The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on Thursday welcomed U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) for updates on work at the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit biomedical research institute.
Mullin met with OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., and scientists from two of the foundation’s research programs.
OMRF Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., briefed Mullin on the foundation’s tribal partnerships and the impact of federal funding at OMRF. A board-certified rheumatologist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, James supports a range of research collaborations with tribal communities as program director of Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources (OSCTR).
OSCTR program members, which include the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations, the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, and others, are working to accelerate research and patient access to treatments for conditions that disproportionately affect tribal and rural populations.
Mullin met with Aging and Metabolism Research Program Chair Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., who is studying the biological process of aging with the goal of extending the number of healthy years in a person’s life. Miller updated Mullin on OMRF’s research partnerships with the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
“Support for biomedical research is critical for the health of our country,” said Mullin. “Scientists at OMRF are doing important work in areas including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune conditions and opioid abuse. Advances made by Oklahomans here impact every American.”
In his meeting with Mullin, Weyrich shared a brief history of OMRF, which was founded in 1946 and opened its doors four years later thanks to donations from more than 7,500 Oklahomans. Today, the foundation has nearly 500 staff members and scientists across more than 50 labs. OMRF’s discoveries have yielded hundreds of patents and three life-saving drugs available in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
“It was an honor to welcome Sen. Mullin to OMRF and introduce him to Oklahoma’s medical research foundation,” said Weyrich. “Oklahoma’s U.S. senators have a longstanding commitment to biomedical research. Their support for OMRF’s scientists and our mission of making discoveries that make a difference has changed and saved lives.”

by Greg Schwem

I gazed around the enclosure, wondering how such a small space could be the source of bullying, harassment, and a political maelstrom that shows no signs of abating.
Then I zipped up and exited the bathroom.
But not just any bathroom; a gender neutral restroom in a Chicago restaurant. Normally I don’t do so much thinking while urinating, but others are doing it for me, as evidenced by the increasing number of unisex bathrooms popping up in businesses and bars, and throughout college campuses. Not to mention the debates occurring in Congress.
I am 100% in favor of these facilities, as I feel sorry for women, or those who identify as female, who endure long lines in airports or concert halls while their male counterparts breeze in, do their business and leave, never once wondering if the art of peeing at a particular moment will cause them to miss their flight or the band’s encore.
Yet my question remains: Females, or those who identify as such, do you REALLY want to share a bathroom with us?
No, seriously, have you thought this through? I was in a college fraternity and, 40 years later, all I can say is, old habits die hard.
I’m not just talking about having to lower the seat when you enter the restroom after a male has used it. We’ve been leaving the seat up for years and we will continue to plead forgetfulness even if all toilet seats come with hand cranks to make the process easier. Not that it’s difficult now.
What about our aim? Or lack of it? Are you ready to see droplets, or puddles of urine on the floor and wonder how long they are going to remain there until somebody who is grossly underpaid cleans it up?
That’s what we look at. Unless we are the ones who misfired because, in our states of inebriation, we saw three urinals instead of one and chose incorrectly.
Now let’s move to the sink. Dudes consider it to be more than just a receptacle for handwashing. Quite the contrary. I’ve seen guys shaving in public restrooms or worse, brushing their teeth and spitting gobs of who knows what into that same area supposedly set aside for cleaning hands. Gals, or those who identify as such, you might want to turn off the faucet with your elbows, just in case.
Oh, and, if you think our bathroom habits are disgusting, please rethink the idea of gender neutral locker rooms. For I guarantee you, the restroom is a microcosm of what awaits you in a changing area.
Sure, you wouldn’t see our private parts, as unisex locker rooms are designed to ensure nobody has to change in public. But I guarantee you, we will still walk around in bare feet. Not just bare feet but fungus-addled, athlete’s feet. Is there a law against toenail clipping in a gender neutral locker room? Because I’ve seen guys do this as well. Just saying.
Our mouths have no locker room filters, so be prepared to hear conversations about topics ranging from our copious amounts of body hair to last weekend’s sexual conquest, which we are probably embellishing. We will also lie about what we plan to do THIS weekend and who we plan to do it with.
I applaud your right to identify yourself as “she,” “her,” “them” or “they.” Believe me, I do. I have attended numerous pride parades, in multiple cities, and love watching people celebrate whoever it is they want to be. Be loud, be proud.
Just remember that, when you enter that gender neutral bathroom, a dude whose idea of a perfect day includes a dozen beers and six street tacos may have just exited.
Nothing Congress can do about that.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)

“Positive Aging” is the theme of a daylong workshop to be hosted by VillagesOKC as part of it’s Senior LifeSkills Learning series. The event will allow participants to hear from and ask questions of local presenters who are highly regarded in their fields. It is co-sponsored by Grant Estate Law.
VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson said senior adults age 65+ are the target audience for this workshop which intends to educate and give older adults an opportunity to socialize with their peers.
“Nearly one-third of Oklahoma seniors face characteristics which are related to the risk of social isolation,” Olson said.
The May 10 event at Rose State College will feature author Bruce McIntyre, a panel discussion on “A New Look at Food and Fitness,” showing of “Age of Champions” video, and a presentation on “Your Heart-Brain Connection.” A light lunch will be served. The event is free.
McIntyre is CEO of the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. He shares his expert guidance and warm humor with thousands of people each year. He is the author of Receiving Peace, Thrive Anyway, Parkinson Positive, Graceful Transitions and Resilient Life.
Fitness panelists include Lori Manning, RD, LD, and Kimberly Cusher-Gonzalez, PT, DPT. Manning is a dietitian at Mercy Hospital where she specializes in outpatient nutrition therapy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree focused in Nutrition Sciences from University of Oklahoma. Cusher-Gonzalez is a doctor of physical therapy at Norman Regional Health System. Her specialties include Parkinson’s disease treatment, total joint replacement rehabilitation, and balance training.
“Your Heart-Brain Connection” is a presentation by Susan Radcliffe, RN, MN, MHR. Radcliffe has been a nurse and an educator for over 45 years including at OU Medical Center. Her presentation will explore how someone’s body was designed to optimally function and what the body does in response to thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
“Age of Champions” is a documentary about athletes preparing for the 2009 National Senior Games: a 100-year old tennis player from Cape Cod, brothers from Washington, D.C., in their 80s who swim, a Texas widower who finds solace in training, and his rival, an 86-year-old champion in field events intent on a world record.
The free, daylong session will be May 10 at Rose State College in the Jeanie Webb Student Union, FNB Community Bank Ballroom, 1910 Hudiburg Dr. in Midwest City Registration is at 9:30 a.m. Sessions run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a light lunch included. Online registration is available on VillagesOKC’s website:
https://villagesokc.helpfulvillage.com/events.

From Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

I often extend my visits to one local to gain the most in time and treasure. While in Denver why not venture further.
The ski resorts at Aspen / Snowmass seem to have something for everyone: whether it’s panoramic snow caped mountain views, the skiing and snowboarding slopes, shopping, fine dining, fun beverage pubs, or just plain sleeping in mornings in your lux resort room. Aspen/Snowmass is a bit farther than other Colorado Ski resorts if you are traveling by car from Denver, and so for decades it had to provide the best for its visitors, be it celebrities or weekend mountain enthusiasts. The two resorts are within comfortable driving distance to each other. Snowmass Village has many shops, dining venues and accommodations, while Aspen has another skiing venue, gondola, fine dining as well as upscale shops and fine art galleries.
I stayed at the mountainside, expansive, maze-like Snowmass Westin Hotel, where the service was fast and efficient, the dining at the Snowmass Kitchen extraordinary, and the mountain venues, complete with a ski lift right outside the rooms balcony, gave an authentic feel for a place and time out of the ordinary. The spacious mini suite offered two televisions, a mini fridge, Heavenly beds and a bath with tub and rain head shower. The Westin lobby bar, The Vue, was a convivial meeting place, whether refreshing yourself at the bar or lounging in the adjacent area Aspen complete with a blazing fireplace.
Between Snowmass Village and Aspen proper, is the turn off at a roundabout to the iconic Colorado vista called Maroon Bells: several mountain peaks guarding an alpine lake. On my December visit it was a must on my to do list, and undaunted and with directions from the Westin’s Concierge I ventured forth, up a snow filled road. There is a reason that more photos are made of it in springtime and summer than in winter, as the December road abruptly stopped 6 miles from the planned venue. The powdery snow was knee deep in spots, but a sighting across a frozen meadow produced a satisfying Winter view.
Down the road to Aspen I enjoyed a delightful brunch at the restaurant in Little Nell’s, called Element47, which is the periodic table of elements designation for Silver, which founded the town. The Salmon Eggs Benedict and champagne Mimosa were as satisfying as the people watching. Their butternut squash soup was a burst of comforting flavors. While I am not a skier it was thrilling to observe the skiers and snowboarders coming down the mountain to the back door of Little Nell’s, and a treat to take the adjacent gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for a panoramic view of the Elk Mountain Range, where a glass of wine lets you toast your good fortune and mother nature’s majesty. Down in Aspen itself you could spend the day roaming from art gallery to art gallery, my favorite being the art glass of the Pismo gallery a short stroll from Little Nell’s.
Back at the Westin Snowmass Resort you may want to end your day, or start your afternoon by sampling the many New Belgian Beers at the Ranger Station, in the Westin complex. Besides the beer adventures, they offer several appetizers/snacks including pizza like pretzels and a sugar rocket treat of a giant s’more. The nearby Bar at Wildwoods is a lively nighttime venue.
If you are short on time and long on budget you may find flying into the small Aspen airport more to your liking than traveling by car, but then you miss the engineering feat of the interstate cutting through the Rocky Mountains, and interesting stops along the way such as Idaho Springs and Georgetown. In any case Aspen/Snowmass can provide you and your friends an enjoyable escape from the ordinary, and your stay at Snowmass Westin compliments the pleasure.
For more Information: https://www.facebook.com/ViewlineResortSnowmass, http://www.thelittlenell.com.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

During the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Congressional DC Fly-In on April 26–27, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready joined his NAIC colleagues in advocating for federal reforms that would reinforce state-based insurance regulation and strengthen policyholder protections. Topics discussed with members of Congress included long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), and returning authority to the states to oversee Medicare Advantage marketing.
“Coordinating with the federal government plays an essential role in our department’s work to protect consumers and keep insurance markets stable and secure in Oklahoma. I greatly enjoyed speaking with members of our federal delegation about issues that impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to continuing to work together on their behalf,” said Commissioner Mulready.
The NAIC’s annual Congressional Fly-In offers chief state insurance regulators and senior staff the opportunity to meet with their congressional delegation, discuss efforts to assist constituents, brief lawmakers on regulatory developments in insurance, and advocate for state and NAIC priorities.
If you have insurance questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

Seniors over 65 were well represented at the 40th Redbud Classic Cycling event on the morning of April 15th as 60 seniors of the 619 riders set out from The Waterford Complex to Jones and beyond. The morning presented chilly and windy conditions on a timed group bicycle ride offering a 10 and 30-mile cycling tour and a 50-mile Fondo through Eastern Oklahoma County.
At 8 a.m., the temperature was a cloudy 53 degrees with a gusty 26 mph northwest wind that rose to 28 mph by noon. Although wind chill cannot be calculated above 50 degrees, when the speeds the riders achieve on a bicycle are factored in, the windchill was likely 40 degrees on the bike those first two hours.
Several seniors took the chilly conditions in stride. Two of the fastest riders in the 30-mile event were in the 65+ age group, almost winning their male and female events overall while easily setting the best time in their age group. Senior Rainer Stachowitz, 67, from Edmond, finished the timed 30-mile ride second of all the 168 males. MJ Marsh, of Oklahoma City, over 65, was the first of 88 women in all age groups to finish the 30-mile distance. Modern timing can sometimes document senior dominance.
“It is impressive that seniors in the 65-plus age group were one and two in their distances overall on a day when some of the volunteers were wearing blankets because of the windy, cold conditions,” said Brenda Schmitz, 30-mile rider, Oklahoma City court reporter and Zumba instructor.
The Spring’s first large organized road ride in Oklahoma would have been much more well attended except for the untypical cold and windy conditions. Often numbering more than 1,000 cyclists, the event brought to mind the condition cyclists encountered the first year the event was timed during its 15th start in 1997.
Comparing and contrasting events over a good many years is something older Americans are good at and can sometimes provide the reader with a different way of looking at seniors’ endeavors.
Record low temperatures in April of 1997 did not deter 285 frozen cyclists who braved the bitterly cold 26-degree weather, which almost matched the record cold temperature for the day of 23 degrees in 1953.
The cyclists were determined to participate in the first timed version of that 15th Annual Redbud Classic. The popular first major ride of the Spring began at the Waterford Complex in Nichols Hills. The 10-mile and 30-mile tours started at 7:30 a.m. along the same route as the 50-mile timed event. The 10-mile course was a quick out-and-back along N.E. 63rd, turning around at Bryant.
The cold and windy weather greatly affected the cyclists, both the would-be riders who thought better of the bitterly cold day and did not show up and those who rode the event.
Usually, as many as 1,500 riders started the bicycle event back then, but on a day when the water in their water bottles froze solid, far fewer cyclists braved the cold. With predictions early the preceding week for only 35 degrees and the night before only 32 degrees, turnout for the event was light. Many who rode found they weren’t prepared for the numbing cold of the frigid temperatures and the harsh 15-30 mph winds.
Jones volunteers hosted the turnaround point for the 30-mile event, and the Jones police and volunteer firefighters directed traffic on a day with a wind chill index below zero. Jones native Linda Schilling joined with seven other Phi Epsilon Sorority volunteers, of whom some wrapped themselves in blankets, to help at the rest stop.
The turnaround’s rest and refreshment stop was outside at the Jones Main Street Plaza, where many cold cyclists put aside the idea that they were losing valuable time in the first timed event by rearranging their clothing. The area was littered with people trying to warm up their feet and shake off the cold. Extra time was spent finding ways to unfreeze their water bottles so they could take on fluids for the ride back.
Many riders set about finding cardboard, newspaper, or plastic to put under their cycling clothing to help block the wind and be warmer on their bicycles for the return trip. Wheeler Dealer Bicycle volunteers came to the rescue with small plastic bags the cyclists could put on over their socks in their cycling shoes to help with their cold feet.
Some riders decided that to be completely warmer sooner was the better part of valor. They cut short their 50-mile ride in the blustery conditions. They decided to turn for home to only complete the 30-mile distance since the course was identical to and from the Jones turnaround.
The top riders who wanted to continue to complete the 50-mile distance strained up the many hills of Eastern Oklahoma County and earned bragging rights as inaugural timed-event winners. Having always included Jones, and the challenging hills leading to and from hilly Hogback Road, the 50-mile ride was a good test of the riders’ early-season conditioning.
The leader of the 50-mile timed ride was easy to spot, as an Oklahoma City Police patrol car with lights flashing led the way. Sponsor KWTV’s helicopter also hovered nearby, videotaping much of the ride and sending live shots statewide.
The event was well-organized, and the riders were well cared for from a safety standpoint. Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department and Jones police ensured the participants were safe at every major intersection along the route.
Despite the low turnout in 1997, the Redbud Classic brought recognition to Jones, and the entire Jones Police Department turned out to support the event. Nick King of Choctaw and Steve Allen of Midwest City, who have done the ride for the last five years, said they were impressed with the event’s organization and safety measures. The event has grown to be one of Oklahoma’s most popular cycling events, drawing riders from all over.

Lois Boston, (TOP left) Lois Boston is a SUPER CENTENARIAN celebrating her 110th birthday on May 10! Lois will be celebrating her 110th Birthday on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023. Lois is the oldest living person in the State of Oklahoma as well as the oldest living person to attend OPSU College in Goodwell.

Ted Karner, (BOTTOM Left) Veteran Ted Karner of Claremore was born 100 years ago in Logan County, OK. His early education took place in a rural school. WWII changed the course of his life. He joined the Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 30+ years, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergent.

Jackie Robertson, (TOP Right) ackie Robertson celebrated her 100th birthday with family & friends in Sapulpa. She was “Outstanding Girl” of her 1941 Sapulpa graduating class. She went on to Tulsa Business College, worked in the insurance business, attended 1st Methodist Church & is past president of Tulsa Insurance Women. Her life advice is: “Treat others like you would like to be treated!”

Rutha Bryant, (BOTTOM Right) Rutha Bryant a graduate of Webster High School in Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday on April 12! One of six children, she was born in Red Fork, one of Tulsa’s oldest communities. Happy Birthday, Rutha!

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Karen Brown Tims, 70, an Arcadia businesswoman, was crowned Ms. Oklahoma Senior America 2023 at the 15th annual pageant on April 15 at the spacious Mustang Performing Arts Center with Miss Oklahoma 2022, Megan Gold, as mistress of ceremonies. Ms. Oklahoma Senior America 2022 Roxanne Parks crowned her after the judges’ selection.
This annual pageant honors ladies 60 and up who personify the “Age of Elegance” by competing to reign as 2023 Ms. Oklahoma Senior America.
With 15 contestants competing in Interview, Talent, Evening Gown and a presentation of their philosophy of life, hailing from Arcadia, Jones, Newcastle, Bethany, Oklahoma City, Sand Springs, Yukon, Nichols Hills, Mead, Del City and Edmond, Oklahoma was well represented.
“Life is not over past 60. Continue to strive and accomplish, Tims said in an interview. “Our purpose is great even yet! The young people need to hear what we have learned and our guidance is imperative. This pageant and ALL the people involved inspired me and made me oh so happy! I would shout out to all women who are interested in joining us in the fun and growing with courage and confidence. It is never too late!”
Contestants were Barbara Bryant-Waggoner, Jones, Trish Carr, Newcastle, Sharron Clifton, Bethany with Wonna Cornelson, Lynn Jones, Carla Joy, Doreen Miles Williams, Edie Thomas, all of Oklahoma City and Karen Brown Tims, Arcadia. The others were Debbie Hay, Sand Springs, Ellen Henson, Yukon, Pam Holzberger, Nichols Hills, Judy Jackson, Mead, Eileen Milles, Del City and Venessa Saunders, Edmond.
The judges’ selections that round out the court for the 2023 Ms. Oklahoma Senior Pageant are Barbara Bryant-Waggoner first runner up, Ellen Henson as second runner up, Lynn Jones third runner up and Sharron Clifton as fourth runner up.
The contestants displayed a hobby or talent within 2 minutes and 45 seconds, modeled a long evening gown, gave their philosophy of life within 35 seconds, and were interviewed by judges for 5 minutes.
Tims garnered the most applause for her spoken word talent presentation conveying the zest of the “Age of Elegance.” Here is her “Bending Time” presentation about how all the ladies competing were so happy verbatim:
Think with me for a moment, please, and with a show of hands, who, like me, has often wondered how to slow down time? My life seems to be flying by.
The truth is, we cannot change time; however, we can change our perception of time, and we all know our perception is our reality!
Remember when we were children and how slowly time seemed to go by? Seeming that summer and Christmas would never get here?
As children, we were spontaneous, and all our experiences were new. Remember going out for recess and how fun it was and how that time went by quickly? How often would we beg, “Oh, please, just five more minutes” while doing something really fun?
My research tells me that as adults, we have become less mindful of our experiences, causing time to fly by! So…Start noticing the wonder and amazement of everything!
Let’s make our day last longer by going to new places, meeting new people, trying new activities, and being spontaneous.
My research further tells me; time seems to slow down when we make drastic changes!
Break old habits! Change what you have for breakfast. Eat dinner in the dining room on China and not in front of the TV on paper.
Above all, be unpredictable; it will make your friends and, better yet, your children wonder what you are up to.
I entered this pageant!
And to prove my point, this is a two-minute timer, and in my perception, I have been speaking with you for 10 or 15 minutes. Woo Hoo! I just bent time in my life.
I leave you with this, as a mother and grandmother, I give you all permission to take more recesses, and YES, you may have five more minutes.
Tims is a busy entrepreneur running her three businesses, two of which she added since she was 60. She owns Bankers Insurance Group, CB Farms and a residential rental property firm. Her business exploits are scheduled to be featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur and Fortune magazines in the next few months as a part of a Women Business Leaders in Oklahoma article. She balances that with spending treasured time with her two granddaughters.
Her love of horses extends to cowboy mounted shooting, cutting horse contests and trail riding. She volunteers at a nonprofit horse therapy program that teaches troubled children to ride. She enjoys skeet shooting and bird hunting on her farms.
Her volunteer work includes the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission, National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Oklahoma Foster Care Review Board, House of Healing, Healthy Living Center and her church.
Tims will be sponsored by the Ms. Senior Oklahoma Foundation to compete in October at the National Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Foundation will pay her airfare, room and registration fee.
The national pageant is a nonprofit organization that honors senior women’s achievements and encourages them to use their full potential to share a positive outlook on life with others. Organizers say it is more than a “beauty pageant,” Senior America is a re-affirmation of life and self-worth, laughter and tears, inner beauty and outward charm.
This philosophy is based on the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and our most valuable treasure. Organizers say the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society through seniors sharing of knowledge, experience and resources.
The Ms. Senior Oklahoma Foundation has been staging the pageant since 2008, now under the direction of State Administrator Carol Kallenberger and Directors Deborah Wedel and Dove Schmidt.
Kallenberger from Guthrie dedicates much of her time to this annual event. She says these elegant ladies reflect the grace, charm and fortitude that shines brightly throughout our state. “It was truly an amazing event with all the contestants displaying every aspect of the “Age of Elegance,” Kallenberger said. “I sincerely believe that a crown is not always made of rhinestones. It is made of discipline, determination, and courage. Thanks to everyone who helped make our 2023 Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Pageant a great success.”
For more information about Ms. Senior America, please visit
http://senioramerica.org.