By Marilyn Olson, Executive Director, VillagesOKC

Megan Gold has spent nearly a year as Miss Oklahoma, championing the cause of senior adults across the state.
VillagesOKC is proud to applaud this beautiful young professional who has a heart for seniors and wisely recognizes the value of community. It is in a community for every decade of life that “breaking bread together” provides food for the body and nutrition for the soul.
Because of her love for her grandfather, Megan, crowned Miss Oklahoma in June 2022, chose the platform for her social impact initiative to be “America Let’s Do Lunch – Ending Senior Hunger.”
After the death of his wife, Megan’s grandfather continued to live independently. But he felt alone, sad and no longer had the motivation to prepare nutritious meals. In fact, he didn’t feel hungry. Megan saw the value of Meals on Wheels which daily provided both a hearty meal and even more a friend with whom to share a meal.
During this past year’s reign, Megan lived in the senior living community Inverness in Tulsa while continuing as a TV meteorologist at Tulsa’s Channel 6 and carrying on her duties as Miss Oklahoma. She chose living there to further highlight her platform and to get to know more senior adults. The benefits of being in this community went two ways.
“I found that in my busy work life and traveling as Miss Oklahoma, even in all the crowds, I often felt alone,” she said. “The genuine friendships of these adopted grandparents cared for me as a person. They encouraged me.”
VillagesOKC will continue to follow Megan’s career and her ongoing initiative reducing isolation and food insecurity among seniors. VillagesOKC will also be encouraging young students and professionals across Oklahoma to value senior adults and consider the wide-open field of gerontology for their life’s work.
Megan is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Gold of Edmond and is the proud twin sister to brother Michael. Megan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in broadcast journalism and meteorology. She has worked as a meteorologist in Texas, Missouri and now in Tulsa.

VISIT: https://www.villagesokc.org/

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

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/.

One of the things we enjoy most about Oak Haven is the feeling of being safe and secure. Oak Haven is gated and the residents are nice and hospitable people. The cottages are nice and very clean. There is some type of activity for everyone to enjoy. Margaret, the property manager, is friendly and professional in her job. David, the maintenance manager, is easy to work with on any problem you might have. They both give you a sense of wanting to help.
We enjoy Oak Haven
Mike and Ginger Pickard

VISIT OAK HAVEN AT https://www.oakhavenretire.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.

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.

Seaman Imoni Okine on the USS Nimitz

U.S. Navy Yeoman Seaman Imoni Okine, from Midwest City, Okla., left, and Yeoman 3rd Class Ruby Crystal Patino, from Los Angeles, review paperwork aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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.

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.”

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.