In May, the Board of Directors of Bates County Memorial Hospital was approached by an investment broker who had set up a trust several years ago to be used toward a Community Center for the Butler area and requested that it be constructed on the BCMH campus. A committee has been organized and meetings have begun to spearhead this project.

The Board of Directors of Bates County Memorial Hospital will have to carefully consider the financial implications of constructing a Community Center on their campus. They will have to weigh the potential benefits of having the center on their property against the costs of construction, maintenance, and any other associated expenses. This is similar to how investors in the stock market must carefully analyze the financial statements and performance of a company before investing their money, such as when deciding whether to buy disney stocks based on their earnings reports and future growth prospects.

Wealth management firms can provide valuable guidance and expertise to individuals and organizations alike in making financial decisions. Just as the Board of Directors at Bates County Memorial Hospital must weigh the financial implications of constructing a community center, individuals must consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance when making investment decisions. Wealth advisors can help navigate this complex process by providing customized strategies and portfolio management based on individual needs and objectives. For those seeking to make informed investment decisions, seeking the advice of a trusted wealth management firm can be a valuable resource. Learn more about wealth management services here.

In 2019, BCMH completed a Community Health Needs Assessment in which the hospital held town hall meetings for residents of Bates County. The hospital retained a consultant who published a report based on community feedback, and the findings showed a community center was top on the list.

The project has temporarily been named: “Proposed Regional Activity Center” in order to include everyone from the Bates County area. All donations for a community center will be routed through the Bates County Community Health Foundation, known as BCCHF, a tax-deductible charity. This project will be entirely under the foundation’s direction.

The committee has had three meetings to date and will start meeting with architects from three different companies on July 27th to determine building plans and the best location on the BCMH campus. The committee will also meet with YMCA officials on August 2nd to explore that option as well.

Anyone wishing to serve on a committee and be involved in this venture for the community may contact a member of the committee. Committee members are Linda L. Jennings, Mike Taranto , David Hilgenberg , Greg Weaver, Larry Burch, Larry Hacker, Chance Hedrick, Chris White, Jeremy Jones and Shanya Hedrick.

Watch for an online survey distributed by local media coming soon, and please take the time to fill it out. The committee values your feedback. Check for updates at https://www.bcmhospital.com/bcchf-news/

Vol 30 no 30

July 27 2022

University of Missouri Extension has scheduled a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop at the Ellett Memorial Hospital Conference Room, 610 N. Ohio Street, Appleton City, MO 64724 every Thursday afternoon from August 11 to September 22 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Each course registrant will be provided a free copy of Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions as a reference for additional study and healthcare planning. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop is free and interested individuals can register for this six-week course by calling the University of Missouri Extension – St. Clair County Center at 417-646-2419 or e-mailing StClairCo@missouri.edu. This course is limited to 10 participants, so call to register right away. 

The annual Community Block Party, sponsored by Ellett Memorial Hospital and A.C. Clinic, will be Saturday, August 6, 2022.  The day will kick off with the 5K run/walk/bicycle at 7:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Hospital.  EMH’s Auxiliary bake sale will be inside in the Hospital in the Dining Room.  Starting at 8:00 a.m., there will be multiple vendors set up on the outside lawn.  The Lab will have some special-priced lab draws available including BMP/TSH $25, BMP/LIPID Panel/TSH $30, Hemoglobin A1C $15, and PSA $15. Weather permitting, Life Flight Eagle will land at noon.  Thorni Ridge Exotics will have a petting zoo and bouncy house. KC Wolf will be making an appearance sometime throughout the event. There will be free hotdogs, chips, water and free sno-cones!  Watch Ellett Memorial Facebook page for further details. 

The GFWC –Achievers have donated and installed a pole light in Forrest Park, which is ready for use in time for the fair.

The ACHS gym will be closed for floor refinishing until August 5. During this time, there can be no traffic on the gym floor.

Appleton City K-12 Back to School Bash and Open House will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18 on the baseball field. Join the teachers and staff in a fun filled evening.  Enjoy a hotdog and snow cone while filling out your students’ school registration forms.  Watch the kids play on the bounce house, obstacle course and outdoor games.  Take pictures while using photo props and meet your child’s teacher.  Call 660-476-2161 for info.

Appleton City Fair will be August 11-13.  The Parade will be 7:00 p.m. August 12. This year’s theme is Summer Fun. Many activities happen that could become a float. Line up at 6:15 p.m. at the Baptist Church (5^th and Poplar). Horses unload on North Hickory Street and line up on 5^th Street toward Poplar.  PARTIPATION makes the fair.  The schedule will otherwise be similar to previous years. Early armbands will be $15 and will be on sale August 1 at Food Fair and True Value until Thursday August 11 at 12:00. On the grounds, they will be $25. The schedule should come out in the AC Journal and Mid America next week or see their Facebook page: Appleton City MO Fair. Appleton City Booth forms are available for pick-up at City Hall. Food forms have a check list to include all information or can be emailed. Contact acmolampkin@yahoo.com. Food type must be approved to avoid duplicate items nightly. Deadline to be included in published information is Tuesday, July 26. Contact Julie Cooper or 660-492-0131 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. or acmolampkin@yahoo.com

When the Carnival arrives in Appleton City they would like to hire workers to operate the rides, take tickets, and work in food concession.  You must be at least 16 years of age.  Interviews will be set up after they arrive Monday, August 8. Call then at 573-429-9604.

The Ellett Memorial Foundation Board is raffling off a 5 Burner Even Embers Gas Griddle to be given at the AC Fair on Saturday, August 13. Tickets are $10 each or 2 for $15.  See any Foundation Member or get your tickets at Ellett Memorial Hospital.  Leroy Swopes, Robbie Rotert, Paul Noble, Chris Green, Denice Nitchals, Bill Brownsberger, Laura Smith, April Loney or Julee Snyder.

Trinity United Methodist Church will hold a Back to School Clothing Give-A-Way August 22. They will accept donations suitable for school age children (K-12).  This is an advance notice, so when you are pulling out those outgrown items, you’ll have a place for them to go.  Items may be dropped off at the church August 15 – 19.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, August 14 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

Producers, mark your calendars for Thursday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. for the Grain Storage Tour at Seed and Farm Supply in Lamar. Tim Clarkson with MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute will speak on Safety Basic for Every Farm. Live demos and tour of Seed and Farm Supply will follow. Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Seed and Farm Supply. RSVP to 417-682-3579 or email scheidtjk@missouri.edu by August 1 to guarantee your meal. This event is free and open to the public.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City outpatient specialist services for July and August.  Call 660-476-2111 for appointment: July 27 –Ortho-Dr. Gray, July 28 – Rheumatology, Dr. Tay,  Aug 3– Upper GI, Colonoscopy -Dr. Vardakis, Aug 4 –OB/GYN – Dr. Kallberg, Aug 11- Rheumatology, Dr. Tay, Aug 12– Ortho-Dr. Gray, Aug 17 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Aug 18 – Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Aug 24 – Ophthalmology – Dr. Soni, Aug 24 – Ortho-Dr. Gray, Aug 25 – Rheumatology, Dr. Tay  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 27     50+ Social Club meeting 6:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

Aug 2       Primary election day

Aug 6       Ellett Memorial Hospital Block Party

Aug 11-13     AC Fair

Aug 14     Pancake and sausage breakfast at the Montrose Knight’s Hall 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.

“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fuel up on us

As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you,

all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:

Bates

Rich Hill

8/2/2022: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Rich Hill Christian Church, 300 E Walnut (A Highway)

Blood drive safety 

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.  

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.