Starting Monday, September 9, exciting changes are coming to 40/29’s daytime and afternoon lineup.

Dr. Oz is moving to 11:00 a.m., while two brand-new programs, Tamron Hall and The Kelly Clarkson Show, join the 40/29 programming lineup weekdays beginning at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. respectively. The Ellen DeGeneres Show continues at 4:00 p.m. while 40/29 News at 5:00, with anchors Allison Wise, Paige Preusse and Chief Meteorologist Darby Bybee follows at 5:00 p.m.

Tamron Hall will be a daily destination for all things topical and a platform for viewers to connect with the people who are shaping our world through meaningful, engaging, and entertaining conversations.

The Kelly Clarkson Show will be full of remarkable stories, celebrity guests, spontaneous surprises, humor, heart and, of course, good music.

40/29’s Morning & Afternoon Lineup:

4:30-7:00 a.m. 40/29 News Sunrise
7:00-9:00 a.m. Good Morning America
9:00-10:00 a.m. Live! With Kelly and Ryan
10:00-11:00 a.m. The View
11:00-12:00 p.m. Dr. Oz
12:00-1:00 p.m. GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke
1:00-2:00 p.m. General Hospital
2:00-3:00 p.m. Tamron Hall
3:00-4:00 p.m. The Kelly Clarkson Show
4:00-5:00 p.m. The Ellen DeGeneres Show
5:00-5:30 p.m. 40/29 News at 5:00
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. World News with David Muir

ABOUT KHBS/KHOG-TV
KHBS/KHOG-TV, an ABC affiliate owned and operated by Hearst Television Inc., has been operating in the Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers DMA for over 45 years. KHBS/KHOG-TV’s local and ABC network programming continues to be seen on the station’s primary over-the-air channels, 40.1 and 29.1, as well as Cox Cable channel 7 and HD channel 2007 and ATT U-verse channel 29/40 and HD channel 1029/1040. On DISH Network KHBS is available on channel 40 and KHOG is available on 29. DirecTV viewers can find the station on channel 40. The ABC station is also cleared on Diamond Net on various channel positions. The station’s web address is www.4029tv.com.

ABOUT HEARST TELEVISION
Hearst Television owns and operates local television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst. www.hearsttelevision.com.

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for ALL of us – Families, Teachers, Clinicians, Nurses, Clergy and Religious Leaders, Elected Officials, Police Officers, Firefighters, Policymakers, Employers, etc. – to play a vital role in awareness and prevention.

As a local behavioral healthcare provider, Springwoods Behavioral Health is dedicated to changing the national narrative about suicide in a manner that promotes hope, resiliency, connectedness and recovery.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Additional resources to utilize:

• ? Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth is 1-866-488-7386.
• ? For U.S. Military Veterans, call 1-800-273-8255, press 1 to speak with the Veterans Crisis Line

Studies show that 50% of Americans have identified barriers that stop them from trying to help someone at risk. Some fear that they would say or do something to make things worse rather than better. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and its many national and local community resource partner organizations suggest taking these five steps:

1. Ask. Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you are open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner, can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain. Other questions to ask include “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret.

2. Keep them safe. After the “Ask” step, it’s important to establish immediate safety. Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What sort of access do they have to their planned method? Knowing the answers to these questions can tell a lot about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) can always act as a resource during this moments as well if you aren’t entirely sure what to do next.

3. Be There. This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person – do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish. Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has shown to be a protective factor. By “being there,” we have a chance to alleviate or eliminate some of these significant factors.

4. Help them Connect. Helping someone connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in the community. Are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Is this an option for them? Research suggests that individuals who called the Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by trained counselors.

5. Follow Up. After your initial contact and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up to see how they are doing. The follow-up step is a good time to check in to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t had the chance to get done for the person. This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness. Studies have shown a reduction in the number of deaths by suicide when following up was involved with high risk populations.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College enrolled 8,649 students for the fall 2019 semester, an increase of 4.1% from the fall 2018 unofficial figure of 8,308, NWACC officials announced today in releasing preliminary, unofficial census numbers. 

This increase includes a bump of 203 in the number of new freshmen and an increase in distance learning enrollment of 315 students. In fall 2018, the college had 1,602 new freshmen and in fall 2019 that number stood at 1,805. 

Last fall, 3,777 students were enrolled in a distance learning course; this fall, enrollment in distance learning courses was 4,092. 

The 8,649 figure is still a preliminary number. The official 11th-day enrollment number provided to the state Department of Higher Education in mid-October will be somewhat lower because that official figure will not include students who may be auditing a course or who are enrolled in “late start” classes that begin after the traditional 16-week term kicks off.

Said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Todd Kitchen: “I’m extremely pleased to see how the hard work of our team has allowed us to grow our enrollment. In just under two years, our Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Justin White, and his team have helped us implement a few changes that have yielded great results. Our college leadership provides great resources, public relations and marketing support that allows us to effectively tell our story around the region. We are also extremely grateful for a college community that continues to serve and support our recruiting and retention efforts. I think it is important to emphasize the positive numbers are the result of lots of teamwork from our faculty and staff at both our Benton County and Washington County locations.”

In addition to credit enrollment, the college also serves approximately 4,000 additional learners through workforce development, adult education and other non-credit programs.

With the recent joint venture between Washington Regional and Urgent Team Family of Urgent Care & Walk-In Centers, Washington Regional Urgent Care is now open at the following locations in Northwest Arkansas:

• Rogers at 2301 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., across from Smoothie King
• Harrison at 808 US-65, by Ozark Mall

These two centers join the existing Washington Regional Urgent Care centers in Fayetteville in Bradley Medical Plaza, and in Johnson on Johnson Mills Blvd. In late September, a fifth center will open in Bentonville on S. Walton Blvd., next to Walgreens and in early November, a sixth center will open in Springdale on W. Sunset Ave., next to AR Transmission.

The centers provide urgent and family care, as well as wellness services on a walk-in basis, or for added convenience, patients can schedule a same day or next day visit online with Hold My Spot™ (at most locations). The centers are open seven days a week and most locations treat the following non-life-threatening injuries, illnesses and conditions:

• Asthma and allergies • Ear and eye injuries
• Flu, colds and viral illnesses • Skin conditions, including burns
• Bites, stings, allergic reactions • Stitches
• Broken bones, sprains, strains • School, sports, wellness and DOT physicals
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting • Immunizations and vaccinations
• Urinary tract infections • Occupational health services

“Northwest Arkansas is a fast-growing area and we are committed to providing convenient, affordable care for urgent but non-emergency needs,” said Mike Dupuis, Urgent Team Division Vice President. “We are excited to offer on-demand healthcare provided by skilled healthcare teams across this dynamic region and look forward to serving the families of Northwest Arkansas.”

Bill Watkins of Rogers, President of Beaver Water District’s Board of Directors, joined University of Arkansas students Emily Sherrill of Rogers, and Jake Krier and Alyssa Ferri, both of Fayetteville, to celebrate the students being chosen to receive Joe M. Steele & Hardy W. Croxton Memorial Scholarships for the Fall 2019 Semester.

These scholarships provide financial assistance to upperclassmen or graduate students in the Departments of Civil Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering or Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences who have demonstrated interest in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental or life sciences. Board Members donate board meeting attendance fees to the scholarship fund. The fund is managed by the University of Arkansas. Donations may be made payable to the Joe M. Steele & Hardy W. Croxton Memorial Scholarship Endowment Account and mailed to Gift Services, 300 University House, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

For more information about making a tax-deductible donation, contact Ethan Hayman, Associate Director of Development for the UA College of Engineering, at ehayman@uark.edu or call (479) 575- 6018.

The Fall 2019 season of the NWA Summit Business Persons’ Luncheon will engage business leaders from all over Northwest Arkansas. Guest speakers will address topics such as: regional/state growth and development, business development and more. The Summit is held on Thursdays at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills, from 11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Thursday, September 26, the Summit Fall kick-off features guest speaker Donnie Smith, Former CEO, Tyson Foods, Inc. Smith’s passion for leadership has been the hallmark of his 36-year career in the food business. As president and CEO of Tyson Foods from 2009 to 2016, he led the company to focus on feeding the world great, affordable food, while also making a positive difference in people’s lives. Under his leadership, Tyson Foods achieved four straight years of record profits, multiplying stock value six times in seven years. He now serves as a consultant for Tyson Foods, while also focusing on his continued work to feed the world.

Additional Fall 2019 Summit guest speakers:

OCTOBER 3
Marcy Doderer
President & CEO, Arkansas Children's Hospital

OCTOBER 10
Stephanie Orman
Mayor, City of Bentonville

OCTOBER 17
Nick Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church

OCTOBER 24
William Vanderbloemen
President & CEO, Vanderbloemen Search Group

OCTOBER 31
Art VanWingerden
CEO, Metrolina Greenhouses

NOVEMBER 7 (Honoring Veterans)
Keith McDaniel
Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot & Secondary Dean, Shiloh Christian School

NOVEMBER 14
Jason Jackson
Sr. Director, Walmart Global Emergency Mgmt.

NOVEMBER 21
Dee Ann Turner
Retired Chick-fil-A Executive and Life Coach

DECEMBER 5
Annual Christmas Summit

Interested in purchasing a season table? Contact Anita Eggman at (479) 271-7799 or email anitae@crosschurch.com.  Business luncheon tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at nwasummit.com.

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, a leading full-service family sports bar that provides gourmet takes on game day favorites, will soon be Rogers’ go-to community restaurant by early 2020. The brand has gained a loyal following for employing the go-getter spirit of a walk-on athlete while providing superior service and mouthwatering All-American menu items with a taste of Louisiana. Before its doors officially open, the brand will be holding a groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, October 3, at 5040 S. JB Hunt Rd, for the 7,500-square-foot restaurant slated to open early 2020. Attendees will be served samples of their popular Crawfish Etouffee, Duck and Andouille Gumbo & Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding.

The new restaurant will kick off its groundbreaking event at 11:30 a.m. CST with opening remarks from Walk-On’s Founder, Brandon Landry. A brief ceremony will follow, giving community members the opportunity to hear from the franchise owners, Jodie and Chris McJunkins.

While Chris and Jodie are natives of Shreveport, Louisiana, they share a passion for all things Arkansas, family, giving back, and great food. Jodie was a Chi Omega at the University of Arkansas and Jodie’s dad, George Kalmbach, graduated in 1966 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Jodie and Chris’s son, Alex, is an SAE and a sophomore at the Sam Walton College of Business at the U of A. Chris and Jodie have been in the restaurant business for 30 years and own Walk-On’s Shreveport, Bossier City and West Monroe, Louisiana and Cantina Laredo and Windrush Grill in Shreveport.

“Arkansas has always held a special place in our hearts so we are beyond ecstatic to be returning to a place we’ve always considered a second home,” Jodie said. “We look forward to being part of the community with our family, while serving those around us and having fun along the way.”

Community members are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and a free, open to the public reception where both complimentary food and refreshments will be available. All attendees are invited to an exclusive tasting experience to try some of Walk-On’s most famous and mouthwatering menu items such as Crawfish Etouffee, Duck and Andouille Gumbo & Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding.

“We’re extremely excited to bring everyone in the Rogers area a Walk-On’s to call their own,” said Landry. “Our Walk-On’s team could not be more pleased to watch the McJunkins’ grow with our family and know that they are true, passionate, food-oriented franchisees who will bring nothing but success to this new territory we’re expanding in. I look forward to witnessing how the community reacts to our arrival and hope that each and everyone enjoys themselves and our food as soon as we open.”

Whether it be for date night, a drink, girl’s night out or a family dinner, Walk-On’s is the place for everyone – because everyone needs a little playing time. Every dish is made from scratch using fresh ingredients to bring its savory cuisine to life. Walk-On’s diverse menu has offerings ranging from unique twists on game day staples to upscale takes on Louisiana mainstays pleasing all palates. Its game day atmosphere paired with a true southern hospitality makes it a perfect dining destination for everyone. As stated by co-owner and NFL superstar Drew Brees, Walk-On’s is “a great place to bring my family, teammates and business colleagues,” and we’re excited to help “expand the brand across the nation.” Today, with 31 open locations and over 160 locations in development across 15 states, the brand is on track for strategic franchise expansion nationwide.

Once open, the Rogers restaurant will employ up to 200 people who will join the Walk-On’s All-American team. For those interested in employment opportunities, please visit www.walkons.com/careers.  

For more information on Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar and its franchise opportunity, visit www.walkons.com.

Six Senior students from Rogers High School (RHS) are partnering with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce to explore ways to raise awareness of locally-owned businesses and enhance economic development in downtown Rogers. Through a Senior Project initiative that pairs up students and businesses, the student team is identifying ways to help promote and position Downtown Rogers as a vibrant shopping and dining destination location that is attractive to new businesses and new patrons.

Students will wrap up the 2nd phase of the project on Thursday, September 26, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in a meet and greet with area business owners, residents and local media at the Rogers Experimental House, located at 121 W. Walnut St. in Rogers. Students are currently spending three days meeting with local business owners and exploring the commercial historic district as they gather information and compile their lists of pros and cons as they conduct their research and formulate a report to be presented to faculty, business owners and other students in October.

BACKGROUND
Lisa Cassidy, RHS Art & Graphic Design teacher, reached out to Karen Wagaman, VP of Downtown Development at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, to get help assigning students to
a meaningful economic development project. Cassidy was impressed. “This Senior Project provides a unique opportunity to connect students and business owners who are invested in improving Downtown Rogers. It’s the perfect real-world learning experience and initiative for our students to develop their problem-solving skills while making an impact on the community with their ideas,” said Cassidy.

THE PROJECT
The Senior Project initiative is an annual program organized by the RHS Advisory Committee.
Select seniors are put on teams of five or six students that partner with businesses in the community
to problem-solve on real-world projects and assist companies and organizations with new ideas. It is organized by the RHS Advisory Committee, which consists of 5 faculty members: Jessica Lorimer, Tom Woodruff, Tony Roller, Lisa Cassidy, Jeff Ayers, and Lisa Lames. Selected seniors participate in a full day of training to gain skills to discover solutions using communication, math, science, technology and presentation techniques. Students participating on the Downtown Rogers Economic Development Initiative Team include: Andrea Abarca, Carter Broeling, Ethan Bunsh, Halley Davidson, Baylee Hartman and Alan Romero.

The first phase of the program includes meetings with student teams’ respective business representatives. That is followed by a full day of training with faculty to gain the necessary skills to discover solutions using communication, math, science, technology and presentation techniques.

The second phase includes three days conducting research in the field, gathering data, evaluating alternatives and finding possible solutions.

The third and final phase includes the formal presentation of ideas generated and proposed solutions.

EXPANDED HOURS, MORE VARIETY, FRESH PAINT WILL FACILITATE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Participants in the Senior Project learned the mission of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the vision for downtown Rogers economic development. The students reviewed a variety of options and formulated a list of recommendations to include: cosmetic enhancements; including painting buildings that have fallen into disrepair; activating empty store fronts by attracting new businesses that appeal to a younger audience such as clothing stores or an ice cream shop. Additionally, businesses could offer later hours to accommodate students and people who work office hours. The community could also benefit from more lighting to make the streets more inviting and walkable after dark. The team of students hope to inspire property owners to make improvements to make the streetscape more vibrant, thereby attracting more business patrons and raise awareness of downtown Rogers as a destination where people want to work, live and enjoy the quality of life in NW Arkansas. 

Equitus Growth Marketing has launched a new website. View the new website at http://www.equitusmarketing.com/.
 
To celebrate, they are offering all Chamber members their Advertising Action Plan for FREE! Just mention you are part of the Chamber in the email form at the bottom of the page, and they will contact you for some foundation information so they can build your plan.

For more information, contact them at (405) 823-4974.

Walton Arts Center’s new Mosaix Festival will explore the various cultural tiles that come together to make Northwest Arkansas unique and diverse. Each year, a different culture will be highlighted with a weeklong celebration of that culture’s performers and performing arts. The inaugural Mosaix Festival April 20-25, 2020 explores the sights and sounds of India.

“Northwest Arkansas is such a diverse region, and we’re partnering with local cultural communities to create an annual festival that celebrates that diversity through a variety of experiences including performing arts, food, fashion, visual arts, crafts and games,” said Scott Galbraith, vice president of programming and executive producer for Walton Arts Center. “It’s important to be exposed to each other’s cultural expressions. Art not only showcases what is unique about a culture, but it also reminds us of all that we have in common.”

The finale event for this year’s Mosaix Festival is A Conversation with Hasan Minhaj on Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Minhaj is the host and creator of the weekly comedy show “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” that explores the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity through his unique comedic voice. His Nexflix comedy special “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King,” earned him a 2018 Peabody Award. Minhaj got his start on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Moderated by Heena Patel, founder and CEO of Mela Arts Connect, producer and artistic director of Bollywood Boulevard – also part of Mosaix, the conversation with Minhaj will focus on his career and experience as a first-generation American. Tickets for the show go on sale to the public on National Diversity Day, Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m., and prices range from $56 to $95 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Walton Arts Center or Walmart AMP box offices, by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.

In addition to the finale event with Minhaj, the inaugural Mosaix Festival offers a curated collection of Indian films, dance, music and drama. Tickets to each of these additional events are on sale now.

Mosaix Film Night in Collaboration with Fayetteville Film Festival
Monday, April 20 | 7 pm | Walton Arts Center
Tickets are $15

Presented in collaboration with the Fayetteville Film Festival, join us for an evening of independent films by Indian cinematographers and see the world and the issues they face through their eyes.

Äbhä by Parshwanath Upadhye and Punyah Dance Company
Tuesday, April 21 | 7 pm | Walton Arts Center
Tickets are $10

Punyah Dance Company under the artistic leadership of one of the most sought-after classical Indian dancers, Parshwanath Upadhye, tells the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana – the story of legendary Lorda Rama of ancient India on a quest to rescue Sita, the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, whose choices would change the course of history. Punyah Dance Company’s performance for Mosaix marks their U.S. premiere.

Bollywood Boulevard
Thursday, April 23, 2020 | 7 pm | Walton Arts Center
Tickets are $25-55

The vibrancy, emotion and heart-pounding beat of Hindi cinema comes to life on stage with Bollywood Boulevard. Dance, live music, storytelling and stunning visuals combine to create a non-stop journey through more than 100 years of Bollywood movies.

Moving from the era of black and white ?lms to today, the music, costumes, choreography and artwork re?ect the essence of each time period. For lifelong fans, it’s a trip down memory lane. For novice fans, it’s an insightful and engaging introduction to the world’s largest ?lm industry.

Arun Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project with Selvaganesh
Friday, April 24, 2020 | 7:30 pm | Walton Arts Center
Tickets are $32-52

Arun Luthra is one of the premier saxophonists and composers on New York’s jazz scene. He’s an American jazz musician of Indian heritage who explores fusing the modern post-bop sound with elements of Indian classical music. Joining Luthra’s ensemble is Selvaganesh, the son of T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram – the legendary Indian percussionist best-known for his ghatam work in the pioneering acoustic fusion group Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin.

Together, they’ll perform music from Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project – a selection of works that highlights Carnatic and Hindustani music rhythms, and the art form of konnakol.

Raj Suresh: 4000 Days
Friday, April 24, 2020 | 8 pm | The Great Hall at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Tickets are $20

A lot can change in 4000 days. Based on his highly popular show Maya, Raj Suresh: 4000 Days explores not only the 4,000 days since Raj moved to the U.S. but also his hilarious perspectives on the cyclical nature of illusions and life.

fuseNWA
Saturday, April 25, 2020 | 10 am until 4 pm | Walton Arts Center
Tickets are $10

An all-day showcase of local arts and artists. This is an opportunity for the Northwest Arkansas community to learn more about Indian culture from our Desi neighbors through performances by local cultural organizations, hands-on workshops, food and a fashion show.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.  Visit waltonartscenter.org for more information about Mosaix Festival.

Mercy co-workers and community members gathered Sept.17 to celebrate and bless the next-to-last piece in Mercy’s multiyear expansion, a 63,000-square-foot clinic featuring primary and specialty care and a 24-hour ER just off Interstate 49. Called Mercy Springdale, the clinic opened Sept. 18.

Mercy has invested $47 million in the clinic, its largest in Northwest Arkansas, as part of a $277 million expansion announced in April 2016. The last piece of the expansion is a seven-story tower at Mercy Hospital that will open in phases in October and November.

Mercy Springdale initially will add more than two dozen primary care and specialty physicians to an underserved area of Springdale, with more joining the clinic over time. Mercy determined the need for a medical campus in the area after a two-year study that looked at population trends, community health outcomes and limits in access to care.

The facility also includes a 22,000-square-foot emergency room featuring 12 exam rooms. In addition to a trauma room, the ER has two triage rooms, an isolation room (for infectious diseases or other issues) and three rooms to accommodate patients with behavioral health needs. A helipad on site will allow for critical care transports to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers and other facilities.

An imaging department will serve both the clinic and ER sides with X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Mercy Hospital President Eric Pianalto, a native of nearby Tontitown, noted that the clinic’s proximity to his hometown deepens the meaning of Mercy’s effort to increase access to health care in the area.

“The people we will be caring for are my family, my friends and neighbors. That makes the work very personal,” he said.

Taking the reins at the facility is Kerry Harper, campus administrator, who has more than three decades of experience in health care at Mercy Hospital and its predecessor, St. Mary’s Hospital. A native of Springdale, Harper said the clinic will improve access to care, whether that’s for a routine visit or an emergency.

“The growth in this area is phenomenal, and we’re ready to step up to provide health care to newcomers and to families that have been here for generations,” he said.

The facility’s clinic side features 60-plus exam rooms, including 29 dedicated to primary care and 34 for specialty care. Specialties located permanently in the clinic include cardiology, endocrinology, neurology and pulmonology, and there will be rotating specialties. Primary care providers will include internal medicine and pediatrics.

Some providers at the clinic are new to Mercy, while others will transfer from other Mercy locations.

Cardiology: Dr. Kiran Kurichety
Endocrinology: Dr. Johnathan Stringer and APRN Katiutschka Reyes
Internal medicine: Dr. Marck Shelnutt
Neurology: Dr. Ryan Kaplan and Dr. Steven Moon
Pediatrics: Dr. Susan Sullivan and APN Rachel Angulo
Primary care: Dr. Larry Schemel and APN Taylor Kelamis
Pulmonology: Dr. Dan Paul

The Mercy Health Foundation has raised $2 million to support construction of Mercy Springdale, including a $1.5 million lead gift from the Shewmaker family and a $250,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. Other lead donors include the Sunderland Foundation, Schmeiding Foundation, Pete and Shirley Esch and Northwest Arkansas Pathology Associates.

“We’re so grateful to all of our donors for their generosity in helping us open doors in a community in need of greater access to care,” said Clark Ellison, vice president of Mercy Health Foundation.

Kenny Kinley, president of Edafio Technology Partners, announces the hiring of Melissa Swann, Director of Marketing.

“We are making a commitment to marketing that reflects the quality of services we provide clients and the confidence we have in ourselves,” Kinley said.

Swann brings 25 plus years of experience in integrated marketing, public relations, face-to-face event management, sales activation, and client relationship management to her role as Director of Marketing.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our company, and she is a great fit for our company's core values – committed to our client’s success, unquestionable integrity, and one team with humility and respect,” Kinley said.

Before joining Edafio Technology Partners, Swann spent three years at Zweig Group, the preeminent provider of consulting and information services to the AEC industry, where she was both events and client relations manager. Before this, she was a senior social + creative director at the area’s largest network of auto dealerships.

“What impresses me is how effectively Edafio has built a culture that is focused on delivering real value to clients and cultivating strong personal and professional relationships,” Swann said. “There are no better foundations on which to build an effective marketing program. I am excited and honored to work alongside this extraordinary group of people.”

Swann has a unique ability to simplify the presentation of complex product and service offerings, making them more accessible and actionable to the marketplace.

Mercy Clinic Orthopedics - Rogers has added two new surgeons to its roster of providers offering comprehensive orthopedics care to the community. With the additions, the clinic has nine surgeons, six physician assistants and a sports medicine specialist.

Dr. Andreas J. Chen will specialize in orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgery. Dr. Chen earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition, he completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Patrick Dickerson will specialize in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Dickerson earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and a fellowship in sports and shoulder reconstruction at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Dickerson also earned a Master of Science in health care research from Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Dr. Chen and Dr. Dickerson join a robust orthopedic surgery group that includes Dr. Scott Cooper, Dr. W. Cody Grammer, Dr. Michael Griffey, Dr. Chad Jones, Dr. R. Jacob Kaler, Dr. John Mertz and Dr. Gannon Randolph. In addition, Dr. Dominic Jacobelli offers non-operative sports medicine.

The clinic has a full complement of subspecialties, treating everything from fractures, knee injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, spine problems and bunions. The group offers joint replacement and other treatments that are minimally invasive, enabling patients to recover in much less time.

The team’s board-certified physician assistants are Corey Carver, Amanda Hartman, Farrah Jennings, Kindle Simon, Julie Slavik and Lindsey Smallridge.

Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Mercy Clinic Orthopedics is located at 1000 S. 52nd St. in Rogers. To schedule an appointment, call 479-271-9607. For more information, see the clinic’s practice page at Mercy.net.

It’s like “clockwork”. Come the first of November, migrating bald eagles begin to visit Beaver Lake. They are beautiful when they soar overhead, swoop down to the water to catch a fish with their talons or just sit in a leafless tree. It’s indeed exciting to see them. Hobbs State Park has chosen dates for November and December cruises.

November
3,9,16,17,23,24,29,30,

December
1,7,8,14,15,21,22,23,27,28,29,30,31

According to interpreter Steve Chyrchel, “Nature’s wonders are unpredictable. We may see four or five eagles on a cruise or maybe just one, and on very rare occasion we may not see any. If the weather is beautiful, the eagles are most likely looking for fish somewhere on the wing and not sitting in a tree. There are two things eagle watchers need to remember; one, eagle watching is not a warm weather sport, and two; the nastier the weather the more likely we are to see eagles. If it’s cold and a little rainy, that’s when eagles sit in a tree and wait for better weather.” 

Although Hobbs calls these times on the lake “Eagle Cruises”, remember that there is other wildlife to see as well. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, red tailed hawks, and maybe a deer, beaver, or several species of ducks become part of the viewing fun. 

No matter what wildlife you see, it’s always great to be out on the water. Hobbs State Park provides a safe three-pontoon vessel, driver, and an interpreter to answer questions and share information about our national symbol, the bald eagle. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults $10.00 + tax. Children 6-12 $5.00 + tax. Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3:00 p.m. For more information call: 479-789-5000.

When it comes to treating stroke, it’s important to act quickly and seek care that can help lessen its potentially debilitating effects. It’s also essential to get help at a hospital that provides top-level stroke care.

The Joint Commission announced recently that Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas has earned certification as a Primary Stroke Center. The certification means Mercy Hospital can display The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, a symbol of quality that reflects Mercy’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. Mercy has a stroke team on site 24 hours a day, augmented by support from vStroke, Mercy’s virtual stroke program.

Mercy Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review June 12. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

”Achieving Primary Stroke Center status speaks to the dedication of Mercy Hospital’s stroke team and their commitment to providing consistently excellent response to stroke,” said Eric Pianalto, president of Mercy Hospital. “I’m so proud of this team and all of the co-workers who support stroke care for addressing this important health care need in our community.”

Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care, said Mark Pelletier, chief operating officer for Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission.

“We commend Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients,” he said.

In addition, The Joint Commission announced that Mercy Bella Vista, a multispecialty facility with a 24-hour Emergency Department, was certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. The certification signifies the clinic’s expertise in diagnosing and treating stroke.

To learn more about The Joint Commission and American Stroke Association certifications, click here.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Nabholz Corporation's Greg Fogle, Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors, was joined October 17, 2019 by Lowell Mayor Chris Moore and Rogers Mayor Greg Hines as the Mayors signed a proclamation signifying the week of October 14-18 as Chamber of Commerce Week in the two cities. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson previously announced the week as Chamber of Commerce week throughout the state.

The proclamation was signed during the 2019 Leaders Conference at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center. The conference was attended by community stakeholders and leaders as the results of the Vision 100 Community Feedback initiative were released. The Vision 100 program involved several public meetings during the last few months that invited the community to share ideas about what they would like to see for the future of the Rogers-Lowell region. The feedback and survey will be used in shaping future planning from the cities, Chamber, and others involved in creating progress in Rogers and Lowell.

Northwest Medical Center-Springdale has recently been accredited as a Cycle 6 Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). The rating is given by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), the accreditation arm of the American College of Cardiology.

“Providing the highest quality of services for patients in need of heart care is a primary focus of our hospital,” said Hans Driessnack, CEO of Northwest Medical Center-Springdale. “Our team here works hard to deliver evidenced-based care as quickly as possible to patients with chest pain, patients having a heart attack needing treatment in the Cardiac Cath Lab, those requiring surgery and to those recovering from a cardiac arrest through cardiac rehab. This national recognition validates our continued commitment.”

An Accredited Chest Pain Center’s (CPC) evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to cardiac patient care allows clinicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack. Accredited facilities have been shown to better monitor patients when it is not initially clear whether or not a patient is having a coronary event. Such monitoring ensures patients are neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000+ people dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Arkansas, claiming the lives of approximately 8,000 people each year. The state is consistently ranked in the top five states for heart attack deaths, ranking 3rd in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The higher prevalence is attributed to higher percentages of people who smoke and are overweight, among other risk factors including lack of physical exercise and having diabetes.

SCPC’s Chest Pain Center accreditation process came about as greater numbers of facilities in the United States sought to establish standards and adopt best practices in the quality of care provided to patients experiencing chest pain. The accreditation process ensures that hospitals meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and undergo a comprehensive onsite review by a team of accreditation review specialists. Hospitals that receive SCPC Chest Pain Center accreditation status have achieved a higher level of expertise in dealing with patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack.

Accredited hospitals emphasize the importance of standardized diagnostic and treatment programs that provide more efficient and effective evaluation as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms. They also serve as a point of entry into the healthcare system to evaluate and treat other medical problems and help to promote a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to reduce the risk factors for heart attack.

Head to your neighborhood Braum’s for a scoop of holiday cheer!

This year, Braum’s has a full ice cream lineup and more for the holidays: Pumpkin, Gingerbread, Hot Chocolate, Peppermint, Peppermint Chocolate Chip, and Eggnog ice cream. The Eggnog and Pumpkin lattes are a holiday must. Don’t forget to pick up some of their famous Braum’s traditional Eggnog drink that is available in half gallons. 

Let Braum’s do all your holiday baking so you can spend more time enjoying the season. At the Braum’s bakery, they can make holiday cakes, breads, cookies and more. Seasonal favorites include Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Cranberry Bread, Banana Nut Bread, Pumpkin Bread and Sugar Cookies. Other favorites include Apple Cranberry Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, and Ice Cream Pies. 

If ice cream sundaes are your go-to dessert, they offer two holiday sundaes combining some favorite holiday offerings: Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Crumb Cake Sundae and the Peppermint Brownie Sundae.  

Braum’s Bacon Mushroom Swiss and Chicken Sandwiches have also made a triumphant return. These sandwiches are loaded with unmatched flavor and savory goodness. They come with a generous portion of mushrooms seasoned and marinated to perfection, crisp strips of bacon, crisp lettuce, hearty tomatoes, onion, mayo and real Swiss cheese.

Braum’s also offers a fall salad: The Apple Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. It comes with apples, cranberries, walnuts, grape tomatoes, bacon, carrots, red cabbage and chicken (grilled or crispy) on a garden of fresh crisp lettuce, drizzled with Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

All of these specials are available for a limited time only at your local neighborhood Braum’s.

Fayetteville-based film production company Rockhill Studios has announced another feature film production here in NWA. “Freedom’s Path” is a movie about an everlasting bond, forged between two lives world’s apart, set against the backdrop of this nation’s darkest hour: The American Civil War. It is being brought here by Seattle based companies Rocket Soul Studios and 1812 Films and will be starring Gerran Howell, RJ Cyler, Ewen Bremner, Afemo Omilami, Carol Sutton, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, and Harrison Gilbertson?. The film is produced by Neko Sparks, Jim Pidgeon, AJ Winslow and directed by Brett Smith. It will be shot in the region during October and November. Rockhill will again be using locally-based crew, providing employment opportunities to the digital media workforce.

“Freedom’s Path” is the third feature film Rockhill Studios has produced this year. This has resulted in over 130 local production jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact. Continuing their trajectory of growth since opening their production studio in 2017, Rockhill has celebrated an active year of production and recognition. “Sweet Inspirations” won the “Best Family Feature” category at this year’s Bentonville Film Festival. Rockhill produced “To The Stars”, which was an official Sundance Selection. Rockhill Executive Produced “The Quarry” that was shot in Louisiana and starred Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Rockhill just completed production of a film called “American Cherry” for the Los Angeles based company NYLA Media Group, who they met at the Bentonville Film Festival. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer turn-key production services to attract productions to Arkansas” said Blake Elder, Owner and Founder of Rockhill Studios.

In addition to jump-starting the film production industry in NWA, Rockhill also has found several ways to serve the community this year. Rockhill has hosted events for organizations like Arts Live Theater. It has offered internships and workshops for students. It has also produced commercials for local businesses, including Sam’s Furniture and McNaughton Realty. “We are always looking for ways to serve the community with our quality production services, and we are working to empower the next generation of the digital media workforce. We will need them as we grow.” said VP of Commercial Production, Dan Robinson.

“We have big things lined up for the coming year” says Kerri Elder, founder and Executive Producer at Rockhill. “We plan to continue to invest in developing the infrastructure for the film industry here. It’s proving to be a win for the region and the state.”

For more information contact Rockhill Studios at info@rockhill.studio or 479-435-6392.

Art students from Elmwood Middle School are meeting with creative professionals in downtown Rogers to learn about opportunities to bring their artistic talents to the workplace. Twice each year, Elmwood Middle School Art teacher Cheri Gideon plans the learning experience so students can envision how their art and design interests can be translated into a lucrative career. Approximately 60 students will gather at the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W. Walnut St., on Friday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. as part of the art and architecture tour of Downtown Rogers.

Gideon doesn’t just teach art, she encourages students to look at ways to use their talents as they make career choices.

“My goal is to inspire these students to dream big and realize art can be a big part of their whole lives,” explained Gideon. For the past four years, Gideon has developed curriculum to incorporate the history of Rogers and to introduce students to architectural elements of buildings and the creative business professionals who live and work in these spaces. The field trips are scheduled in the spring and the fall and provide activities where students not only see and hear about the region but also provide middle school students with the opportunity to look at the community with an artistic eye as they sit down with business professionals to learn how they have made a living doing the things that inspire them.

Artist Susan Blackwood relocated to Northwest Arkansas from Boseman, Montana in the Spring of 2019. An oil and watercolor landscape and portrait painter, she was drawn to the incredible beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks. Through her research, Blackwood learned about the attractive cost of living, the emerging art scene in NWA and the opportunities for professional artists to teach and sell their art. In the short time she has lived here, she found the unexpected bonus of a very welcoming arts community.

Blackwood will share paintings currently on display at the Rogers Experimental House with the middle school students. She is a successful award-winning artist that has painted and taught all over the USA and nine countries around the world. Blackwood’s paintings have hung in galleries and museums, been published by print companies and featured in articles and covers of national magazines, and in books.

“I love talking about my 50 years of experience and all the crazy ways of finding ways to support my artistic passion - my love of Art,” explains Blackwood. “I will be showing them a collection of my paintings and sharing the financial opportunities that come with winning awards and participating in regional and national shows,” she continued.

Blackwood is already participating in area arts organizations and offering classes and workshops including a 4-day painting workshop focusing on Autumn in the Ozarks October 28 – 31 at the Rogers Experimental House. Blackwood is a nationally and internationally recognized, classically trained artist who has made teaching and painting her life’s work. Her business spans from one on one and group instruction, teaching workshops, creating instructional videos, demonstrator/lecturer and host of international painting excursions. Blackwood’s message for the middle school students is simple, “If you like art…let’s figure out how you can make a career out of it.”

Sindhu Varagani, Fashion Designer/CEO of ETHWES clothing line, is also sharing her journey as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. Her company name is derived from two English words, ETHnic WEStern. She moved to Arkansas from New York two years ago and is actively exhibiting and selling her clothing line in our region and beyond. Varagani was inspired to design at the age of 13 or 14, watching her mother create hand-embroidered embellishments to clothing. Gradually, Varagani learned to stitch and make patterns. She encourages students to follow their dreams, do what makes them feel comfortable and confident. Varagani designs ready-to-wear clothing that is comfortable and versatile. Many pieces are convertible and reversible and have multiple ways to wear them. Her designs incorporate fabrics from India to give an ethnic touch to casual wear. Varagani's designs appear in fashion week NWA and she now serves the organization as a board member of Arkansas Arts and Fashion Forum nonprofit. She offers embroidery and hand painting classes to any age group.

Back by popular demand, this art tour again features David Winfrey, board member of the Rogers Experimental House, corporate attorney and avid maker of things from corrugated-plastic materials. Winfrey, who has been working with this material of choice for nearly twenty years, enjoys the opportunity to show others how to unlock the hidden potential in, and create items out of, repurposed corrugated plastic--the material used to print political yard signs. The students use math, angles and design skills to make three-dimensional items from the otherwise obsolete signs. They learn to make creations that are functional and practical while keeping many “one-and-done” signs out of the landfills. He encourages his participants to think like artists and create like inventors, and then he watches their creative abilities unfold before their eyes.

Melissa Dysart, Project Coordinator at Level 5 Design Group, was a speaker at the NWA Tech Summit held in Bentonville from October 20-23. Her breakout session covered the topic "Farm Raised to Virtual Reality." For more information about the summit, visit www.nwatechsummit.com.

Additionally, she debuted her art exhibition "Pencil to Pixels" at the Amazeum. The exhibition is an exploration in the progression of the Art of Drafting Technology & the Construction Trades. Find out more about the Amazeum at www.amazeum.org.

Level 5 design group provides architectural design and planning services on many building types with an emphasis on the Private Commercial, Ministry and Municipal fields.

NWA Ballet Theatre has announced its 19/20 season as well as an expansive 24-artist roster. Aptly titled Dancing Forward, the Bentonville-based dance company will continue to produce their free and audience-accessible programs Dance Beat and Once Upon A Dance, engaging thousands of regional residents in all corridors of the Northwest Arkansas arts sector: schools, libraries, museums, streets, and parks. Through these routes, Dance Beat and Once Upon A Dance will continue to engage a range of people who may not otherwise come to the theater or participate in dance.

In total, Dancing Forward will include seven innovative programmatic elements spanning classical to contemporary, appealing to a wide range of audiences and is made possible by support from the Walton Family Foundation and the Walmart Foundation.

“This season will begin to highlight how NWA Ballet Theatre can best reflect the needs of the Northwest Arkansas community,” said Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. “Our vision for this dance company is to mirror the community and appeal to a wide range of audiences.”

NWA Ballet Theatre has employed an additional 15 artists from 16 states, representing diverse backgrounds and cultures for the Dancing Forward season. NWA Ballet Theatre supports the Northwest Arkansas creative workforce by providing locally based avenues for artistic development, and regional dance awareness, striving to build a community of knowledgeable dance professionals living and working in local communities.

Opening the season on October 11 and 12, NWA Ballet Theatre performed Immortal Beloved: Possessed By Genius, a world premiere by Jolicoeur-Nye. Immortal Beloved retells the story of pianist and composer Ludwig van Beethoven through a moving portrait of dance. Chicago-based Latin choreographer, Stephanie Martinez, also contributed to the October mixed bill with the Arkansas premiere of her acclaimed work entitled Otra Vez, Otra Vez, Otra Vez. 

Program 2 | The Nutcracker presented by The Conservatory
December 6, 7, & 8 | Arend Arts Center, Bentonville
Tickets $25 nwaballettheatre.org/season 
Now a Northwest Arkansas holiday tradition, the Northwest Arkansas Conservatory of Classical Ballet and NWA Ballet Theatre Artistic Director, Ryan Jolicoeur- Nye reimagine the Tchaikovsky classic cast with 178 regional dance students and professional Guest Artists from NWA Ballet Theatre. Also new to The Nutcracker, a third show and educational matinee: Friday, 12/6 at 10:00 a.m. (Educational Matinee*), Friday 12/6 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12/7 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 12/8 at 2:00 p.m. Buy your tickets early--these shows will sell out!
*Schools interested in attending the Friday 12/6 matinee may contact thalia@nwaballettheatre.org for information and availability.

Program 3 | Cinderella
February 14 & 15 | Arend Arts Center, Bentonville
Tickets $25 nwaballettheatre.org/season
NWA Ballet Theatre’s premiere of this classic fairytale is guaranteed to be a colorful, magical experience. Follow Cinderella as she is whisked away from her wicked step-mother and placed into the arms of her true love and Prince. Composed by Sergei Prokofiev, Cinderella is known for its exultant music, luxurious scenery, and the iconic comic relief of the evil step-sisters. Perfect entertainment for the entire family!

Program 4 | J Street Creations: Dancers Making Dance
March 6 & 7 | Bentonville
Tickets $5 nwaballettheatre.org
An in studio public showcase of the NWA Ballet Theatre artists creating and presenting their own work.

Program 5 | The Music Project
April 24, 25, & 26 | TheatreSquared, Fayetteville
Tickets $23/$33 nwaballettheatre.org
A mixed repertory performance showcasing Northwest Arkansas’ vibrant music scene. Music from pop to standards, classical to jazz. All live music, all local artists, and all on one stage.

Outreach | Dance Beat
May-June 2020 | Anywhere and Everywhere!
Free and open to the public
A public art project taking dance outside the theater and into Northwest Arkansas’ scenic outdoor and urban spaces, museums, streets, parks and festivals with pop-up, public art performances.
Full Dance Beat schedule released Spring 2020.
For more information visit http://www.nwaballettheatre.org/tickets.  

Education | Once Upon A Dance
June 2020 | Northwest Arkansas Public Libraries
Free and open to the public
Created through training with Trike Theatre, Once Upon A Dance is offered to youth literacy programs presented by libraries throughout the region. Once Upon a Dance extends a unique opportunity to start little ones on a dance journey at the libraries in their own backyard. These sessions will involve storytelling, meeting dancers, and introduction to the art form through see-and-do activities.
Full Once Upon A Dance program schedule to be released May, 2019.
For more information visit http://www.nwaballettheatre.org/tickets. 

On Aug. 17 for the 14th year in a row, volunteer citizen scientists collected water quality data on Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas during the annual Secchi Day on Beaver Lake event. Beaver Water District (BWD) staff then analyze data and produce a report that helps answer this question: How is the water quality in Beaver Lake?

Matthew Rich, Environmental Specialist with BWD, spoke about results and data from Secchi Day with the BWD’s Board of Directors at their monthly meeting held on Oct. 17.

This year, 37 teams collected data and water samples from 35 duplicated sample sites throughout the lake. Sampling teams take Secchi disk readings to determine water clarity. They also collect water samples that are then tested by BWD lab staff for chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen to determine algal density and nutrient concentration. Secchi depth is a measure of water transparency that involves lowering a black and white disk into the water and recording the maximum depth in which the black and white pattern can be distinguished from above the water’s surface.

“Secchi depth is inversely related to the concentration of chlorophyll-a. Therefore, as chlorophyll-a decreases, Secchi depth increases.” Rich said. “When it comes to producing drinking water, greater Secchi depths and lesser chlorophyll-a and nutrient concentrations are best,” he added. “While Secchi Day is only one day out of the year, the data collected provides a better picture of the interannual variability in water quality at the different sites that are sampled every August.”

This year’s data shows that most water quality parameters deviated away from previous 13-year averages. The whole-lake average Secchi depth this year was around 8.2 feet, which is a slight decrease in clarity from the long-term average of 8.9 feet. The whole-lake average chlorophyll-a this year was 9.01 parts per billion (ppb) which was significantly greater than the long-term average of 7.49 ppb. The higher-than-average chlorophyll-a concentration, and lower-than-average Secchi depths, this year were driven in part by unusually high rainfall totals in the watershed in the weeks and months leading up to Secchi Day. These late season rains delivered increased sediments and nutrients into Beaver Lake. However, both Secchi depth and chlorophyll-a averages were well within the normal variations for the 13-year dataset.

“Year after year, Secchi Day continues to provide BWD with excellent data concerning the water quality in Beaver Lake. There has been quite a bit of variability in the last thirteen years, but the silver lining is that at this point, according to Secchi Day data, we do not have any indication that water quality is degrading,” Rich said.
James McCarty, BWD’s Manager of Environmental Quality, added that “Secchi Day is only one example of our ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain the water quality of the lake. We look at this data and much more to help us keep watch on key indicators of water quality problems and assess our restoration and protection efforts within the watershed.”

To read this year’s Secchi report, go to the Secchi Day page on the BWD website at https://www.bwdh2o.org/education-outreach/secchi-day and the report will be on the bottom left.

Mark your calendar now. The 15th Annual Secchi Day & Science Festival on Beaver Lake will be held Aug. 15, 2020.

Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on Oct. 1. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with hospital standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

“We are pleased to receive The Gold Seal of Approval®, an internationally recognized symbol of quality, from The Joint Commission,” said Michael Herr, chief administrative officer of Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. “Staff from across the organization continue to work together to develop and implement approaches that improve care for the patients in our community.”

For more information, visit The Joint Commission website.

Autumn in the Ozarks feeds the appetites and nourishes the souls of artists attending a four-day landscape painting workshop at the Rogers Experimental House in Downtown Rogers. Participants from Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas are learning from classically trained master artist, Susan Blackwood.

This is Blackwood’s first workshop in Northwest Arkansas. She relocated to Bella Vista in April and was drawn to the area because of the magical beauty, the communities that support art and the many ways for artists to earn a living while pursuing their artistic passion. Through gallery tours, artist demonstrations and hands-on techniques; participants are exploring the magic of landscape paintings using Ozark images. Students also brought a sample of their work for exhibit during the workshop, toured Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and participated in demonstrated instruction followed by exercises to activate the creative process. Blackwood then provided challenges to implement the concepts and the techniques learned. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to move to the Ozark mountains with the breathtaking trees, cliffs and rivers,” she explained. “These surroundings excite my desire to paint in this region and to teach others to see and paint the beauty that surrounds us.”

Blackwood lived in the Rocky Mountains for almost 50 years; first in Colorado and later in Montana. “I knew I loved the region, and now that I have been here for six months, I am thrilled to also fall in love with the people,” she continued. “I am in awe of the level of enthusiasm and support the community has for all types of art and the artists who create it.”

Last week, Blackwood shared her art with 60 students from Elmwood Middle School during the bi-annual Art and Architecture tour. She described the progression of her work as a professional artist and encouraged students to seek out career opportunities where they can use their artistic talents.

Blackwood’s paintings are on display through mid-December and the artist will participate in receptions at the Rogers Experimental House during the 2nd Thursday Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk, November 14 and December 12, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Blackwood is a nationally and internationally recognized, classically trained artist who has made teaching and painting her life’s work. Her business spans from one on one and group instruction, teaching workshops, creating instructional videos, demonstrator/lecturer and host of international painting excursions.

Dustin Mayhew of Springdale, Gabe Frost of Siloam Springs, and Steven Caudle of Lowell, all Beaver Water District (BWD) Plant Operators II, placed first to win the regional Top Ops Challenge competition held Oct. 22 in Branson, Mo. during the 2019 Southwest Section American Water Works Association’s annual convention. 

The team will now compete for the 6th consecutive year in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Top Ops Challenge in Orlando during AWWA’s 2020 Annual Conference & Exposition, which will be held June 14-18.

Top Ops is the “College Bowl” or “Jeopardy!” of the water industry. It is designed to promote excellence and professionalism and provide an opportunity for water professionals to showcase their talents in all aspects of water operations.

The Northwest Arkansas office of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization, will dedicate 21 new “H2O and GO” water bottle filling stations in seven schools over the course of two days, Nov. 5 and Nov. 8.

The local office of the American Heart Association – in conjunction with RB, Healthy Active Arkansas, the Beaver Water District and Tyson Foods – are working collaboratively to install more water bottle filling stations and give reusable water bottles to Northwest Arkansas schools.

The purpose of the H2O and GO stations is to provide schoolchildren with more access to free, clean drinking water, no matter where they live, what school they attend or what grade they are in. Water is a basic human need that kids cannot live without. In Northwest Arkansas, that water is sourced from Beaver Lake and made clean to drink by Beaver Water District. Cities then supply water to the schools.

Having access to a hydration station means schoolchildren can fill water bottles to take to class, rather than the routine three-second drink they get from a fountain with long lines, especially after P.E. Reducing sugary-beverage consumption by promoting proper hydration is one way the local AHA office and its allies are working to battle the region’s rising number of children who are at an unhealthy weight.

Washington County school-age children are 38.8 % overweight and/or obese; Benton Co. school-age children are 35.4 % overweight and/or obese, according to statistics from Arkansas Center for Health Improvement’s “Assessment of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity in Arkansas” report.

“Through the AHA’s advocacy work and collaboration with like-minded organizations, we’ve made incremental changes to the amount of time schoolchildren are allowed at recess,” says Deven Daehn, the AHA’s community impact director for the state of Arkansas. “Unfortunately, obesity rates continue to climb to unacceptable levels.”

“We’re working to educate parents and their children about the dangers of living at an unhealthy weight so both generations can work together to build a world of longer, healthier lives,” Daehn adds. Springdale schools were chosen for the water bottle filling stations based on zip codes with the greatest need. Dedications for six of the new water bottle filling stations will be held at these days and times in these Springdale schools:

Nov. 5:
o 9:30 a.m. JO Kelly Middle School
o 10:30 a.m. Jones Elementary School
o 1 p.m. Parson Hills Elementary School
o 2:30 p.m. TG Smith Elementary School

Nov. 8:
o 8:30 a.m. Walker Elementary School
o 10 a.m. Elmdale Elementary School
o 1 p.m. Lee Elementary School

University of Arkansas Professional and Workforce Development is offering several classes this winter to enhance your professional skills.

Fundamentals of Event Planning
November 15, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Whether you plan corporate, non-profit or charity events, or even personal events like a wedding or a class reunion, this course will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to plan and execute it successfully. 
 
Docker Certified Associate Training Program
December 10-13, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Docker expertise is one of the fastest growing skills that companies are looking for in their engineers. Prepare for the Docker Certified Associate exam with training from the University of Arkansas. The training provides attendees with full stack Docker knowledge. 

WordPress for Business
December 11, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Over 75 million websites are built with WordPress. It’s flexible, versatile, and free. Get a hands-on introduction to one of the most powerful website platforms on the Internet. 
 
Business Communications
December 12, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Possessing advanced communication skills set you apart. Professionals must convey data-driven, meaningful, succinct and persuasive messages to stakeholders. This course will provide you with practical information regarding personal branding, presentation skills, and negotiation and influence that you can implement right away. 
 
Microsoft Excel PivotTables and Power Tools
December 13, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Harness the power of advanced PivotTable and PivotCharts features to summarize, organize, and analyze data to gain actionable insights and a competitive advantage. Gain a solid understanding of Power Tools to maximize your speed and effectiveness when analyzing data. 
 
Innovative Management Series
Multiple classes and dates available
This series offers both new and experienced managers the opportunity to explore best practices and the practical ‘how to’ of multiple management areas and challenges. Courses can be taken alone, or in any combination. Each course is taught by an expert instructor with years of experience in both management and training. 

Adobe InDesign CC
Multiple skill levels and dates available
Adobe InDesign CC provides all the tools needed to produce professional, well-designed documents and distribute them in print or digital format. Combine the two Adobe InDesign CC class levels to maximize your skills, or take a single class to move your talent up a notch. 

Microsoft Excel
Multiple skill levels and dates available
Excel gives you the power to organize, calculate, analyze, update and present your data, helping decision-makers move in the right direction. Mastering Excel is a process. Combine the three Excel class levels to maximize your skills.

For more information, visit training.uark.edu.

Arkansas Public Theatre (APT) will present A TUNA CHRISTMAS by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams on December 13-15 and 19-22, 2019.

In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of A Christmas Carol is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons.

Curtain time for Thursday thru Saturday performances is 8 p.m. with Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Doors and Concessions open one hour prior to show time. Cabaret Seats are $36/per person or $60 table (includes 2 individual seats) and Balcony Seats are $30/per person. Group discounts for 10 or more guests are available by contacting the Box Office. Tickets may be purchased on the APT website at www.arkansaspublictheatre.org or at the APT Box Office at 479-631-8988. All performances will be held at the historic Victory Theater, 116 S 2nd St, Rogers, AR 72756.

Since 1986, Arkansas Public Theatre has been producing classic, cutting-edge, fresh-from-Broadway plays, musicals, and special events in Rogers, Arkansas and at the historic Victory Theater. APT is the only all-volunteer community theatre in Northwest Arkansas and is honored to have the continued support of area businesses, organizations, donors, volunteers and audiences.

For more information about the upcoming season, including season memberships, sponsorship opportunities and audition information visit www.arkansaspublictheatre.org or contact the Box Office at 479.631.8988; manager@arkansaspublictheatre.org.  Arkansas Public Theatre is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

The Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District is making spillway releases from Beaver Dam to pass runoff from this current rain event.

The Corps has opened all seven gates 1-foot each releasing about 7,500 cubic feet per second as well as 3,750 c.f.s from the power generation turbines for a total combined release of 11,250 c.f.s.

Beaver Lake water levels are still rising because of heavy rainfall runoff. These minimized water releases are required to ensure the lake does not exceed its flood storage capacity.

Daily lake information can be obtained at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil or the Corps’ mobile App which can be found in mobile App stores by searching for USACE Little Rock.

Recreation information can be found at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/usacelittlerock. 

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers were two of nine Mercy hospitals and only 877 in the country that received A grades in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2019 Hospital Safety Grade.

The national nonprofit patient safety advocate group assesses hospitals nationwide based on the outcomes of their efforts to prevent medical errors, infections and other patient harm, and gives traditional letter grades that reflect their ability to keep their patients safe. In addition to its nine A grades, three Mercy hospitals earned B ratings, demonstrating a consistent commitment to quality and safety across the board.

“I commend Mercy for having so many hospitals with A’s ? and no hospital below a B ? in the latest update to the Hospital Safety Grades,” said Leah Binder, Leapfrog president and CEO. “That’s exceptional performance for a health system. We congratulate the board, leadership, volunteers, clinicians and staff who put their patients first.”

In addition to the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas hospitals, Mercy’s hospitals in the following communities received A grades: Jefferson County, Joplin, Lebanon, St. Louis and Washington in Missouri; and Ardmore and Oklahoma City in Oklahoma.

These grades come on the heels of Mercy having been named a top five large U.S. health system for 2019, and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City earning top 100 hospital recognition from IBM Watson Health.

Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, Leapfrog uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. The methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith President Ryan Gehrig said he’s proud of the hospital’s A grades going back to 2016.

“The Mercy Hospital team continues to demonstrate an ability to improve performance and achieve excellence across multiple departments. I’m blessed to work alongside so many dedicated and caring people who have a passion to get health care right,” he said.

Likewise, Mercy Hospital President Eric Pianalto said it takes a special team to achieve high safety grades year after year.

“Patient safety has always been a priority for Mercy caregivers and this latest acknowledgement confirms our team is meeting our mission of exceptional service and compassionate care in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy,” Pianalto said.

To see Mercy’s full grade details, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Yeyo’s Hospitality Group has opened its third concept focused on the experience of Mezcal, art, culture and street food. Yeyo’s continues to plant roots in Northwest Arkansas to share authentic South of the Border Street Fare with all Arkansas residents.

Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria is the first of its kind in the State of Arkansas. The small but rich in culture Mezcaleria will be an art destination for both local residents and out of state travelers. The Mezcaleria hired and commissioned art from Octavio Logo, an artist originally from Mexico City that has been making his rounds around the United State art scene for the past five years, as well as in Arkansas.

“All over the world people have a special relation and interaction with their culture and traditions. There is no stronger connection with culture than food, the flavors, and smells, the beverages, the way to eat it, and drink it. However, there is always more substance, more history, more meaning behind every meal and beverage, and I wanted to express it throughout the sculptures and murals created specifically for Rafael and Yeyo’s.” said Octavio Logo.

Yeyo’s Hospitality Group founder and executive chef Rafael Rios said, “Our goal with this concept is to preserve and share our deepest roots and traditions, create a spiritual connection with artisanal Mezcal, art, food, and people."

The Hospitality Group started with humble beginnings in 2012, with a farm in Little Flock, Arkansas, which is still in operation, and a food truck on the Bentonville Square.

Yeyo’s now has a food truck, a flagship restaurant in 8th Street Market in Bentonville, a growing catering business, and the Mezcaleria in Rogers. The Group has high hopes and ambitions to continue to expand as a hospitality business in Arkansas, and as a retailer and wholesaler in salsas and other products. The Group currently makes all of its corn tortillas and salsas, which have fans all over the State.

Ward Davis, Principal at High Street Real Estate & Development said, “Yeyo’s is the rare restaurant that combines fabulous food, great design, and, most importantly, wonderful people. We could not be happier that they chose to work with us on their space in The 1907 Building and are excited to have them in downtown Rogers."
In addition to the hospitality group, Yeyo’s has an initiative called, Yeyo’s Gives Back, which is focused on giving back to the community in the areas of art, music, mental health, food insecurity, and veteran affairs.

"The Rios family is very grateful for the support and love that our community has given them throughout the years. Our company would be nothing without our exceptional employees and community," said Jay Amargós, Partner, Chief People Officer and EVP of Public Relations for Yeyo’s Hospitality Group.

Jon Allen, Founder of Onyx Coffee said, “We are incredible fans of Rafael and his team at Yeyo’s. Their commitment to quality through ingredients and farming is unmatched and it’s an honor to share the building with them”.

Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria plans to open its doors on Monday, November 11. Visit them at 101 E. Walnut St., Ste. 204 in Rogers. Located inside Onyx Coffee Lab.

Learn more about Yeyo’s by visiting this link: www.yeyosnwa.com.

Generations Bank, the only Rogers-chartered bank, has announced the hire of Luke Colley as the Market President for Bentonville and Rogers. Colley will serve as the leader in both markets with plans to have a new Bentonville branch next year.

“I am really excited to come alongside an already solid team and help grow Generations in Benton County,” said Colley. “Generations has a long and successful history and I am honored to be a part of it.”

Colley was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but soon made his way to Arkansas and grew up in Clarksville. After earning a BA in Christian Ministry from Williams Baptist University, Colley started his journey in the banking world. In the last 15 years, Colley has seen all sides of banking. Starting as a Teller then moving forward to FSR, Head Teller, Branch Manager, Branch Administrator, Security Officer, Credit Analyst, Loan Assistant, Loan Officer, CLO, and Market President. In 2016, Colley was a Northwest Arkansas Business Journal 40 under 40 recipient. He is a graduate of Leadership Benton County and is highly involved with multiple community organizations. Colley is a true community banker at heart.

Generations Bank is an Arkansas community bank that started in 1907 in Harrell, AR, and established itself in the Northwest Arkansas market in 2010.

Andrea Read, D.O., who serves as Medical Director for the Community Quality Alliance, a clinically integrated network (CIN) affiliated with Northwest Health, has earned certification in Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) from The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review, according to Bruce Shepard, Executive Director.

“Physicians who are certified in HCQM must demonstrate superior ability to critically evaluate industry literature, identify evidence-based best practices, and make recommendations that balance appropriateness of health care services with cost and quality,” Shepard said. “Certified physicians must demonstrate practical knowledge and awareness of tools that can reduce medical errors, ensure patient safety, and eliminate waste and unnecessary services, while avoiding potentially harmful delays in care. The result of their work is a safer, more efficient and cost-effective system that better satisfies the needs of patients, providers, purchasers, and payers. We are so fortunate to have a physician of Dr. Read’s credentials and experience working with us.”

Through the Community Quality Alliance CIN, Northwest Health is moving towards a more collaborative way of providing care, working with patients, providers and payers to build a care system that helps to coordinate care for patients. Under value-based care models, providers are rewarded for helping patients accomplish three primary objectives: improve their health, reduce the effects and incidence of chronic disease, and live healthier lives using evidence-based best practices. It refocuses the way providers are paid for care since pay is based in part on whether the highest quality care is provided in the most appropriate setting at the right time.

To help achieve these goals, Northwest Health founded the Community Quality Alliance, one of the state’s first clinically integrated networks (CIN), in 2016. In 2018, the organization launched a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (ACO), Community Health Alliance of the Ozarks.

An enthusiastic audience greeted members of the NorthWest Arkansas Community College Music Faculty and guests at November 4's fall recital. Performers included Miles Fish, Karen Noorani, Schumann Robert, Pam Meyer, Gloria Grilk, Traci Hall, Freda Goodman, Lynette Goss, and Steve Cooper. The program featured works by Beethoven, Cooper, Cage, Dello Joio, and Hisaishi.

The public is invited to the following NWACC Music events in November/December:
Nov. 21 (Thur. 7:00) NWACC Jazz Band—White Auditorium
Nov. 22 (Fri. 7:00) NWACC Student Recital—Walmart Auditorium
Dec. 5 (Thur. 7:00) NWACC Rock Band—Walmart Auditorium
Dec. 8 (Sun. 6:00) Ozark Mountain British Brass Band—Rogers 1st Church of the
Nazarene
Dec. 9 (Mon. 7:00) NWACC Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Winds—Walmart
Auditorium
Dec. 10 (Tues. 3:00) NWACC Jazz Band--Holiday Party / WCC Grand Opening Event
Dec. 12 (Fri. 7:00) NWACC Chamber Singers—Walmart Auditorium

Eagles begin to visit Beaver Reservoir when the lakes further north begin to freeze over. At that time, the eagles can no longer get to their favorite meal, fish. The weather has been cold across the U.S., and it can be expected that some 200+ bald eagles will visit Beaver. Some have arrived already. Scheduled dates for Hobbs State Park Eagle Cruise Tours are as follows:

November
16,17, 23,24,29,30,

December
1,7,8,14,15,21,22,23,27,28,29,30,31

January
1,4,5,11,12,17,18,19,20,25,26,

February
1,2,8,9,15,16,17,22,23,29 
 
There are two things eagle watchers need to remember: one, eagle watching is not a warm weather sport; and two, the nastier the weather the more likely it is to see eagles. If it’s cold and a little rainy, that’s when eagles will sit in a tree and wait for better weather. 

Although Hobbs calls these times on the lake “Eagle Cruises”, there is other wildlife to see as well. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, red tailed hawks, and maybe a deer, beaver, or several species of ducks become part of the viewing agenda. 

No matter what wildlife you see, it’s always great to be out on the water. Hobbs State Park provides a safe three-pontoon vessel, driver, and an interpreter to answer questions and share information about our national symbol, the bald eagle. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults $10.00 + tax. Children 6-12 $5.00 + tax. Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3:00 p.m. For more information, call: 479-789-5000.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is featured in a National Geographic article set to be released online Thursday, November 14, as well as in the December print edition of the magazine.

The 30-page spread, written by Sharon Guynup, will focus on the Exotic Big Cat Trade and all its facets such as cub-petting, breeding and abuse. This article will bring attention to the abuse that big cats face across the nation, shining light on the dark underbelly of the Trade throughout the United States.

Turpentine Creek team members were interviewed about their first-hand experiences fighting the big cat Trade, including their Colorado Rescue in 2016, which became the largest big cat rescue in U.S. history to-date.

Turpentine Creek was honored to be selected as an example of one of the true sanctuaries that are located around the United States.

“Being part of the solution in the situations that big cats in America face daily is eye-opening. Our goal at TCWR is to do what we can to end the abuse, neglect and cruelty that the animals we continue to rescue face due to breeding, cub petting, trading and selling,” said Tanya Smith, TCWR President.

Smith believes that it is only through education that TCWR can change people’s perceptions; with Nat Geo’s audience of approximately a billion readers worldwide, the she hopes this will make an impact.

“I am excited to see how Mrs. Guynup brings the industry to the readers. I believe we can solve the trade of big cats within our lifetimes.” Smith said.

Those interested in reading the article can visit nationalgeographic.com.

HP Engineering, Incorporated has announced the creation of a new annual scholarship to a freshman entering the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas.

In support of the University’s goal to strengthen the school's ability to recruit and retain students who might need financial assistance with their education, HP is pleased to provide funds to one student each year.

The HP Engineering Freshmen Recruiting Scholarship in Design provides financial assistance to freshman students entering the Fay Jones School, with a preference to Native American students. This is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded each year for the next five years. It is HP’s wish to encourage qualified Native American students to explore academic interests and careers in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design.

"The Fay Jones School has had a huge impact on the success of HP Engineering," said Brandon Pinkerton, president of HP Engineering in Rogers. "Many of the architects who are products of the Fay Jones School have become key clients and friends to HP Engineering over the years. Without these quality architects, HP Engineering would not be as successful as we are today. We are always looking for ways to show our gratitude and give back to the architectural community that is so generous to us."

Impacting the lives of Native American students is of particular interest to Pinkerton.

"As a Native American, I value the rich experience I had attending the University of Arkansas," he said. "I want other young Native Americans to have the opportunity for such an experience. I would like more Arkansans to be aware of the thriving Native American communities that exist just across our shared border with Oklahoma. I also know from growing up in an Oklahoma border town that
the University of Arkansas is not on the minds of many young Oklahomans who are considering their options after high school."

The first HP Engineering Freshmen Recruiting Scholarship in Design was awarded in September, 2019.

Heron Martin, APRN, FNP-BC, family medicine nurse practitioner, recently joined Northwest Family Medicine & Obstetrics in Johnson. A Member of the Allied Health Professionals Staff at Northwest Health, Martin is accepting new patients – ages ranging from infant to adult.

Martin received her master of science degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. She completed her bachelor of science from University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., in 2010. Martin began her career as a registered nurse specializing in critical care at Northwest Medical Center - Springdale.

Martin previously practiced medicine at Northwest Health Urgent Care, but recently transitioned to the family medicine and obstetrics practice.

Northwest Family Medicine & Obstetrics is located at 5501 Willow Creek Drive, Suite 104, in Johnson. Heron Martin, APRN, FNP-BC, is accepting new patients and walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 479-757-2730 or visit www.nw-physicians.com.

For more than a decade, Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) has offered free-fares on fixed route transit during the holidays. In keeping with this multi-year tradition and to show appreciation for another great year of serving Northwest Arkansas, ORT is offering free-fare days beginning with the upcoming Thanksgiving week.

Bus fare for all fixed-route Transit buses will be free of charge the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 25-27 and Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving). ORT’s offices and bus services will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.  

ABOUT OZARK REGIONAL TRANSIT 
ORT has three Fixed Routes in Fayetteville, three in Springdale, two in Rogers and one in Bentonville. Additionally, ORT offers an express bus service between Fayetteville and Bentonville which is very popular and free for NWACC students.

Curb-to-Curb services are offered in all four cities with Fixed-Route Service and — to a more limited extent — in rural areas and smaller cities in Washington, Benton, Madison and Carroll counties, Monday through Friday.

All ORT vehicles are wheelchair accessible and all Fixed Route buses are bicycle-friendly. Information on Curb-to-Curb Service and Fixed-Route transit can be obtained by calling ORT at (479) 756-5901 or by visiting ORT’s website: www.ozark.org.

All Pets Animal Hospital, with veterinary offices in Rogers and Bentonville, will provide any dog or cat adopted from a participating animal shelter before December 31 with a free examination, free initial vaccines, and free diagnostics, pet food, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives. The approximate value of free products and services is $200.

“There are hundreds of dogs and cats waiting on homes in area shelters,” said Dr. Wayne Wolfenkoehler, founding veterinarian at All Pets Animal Hospital. “We hope the gift we’re providing will be the incentive more people need to go ahead and bring a pet into their home in time for Christmas.”

Five area shelters are participating with All Pets Animal Hospital in this limited-time offer: the Rogers Humane Society, Rogers Animal Services, Centerton Animal Shelter, Bella Vista Animal Shelter and the Springdale Animal Shelter. Dogs and cats adopted from these shelters before the end of the year should schedule their pet at All Pets Animal Hospital and present their adoption certificate to receive their free services.

Included in the list of free services for dogs are a pet examination, heartworm test, fecal test and deworming, rabies, bordetella and distemper vaccines, a bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food, a 6-month supply of heartworm preventative, and flea/tick preventative. Cats receive the same package except that a feline leukemia test replaces the heartworm test and preventative.

Dr. Wolfenkoehler said he was moved to take action to assist shelter pet adoptions after he adopted a puppy being fostered from an area shelter. Shortly afterward, photos of the puppy’s mother and siblings appeared on the shelter website.

“There were littermates of my own dog who needed homes. But there were so many other potentially great family pets who also needed a chance. We wanted to do what we could to encourage adoption of shelter pets.”

Wolfenkoehler called the campaign Bring Them Home for Christmas and launched it in 2018. Now in its second year, All Pets Animal Hospital hopes to broaden public awareness of the offer so that more pets may be adopted.

All Pets Animal Hospital has been serving clients in Bentonville since 1990 and opened a second location in Rogers in 2018. They provide complete medical, surgical, dental care and boarding services for family pets, including preventive wellness services as well as acute care for illness and injury. More information may be found at www.allpetsnwa.com.

Arkansas Public Theatre (APT) will hold auditions for NEWSIES Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman, Book by Harvey Fierstein; Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White; Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Victory Theater, 116 S. 2nd St., Rogers. 

Doors for auditions will open at 6:30 p.m. Call backs, if needed, will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Auditions will be based upon readings from the script, singing and a dance combination. The entire audition packet, including the audition times, audition scenes, character descriptions, and rehearsal schedule is available for download at www.arkansaspublictheatre.org.  Download the packet prior to auditions and bring to audition with you.

Performances will be February 7-9, 13-16 and 20-23, 2020 at the historic Victory Theater.

It's time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney's Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Since 1986, Arkansas Public Theatre has been producing classic, cutting-edge, fresh-from-Broadway plays, musicals, and special events in Rogers, Arkansas and at the historic Victory Theater. APT is the only all-volunteer community theatre in Northwest Arkansas and is honored to have the continued support of area businesses, organizations, donors, volunteers and audiences.

For more information about the upcoming season, including season memberships, sponsorship opportunities and audition information visit www.arkansaspublictheatre.org or contact the Box Office at 479.631.8988; manager@arkansaspublictheatre.org.  Arkansas Public Theatre is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

As the most popular shopping days of the year are upon Arkansans, scam artists are proactively searching for opportunities to steal your identity, money and personal information. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has identified best practices that will be rolled out throughout the week for consumers that can be used during the entire holiday season.

“Every Christmas season, many Arkansans experience some form of fraud from a con artist or bad actor who tries to steal your personal identity, bank account or credit card information, or who fails to uphold the terms of a sales agreement,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday often have us plugging in credit and debit card numbers online where predatory scam artists could be lurking, waiting for an opportunity to steal your money.”

Every year, countless American shoppers fall victim to identity thieves by not following a few simple rules. Attorney General Rutledge provides the following tips to help keep consumers safe while shopping online:

• Look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar, and the abbreviation “https” in the web address to be sure information is secure and to help guard the security of your information as it is transmitted to a website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer.
• Check the online merchant’s privacy policy before providing any personal financial information and determine how the information will be used or shared with others. Some websites’ disclosures are easier to find than others — look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the “About” or “FAQs” sections of a site.
• Read and understand return, refund and shipping policies before you make your purchase.
• Pay by credit card, which is the most secure payment method. Under federal law, charges can be disputed and consumer liability for theft is limited so long as consumers promptly notify the bank or credit card issuer. Additionally, many credit card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the purchaser pays nothing if his or her credit card is stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases.
• Keep personal information private. Do not disclose personal information – address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number or email address – unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it and how they will use it.
• Be cautious when buying gifts from an online auction. Understand how the auction works and check out the seller’s reputation before bidding. Always ask about terms of delivery and return options. Never wire money for the purchase; use some other form of payment.
• Keep records of online transactions and check for emails from merchants while doing business. Merchants may email important information about purchases.
• Promptly and thoroughly review monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases. Notify the credit or debit card issuer immediately if a card or checkbook is lost or stolen or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

According to the National Retail Federation, 55 percent of consumers cited online shopping as the most popular shopping destination this year. They also expect holiday sales to increase 4.1 percent over last year. That means consumers are expected to spend an average of $1,007.24 this year on gifts.

Also, research companies before finalizing the online purchase to ensure it is a credible merchant, and check the anticipated delivery date to make sure it will be delivered in time for the holidays.

For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

Data from the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Benton County had the largest second quarter yearly wage gain among the nation’s 355 largest counties at a robust 16.3% gain.

Read more at Talk Business & Politics.

Steven Johnson, PA-C, has earned a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. Johnson is a Physician Assistant (PA) affiliated with Dr. J. Marcus Heim and Dr. Stephen Hudson at The Orthopedic Center at Northwest in Springdale. The DMSc program develops doctorate-trained PAs who have an advanced level of competence and confidence in a specialized area of medicine along with a broadened focus on leadership.

He attended the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Johnson's clinical interests include osteoporosis, bone health, advanced arthroscopy, sports medicine, total joint replacements, fracture care, surgery for the upper and lower extremities including hand and foot surgery and trauma surgery. He holds membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery.

Go Downtown Rogers, an association of businesses in Downtown Rogers, hosts the 4th Annual Holidays on the Bricks (HOTB) weekend Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8. HOTB consists of several festive events taking place throughout the downtown area to encourage people to shop, eat and enjoy the holiday atmosphere while raising money and collecting toys for the Arkansas Children’s Foundation. Among the attractions are: a free hot cocoa stand; strolling Christmas carolers; pictures with Santa; live music; collection boxes for Arkansas Children’s Foundation; Sips on the Bricks contest; the Sips After Party; and two prize drawings-one for a $100 gift basket and a downtown gift basket giveaway valued at $500.

The festivities kick off Friday, December 6, with Holiday Wish List 2019: participating merchants are offering an array of discounts for customers who fill out their Wish Lists ahead of time and return that Friday to do holiday shopping. Come early for the Rogers Christmas parade and do some shopping with the family to get great deals! Saturday is packed with a multitude of events including a Cocoa Stand where patrons can get free hot chocolate and candy canes at the beautifully decorated Rogers Experimental House on Walnut Street. There will be local school, community, and church choirs singing holiday songs up and down the streets spreading holiday cheer.

This year, Santa Claus will be welcoming children, posing for photos and checking the naughty and nice lists. He will greet children at the Rogers Experimental House (RxH), 121 W. Walnut St. from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and from Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. Family friendly arts and crafts workshops are also available at the RxH.

Downtown businesses are also focusing on giving back to the community again this year. More than a dozen businesses are participating in a toy and donation drive to raise money for the Arkansas Children’s Foundation (ACF) benefiting the new Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital. Sips on the Bricks, the largest of the HOTB mini events, is back again this year and again raising funds for the ACF. “We have such fun with all the HOTB events, but it’s really about our community,” says The Rusty Chair owner, Julie Loose. “It’s a great feeling to know that we will be directly helping the new children’s hospital in our area.”

Sips on the Bricks takes place Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 – 9 p.m. and is a holiday competition among businesses in downtown Rogers. A people’s choice vote determines which business created the most unique, festive, best-tasting holiday drink. A suggested donation of $10 allows patrons to receive a Sips on the Bricks card. The cards are available from each participating location in advance or the evening of the event (as long as it isn’t sold out). Cardholders may visit each business location throughout downtown Rogers to taste test their sips and cast a vote for their favorite overall holiday sip. The winning business will be announced the following day and every participating individual will earn a chance to win a $100 gift basket. “It is a unique activity that a big group of friends can come do that isn’t your typical Saturday night,” says Melissa Turpin, owner of Honeycomb Kitchen Shop. “All the businesses really get into it and want to win, but at the end of the day we all know it is for a good cause and we will be helping the young patients of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest.”

Saturday evening is wrapped up at the 1907 Building, 101 E. Walnut Street, with the Sips After Party from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Sips on the Bricks participants can use their Sips cards to enter the event. This event will feature free food from Jersey Mike's Subs, and wine and beer available for purchase. Enjoy live music and have some more holiday fun with your friends at Onyx Coffee Lab or The Foreman. Sunday, December 8 there are holiday open houses throughout downtown and merchants will be opening their doors for extra shopping hours, unique gifts and great deals. One lucky shopper will win the Downtown Gift Basket Giveaway valued at over $500. Shoppers may enter the drawing now through December 8 at all participating merchants and view the prize package on display in the front window of The Urban Bath and Body Co. Must be 18 years old to enter.

Sips on the Bricks card holders may pick up a card for a $10 suggested donation at any participating business and sample the drinks in any order from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7. The cards include a map of the route, a people’s choice award ballot and the option to be included in a drawing for a $100 gift basket. Participating businesses include:?

Honeycomb Kitchen Shop
Golden’s Designer Jewelry
Mollie Love
Avenue Design Co.
The Urban Tub
The Dotted Pig
The Rusty Chair
Dandy Roll
Alexander Baking Co.
Woof & Wander
Fresh Harvest Tasting Room
Threads 3 Fourteen
B. Styled
The Yoga Loft
Brick and Mortar

The holiday season is also the season of giving and a time to share smiles with those around you. As you gather to drink hot cocoa and sing carols with family and friends, it’s important to remember there are seniors in your community who would love to celebrate, too. However, many seniors live alone, without someone to share this special time.

Home Instead Senior Care® is once again offering the Northwest Arkansas community a chance to spread joy to local seniors. Through the Be a Santa to a Senior® program, community members can give a senior a special holiday gift. Since the program’s inception in 2003, the Be a Santa to a Senior® program has mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers, provided approximately 12,500 gifts and brightened the season for more than 7,000 deserving seniors.

“The Be a Santa to a Senior program is all about including seniors in the joy of the holiday season,” said Carey Lingenfelter, of the Home Instead Senior Care offices serving Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Bella Vista. “A simple gift shows them they are a loved and vital member of our community.”

Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community program, with generous support from local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. The Home Instead Senior Care offices serving Northwest Arkansas have partnered with area businesses and organizations to help with gift collection and distribution.

It’s easy to help. Visit one of the participating locations listed below and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from November 4 to December 10. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached. There’s no need to worry about wrapping — community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays. You can help December 11 wrapping 1,000 gifts at the Frisco Station mall and delivering gifts from December 16-20.

“While it may seem like a small act of kindness, it can really make a difference for someone this holiday season,” said Lingenfelter. “Watching seniors open the gifts they received through Be a Santa to a Senior and seeing the smiles and appreciation on their faces is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.”

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:

• Avenir Memory Care at Fayetteville, 1967 W Truckers Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704
• Concordia, 1 Concordia Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715
• Frisco Station Mall, 100 N. Dixieland Rd., Rogers, AR 72756
• Home Instead Senior Care, 3291 S. Thompson St., A105, Springdale, AR 72764

For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 479-936-9885.

For more information about how you can help seniors in your community, visit imreadytocare.com.

Stop the Bleed is a community-focused training program in bleeding control principles. It teaches bystanders how to provide immediate aid until first responders are able to take over care of an injured person. The goal is to control bleeding and prevent death.

On Dec. 10, Northwest Health trauma team members will teach Stop the Bleed training for the public. The training will start at 6:00 p.m. at Northwest Medical Center – Springdale Tower II Classroom, located at 609 W Maple Ave. in Springdale. A second class will be offered Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Classroom 1, located at 603 N Progress Ave., in Siloam Springs.

Course participants will learn the ABC’s of bleeding control: A, Alert 911 and ask for bleeding control supplies; B, Find the Bleeding injury; and C, Compress the area with direct pressure. In small groups with hands-on instruction from Northwest Health team members, participants learn how to use tourniquets, pack wounds and other critical steps to take in the moments following a traumatic event before rescue crews and police arrive. The techniques are straightforward and can be utilized in everyday life by anyone, of any age, without any prior medical training.

Stop the Bleed, as described by the Hartford Consensus and launched by the American College of Surgeons in 2015, intends to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s webpage on the program. 

BleedingControl.org supports the policy directive for national preparedness, which targets preparedness as a shared responsibility of the government, the private and nonprofit sectors, and individual citizens. 

To register for one of these FREE classes, email CommunityRelations@nw-health.com or call 479-757-LIFE (5433). Space is limited.

Thursday, December 12, during this season of giving, Downtown Rogers businesses are partnering with Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to raise awareness of food insecurity. Fresh Harvest Tasting Room owners, Troy Johnson and Steven Ketchersid, are passionate about healthy food options and fully support the mission of the food bank which provides healthy food to Northwest Arkansas residents through more than 160 member agencies. That evening, they are donating a portion of sales to the cause and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank staff will be on hand to welcome additional donations during the Art Walk.

“This is another example of how giving the Northwest Arkansas Community is,” reflected Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. “When a locally owned business, like Fresh Harvest, agrees to donate 20% of their sales during an event like Art on the Bricks, we know money will be raised and food insecure people will be served,” he continued. “The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank could not do what we do without the support of third-party fundraisers such as this. What a generous donation. I cannot thank the staff of Fresh Harvest enough for their support.”

Also during the art walk, a portion of sales by the artist, Janie Baber of Fayetteville, will be donated to the NWA Food Bank. Fresh Harvest Tasting Room, located at 211 W Walnut Street in Downtown Rogers, will serve as a drop off point and anyone who makes a monetary or non-perishable food donation at Fresh Harvest between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. December 12 will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket of art and food products from the store. Additional drop-off points for donations to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank include Gateway Mortgage, 214 W Walnut St. and Brick Street Brews, 208 W. Walnut St.

Each month on the 2nd Thursday of the month, Downtown Rogers business owners invite regional artists to exhibit their original art in shops and restaurants. The pop-up galleries serve small business interests as well as local artists and non-profit organizations. This monthly practice has proven to be an effective way to introduce NWA residents to new businesses while they shop for locally made artisan products. The monthly art walk does more than just provide artists with an opportunity to sell their work. It also offers an incentive for Northwest Arkansas residents and visitors to explore an area of the community that might not otherwise be part of their regular routine. The public is invited Thursday, December 12, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. where 18 or more downtown merchants will open their businesses to artists with pop-up galleries and receptions.

At Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (WCWH), women diagnosed with breast cancer can now access a new type of breast cancer surgery that is performed in such a way as to hide the scar.

“We are thrilled to be expanding options for women in Northwest Arkansas with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer and optimizes the cosmetic results,” said Juli McWhorter, Chief Administrative Officer of Willow Creek Women’s Hospital. “Many women are unaware of all the surgical options available, including minimally invasive approaches that minimize the visual reminders that may impact the emotional healing process. This new surgical technique enables highly trained surgeons to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring.”

Dr. Joseph Kelamis and Dr. Christopher Menendez, both independent members of the hospital’s medical staff, have been trained in the new advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the daily visible reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis.

In 2019, an estimated 316,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.1 Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery using this new approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique.2

“New surgical techniques are made possible through advancements in technology, especially through devices used to better visualize the surgical field,” said Dr. Menendez, who is a board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology. “We are proud to offer our patients advanced oncologic surgery using smaller cosmetic incisions.”

"One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Kelamis, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. “For many women, a scar can impact their overall well-being as a reminder of breast cancer, but with the hidden scar surgery, they now have options for what that post-recovery journey will look like."

Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so surgeons can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. WCWH invested in new technology to improve visibility for surgeons performing the new procedure as well as for lumpectomies and nipple-sparing mastectomies. This enables the surgeons to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options.

For more information:
• Willow Creek Women’s Hospital’s breast cancer program, visit: www.NorthwestHealth.com/breast-care 
• For referral to a physician or more information, call 800-734-2024.