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.”

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.

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to make my last will and testament and would like to know if I can do it myself, or do I need to hire a lawyer?
Don’t Have Much

Dear Don’t,
Very good question! Almost everyone needs a will, but only around one-third of American have actually prepared one. Having a last will and testament is important because it ensures your money and property will be distributed to the people you want to receive it after your death.
If you die without a will (a.k.a. dying “intestate”), your estate will be settled in accordance with state law. Details vary by state, but assets typically are distributed using a hierarchy of survivors i.e., first to a spouse, then to children, then your siblings, and so on.
You also need to be aware that certain accounts take precedence over a will. If you jointly own a home or a bank account, for example, the house, and the funds in the account, will go to the joint holder, even if your will directs otherwise. Similarly, retirement accounts and life insurance policies are distributed to the beneficiaries you designate, so it is important to keep them up to date too.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Not necessarily. Creating a will with a do-it-yourself software program may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if you have a simple, straightforward estate and an uncomplicated family situation. Otherwise, it’s best to seek professional advice. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone.
If you need help finding someone the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org), the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC.org) and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC.org) websites are good resources that have online directories to help you search.
Costs will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your situation, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 or more to get your will made. To help you save, shop around and get price quotes from several different firms. And before you meet with an attorney, make a detailed list of your assets and accounts to help make your visit more efficient.
If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see FindLegalHelp.org) to find low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-677-1116 for a referral.
If you are interested in a do-it-yourself will, some top options to consider are Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill.com or DoYourOwnWill.com.
It’s also recommended that if you do create your own will, have a lawyer review it to make sure it covers all the important bases.
Where to Store it?
Once your will is written, the best place to keep it is either in a fireproof safe or file cabinet at home, in a safe deposit box in your bank or online at sites like Everplans.com. But make sure your executor knows where it is and has access to it. Or, if a professional prepares your will, keep the original document at your lawyer’s office. Also, be sure to update your will if your family or financial circumstances change, or if you move to another state.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Antelope Party
by Eric John Meyer Directed by Jesse Jou October 12-22, 2023. “The Rust Belt Ponies Meet-Up Group for Adult Fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” gather weekly to visit Equestria—a land of enchantment aka Ben’s apartment in rural Pennsylvania.
Looking for Tiger Lily
Written and Performed by Anthony Hudson November 16-18, 2023. Starring Anthony Hudson – the human vessel for Portland’s premiere drag clown Carla Rossi – LOOKING FOR TIGER LILY utilizes song, dance, drag, and video to put a queer spin on the ancestral tradition of storytelling.
Under The Radar: On The Road
In Association with The Public Theater January 25-28, 2024. OKC Rep’s annual collaboration with The Public Theater in New York brings a show directly from the NYC festival to Oklahoma City.
Vietgone
by Qui Nguyen, Directed by Nikki DiLorento February 29 – March 9, 2024. An all-American love story about two very new Americans. It’s 1975. Saigon has fallen. He lost his wife. She lost her fiancé.
Of a Mind: Oklahoma City
Created by Kelly Kerwin, Emily Zemba, and Listen&Breathe, Movement Direction by Hui Cha Poos May 9 – June 2, 2024. Put on your headphones and join OKC Rep for a remount of OF A MIND: OKLAHOMA CITY, the audio-guided theatrical walking tour that originally delighted audiences in Spring 2022.
For more information visit: https://www.okcrep.org/season

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.

“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.

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.