Avenues

September Cutie

Elliott Wolf Everett

Elliott Wolf Everett was born Monday, July 10, 2023 in Batesville. He weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz. and was 20-1/2 inches long. He is the son of Clayton and Sidney Everett of Salem. He is the grandson of Fran Mitchum and the late Robert Mitchum of Salem, Dennis and Rani Moss of Salem, and Heath Everett of Keller, Texas. His siblings are Breelan, 6, Colsen, 3 and Trace, 2.

ty Cuties

e all have them - those precious pictures of our children. venues would like for you to share them with our readers.Each month we will randomly choose a picture to be Email your picture in a high resolution jpeg format to news@areawidenews.com. Remember to include along with s name, parent’s name, age, city and

VENUES

SALES STAFF

Sales

SHERRY HARPER TAYLOR MIXON

417-274-8618

870-895-3207

WRITERS

Renee Janes

Elaine Brown

Vincent Marshall

John Norberg

Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

RENEE JANES

Editor

Graphic Designer

DEBBIE DOWNUM

Graphic Designer

Renee Janes, Editor

rjanes@cherryroad.com

870-895-3207

Salem, Ark.

Throughout the years there have been many changes and advancements in the medical field. This month we share with you some of the things taking place locally.

Elaine visited New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center a faith-based nonprofit organization started as a vision by its founder Janice Rabon in 2000.

Vince shares with us changes that are taking place in Fulton County, the merging of Fulton County Hospital with Baxter Regional Hospital.

I visited the Ozarks Healthcare campus for the revealing of their mobile mammography unit gifted by the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation. This technological advancement will be used to provide screenings to patients in the region. This will help keep patients on track with their check ups, especially ones that do not have the resources to travel to West Plains.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue of Avenues.

Office 1-800-995-3209

Fax 870-895-4277

news@areawidenews.com

Gardening in the Ozarks Who Wants a Pop…

No, not a soda pop. No, not a lollipop. No, not a ring-pop. I am talking about a Maypop, also known as a Passion Flower Vine or Passion Flower Crown of Thorns. It has 10 petals when it opens. This is believed to represent the 10 disciples who remained faithful to Jesus, thus excluding Peter and Judas. Jesus had 5 wounds, that the 5 stamens are associated with. The fringe of the flower is like that of the crown of thorns. Because of these symbolisms, the passion flower reminds us of Jesus’ Passion during the final hours before he died. There are a couple different types of this plant. The one that is tropical is known as a passion flower. This variety has a woody stemmed vine and can be found in reds, purple and white, pinks and a few other colors. Now

Maypops, is a fleshy vine that is a perennial in this area. They are more in the purple hues and can be found in almost white to pretty lavenders. This one will die back to the ground every winter and resprout in the spring from the roots.

John Norberg Sharp County Master Gardener

green egg-shaped fruit. These will appear during the summer. When ripe in the fall, they will turn a yellow-orange and become softer. The vine is also an attractant to the Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar. When the fruit has ripened, they can be used in jellies and jams, or directly from the vine.

Maypops can be left alone to grow and climb on nearby shrubs and plants. If left to their own, they can become invasive by taking over everything around them. They send shoots up from their roots system but are easily controlled. For more of a “neater” garden look in your garden, place a trellis or picket fence section for them to grow on. The vines can grow to around 8-12 feet long.

Wait to harvest the maypops until September till November. The fruit will be ripe when they become wrinkled. Wait until the fruit has dropped off the vine to harvest. The fruit can be stored in a cool dry space for only about a week or two.

One can scoop out the inside of the maypop and place it into a pan of water and sugar. Once boiled down it can be used as a tasty sauce for candy, ice cream, cake filling. So now, who wants a Pop?

LocatedinthehistoricalCastleberryBuilding ontheSquareinSalem.

MEDICAL DIRECTORY

COUNSELING SERVICES

Families, Inc. Counseling Services

Ash Flat - 870-994-7060

75K Hwy. 62/412, Ste. J

Ash Flat, AR

Mountain Home - 870-425-1041

700 S. Main, Mountain Home, AR

DENTISTS

Sonya Hames Wiles, D.D.S. Family Practice Dentistry

28 E. Court St., Melbourne, AR 72556

Telephone: 870-368-6666

Most insurances accepted

MCNA Dental & Delta Dental Smiles

Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic

Main Street, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554 870-625-3262

Dr. Mike Kersey, DDS

Tuesday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.mammothspringdental.com

HOME HEALTH

Elite Home Health

111 N. Main St. • Ste. 1, Salem, AR 72576

Phone: 870-895-2273 • Fax: 870-895-5515

www.lhcgroup.com

Hours of operation: 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday

RN on call 24/7

We provide home health services of nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy and in-home aid services in the comfort of your home.

“It’s all about helping people.”

Preferred Home Care

Trained and Professional Staff Offering Personal Care, ARChoices, PASSE, Veterans Aid and Attendance and Private Pay/Insurance 24/7

Mammoth Spring: 870-710-7053

Pocahontas: 870-248-1031

Rector: 870-595-2100

Spring River Home Health

1323 Hwy. 9 North Salem, AR 72576

870-895-2627

Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Caregiver Program

HOSPITALS

On-Site Hospitalist

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Delta Medical Supply

www.ARdeltamedical.com

facebook.com/ARdeltamedical

15 Choctaw Trace, Cherokee Village, AR 72529

870-257-4445

916 Sidney St., Batesville, AR 72501

870-612-0049

401 Hwy. 5 N., Mountain Home, AR 72653

870-656-4140

Tri-County Medical Supply

We’re Here To Serve You”

260 Hwy. 62 E. Salem, AR 72576

Toll Free: 888-476-2234

www.tricountymedicalsupply.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Southern Missouri Community Health Center

West Plains • 417-255-8464

1137 Independence Dr., West Plains

Thayer • 417-264-2990

U.S. Hwy. 63 North, Thayer

NURSING/REHAB

Shepherd’s View ALF Alton, MO 65606

417-778-7959

Level 2 Assisted Living for Seniors

Activities of Daily Living

Diabetic Care • Restorative Care • Rehab Care

SouthFork River Therapy & Living 624 62/412 West, Salem, AR 72576

870-895-3817

Kathy Speaks - Administrator

Cassandra Stafford - Director of Nursing

Deb Jeffery - Admissions

PHARMACIES

Alton Drug Store

201 State Hwy. 19, Alton, MO 65606 417-778-7000

Mon.-Fri. 8 am to 5 pm • Sat. 9 am to noon

Becky Peace RPh

Matthew Combs RPh

RX--drive thru--mail--delivery Home Health Services

Gifts Available

THERAPY

SERVICES

Spring River Therapy 1323 Hwy. 9 North, Salem, AR 72576 870-895-2627

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy

Every chance for life offered by pregnancy center, for child and parents

Story by Elaine Brown

photos By Elaine Brown and Clark Sanders

It must be one of the most awakening experiences for a woman when she finds out for the first time she is pregnant. Regardless of where she is physically, emotionally or financially, the sudden knowledge of that most fundamental aspect of our existence here on earth—

the potential birth of a new life—is going to be a lifechanging experience…More often than not, she will need some help, support and guidance from her partner, family and others.

New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center, located in Ash

Flat, Ark., is one of those “others” who offers assistance, free and confidentially. The Pregnancy Center is a faithbased nonprofit organization started as a vision by its founder Janice Rabon in 2000. The mission statement for the New Beginnings Center states “We are a ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, dedicated to protecting the unborn by offering unconditional love and guidance to women and men, empowering them to choose life.” The purpose of the facility is to help the mother and father to nurture the unborn fetus in a healthy caring environment in utero and well after the birth of the child.

The day-to-day operations of New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center are supervised by Executive Director Laura Lute, who started working at the Center in 2001 not long after it opened. The many free and confidential medical and support services they offer to help soon-to-be mothers and fathers are given by highly trained personnel. The words “unconditional love” in their mission statement are a reality at New Beginnings. The staff welcomes anyone regardless of their religious preference. Their goal is to work with any mother/couple to help bring an unborn child into the world in a safe nurturing manner. Their support comes from their love of God and Christ who guide them. They do not judge or try to convert others, but strive to help the parent(s) in a manner with which they feel comfortable. The Center’s services come free, confidentially and unconditionally with love. They offer prayer, but only if the mother and father want it. Director Lute said, “We do talk to them about their spiritual background at first…if they have none and they’re willing to listen when we talk about God, we can go further. If not, then we back off.”

On-site medical services include pregnancy testing and ultrasound services administered by a registered nurse.

They have a full-time RN Jill Praught and part-time RN Mary Scott, both trained as ultrasound sonographers. The Center’s Medical Director, Dr. George Jackson, checks the ultrasounds offsite and is available for any necessary consultations with the nurses. “If I have a question, he’s just a phone call away,” RN Praught assured. She explained Dr. Jackson always takes a safe approach and refers any concerns to the client’s doctor.

Confidential counseling with Life Coach Specialist Lorie Todd provides information depending on the client’s situation. Todd has a variety of different options available to offer a new mother, resources that are readily accessible.

Whether a mother needs immediate medical attention, is financially stretched, is considering an abortion, adoption or just so stressed she is unable to think straight, a sit-down consult with a life coach can help. Todd is at the Center willing to listen and will help sort through all possible options.

“There’s a couple of different organizations that help with finances,” said Todd. “If [the client] is adamant on abortion, our focus is to get them in and show them the life that is there [by ultrasound] and give them the options.”

Alternatives to abortion may include adoption, and there is grant funding available to help a mother seeking adoption with medical, transportation and living expenses. No decision is forced upon a mother. The life coach merely shows alternatives that are available to allow potential parent(s) to make a well-informed decision.

If a mother is addicted on a substance and walks into the center strung out, they welcome her in. Director Lute stated, “We don’t judge any of our clients. If they have an addiction…We have resources that we can refer them to… it’s up to them to make contact and get into those facilities.” New Beginnings will remain in contact with her and help facilitate the process.

In addition, New Beginnings provides “Earn While You Learn” pre- and postnatal parenting education classes, which allow first-time Moms and Dads to earn “Mommy Dollars” and “Daddy Bucks.” These “dollars” are used to purchase items from their Baby Boutique Support Services, such as clothing, diapers, formula and many other supplies. “First-time” is applicable for either the mom or dad or both.

A trained facilitator will give classes once a week with the moms and dads to prepare for changes the mother’s body will go through, labor and delivery as well as classes on SIDS, identifying differences in baby cries, car seat safety, potty training among others.

All classes are free and they earn Mommy Dollars and Daddy Bucks to spend with each class. These can be spent immediately or saved up over time. The parents receive a car seat after the completion of six classes, a crib and mattress after 12 classes and other items at set points of the class curriculum.

“The more classes they take, the more confident they get…on how they’ll be able to be a good parent,” said Todd. There is often a good bond that forms with the facilitator, who may become more of a close friend as well as mentor.

Nurse Praught added they offer training in infant CPR, lamaze child birth, breast feeding and others. These are classes available to all clients, not just first-time parents. Classes are not required. Any parents who sign up with the center’s services may receive a free car seat upon completion of a car seat safety class, whether they take the other classes or not. The incentive is to keep the mother and child healthy throughout the pregnancy and after birth. Praught explained they encourage nutrition and always give the mother a free bottle of vitamins when they have their first ultrasound. “That’s so important early in the pregnancy.”

Lute stated their volunteer facilitators who teach the classes are carefully selected to maintain the Center’s faithbased commitment during the education process. Bible classes are offered but not mandatory, but all facilitators do have core values of Christianity which can be readily shared if parents are interested. Other education incentives and job-finding assistance are also offered through the Center, including helping with resumes and getting job interview clothes through their Second Chance Store.

Lute recalled the early days when the Second Chance Thrift Store started as a mere yard sale for start-up money for the Pregnancy Center. People in the community

donated all kinds of household items to be sold. “This room was filled from floor to ceiling with items donated from people in the community,” Lute said. Second Chance Thrift Store is a fund-raising extension of New Beginnings that donates all of its proceeds to the Pregnancy Center. It is found next door to New Beginnings, which is located at 23 W. Main Street in Ash Flat.

Funding for the organization is supported in large part through area churches as well as an annual banquet they

hold to raise money. New Beginnings also has a special campaign drive twice a year called the “Baby Bottle Boomerang” campaign with about 40 churches in the area participating using baby bottles to collect donations.

Lute offered they have been given many blessings by God as their mission has grown. They want to share His gifts with those in need of help to provide for a new life, and in many cases to restart their own lives through education and resources. Theirs is not a ministry to judge anyone by their lifestyles, faiths or beliefs.

“We do not force any of our clients to choose any path,” Lute stated. “Of course, we encourage them for health, for the health of the child and for the health of the mother, whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally. We have the resources to help her become the mother that God intended her to be,” said Lute.

They will be relocating the New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center to Highland on Highway 62/412 near the south entrance to Cherokee Village. There they will be able to expand their education classes and add nutrition and group classes, some designed more for fathers. The Second Chance Store will remain in Ash Flat and expand to include a show room where the Center offices are now

located. The current target date for the move of the Center itself is the beginning of 2024.

Anyone interested in their services, please call New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center at 870-994-5433 for more information. You may walk into the Center’s offices Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both the Center and Second Chance Thrift Store are always looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of ways. These volunteers do not have to go through the application/ training process that facilitator volunteers do. For more information, visit pregnantnowwhat.org.

Under new management

Baxter Health becomes managers of Fulton County Hospital

A change is on the horizon as Fulton County Hospital board unanimously approved Baxter Regional to become the new managers of FCH.

The move comes as Arkansas Senator Scott Flippo informed both hospitals on behalf of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday, July 28, that in order for both hospitals to receive potential American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the governor would not be submitting the required letter for the funds to the legislature, unless the two hospitals merged.

During a special meeting with the FCH board, state representatives and Baxter Health, the letter of intent to approve the new management was signed after the board approved the option.

In a special Fulton County Quorum Court meeting on Monday, July 31, the court approved a resolution unanimously with a 9-0 vote for Baxter Health to become the management of the Fulton County Hospital. With the letter of intent approved, the two hospital boards went into negotiations for a management agreement. Then

the plan would go into what is called a due diligence phase which is like a checklist of things needing to be done before the keys are handed over essentially. Then on Thursday, Aug. 3, the management agreement was reached and approved unanimously by the FCH hospital board and Baxter Regional.

“The governor has made incentives for Baxter to partner with us and provide the management resources and expertise to stabilize our hospital and grow the services for our citizens,” Fulton County Judge Ken Crow said in a news release.

According to Flippo, the potential ARPA funds possible are in the $7-$10 million range, however, the governor said she would want a more, “sustainable and viable” infrastructure in place for the hospitals to be operational through the next 1015 years, “not quarterly,” and the only way to do that would be for Baxter Health to be the new management of Fulton County Hospital. If an agreement wasn’t reached by both hospitals, neither hospital would receive the ARPA funds it requested.

Story and Photo by Vincent Marshall

It was stated several times over the course of several meetings in the past week with the hospital board and the Fulton County Quorum Court that if FCH did not get the ARPA money, it would likely be closed down.

According to Baxter Health, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration hired the services of consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services LLC to assist with hospitals requesting ARPA funds to the legislature. Data gathered from the firm indicated that due to inflation and lack of staffing from COVID-19, FCH was in a position to be closed due to limited cash and debt increasing. “This has been coming on for several times,” Curren Everett, FCH director said of the merger with Baxter Health during the quorum court meeting. “We’re shorthanded in every field. Cooks, cleaners, everything, every field we go into we can’t get no help. So, this is something that is really needed for this county.”

“We’re not gonna lose this hospital,” Everett said. “We’re just gonna do more with them.”

Everett spoke to The News on Tuesday, Aug. 1 and confirmed he had put in his resignation with FCH effective Aug. 15.

With Everett announcing his resignation, as part of the

management agreement, Baxter Regional will install on an interim basis, a CEO, CFO and COO for FCH.

In the news release from Baxter Regional, Anthony Reed, who has been appointed the interim administrator of FCH said, “Baxter Health presented a preliminary plan for sustainability and growth to the current Fulton County Hospital Board of Directors. The management agreement will allow Baxter Health to immediately begin management of operations, financial management, and day-to-day operations. This will also allow Baxter Health the remainder of the year to complete a due diligence analysis into the specifics of a long-term agreement.”

According to FCH board chairman Charles Owens, regarding the half cent sales tax FCH receives as being a county-owned hospital, if Baxter Regional were to look to buy FCH outright, that purchase of the hospital would have to be approved by a vote from county residents. “Baxter Health has been a strong supporter of Fulton County Hospital for many years,” Baxter Health president/ CEO Ron Peterson said in a news release. “We are excited to partner for sustainability and to begin exploring what new services we can offer to the wonderful people of Fulton County.”

Local Taste

191 HWY 62/412

ASH FLAT, AR

(870) 994-2101

Tues - Thurs 11-8; Fri -Sat 11-9

Dine-In & Carry-Out

Facebook.com/meachamsashflat

ARTASIA MAIN ST. BISTRO / TWILIGHT APOTHECARY

112 E. Main St. | Hardy, AR

(870) 209-7606

Espressos, Teas, Homemade Baked Goods,Sandwiches and Wraps

Sun 9-3; Mon 7-3; Thurs.-Sat 7-3

Facebook.com/artasia

BUTTERCUP’S KITCHEN

922 N. Main St.

Cave City, AR

(870) 283-5000

Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 3 pm

Breakfast till 10:30 am

Facebook.com/Buttercups-Kitchen

SWINGLES FAMILY DINER

126 Locust St.

Salem, AR

(870) 895-5008

Mon - Sat 6 am - 2 pm

Facebook.com/pages/Swingles

What’s Cookin’ in the Ozarks? What’s Cookin’ in the Ozarks?

Classic Pecan Pie

Submitted by: Debbie Perryman

Ingredients

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups pecans

1 pie crust, unbaked

In a large bowl, stir eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pie crust. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven on a preheated baking sheet, 50-55 minutes, or until knife, inserted halfway between center and edge come our clean. Cool on wire rack.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

3612 Best Circle, Thayer, MO 65791

Office - 417-256-2556

Sacred Heart Schedule:

Weekday Mass: Thursday 11:30 a.m.

Weekend Mass: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Confession: First Sundays at 8:00 a.m.

Rosary: Sundays at 8:00 am.; Weekdays before Mass

Mammoth Spring Church of Christ

110 S. 3rd St. / P.O. Box 251

Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Barry O’Dell - Preacher

Find us on Facebook or YouTube

Ash Flat Church of God

124 Arnhart St. • Ash Flat, AR 501-574-8294

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening 5:00 p.m.

Thursday Bible Study 6:00 p.m.

Pastor CL Abbott

Salem United Methodist Church

205 Church St., Salem, AR 72576

Sunday School 10:00 am

Worship 11:00 a.m 870-847-6030 • 870-895-5157

Pastor Ken Anderson

Welcome Hill Church of Christ

Church Directory

Church Directory

Peace Lutheran Church

4 Iroquois Dr. • Cherokee Village

870-257-3957

Pastor Brian Pummill

9 a.m. – Traditional Worship

10:15 a.m. – Adult Bible Study & Sunday School

11:15 a.m. – Contemporary Praise Service

Cherokee Village United Methodist Church

21 Otter Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529

Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday Night Meal - 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday Night Faith Infusion - 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 870-257-3869

Website: cherokeevillageumc.org

Adoration: 3rd Thurs. & 1st Fri. 11:30 a.m.

Hardy Church of Christ 305 Johnston, Hardy, AR

870-847-6024

Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Mammoth Spring 16600 Highway 9, Mammoth Spring, AR 625-3273 • www.mammothspringfbc.com

Chris Powers, Pastor

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 p.m.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church Corner of Tekakwitha Dr. & Hwy. 62/412 Cherokee Village, AR • 870-257-2850

Email: stmichaelcv@yahoo.com

www.stmichaelscv.org

Daily Mass: Mon., Thur., Fri. - 9 am; Wed. - 6 p.m.; Saturday Vigil - 4 p.m.

Sunday - 9 a.m.

Rev. Amal Punganoor • 870-257-4456

First Christian Church

Pastor Boyd Savage

St. Paul United Methodist Church Business Highway 63, PO Box 241 Thayer, MO 65791

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Email: stpaulumc@centurytel.net

417-264-3296 • Pastor Mark Coffey

Faith Presbyterian Church 1001 Third Street, Horseshoe Bend, AR 72512

Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

2nd Day Bible Study - Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Email: faithpresby@centurytel.net

www.horseshoepresbyterian.org

Rev. David Schaller – Call 870-670-4103

Horseshoe Bend United Methodist Church

600 West Church Street 870-670-5392

Christian Conversation Wednesday - 12 noon

Sunday Worship - 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Ken Anderson

16309 Highway 9 South, Mammoth Spring, AR PO Box 495 / 417-293-6355

Sunday Morning Bible Study 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Minister: Erman Croney - 417-264-3371

“Disciples of Christ”

7th & Archer Street, Mammoth Spring, AR

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday Evenings - 6:00 p.m. www.fccms.org

First Missionary Baptist Aba

Highway 62 West At Spruce, Salem, AR

Sunday School-9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship-11:00 a.m.

Sunday Night Services - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Services - 6:30 p.m.

Call 870-895-2634 or 371-2067

Pastor Holden Phillips 870-834-5852

To reserve your church’s listing in Avenues’

Church Directory contact Areawide Media at

First Baptist Church of Hardy

Highway 63-412, Hardy, AR

Sunday School-9:30 a.m.

Worship-10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Larry Kindrick, Pastor - 870-847-0897

Hardy United Methodist Church

Fourth & Spring / Every Sunday

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors

Community effort to help save lives, Ozarks Healthcare mobile mammography unit to hit the road

Story

Early this year, Ozarks Healthcare was gifted a mobile mammography unit from Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, a gift that will be an asset to help provide healthcare for many in the region.

So far, the unit has been utilized on the Ozarks Healthcare campus in West Plains. However, a schedule will soon released of sites it will be visiting. The bus will be beneficial for all patients at clinics especially those that do not have transportation to West Plains for screenings. This should help alleviate delays and help patients stay on track with their annual screenings.

“We are doing around 10 to 15 patients daily now. This will increase the availability of screening mammograms for patients who are underprivileged, live a far distance from West Plains, or who just needs the convenience of a closer mammography exam. We are doing screening mammograms by appointments only. The patients are screened as they make their appointments with our Mammography Patient Navigator,” said Chief  Mammography Technologist Glenda M. Kentner. In an article featured in The South Missourian News in April 2023 when the unit was gifted, Ozarks Healthcare Mammography Patient Navigator Michelle

by Renee Janes

Photos by Renee Janes and Submitted

Haney said, “We are going to be able to save more lives and we are going to be able to catch things a lot earlier because the excuse of not being able to, we are going to take that away. As women, we have full-time careers, full-time moms, full-time wives and we always put ourselves on the back burner. This allows us to be right in front and take care of ourselves. If we are not healthy and where we need to be, we cannot take care of everybody else.”

The mobile mammography unit was made possible from many fundraising initiatives throughout the community with more than $800,000 being raised to purchase it from Fire Master Fire Equipment, Inc. Many area businesses and community members joined the effort to raise funds for the mobile mammography unit by hosting fundraisers or donating parts of their proceeds to Ozarks Healthcare Foundation.

Ozarks Healthcare Vice President of Development

Josh Reeves discussed some of the fundraisers held in the community.

“One that stands out to me is the [West Plains] girls basketball team. They do a Pink Out game every year and the fundraiser for the mobile mammography unit, they raised over $20,000,” said Reeves.

Some additional fundraisers included the West Plains Lady Golfers Association donating proceeds from a tournament and a local baseball team also holding a Pink Out game to raise funds.

Reeves stated the community activity based fundraisers contributed approximately $100,000 to the unit. There were several large business that also contributed. This included West Plains Bank and Loan which donated $250,000. “It was a big deal for them. They are very involved in all the community, not just West Plains, but around us and they saw that this could really help people that don’t have the time or the resources to drive into West Plains,” said Reeves.

Hirsch’s Farm & Feed also contributed a large donation.

When asked how it was received by the community to help raise funds for the mobile unit, Reeves said, “It has been really rewarding to tell people that we are going to do it. Then they help us raise the money and we actually take it to them and they can easily see what we have done and get excited about it. It’s been fun and it’s been very positive. There hasn’t been anything negative about it.”

“We are excited about it and it’s going to be pretty special to have out on the road this fall. We are going

to take it to a lot of different events, clinics, schools. We are ready to go,” said Reeves. The unit has the capability to deliver complex and detailed images by featuring 3D mammogram screening technology. It also provides quicker screening time with less discomfort. The 3D technology can also read denser breast tissue. The unit also features changing and waiting areas. In a previous press release, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO Tom Keller said, “this is an exciting time for our health system and community. We are grateful for our Foundation’s hard work and investment in making simple, but what can also be life-saving screenings, more available for community members across our region, especially those in some or our most rural areas. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 417-257-5912.

ACNA’s Music at the Gazebo: Expanded to six weeks!

The Arts Center of North Arkansas is spotlighting its late summer/early fall Music at the Gazebo artists. Due to popular demand, the customary four-week free concert series has been expanded to six weeks, beginning on Sept. 7 and continuing each Thursday night through Oct. 12. Bring your lawn chairs and join others at the Gazebo in Cherokee Village Town Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for six weeks of music, thanks to the recruiting efforts of the ACNA cochairs Nannette Daugherty and Barb Massie.

By Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

Starting off this season on Sept. 7, will be the Osage Water Band, a popular return group. Since its inception about five years ago, the Osage Water Band’s musical style, ranging from country to blues to pop, has engaged its audiences with many recognizable tunes. New members will join in—among them former American Idol contestant Lauren Gray—as the group’s members entertain with their instruments and voices.

On Sept. 14, The Duncans, Garrett and Ashton, will return to the Gazebo. Married in January 2022, the couple has a repertoire that includes pop, soft rock, and country as well as original works written by Garrett. Garrett started singing and playing guitar at a young age and has his own music company. Ashton sang in church, played with the Baptist University Worship Band, and is a certified personal trainer. The Duncans’

blended voices are a crowd favorite at regional venues. The Hardy Junction Music Hall Band will leave its stage in Hardy, Ark., on Sept. 21 to play at the Gazebo. Music on that stage began on Nov. 3, 1997, after Gordon Rumble acquired the building. Throughout the ensuing years, the musicians have changed but the toe-tapping music provided by singers and a variety of instruments has continued to entertain with traditional bluegrass, country, and gospel. In May 2022, Jim and

Salem Glass Company

Osage Water Band

The Duncans

Chris Recollect purchased the property. In addition to improvements to the land and buildings, a blinking sign at the entrance now welcomes visitors to the Friday night jam sessions and to special Saturday night shows.

On Sept. 28, The Country Knights, who travel primarily to venues around the Midwest, will make its first appearance at Music at the Gazebo. Having performed together since 2012, the harmony-singing duo of Don Joy and Melanie Lynn remain true to their country roots and traditional country sound. Don Joy has spent his life with music. A singer since age ten, he has been writing songs since age seventeen. Melanie began singing thirty years ago. The duo has recorded nine duet CDs and have won several awards. They have appeared on RFD-TV Midwest Country and are Nashville Country Music Recording Artists.

Another first-time act for Music at the Gazebo is The Whetstone Band on October 5. David Richardson and Gina Hollingshad, Missourians who have been singing together for about six years, will blend their voices on a repertoire of country, bluegrass, gospel, and oldies. David was a police officer for seventeen years. He once held a Guinness world record for playing the guitar nonstop in a local competition—122 hours and 22 minutes with only short breaks for drinks and restroom. Gina, who taught elementary school for twenty-five years, now hosts a music jam every Tuesday night at Roy’s Store in Dora, Mo.

Winding up the concert series on Oct. 12, will be the McMickle Brothers, Harold and Tony. The brothers started playing together as teenagers and eventually began sharing their talent with others. Harold is chap-

The Hardy Junction Music Hall Band

lain for a hospice agency. Tony retired from scientific research, part of which was spent in immunology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Relax to some oldtimey songs with music ranging from their early roots in country music to Tony’s original songs.

September Activities

Questions? Call 870-751-3793. Watch for notices or check ACNA’s Facebook page or website.

Writing: 1st Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Art Club: 2nd Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Photography: 3rd Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Tai Chi: Mondays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.

Open Studio: Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Music at the Gazebo: Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 (See details in article above.)

Clay/Pottery: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dulcimer: Tuesdays—Check Facebook.

Sept. 18: Board Meeting, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 22: Watercolor on Canvas, 1-5 p.m., with Diana Long

The Whetstone Band

McMickle Brothers

The Country Knights

WIN A DINNER FOR TWO FRED’S FISH HOUSE

RULES: To register for the drawing, fill out a card on location at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring, Ark. Look for the pictured box to drop your card in to be registered. The drawing will still take place around the end of each month at the restaurant.

LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Winner to be announced next month

NEXT DRAWING FOR A FREE DINNER GIVEAWAY FOR TWO WILL BE SEPTEMBER 20.

THE

Tri-County Medical Supply and Respiratory Services, Inc. was started in August of 1999. The company is a locally operated business with hometown employees.

We bill Medicare, Medicaid, and major medical insurances and we also accept credit and debit cards. We have built trust and confidence with our referrals over the past 24 years and we look forward to continuing top quality service in the years to come. We have technicians available for emergency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and we offer free delivery. We provide services, not only in Salem, but in several counties in Arkansas and Missouri.

The mission of Tri-County Medical Supply and Respiratory Services, Inc. is to provide the highest quality of healthcare equipment, supplies and services to all of our customers. Our staff members are kind, courteous, knowledgeable and are always available for customers and referrals. A highly trained respiratory therapist is also on staff to assist our customers who may have questions.

We are ACHC accredited and offer a multitude of quality supplies including oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen tanks, CPAP machines and supplies, nebulizers, walking aids, wheelchairs, lift chairs, incontinent supplies, hospital beds and hydraulic lifts and slings, SoClean, BioFreeze, Bell-Horn braces, diabetic shoes, full line of scrubs and shoes, razorback and MLB merchandise, gift items, Skinny Mix syrups, waters, popcorn and more. We’re also an authorized dealer for Skechers shoes and My Pillow products.

If we don’t have it we will try our best to get it for you. Come by and see us at 260 Highway 62 East across from Dairy Queen in Salem. We look forward to serving

Kayak fishing 101

By: Dewayne French

As the days begin to cool down from the hot summer heat and it gets to a manageable level to be outside now is the perfect time to go Kayak fishing. If you have never been it is relatively easy to get started in and cost is minimal compared to owning a bigger fishing boat. You can get your exercise and enjoy the great outdoors all at one time. After you start with a kayak you may want to expand to a bigger fishing boat.

Fishing from a kayak is not that difficult and even a novice angler can pick-up on it pretty quick. Just remember you will get wet and even the most accomplished kayak angler will get wet. Just prepare for it and you will be fine. Some anglers fish standing up and some remain seated. Either way will work just find your comfort level and go with it. A fishing kayak is usually wider than a normal kayak and is less prone to tipping over. Although when it does happen just remain calm and use you’re plan to get out of the kayak if it turns over and you will be fine. Always have a PFD that fits proper and sometimes you can even just stand up, so don’t panic.

Kayaks come in paddle, pedal, and motor versions and whichever you chose to start out with they each have they own advantages and disadvantages. So which ever you choose to start with it still takes some skill to get it all going right. Some skills you have some you will develop over time on the water. Don’t overload you kayak with all the latest lures and fishing equipment. Keeping it simple and less complicated will be better as you get started and it will save you money in the end.

Wear sunscreen along with a wide breamed hat and polarized sunglass along with a long-sleeved sun shirt and it will keep from getting a bad sunburn. As you set closer to the water you also get more of the sun pointed back in your direction from the surface of the water and we need to take precaution. Most of the kayak anglers I know fish the streams and smaller rivers we are blessed with here in the Ozarks. A big boat just can’t get into some of these areas.

Less access usually means the fishing can be great and you might have it all to yourself. More people are getting into kayak fishing and you might even pick up a new buddy along the way.

Some other items to remember along your kayak journey. Get to know your river or steam access points, which are public and which are private. What are the regulations where you plan on fishing? How many hazards are along the fishing area, are there trees across the river, is there rocks and shallow shift running areas. What type of fish will you be catching? All kind of questions for you to research. The biggest one is WHEN??? When will you start exploring our Ozarks lakes, rivers, and streams that we have right in your front door?

Remember we all “Live Downstream” so please pick up your trash and any other trash you see out floating around! Never discard old fishing line in the river or lake! Wear your life jacket and tell your family your expected return times and a general location of where you plan to fish.

Check out my social media pages and follow my fishing adventures around the Ozark waters we call home, as we prepare for fishing.

Facebook: Dewayne French Fishing

Twitter: @French_fishin

Instagram: french_fishin

Youtube: Dewayne French or French fishing

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“There is always time for one more cast”

Dr. Rebecca Phillips

Casey Duncan, APRN

Haley Tyler, APRN

Christina Cooper, APRN

Amy Hodges, Pediatric APRN