HSO’s spay-neuter clinics and Petco Love benefit the community

Submitted by Cheryl Murphy, HSO Secretary

On March 28-30, Humane Society of the Ouachitas hosted its second spay-neuter clinic of 2023 to benefit local pets and their owners! The service was provided by Ozark Mountain Mobile Spay Neuter Clinic of Arkansas, which travels the state to bring this service to small towns like Mena.

The Mobile Clinic performed spay-neuter surgeries as well as provided low-cost rabies vaccines. At the March clinic, a total of 132 animals received surgeries because of the caring and concerned pet parents who brought their pets to the clinic. Of that total, there were 85 cats and 47 dogs who received surgeries, and now have increased opportunities to lead longer and healthier lives.

Over the past year, a total of 181 cat owners were awarded grant funding through the Humane Society of the Ouachitas and thanks to national nonprofit Petco Love, which makes these vital surgeries possible. The cat grant is currently exhausted. Thank you, Petco Love, for supporting our pet loving community! Of the 47 dogs, 18 were paid for from a spay-neuter assistance fund established by HSO, which is funded by individual donors, who give to this worthy cause directly through HSO. HSO volunteers helped facilitate the three-day clinic, which was held at the Polk County Fairground’s facility. This team effort is deeply appreciated to assist with this crucial endeavor for the county. “All volunteers are to be commended for their dedication,” stated HSO Volunteer Board Member Denise Westphal.

“They are very patient and caring as they handle the frightened pets when arriving and waiting for their turn to have their surgery. They are also very attentive to the pets as they wake from their anesthetic. The volunteers put in some long hours and give a lot of love and comfort to the animals.”

The HSO Board of Directors commends Westphal, as well, for volunteering the last couple years to process clinic applications, schedule appointments, and award grant vouchers to qualified pet owners. Working together with the help of corporate and private grantors, and dedicated volunteers, pet over-population is being reduced in Polk County, Arkansas! The next clinic is coming July 18-20, 2023, and applications may be found online at hsomena.org. Scheduling will begin July 1.

Wickes Trade Day

Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Located in Wickes on Hwy. 278 on the lawn between Union Bank and the fire station. Vendor set-up is at 8 a.m.

Come shop for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts while supporting local businesses. Enjoy Hispanic food, BBQ, baked goods, tumblers wood works, items from Double R Forge, freshies, homemade cards, floral arrangements, key chains, clothes, jewelry, pony rides, face painting, music by Michael Eudy, and more.

* Event will be moved to May 20 if weather is hazardous. Vendors are not guaranteed to be present as unforeseen circumstances may arise. Call 479-216-8234 for any questions.

“Little Shop of Horrors” — Ouachita Little Theatre

Friday - Saturday, May 12 - 13 & 19 - 20, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14 - 21, 2:30 p.m.

The musical “Little Shop of Horrors” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman promises to thrill audiences.

Director Alex Night is assisted by musical director Judy Kropp who leads a full live orchestra.

Reserved seating is recommended and available online at oltmena.com or during office hours Thursdays and Fridays from 2 - 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and also available at the door.

Around Town

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at noon on May 9 at La Condesa, 7532 Hwy. 71 South, Wickes. New to Polk County? Come and meet with other social seniors and have fun. Any questions? Contract Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633. Bring a friend or more and enjoy socializing and eating. Need a ride? Meet at Walmart at Mena parking lot by gasoline pumps before 11 for carpooling. Will leave at 11:15 a.m.

A sing-a-long at First Baptist Church in Mena, Friday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. Come to the sanctuary and enjoy the fellowship and we’ll sing your favorite hymn. Brian Gandy will be leading the sing-a-long.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon 4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon 5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4 - 6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows. Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Free meal and a message at Living Word, 171 W. Johnson, Hatfield, Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Mollie Gann Cemetery Decoration Day, Sunday, May 14 , 10 a.m. Will include meeting to discuss new and old business.

Owens Chapel Cemetery Cleanup Week is May 7 - 13. Decoration Day will be observed, Sunday, May 14.

Ink-Concord Cemetery Decoration Day will be Sunday May 21, with annual meeting at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Concord Baptist Church. You may bring your maintenance donations then or mail them to P. O. Box 696, Mena, AR 71953