Sometimes, when planning an event, you just can’t do it all by yourself.

Remember to enjoy yourself! The holidays are a time of laughter and joy.

Take time to soak it all in. Enjoy your friends and family, relish the fact that you managed to gather everyone you love in one house to celebrate together. Don’t let the stress of the season keep you from enjoying it.

no v ember 2012 Community S pirit

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Oral Roberts University Hosts Oklahoma District 1 Congressional Debate

O

ral Roberts University impressed the media and the candidates and their supporters from both sides of the isle with the way they handled the District 1 Congressional debate. The debate between the candidates Craig Allen (I), Jim Bridenstine (R) and John Olson (D) lasted for 30 minutes and was held in Studio One at the Mabee Center on October 2nd. Moderators for the event included News on 6 anchors Terry Hood and Scott Thompson.

It was political drama at its best as all three candidates answered some of the toughest questions of the campaign.

But their biggest argument was over the new healthcare bill often called ObamaCare.

Senior Director for University Relations, Jeremy Burton said, “The debate was presented as an educational opportunity for the Oral Roberts University campus as well as our region, state and nation.” Before the debate, he reminded the audience that ORU does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for

public office and that the opinions expressed in the debate are those of the candidates and not those of ORU. He also noted that all recognized candidates for this office were invited to appear at this debate.

The Congressional debate was streamed live to www.

Newson6.com and also aired on the local channels for the new GEB America. These channels include KGEB Tulsa TV-53 and Cox channel 23. Those wishing to view the debate can do so at http://kgeb.gebamerica.com/debate-1st-congressionaldistrict-of-oklahoma/.

Hosting such debates is not only educational, it is yet another way for ORU to use its facilities and talents to serve our community. You may recall that last year ORU hosted Town Hall Meetings with Republican Presidential candidates, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

Great effort! Thank you ORU for stepping up for Tulsa!

ORU Introduces New iPhone App Version 2.0

H

ey you ORU fans. Now you can stay up-to-date on everything ORU with the new iPhone app. It is FREE and totally loaded with great things to know about the university. You can use the Campus Map to find your way around campus or discover the latest Golden Eagle sports news in the sports section. You can even download ORU pics to use as your iPhone Wallpaper or watch ORU YouTube videos. It is also a great way to stay connected with your friends through Twitter.

Keeping up with ORU is now easier and more enjoyable than ever before. Go Golden Eagles! no v ember 2012 Community S pirit

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Golden Eagle Basketball…Just Around the Corner

STORY Courtesy ORU Basketball Relations

T

he Oral Roberts University men’s basketball team officially opened the 2012-13 campaign last month and are running full steam ahead towards another great season.

The new season will be a challenge without Summit League Player of the Year Dominique Morrison, but seniors Warren Niles and Damen Bell-Holter along with junior Steven Roundtree are already stepping up, showing their ability to replace Morrison’s 19.8 points per game.

“Our two seniors along with Tree are about as experienced as you can get,” said Sutton. “It’s hard to replace Dominique, but those guys are very talented in their own right.”

“I’m not worried about scoring points,” Sutton said. “I think we have enough offense as long as guys are unselfish and take care of the basketball.”

Two of the obvious standouts on this year’s team are seven-foot Jorden Kaufman and the quick shooter, Tramel White, both junior college transfers.

“You hope that a guy like Tramel, who is a junior college 22

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P H OTO C O M P L I M E N T S O F O R U

player, will be able to get acclimated quickly,” said Sutton.

“Also a guy like Jorden, with our lack of depth inside, is going to have to help us, and he had a great fall workout getting his body stronger.”

Redshirt junior Shawn Glover has also taken the court in anticipation for his first season on ORU’s active roster. Glover scored a team-high 30 points in last season’s Blue-White Scrimmage but redshirted during the regular season after transferring from Utah.

“Sean is a very talented player and can really score the basketball,” Sutton said of the rising junior. “It’s tough to go through a redshirt year like he did and know you’re not playing any games, so there was an excitement level there (for Sean) that wasn’t there last year.”

ORU went 27-7 last season and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament. The Golden Eagles open the 201213 schedule on Thursday, Nov. 1 with an exhibition game against Missouri Southern, while the regular season begins on Friday, Nov. 9 against UTEP. Buy your season tickets NOW! Support the Golden Eagles.

They are a team the Tulsa Christian community should love to cheer for.

Stovall Administrative Center At Oru Opens

P H OTO C O M P L I M E N T S O F O R U

A

fter months of construction, the newly named Stovall Administrative Center is open. The striking renovations were made possible by a gift from noted author, speaker and Oral Roberts University alumnus Jim Stovall and his wife Crystal.

“I had been looking for the right project where we could make a major donation when the idea of the Stovall Administrative Center came along,” said Jim. “ORU has been a significant part of my life and success. I am proud that the Stovall Administrative Center will serve future generations of young people from around the globe as they pursue their education and strive to make a difference in the world.”

Jim Stovall is largely known for his best-selling book The Ultimate Gift, which was made into a major motion picture.

He is a former Olympic weightlifter and the co-founder and President of the Emmy award winning Narrative Television Network. His work to make television accessible to the visually impaired has led him to win many awards including

Entrepreneur of the Year and International Humanitarian of the Year. Stovall is also known for his speaking abilities and has shared the stage with world renowned orators such as Jimmy Carter, Nancy Reagan and Mother Teresa.

The Stovall family is especially proud to have this newly renovated building bear the Stovall family name because of their long-standing relationship with ORU. Jim’s father, George Stovall, worked with Chancellor Oral Roberts and ORU for over 55 years. He and his wife Florene have always very strong supporters of the university.

The renovations to the former personnel building, which houses human resources and financial services, encompass both the interior and exterior of the building. The inside is completely upgraded and includes the addition of an elevator and a newly located main entrance. Expansive sidewalks have also been laid to improve accessibility to students and the public.

November 2012 Community Spirit

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Attention High School Students

J

P H OTO C O M P L I M E N T S O F O R U

oin other high school students and college transfer students for a weekend of fun and getting acquainted with the ORU campus. It’s a great way to get an up-close look at what it’s like to go to college at ORU. This is your chance to visit class, stay in the dorms, get to know faculty members and find out about admissions and financial aid.

The weekend is open to any prospective students who

want to participate. On-campus housing is only available for unmarried high school sophomores, juniors and seniors as well as college transfers between the ages of 15 and 24.

Parents and other guests are invited to attend events as well.

Please note: we cannot accommodate Wednesday arrivals or Sunday or Monday departures.

The Early Bird registration fee is $50 per student. After October 18, the fee is $60 per student. This includes the student’s stay in the residence halls, all meals during College Weekend, and an ORU t-shirt.

You can even audition while you are on campus. Auditions for Talent Scholarships for students interested in majoring in Art, Dance, Drama, Broadcasting and Music will be taking place during your weekend. Contact the school to schedule an audition time.

If you are planning to stay on campus, please bring a sleeping bag and pillow (you’ll be camping out on the floor), a towel and washcloth, personal items, casual clothes and athletic shoes. Oh, and bring your smile. You are going to have a blast!

50 -75 % OFF Retail

Warehouse

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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

2724 N. Sheridan - 918.582.3600 art • plaques• canvas• metal with God's Word!

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Nov ember 2012 Community S pirit

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H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

LOSE YOUR

QUIT

BY DANNY C AHILL

Community Spirit is excited to announce that Danny Cahill will now be one our featured, monthly writers. Whether you wrestle with your weight or not, you will enjoy Danny’s motivating column. We all cheered Danny on when he was on The Biggest Loser. Now, he continues to gain our applause while he shares his testimony with others. Danny loves the Lord and is not shy about telling people about Him. It is a blessing to the magazine to have his monthly article. Be sure to watch for Danny’s article each month. It will be in a new section we are adding on health and wellness.

FINDING THE NUMBERS

T

his month, we’re going to talk about numbers. Just what do they mean?

The term RMR means “resting metabolic rate.” It’s the amount of calories you burn while at rest…which means not walking, exercising, or moving – Just sitting there in a chair!

It is important to know because your metabolism controls how your body burns calories! There is a calculator that you can use online at www. caloriesperhour.com. If you enter your weight, height, age, sex, and lifestyle it will give you a “rough number” of how many calories you burn – at rest.

Every time you walk, stand up, work out, or move adds to that, but it gives you a number to own!

Now, Jillian Michaels has a great equation on what to eat while in “weight loss mode” that my wife, Darci, used while I was gone on the Biggest Loser. She lost 48 pounds

in 12 weeks while I was gone by following this rule. It is to eat 7 times your weight, but never below 1100 calories a day. So if you weigh 200 pounds, you’d eat 1400 calories per day. This puts you on a schedule of about 1 pound per week weight loss.

Now, every minute of exercise you do will accelerate the weight loss you desire! So it’s all up to you!

Now, let’s look at the workouts you might be doing. Every morning on The Biggest Loser, Liz Young and I would wake up at 5 a.m. and walk 5 miles before anyone else even got out of bed! We did this because God told me to get my work in early - so the others would be playing catchup - even if they didn’t know it! We would walk, walk, walk - up to 15 miles daily on the show! I’m telling you this because many think that if you aren’t running a marathon, you aren’t exercising. That isn’t true!

Almost 50% of the workouts I did to lose 239 pounds in 6.5 months were walking! It is low impact and easier on the joints! Now, this shouldn’t be an excuse not to push yourself, because even though we were walking, we were sweating in 1-2 hour workouts a few times daily, too! So sweat when you can, but walk as much as possible!

Now, when my daughter Mary Claire says, ‘My friends are coming over and we want a pop and candy for our slumber party” I say, “Get your shoes on and let’s walk to the store and get it.” I use EVERY POSSIBLE CHANCE to integrate a workout into my life! Don’t tell me you don’t have time, because the time you drive could be spent walking or riding your bike!

Now, know your numbers, but most of all, know that YOU CAN DO THIS! Next week, we’ll talk about those times you fall down – because we all fall down.

November 2012 Community Spirit

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susan ponville

Brighter Colors and Many Reasons to Smile Susan Ponville, Tea & Magnolia’s Owner

S

usan Ponville didn’t have time to be sick. She sure didn’t have time for a physical challenge that would forever change her life. After all, there was work to do at the store, accounting to get done and many details to get finished to prepare for her daughter’s wedding, just 8 days away. But in an instant, without warning or permission, a page turned, a chapter ended, and a new, much more terrifiying one opened.

Susan collapsed with a seizure on the floor of the store.

Although she didn’t know exactly what had happened, she knew immediately that things were not right. She had lost control of her left side and sound of her words didn’t match with what her mind was saying.

Her daughter Jamie, quickly loaded her up in the car and rushed her to urgent care. They in turn, called the ambulance and sent her to the hospital.

After tests, the news couldn’t be worse. Doctors were saying it was a brain tumor deep in the thalamus region. The sound of their word “inoperable” seemed to endlessly bounce around in her head as she rejected the news as being simply impossible.

Days later, she attended the wedding and even “danced,” but the news and her desire to find someone with a better answer was always with her. She found that someone at The Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. At her first meeting with Dr. Nadar Sanai, Director of both the Barrow Brain Tumor 26

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Research Center (BBTRC) and Neurosurgical Oncology, she knew she was in the right place.

Though they seemed to be from two different worlds, he had a special kindness in his eyes, a compassion, which assured her that surgery and recovery was possible.

“He explained, that for the radiation and chemotherapy to work, they would need to get at least 78 percent of the tumor. He got 98 percent,” Susan said with a smile.

Now, after battling through two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and countless hours of physical and occupational therapy, Susan contends that she has much to smile about. Although her left side is still affected, she says she is waiting “expectantly” to be fully restored.

Its not a path she would have chosen, but she says that she never asked, “why me?” In her mind, to do so would have been saying, “why not somebody else?” She just couldn’t wish that on anyone.

But like others who battle through the pain and come out on the other side, she says the colors really are brighter and that she has lots of reasons to be thankful. “I have been forced to take time to relax and learn to spend time with my Creator. And in the journey, I have realized that although I still have some limitations, I have been called to be obedient, not perfect. We are human beings, not human doings.”

Don’t however, expect this reformed “do’er of nine things all at once” to sit still forever. She has plans to write a book, go on mission trips, continue her blog (teaandmagnolias@blogspot. com) and to do something God designed especially for her… counsel others who are fighting brain tumors.

Susan Ponville is a special lady with a huge faith in Jesus.

Drop into Tea & Magnolia’s in Bixby’s Regal Plaza Shopping Center. Although her daughter Jamie, now runs the store most of the time, you just might catch Susan there, talking with customers, making everyone feel at home and finding ways to share her incredible story.

Editor’s Note: Prayers are still needed. At the time of this printing, doctors had found two additional brain tumors which need to come out. Surgery is pending.

great life

The good life is a at Montereau.

With daily chores a thing of the past, at Montereau retirement community, you have more free time to pursue the good things... like spending more time with those you love.

More fun, more freedom, more reasons why Montereau is everything you hoped senior living would be. It’s a great life!

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great life  M.

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November 2012 Community Spirit

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About Deniece Community Spirit welcomes Deniece Adsit as a monthly columnist. Deniece has a passion to minister to women. You are going to grow to love her and the way she tells stories, always getting to the real heart of the matter.

Embracing the Change

A

s I watch the leaves changing color, I am in awe of all the beauty God creates as He directs each passing season. How I wish I could embrace the changes He makes in me with the same enthusiasm! Yet I resist…every time. With each changing season, I am quick to grab my camera and capture all the evolving beauty around me.

And yet it is difficult to appreciate the beauty being created in me with each change God sends my way. Once the transition is complete, I can see how He worked it all out, so it is easy to say, “Thank you, God!” What would it take for me to be thankful during the transition? One answer might be faith in the process, but the best answer is faith in the Creator of the process.

I don’t really need to understand what is happening. I only need to believe in the One who is in charge of everything.

When God allowed Job to be tested beyond what most of us could bear, Job learned to be thankful in the middle of his trial. Right after he lost his family he was thankful to God… even in his grief.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.

Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 29

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“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:20-21) During the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, the king had a dream that troubled him greatly. Since no one could tell him the meaning of the dream he decided to have all the wise men of Babylon put to death, including Daniel. Daniel and his friends prayed to God to be able to interpret the dream and save their lives, which God granted.

During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

His people this way:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10-13) As I enter this fall and winter season, when life can get complicated and stressful, I will begin it by saying: “Thank you, Father, for all the changes you have made in me this year. It was your hand that led me through all the rough spots; it was your caring that strengthened me in the good times. I am committed to being more thankful to you in all situations. I understand that I was made to become like you, and that requires change.”

(Daniel 2:19-21) Paul (and Timothy) – while they were in chains – writing to the church at Philippi put their gratitude to God and

November 2 0 1 2

Deniece is Author of “In Search of Righteousness” denieceadsit.blogspot.com November 2012 Community Spirit

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C H R I S T M A S PA R A D E

“Christ-mas” Parade to Return in December

I

n this secular world where more and more retailers are removing “Christmas” from the holidays, a group of Tulsans are digging their heals to honor the “reason for the season.”

A few years ago, Tulsa’s Christian community was outraged when Tulsa’s traditional Christmas Parade was renamed, “The Downtown Holiday Parade of Lights.” Explaining that the word “Christmas” might be offensive to some people, parade officials effectively “de-Christianized” the parade. Oh, Santa would still arrive and the bands would still march, but Jesus would no longer be invited.

Alarmed by this move, Josh McFarland contacted his friend, Eddie Huff, to discuss an idea to form a new “Christmas” Parade.

Josh remembered Eddie’s exact words vividly, “This is incredible.

I was thinking of calling you for the same reason.”

Huff and McFarland, along with last year’s chairman, Mark Croucher, jumped into action. They established the first Tulsa Christmas Parade Board and met at the KFAQ studios with some like-minded folks to discuss their vision of starting a new parade that would forever keep “Christmas” in the holidays.

Last year, the Tulsa Christmas Parade board launched the first 30

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and only Tulsa Christmas Parade in over 3 years. This parade was at the location of the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center. Rave reviews were quickly spread around the country and the effort even made national news. It was widely stated that the citizens of Tulsa had spoken, and that they were tired of not being able to say “Merry Christmas” during the Christmas season. An estimated 18,000 people attended to see over 100 floats.

This year’s parade is expected to be even bigger and better as more and more Christians discover the event. The Tulsa Christmas Parade will be held on December 8th starting at 6:30 p.m. and will run the same route around The Tulsa Hills Shopping Center on 71st, west of Highway 75.

Josh McFarland explained that the theme of the parade will be announced soon. As details are finalized, information will be posted on their website, www.tulsachristmasparade.org and also on their Facebook page, “Tulsa Christmas Parade”.

McFarland invites everyone to make plans to come enjoy this “old-fashioned” Christmas parade. You can stand tall and join the parade to ensure that “Christmas” never goes out of style in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Humana 2013 Medicare Advantage plans are here!

“Well, it’s a good plan. I think it’s a comfort zone for me, cause they’re there when I’m feeling ill and they’re there when I’m feeling well.”

Mary B. – Humana Gold Plus® (HMO) member

Humana has a full range of Medicare Advantage plans. Find out more about which one could be right for you.

To find ouT if a Humana plan is rigHT for you, call To scHedule an in-Home appoinTmenT or To find a neigHborHood meeTing.

1-800-372-2380 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

DON’T FORGET! The Medicare Advantage annual enrollment dates are Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.*

Humana is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. This is an advertisement. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-372-2380 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. *Some exceptions apply.

Y0040_GHHH9V2HH CMS Accepted

OK 10/12