CommunityCorner r

Brought to you by The Trenton Republican-Times Weekly Feature on Individuals or Organizations in our Area

By Kristi Harris R-T Correspondent

The Garden, located north of the food pantry and thrift store, is a space intended to unite the community in growing something good. The Garden focuses on three things, producing healthy fruits and vegetables, educating about the benefits of such food and ways to prepare it, and celebrating nature’s amazing system of food production. Anyone who lends a hand or makes a donation can take home a bag of whatever fresh produce is available at that time. The Garden has regular hours May through October and keeps their Facebook page updated about what is growing and how individuals can jump in. The Garden is also trying to reach out in new ways through various community programs to ensure that more families benefit from the free fruits and vegetables. 2023 marks The Garden’s ninth season with Tyler and Ashlen Busick as the managers. Ashlen said, “We will never forget the moment, not long after we first moved here in 2014, when we were talking with someone about our thoughts to build a small neighborhood garden in the lot behind our house. That person was silent for a couple of seconds, then asked, "You want a bigger one?" So we gratefully and eagerly made plans to take over the management of the First Christian Church community garden, with much support from the church and community members.”

Last year, The Garden started offering vouchers for free bags of produce for families enrolled in the WIC program. The Garden also provides tours and hosts volunteer groups. The Garden would like to expand that outreach and establish more relationships with community partners to get more free, healthy food to the people that can really benefit from it. Ashlen said, “We're always open to new partnerships and project ideas. There is really so much potential through a project like this - for church groups, volunteer groups, youth programs, mental health programs, nutrition and ag education, etc. We just need the people to help it all come to life. We welcome anyone to dream about how their passions and skills might intersect with The Garden!”

Over the years, The Garden has changed and adapted in many ways. Ashlen said, “We have learned so much, and yet still feel like there is so much more to learn! We have started trying to grow more food in smaller spaces, utilizing complimentary relationships, and trying to nurture soil health through no-till practices. We have grown some great connections with the school

- we have classes that start many of our seeds for us, and others who will come out to help us plant or clean up. We're very thankful for all those who have dug in alongside us and encouraged us along the way.” This year, The Garden hopes to add a space with pathways and raised beds to improve access so more people can participate, even if their mobility is limited.

Ashlen went on to say, “All can benefit and contribute to The Garden, whether one is an expert gardener or has never planted a seed in their life. A garden holds so many wonders for those who take the time to explore them. Not only are we able to enjoy the literal fruit from our labor, but working the soil and creating something beautiful with our neighbors both heals us and strengthens us.” For more information about The Garden, check on their Facebook page, “The Garden-Trenton, MO,” or send them a message, or email Ashlen at ashlenbusick@gmail.com.

Submitted Photo

Wright Memorial Hospital recently announced its 2022 Employee of the Year. Jacoby Ortega, a pharmacy technician II at Wright Memorial Hospital, was presented with the award at a ceremony held in her honor on February 16. The other finalists for the award were 2022 Employee of the Quarter recipients Kathi Tolly, Kim Hamilton and Jason Meeker. Ortega has worked for Wright Memorial Hospital for 12 years. In her nomination form, co-workers mentioned that “Jacoby is hardworking, reliable, dependable, knowledgeable, has a selfless mentality, has a fun personality, and makes showing up to work enjoyable every day. She is always willing to put in the extra steps and extra work it takes to accommodate co-workers and patients alike. She always has a smile on her face and displays a ‘say yes’ attitude to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.”

Ortega is a member of the Employee Engagement Team, participates in the Saint Luke’s Health System Career Advancement Program, serves on the SLHS Inventory Committee, and has her pharmacy technician certification. Ortega and her husband, Bryan, have been married for 12 years. They have two daughters, Lilly (14) and Rose (8). She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, and watching her daughters play sports.

In recognition of the award, Ortega’s name will be engraved on a permanent plaque within the hospital. She will receive a recognition certificate, a parking space of her choice for a year, and acknowledgment in the local media and hospital employee intranet.

Submitted Photo

Lindsey Schlared, Custodian from Trenton, has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Employee for February. Lindsey, an NCMC alum, holds an Associate in Arts degree from NCMC and is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and has been at NCMC for two years.

Lindsey, when asked about her favorite thing about NCMC, said her coworkers and the students. Lindsey said, “When I switched over to cleaning Selby dorms, they needed my help over there the most. I absolutely love working over there.” Lindsey went on to say, “We have a really good crew. We always work together and ask more questions. Overall, we work hard during the summer, and it always pays off when the students start to come back.”

Comics

More red ink

To encourage U.S. consumers to Buy American, President Donald Trump imposed huge taxes on imported goods. President Joe Biden has maintained many of Trump’s tariffs. Biden has also acted to try to bring more manufacturing back to the United States So far, those exertions haven’t made much difference, at least as measured by America’s lopsided trade gap with the rest of the world. The trade deficit — the amount by which the value of America’s imports exceeds its exports — hit $948 billion last year. Imports reached a record

$4 trillion, overwhelming record exports of $3 trillion. The United States has run a trade gap every year since 1975. Even though Trump’s tariffs targeted China, the U.S. gap in the trade of goods with Beijing last year hit $383 billion, the second-highest total on record. Imports tend to grow and the U.S. trade gap tends to widen, when Americans have more income to spend. If the United States were to slip into a recession this year as many economists expect imports would likely fall and the trade gap would likely narrow.

For Better or For Worse® by Lynn Johnson

Classified Advertising Information

Phone 660-359-2212

Classified advertising rate schedule in the Republican-Times is listed below. DEADLINES:

For Newspaper: 4 p.m. the Monday before Thursday printing

For Green Hills Weekly Paper: 4 p.m. the Thursday before Tuesday printing

Ads also appear same number of days on the Internet at www.northwestmissouri.com.

The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject copy not consistent with editorial policy.

Up to 25 words - $10.00

60¢ per word for each additional word over 25 words. Blind ads should be answered by writing box numbers given in care of the Republican-Times.

BUSINESS/ SERVICES

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: "The advertisements appearing in this column may involve the offer of a security as defined by Missouri law, such as investment contracts, partnership interests, or notes. It is possible that these advertisements or the offers on which they are based may require registration with the Missouri Securities Division under Chapter 509 of the Revised Missouri Statutes.

Advertisers and potential advertisers are advised that transactions and advertisements involving securities entail certain rights and responsibilities created by the above mentioned laws. If you have any questions, call your attorney or the Missouri Securities Division at 1800-721-7996.

Anyone considering investing should be aware that all persons who sell securities and the securities they sell must be registered or exempt from registration with the Securities Division of the Secretary of State's office. To make sure the individual and the investment are registered prior to investing, call 1800-721-7996.

INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU

INVEST! Always a good policy, especially for business opportunities and franchises. Call MO Attorney General at (880) 392-8222 or the Federal Trade Commission at (877) FTC-HELP for free information. Or visit our Web site at www.ftc.gov/bizop.

The Republican-Times business office hours are

Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch) and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The office will be closed on Saturdays.

Republican-Times

122 E. 8th St. 359-2212

Fax: 660-359-4414

--------------------------------------

*SEAMLESS GUTTERING* We are ready to replace your old gutters with new seamless aluminum gutters! MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORK, INC. 359-5477. 52 Years Experience.

WANTED!! Used & Abused Cars & Trucks. Highest prices paid! You Call - We Come Get It! FRONTIER AUTO & TRUCK PARTS (formerly Jim’s Auto Salvage) 145 Hwy. W., Trenton, 3593888.

--------------------------------------

Call MIDWEST MECHANICAL & rely on comfort. 800-425-0976 or 485-6611, Brian S. Israel, owner. For your heating & cooling needs. All Tax Credits & Rebates available! Geostar Geothermal Heat Pumps. Over 25 years experience.

--------------------------------------

JAMESPORT LUMBERFull Service Lumberyard. We also sell Trusses/metal/ rebar/concrete blocks. New Hardware Department • Gift Certificates and Delivery

• Free Estimates.

Available

32089 St. Hwy 6, Jamesport, 660-684-6404

--------------------------------------