by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

GetBak’d, located at 516 South Coltrane Road in Edmond is part of a locally owned and operated patient-driven group that has come together to provide an excellent experience and selection for the Oklahoma medical marijuana community.
The Edmond medical marijuana dispensary store opened in 2018, and its hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Their mission is to provide the highest quality alternative treatment through a variety of cannabis and hemp-based products. They carry THC as well as CBD products to cover the patient seeking non-psychoactive treatment, to those seeking a stronger treatment through the use of high THC products.
“GetBak’d is the actual brick and mortar of the cannabis side of the of business,” said Marlon King, brand marketing manager. “When you think of a pot shop, you think are just going there to get high, and to get by. GetBak’d does offer THC, but we also offer a full CBD selection that offer no mental change while delivering relief. We offer flower, gummies, capsules, topicals, tinctures, vapes, oils, edibles and patches. We are a full holistic establishment.”
King said patients will need a doctor’s prescription recommendation to consume THC products, CBD and Delta 8 products are 100 percent legal under the 2018 federal Farm Bill and require no medical card.
He said GetBak’d has a monthly patient drive where patients can meet with on-site physician who can evaluate their qualifications for a medical marijuana card.
“We have a doctor on staff,” he said. “Patients can renew their (medical marijuana card) or get a new recommendation card at the monthly patient drive.”
A medical marijuana patient license allows someone with an approved application to legally buy, use and grow medical marijuana and medical marijuana products in Oklahoma. The license is in the form of an identification card that can be used to prove an individual is a license holder. The card contains the patient’s name, photo, date of birth, city and county of residence, the type of license, the date the license expires, and the patient’s unique medical marijuana license number.
King said there are misconceptions on how medical marijuana works. The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control. The cannabinoids in marijuana may reduce pain by altering pain perception pathways in the brain.
“There are so many benefits it can have,” he said. “It does help relieve pain, anxiety, PTSD, helps with sleep, loss of appetite in cancer patients, neuropathy, or nerve problems. The biggest misconception is to get the relief that cannabis has, you have to feel high.”
King said another misconception about cannabis is the type of people that use medical marijuana products.
“We are all professionals, parents and productive people of society,” he said. “Just because we use cannabis as a natural alternative form to treat our life’s challenges we have, it doesn’t mean that we are the person getting high playing video games all day with no motivation. That is not it. We want to make sure that people understand that you can use cannabis with a purpose. That’s why identifying with a term is important Bak’d- the relief that comes from purposeful use/consumption of cannabis.”
For more information call (405) 438-2256 or email info@getbakd.com or visit https://www.getbakd.com/.

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.

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.

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking applications for its 2023-24 Teen Leaders class. Applications are due May 15.
Now in its 11th year, the program is open to high school students entering sophomore, junior and senior years. OMRF’s Teen Leaders program provides group activities, panel discussions with foundation scientists and state civic leaders, and new in 2023, more time in the foundation’s labs.
Students leave with the leadership skills and tools to be change-makers in their communities. They also learn how to become advocates for medical research and improving human health.
“Nearly 400 of Oklahoma’s young leaders have passed through our doors as Teen Leaders,” said OMRF Development Director Caroline Allen, who coordinates the program. “In response to their feedback, we’ve updated the sessions to include more time with our scientists. We hope that with even more access to real-world research, they’ll be inspired to become greater advocates for medical research.”
Selected students also learn the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising and development, board structure, networking and creating impactful social media content. Teens also work together on a special event to cap off program activities each spring.
Group sessions will begin in September and continue through the 2023-24 school year, generally on the second Tuesday of each month. Applicants must demonstrate good academic standing and attend school in Oklahoma. There is no cost to participate.

Project funded by Oklahoma philanthropist Herman Meinders

Mercy broke ground on a new construction project Friday to expand the emergency department at its hospital in northwest Oklahoma City.
The project will include adding square footage to the ER that will house a much-needed CT scanner and space for more radiology equipment in the future. Patients in the ER needing a CT scan currently must be transported to a different floor in the hospital to get this specialized imaging required for a diagnosis.
“We see about 140 patients every day in our ER, and around 60 of them need a CT scan,” said Dr. Lance Watson, department chair of the emergency department at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. “This project is so important because the quicker we can get a diagnosis, the quicker we can get patients the treatment they need.”
The hospital is an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission, the highest level of stroke certification awarded only to hospitals able to treat the most complex stroke cases. This special designation means Mercy has the most advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments and staff with the unique training and experience to care for patients who have experienced a stroke.
“For our stroke patients, getting a CT scan that will lead to a diagnosis as quickly as possible is critical to decrease their chances of having long-term disabilities,” said Dr. Bryan Van Zandt, Mercy interventional radiologist.
A CT scan is also needed for patients experiencing trauma, abdominal pain, chest pain, migraines and other neurological conditions.
“The hospital was built in the 1970s, long before we had much of the technology we use today in health care,” Dr. Watson said. “Our teams do a phenomenal job working together to make our current process as efficient as possible. But there’s no doubt having a CT inside the ER will be a huge advancement for patient care.”
Nearly two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke until the patient receives treatment which can lead to disability or death. Despite the challenges, Mercy has the fastest door-to-needle time for stroke patients in the state at 27 minutes, compared to the statewide average of 44 minutes. Door-to-needle time describes the interval between the time a patient arrives at the hospital to the time they receive treatment.
When construction is complete, stroke patients will be wheeled straight from the ambulance into the CT scanner.
Funding construction projects and paying for new technology is a challenge for hospitals across the country. According to the American Hospital Association, 68% of hospitals could lose money this year due to pandemic-related financial challenges including increased costs and labor shortages.
Generous local donor Herman Meinders heard about the need for this equipment and stepped up to provide the funding. Meinders donated $2.6 million to cover the entire cost of the project through Mercy Health Foundation.
“We could not be more grateful to Mr. Meinders for his gift,” said Dr. Watson. “His generosity infuses new life into our ER. It’s been a tough few years for our co-workers. To know that someone cares enough to fund this critical project will be a huge morale boost for them.”
Mercy’s Meinders NeuroScience Institute is also named for Herman Meinders. The building houses the Meinders Center for Movement Disorders and its multidisciplinary team of specialists, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, home health nurses and advanced practitioners for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Meinders said he wanted to show his appreciation for the neurology program at Mercy and made the donation in honor of retired Mercy neurosurgeon Dr. Richard V. Smith. Dr. Smith was the visionary behind the stroke program, and the new ER suite will be dedicated in his name.
“Herman is the perfect example of philanthropy at its finest,” said Lori Cummins, vice president of Mercy Health Foundation Communities. “He sees a need and asks how he can meet it. His generosity is evident all over the campus of Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City, from the Meinders Neuroscience Institute and Meinders Center for Movement Disorders to the new Love Family Women’s Center and now this ER project. People’s lives will be changed forever because of him. Herman has been a true blessing to Mercy and those we serve.”

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Registration is now open for the 2023 Spring Season for Veterans Rowing, Dragon Boating, and Whitewater Rafting Teams to train and compete at RIVERSPORT, an official Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in downtown Oklahoma City on the Oklahoma River.
A RIVERSPORT Warrior is a Veteran 18 years or older who has served honorably in the military. Veterans with a military service connection can participate for free.
No paddle sports experience is necessary. New to paddle sports Veteran participants are encouraged to register. Participants will practice on the downtown Oklahoma River with RIVERSPORT coaches once a week until the Spring Season competition event.
The Warrior participants will train in rowing, whitewater rafting, or dragon boating to compete in the upcoming Stars & Stripes River Festival on June 24. Teams will compete against other novice teams at the OG&E NightSprints under the lights that evening.
“RIVERSPORT Warriors gives veterans with a disability a concrete way to reclaim their ability to be physically active in a team sport and in the process, helps restore a sense of hope for the future,” said Jamie Collazo, USMC Veteran and RIVERSPORT veterans program coordinator. “The social support, team camaraderie and feeling of accomplishment are irreplaceable. The increase in physical activity is a bonus.”
Warriors rowing practice will be held 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday mornings at the Chesapeake Boathouse in the Boathouse District until June 24. The fee is $250 or free for veterans with a service connection.
Warriors whitewater rafting practice will be 6-7:30 pm on Thursday evenings, May 18 to June 24, at the McClendon Whitewater Center in the Boathouse District. The fee is $200 or free for veterans with a service connection. Participants will practice on the RIVERSPORT Rapids with a professional raft guide once a week for a six-week season.
Warriors dragon boating practice will be from 6-7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings until June 24 at the Chesapeake Boathouse in the Boathouse District. The fee is $175 or free for veterans with a service connection.
Registration is open for the 2023 spring season. New participants are encouraged to register.
These coach-led practices will provide Veteran paddle sports participants of all experience levels the opportunity to work together and compete against other novice teams on the Oklahoma River and RIVERSPORT Rapids.
For more information or to sign up, contact Jamie Collazo at (405) 552-4040 ext 4992

RSVP of Central Oklahoma recently marked the end of its Provide-A-Ride senior transportation program with a celebration of volunteers who dedicated their time to helping older adults get to their doctor’s appointments.
The celebration of volunteers took place at the Oklahoma History Center. The organization’s Provide-A-Ride senior transportation program started in 1994, and during that time volunteer drivers gave more than 130,000 rides to low-income older adults.
RSVP of Central Oklahoma continues to partner with more than 50 nonprofits in the central Oklahoma community. It celebrates its 50th anniversary this year of matching people 55+ with meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community.

An event at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will highlight the history, heritage and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to Oklahoma. “Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences in Oklahoma: A Historical Journey” will take place on Wednesday, May 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May is AAPI Heritage Month in the United States.
Special honorees include Dr. Jordan Tang of Taiwan; Dr. Dick Hsieh of China; Dr. Thanh Van Anderson of Vietnam; former State Senator Ervin Yen of Taiwan; and current State Representative Cyndi Munson, a Korean American. Dr. Tang and Dr. Van Anderson will be honored posthumously.
The schedule includes a cultural fashion show, dance performances, hands-on activities and more. Performers include Dr. Gregory Lee on violin, Ai-Wei Chang on piano, the India Association, the Zomi community and the Japanese Association. Hands-on activities will include calligraphy and tea tasting.
Mike Lee Hoang, president of the Asian District Cultural Association and a Vietnam American, will be the emcee. Akash Patel, originally from India, will provide the closing remarks. Patel is the vice president of the United Nations Association USA, founder of the Happy World Foundation and the senior consultant for the Institute for Humane Education.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. The event at the OHC is one of several taking place across the Oklahoma City metro throughout the month of May. The program at the OHC is part of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Multicultural Office (OHSMO) and its “People of Oklahoma” series. The OHSMO has a working objective to develop programs and outreach initiatives to tell the story of Oklahoma’s diverse heritage and give voice to these historically underrepresented communities.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit
https://www.okhistory.org.