Gardening for Your PATIO, YARD or GREENHOUSE

There is renewed interest in growing our own food. There is nothing like picking a ripe tomato out of your garden and eating it with the juice dripping down your chin. Many people want to grow their food more organically without chemicals, so growing them at home allows you to control what soil you grow in and what chemicals you do or do not put on your food. Learning about growing vegetables and fruits can be fun for your children and grandchildren, as well. And depending on how much space and time you have, you can grow a small or large amount of food.

For those with a small amount of space, you can plant vegetables, herbs and some fruits in pots on your patio or deck. Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, radishes, lettuce and strawberries are all foods that can be grown easily in pots. There are even small greenhouses that can help you start seedlings. Clay pots are inexpensive and easy to find and can be left in their original color or they can be painted to match your outside décor. They will absorb a large amount of water, so make sure to water the plants often. While clay pots can be heavy and hard to move, there are resin and foam pots that are lighter and easier to move around. This allows you to move the plants to achieve the right amount of light for each plant you are growing.

For those with more space, raised beds are a wonderful way to plant a garden. Raised beds have many advantages over tilled ground. Raised beds allow you to keep the soil contained and allow you to work easily without bending over so much. The raised beds can be built as low or as high as you want and can be made out of durable wood such as cedar or you can use galvanized tubs or even concrete blocks. Lining the bottom of the raised beds with twigs and leaves will allow you to put in less soil and compost to start your garden. You can read on the University of Missouri Extension Office website about plants that grow well in this region and which plants grow well together.

For those of you who really want to get an early start on planting your garden or extend the growing period, you can purchase a greenhouse. This allows you to start seedlings and over-winter plants. A greenhouse can extend the growing period by several weeks during the spring and fall. A greenhouse can be made from varied materials such as glass or polycarbonate. Having the greenhouse set on a slab or drainage rock will allow you to secure it well and keep it heated and/or cooled for maximum usage. While a greenhouse is a much larger expense than just pots or a raised bed, for the gardening enthusiast, they are the coolest thing ever!

Making your garden decorative and pretty is also fun. Use colored pots on your patio to tie into your décor. For your raised beds, you can plant colorful flowers around the perimeter. These add color and also attract bees, which act as pollinators, which are very useful for vegetable gardening. Decorating around your greenhouse with flowers and colorful pots also adds a decorative touch to your greenhouse and your entire yard.

Hopefully, you will try some of these ideas to grow some of your own food. Start small with some pots on the patio or take a giant leap; fence in some of your yard and put in some raised beds or buy that greenhouse you have been eyeing for years and do some serious gardening! Whichever way you go, have fun growing your own food. Happy gardening!

Barbara Hicklin Practice pays off for artist

By Ann Leach

Almost all of us can remember the old joke about “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” and the famous answer of “practice, practice, practice.” From artist to athlete, the rally cry is the same: practice.

And artist Barbara Hicklin does just that with continuing lessons in watercolor and oil painting. She has developed her work as a representational painter and devotes a number of hours each week to learning more about her chosen mediums.

“I have been a fan of watercolor for many years and collected paintings for years but never had the time to pursue it,” Hicklin said. “Life got in the way. But only recently have I been able to devote the time to learning to paint.”

She began taking lessons at Local Color 12 years ago and said, “Once I got started, I was hooked.”

Since setting that goal, she has studied with local artists Donna Roberts and Paula Giltner, and has taken workshops with such watercolorists as Paul Jackson, Tony Couch and Birgit O’Connor.

Hicklin is inspired by nature and enjoys painting flowers and birds and exploring the myriad of possibilities of still life painting. She shared her painting of Joplin’s flower, the iris, with us as an example of her attention to detail and the beauty she experiences in nature.

Her practice has paid off and she was invited to join the artist cooperative at Local Color about five years ago.

“It has been a great experience and we all learn from each other,” she said. “This has given me an outlet to sell my art, and I am always happy when someone admires and purchases my work.”

Though she doesn’t paint every day, Hicklin is always on the lookout for ideas. And her shift at Local Color every Tuesday keeps her surrounded in art and color. She returns to the gallery to paint with her teacher, Paula Giltner, on Wednesday afternoons.

She herself teaches a class in beginning watercolor on Tuesdays. “I don’t have a ‘quota’ of pieces I want to produce,” she said, “But I am always working on something.”

Hicklin is committed to continuing her goals as an artist. “People often say to me, ‘I wish I had your talent,’ but I believe there is an artist in all of us,” she said. “It just takes a lot of time, work and persistence to find it. My only goal is to keep improving my skills and to just keep painting.”

Serious illness shows Terra Oxendine benefits of movement

By Ann Leach

Oxendine after a serious diagnosis in 2019.

“I became ill with pancreatitis due to a few mutations of cystic fibrosis that progressed into the chronic state in 2020,” Oxendine said. “I was limited in what I could do but was free to walk and jog, so I made sure to do that as often as possible.”

She began rapidly losing weight, required a feeding tube and regular pain medication and had regular hospital stays, but was determined to keep moving so she could maintain her strength. She found herself undergoing surgery December 9, 2020, for a total pancreatomy auto islet cell transplant and just a few days afterward took her first walk around the nurse’s station and didn’t stop moving from that point on.

“The doctors kept reiterating how movement would help my body heal,” Oxendine said. “At just three months post-op, I was released to start working out again, when most patients aren’t released for six months to a year, if ever.”

Just 10 months post-surgery, Oxendine ran the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. She ran it again the following year and placed first in her age group. “It may not sound like much to most, but to me, it was such an accomplishment,” she said. “I have come so far in the last two years, and fitness had been a big part of my recovery. I’m so thankful to God for giving me this body and the ability to move.”

And while she was moving physically, Oxendine was also moving her mindset from frustration and fear over her diagnosis to determination in her recovery. “I was determined to find answers, do my research and lean on God. I will say, I never prayed so much in my life.”

Today Oxendine works out three to five times a week. “I work for Arvest Bank as a commercial lender, so I sit all day long,” she said. “It’s important that I spend time after work doing something physical to keep my body moving, as physical activity keeps my blood sugar levels in check and allows for less insulin use. It all really goes hand in hand when you think about it.”

Oxendine also watches her nutrition and admits a weakness for sour candies. She said, “I try my best to eat healthy but after being on a feeding tube for so long, I take the time to enjoy the foods I eat.”

She keeps an eye on her water intake and eats more protein than carbs. “I do have to watch my carbs now since I don’t have a pancreas,” she explained. “I use insulin when needed but my last checkup showed that my A1C is that of a nondiabetic. The diet and exercise really help me feel better and keep my health in check.”

As for the future, Oxendine’s goals include getting back to some old times for running a mile and bench-pressing weights. She also seeks to grow closer to God.

“Just like the physical focus that I have in the gym, I feel I need that same kind of mental focus in church to strengthen me.”

Parsons, KS

May 9: Breast Cancer Support Group, 3:30 p.m., Cancer Center conference room. Meets second Tuesday of each month. Call 620.235.7516.

May 11: Grief Companions Support Group meets second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., Elm Haven West. Call 620.704.1110.

Via Christi Hospital - Pittsburg, KS

May 24: Cancer Support Group, 3 p.m., Cancer Center conference room. Meets fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 620.235.7900.

Joplin, MO

Every day: Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. Call 888.740.4568.

Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., South YMCA, 3404 W. McIntosh Circle. Free; registration required. Call 417.625.2492.

Every day: 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Alano Club, 1800 E. 30th. Call 417.623.9645.

May 9: Brain Injury Support Group meets every second Tuesday, 12-1:30 p.m., The Independent Living Center, 2639 E. 34th. Contact 417.659.8086 for information and referral.

May 24: Grief Support Group meets every fourth Wednesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., Hospice Compassus, 2216 E. 32nd St., Ste. 201. Call 417.623.8272.

Freeman Health System

Joplin, MO

All events are free and open to the public, unless noted; support group meetings are cancelled on days Joplin R-VIII Schools close due to inclement weather.

May 2: Expresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group, 5-6 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Enjoy a coffee courtesy of Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Our monthly breast cancer support group enables members to share, gain helpful information and useful tips, and form new friendships. Enjoy listening to a special guest from time to time. RSVP to Marcella at 417.347.2662.

May 8: Tournament of Miracles, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Twin Hills Country Club, 2019 S. Country Club Drive. Join us for the 31st Annual Tournament of Miracles! We’ll have a morning flight teeing off at 8 a.m. and an afternoon flight teeing off at 1 p.m. with lunch served in between at noon. Proceeds from the community event benefit your local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, Freeman Health System, to assist area kids in need. For more information, contact Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at 417.347.6639.

May 8-11: Freeman Auxiliary Handbag Emporium Sale. Purchase leather and fashion and designer bags at discounted prices at the Freeman Auxiliary Handbag Emporium Sale. Don’t miss out on a variety of wallets, briefcases and accessories. Designers include Michael Kors®, Coach®, Kate Spade® and more. Net proceeds benefit Freeman Auxiliary projects.

May 8: Freeman Auxiliary Handbag Emporium Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Business Center Conference Rooms.

May 9 & 10: Freeman Auxiliary Handbag Emporium Sale, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Freeman West Conference Rooms 1W-2W.

May 11: Freeman Auxiliary Handbag Emporium Sale, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Freeman East Conference Rooms 1E-3E.

May 10: Freeman Cancer Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Freeman CornellBeshore Cancer Institute, 3415 McIntosh Circle. Call Kelley Wheeler at 417.347.4000 for more information.

May 12: Project Pink, 1-4 p.m., Wes and Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion. Just in time for Mother’s Day weekend, Freeman Health System and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks are teaming up to bring early detection to moms and others, and those who love them. Project Pink –Reaching Every Woman makes it possible for uninsured or underinsured individuals to get a FREE breast health evaluation and mammogram screening. Please bring photo ID. For more information, call the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks at 417.862.3838 or e-mail Meghan@ bcfo.org

May 16: Bariatric Weight-loss Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Freeman Business Center Conference Rooms, 3220 McClelland Blvd (back entrance). Designed to help those who have had bariatric surgery. For more information, call 417.347.1266.

May 17: Freeman Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Freeman Hospital West Conference Rooms 1W-4W. Save a life. Donate blood. Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow. To schedule your appointment, call 417.227.5006 or go to cbco.org/donate-blood. For more information, call 417.347.4603.

May 18: Freeman Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Freeman Business Center Conference Rooms, 3220 McClelland Blvd (back entrance). Are you a caregiver interested in having a safe haven to share your feelings? Receive information about resources and coping mechanisms, gain advice on what lies ahead, make new friends and learn how to deal with family members. Door prizes will be given out. RSVP to Kathy Mason at kdmason@freemanhealth.com or 417.347.8463.

May 20: Joplin Memorial Run. Half-marathon, 10K, 5K, Kid’s Run and Virtual Runner options. Take part in Joplin’s premier and largest running event! The Joplin Memorial Marathon was created to honor the 161 people who lost their lives in the May 22, 2011, tornado and to provide hope to the Joplin community. Visit joplinmemorialrun.com to register and learn more.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - For information on NAMI, call 417.781.6264 or visit www.namijoplin.org. Meetings held at the NAMI building, 219 W. 2nd St., in Joplin.

Every Monday: NAMI Basics, 6-8:30 p.m. A signature education program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses.

Every Tuesday: NAMI Connection Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Self Injury Support Group, 5-6 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Family Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Dual Diagnosis Support Group, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Post-5/22 Stress Counseling Sessions, 10 a.m.

Every Thursday: Family to Family Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For families or caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Includes current information about most major mental illnesses; information about medications, side effects and strategies for medication adherence; developing strategies for handling crises and relapse; focusing on care for the caregiver.

Neosho, MO

May 22: Caregivers Support Group meets the fourth Monday of each month, 5-6 p.m., Medicalodge, 400 Lyon Drive. Help with care, finances, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, respite care, hospice care, day care and support for the caregivers. Sponsors: Avalon Hospice and Medicalodges Neosho. Call 417.451.2544.

Nevada, MO

May 2: Skin Cancer Screening Clinic, 8-11 a.m., Hospital Mezzanine. Nevada Regional Medical Center will host a free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic. Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos will conduct the clinic and advise participants of any concerns that might be present. In order to register for this short screening, the public is asked to call 417.448.2101.

May 6: Birth and Beyond Class, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hospital Mezzanine. Nevada Regional Medical Center will offer a four-hour class covering childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care for a woman who is in her last trimester. Especially suited for women who are giving birth for the first time, this class covers all the basics of the birthing experience. For more information or to register, visit nrmchealth.com or call 417.448.2101.

May 12: 20th Annual Caring with Pride Golf Tournament, 8 a.m., Frank E. Peters Golf Course. The NRMC Foundation hosts a competition that features three-person teams competing for prize money awarded to the top four teams in each of three flights. A light breakfast and lunch is provided. To register, visit nrmchealth.com or call 417.448.2101.

May 19: Nevada Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Hospital Mezzanine. Help replenish the blood supply used to meet the needs of our hospital patients. To register for a specific time, call 417.448.2101. Walk-ins are welcome.

May 23: Rich Hill Family Medical Clinic Screenings, 11 a.m.-noon, Kern Senior Center. Free screenings every fourth Tuesday of the month: blood pressure, plus this month’s focus screening: glucose readings. Takes place at the Kern Senior Center in Rich Hill.

Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK

May 9 & 23: Depression Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 p.m., Northeastern Tribal Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call 918.675.2093.

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK - For more information, visit www.integrisok.com/baptist-regional-health-centerMiami-ok.

Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 1011 a.m. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 a.m. Fourth Tuesday: INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 a.m.

May 2: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 11 a.m., Generations fourth floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391.

Crisis Text Line Text 741741

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