It can be difficult keeping cool in these soaring temperatures. That’s why the Altus Hospice Foundation has been busy distributing box fans to senior citizens, those in critical care, the disabled and those on a limited income. Not everyone has the best circulation in their homes.

Who would have imagined that a pair of shiny black shoes could help bring back a piece of a person’s independence. Ms. Roslin’s special new shoes stretch to fit her swollen feet and help her move around.

“The Mighty Eighth” is one common nickname for the Eighth Air Force of the United States Air Force Air Combat Command. During World War II Charles Thomas Swift, Tom as he likes to be called, was a gunner stationed in England. History shows the 8th Air Force was unique because of their commitment and number of losses. For four years England become the USAAF’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier.” The 8th Air Force owned the skies over occupied Germany. They were the largest air striking force ever committed to battle by the United States. Tom’s wife Betty smiles and says “he was a courageous fighter.” Their daughter Anne proudly says, “My dad is a hero.”

“One day at a time.” That was Liza Sanchez’s philosophy for living life the best she knew how and she encouraged her husband, Louis, to do the same. “She had a strong will, a big faith and a smile that never faded.” He says everyone his wife met was impacted by her positive personality.

Recalling memories. That’s what Pat Welch is beginning to do after the death of her parents. As she looks through the old pictures of her mother Inez, and her father George, she smiles and shares the stories each photo holds. Pat explains, “This love story of mom and daddy began 66 years ago.” Inez and George met during World War II and there was an instant connection. Soon after they married George was sent off to war, but when his tour of duty was complete Inez and George became inseparable.

As the holiday season approaches Elaine Hess is busy making crafts, jewelry, wine bottle toppers and many more unique gift items. She’s all set for the upcoming craft shows. “Usually when people come to a craft show they start giggling when they get to our table because our items are different, very whimsical and fun.”

Keeping her hands busy and spending time with friends helps keep her mind off the death of her husband, Harry. It’s been just a little over a year since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” took Harry’s life. According to the ALS association, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. Patients in their later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. That’s what happened to Harry.

Think of all the things that have happened in America in the past 100 years. The stock market crash in 1929 leading to the Great Depression, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Neil Armstrong takes “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” by walking on the moon in 1969 and the list goes on. In the past century Ruth Cameron saw her fair share of life events. Ruthy, that’s what her friends and family called her, passed away March 27th from natural causes. In just 25 more days she would have celebrated her 99th birthday.