SPECIAL OLYMPICS
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MOUNTAIN HOME FOOD BASKET
Although the Christmas Holidays are past, for the Mountain Home Food Basket, hunger knows no season as the all volunteer organization strives to provide hunger assistance to those in need. Each month the Mountain Home Food Basket distributes over 17,000 pounds of donated food to nearly 500 hungry families in the community.
- The Mountain Home Food Basket is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing food assistance to needy families in the community.
- Each month the Mountain Home Food Basket distributes over 17,500 pounds of donated food to nearly 500 local families.
- The Mountain Home Food Basket provides food assistance to those in need through donations from community organizations, churches and businesses, grants and local citizens.
- The Mountain Home Food Bank is an agency of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas and Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
- The all volunteer Mountain Home Food Basket, located at 1341 Eastside Centre, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
- The Mountain Home Food Basket, an all volunteer not-for-profit organization, began in 1985 to provide food assistance to needy families in the community.
- Perry's Orphans Sanctuary, a not for profit animal shelter, provides rescue and a no-kill haven for over 100 abused, abandoned and neglected dogs awaiting adoption into a safe and loving home.
- Perry's Orphans Sanctuary is a not-for profit, no kill shelter, provides veterinary care, vaccinations, spay and neutering to all rescued animals to ensure they are in good health and ready for adoption into a safe and loving home.
- Perry's Orphans Sanctuary, a not-for-profit, no-kill shelter, strives to find a loving and caring home for rescued abused, neglected and abandoned animals.
- Perry's Orphans Sanctuary, a not-for-profit, no-kill shelter, provides follow-up on all pet adoptions to make sure the animal is a "good fit" with their new family.
- Perry's Orphans Puppy Pens is a $18,000 project to build concrete runs and house to protect puppies from contracting the highly contagious and deadly disease, Parvo.
- Parvo, a highly contagious and deadly canine disease that most frequently affects puppies, is the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time.
- Vaccination is the most effective prevention of Parvo, a highly contagious and deadly canine disease that most frequently affects puppies.
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The mission of the North Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition is to find a loving, permanent home for every child in the foster system who hopes and dreams of finding a forever family.
- In the five county area served by the North Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition, nearly 40 children from abusive and neglectful homes are available for adoption into a loving, permanent home.
- The North Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition are volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of foster children who hope and dream of living in a permanent, loving home.
- Each fall the North Central Adoption Coalition sponsors a picnic where prospective adoptive families and children waiting for their forever family can meet in a fun and safe atmosphere.
- In the past five years, the North Central Arkansas Adoption Coalition has found forever families for 50 children in foster care through their annual picnic held each fall in Harrison.
- On Saturday, November 19th, volunteers from the North Central Adoption Coalition will celebrate National Adoption Day by focusing on the nearly 40 children in our community in need of a permanent, loving home.
One of over 46,000 Lions Clubs around the world, the Mountain Home Lions are part of the world's largest service club organization. Local Lions work to meet the needs of the visually impaired members of the community through their volunteer and fundraising efforts. This month Our Community Cares sponsored by KTLO, Classic Hits 101.7 salutes the local Lions who will hold their 58th Annual Radio-TV Auction in November on KTLO 97.9 to support their numerous service projects throughout the Twin Lakes area.
- The Mountain Home Lions Club, one of over 46,000 clubs around the world, is part of the world's largest service club organization.
- The Mountain Home Lions Club is part of a world wide service organization dedicated to community service, meeting humanitarian needs, encouraging peace and promoting international understanding.
- Since 1947, the Mountain Home Lions Club has been working to meet the needs of the visually impaired members of the community.
- The Annual Mountain Home Lions Club Radio-TV Auction, to be held November 7 through 11 on KTLO 97.9, is the organization's primary fundraiser for their numerous service projects throughout the community, primarily sight care needs of the visually impaired.
- The Mountain Home Lions Club pays for eye exams, eye glasses, canes for the blind and eye surgeries for members of the community who meet the necessary qualifications for assistance.
- The Mountain Home Lions Club provides financial support to the Mountain Home Christian Clinic for sight care services to patients of the clinic.
- The Mountain Home Lions Club provides financial support to MidSouth Lions, Lions World Services for the Blind, Camps for the Blind and Leader Dog.
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas serves nearly 12,500 people through over 50 hunger relief agencies in a nine county service area, including 19 in Baxter County.
One dollar provides food for 5 meals through the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas.
Last year, the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas distributed nearly 1.5 million pounds of food through its member hunger relief agencies, so far this year they are experiencing a 25% increase in distribution.
Hunger relief agencies in the nine county area of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas include food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, assistance to the elderly and weekend meal programs for children.
Arkansas ranks #1 in the country for children living in poverty. Of the 160,000 children in the state, 1 in 4 live below the poverty line.
In the 9 county area served by the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, between 60 and 80 per cent of school children qualify for subsidized meals offered through public schools.
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas event, Bridge Bash, will raise awareness and funds to meet the growing needs of hunger relief agencies in this nine county area.
100% of each $20 donation to Bridge Bash will go directly to the hunger relief efforts of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas and the over 50 member agencies in their nine county service area.
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For nearly 500 students, music is changing their lives through the band program of the Mountain Home Schools. For many, the experience and educational benefits would not be possible without the financial assistance from the Mountain Home Band Booster Foundation. Authorities agree, band members are better students, have less discipline problems, learn teamwork, gain self confidence and leadership skills enabling them to succeed in life. This month Our Community Cares, sponsored by Active Lifestyle Institute, Jay Chafin State Farm Agency and KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7, salutes the parents and community members of the Band Boosters and Foundation who provide financial support the Mountain Home Bands.
- Studies show that students who participate in band or orchestra are less likely to abuse alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco.
- Research shows the study of music makes students better in math and science.
- Through the study of music, students are more creative and have better communication and cooperation skills.
- Research shows students who participate in band perform better on College Entrance Exams.
- Nearly 500 students from 6th grade through high school participate in the Mountain Home Band Program.
- The Mountain Home Band Boosters and Foundation makes musical instruments available to band members who are unable to afford them.
- The Mountain Home Band Boosters and Foundation provide financial support to band members by providing uniforms, musical instruments and funds for travel to performances and competition.
- The Mountain Home Band Boosters and Foundation provide financial support for the bands through fund raising and by volunteering at performances and competitions.
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Summer is the time for family fun in the Ozarks and included in that fun is often the family pet. But, hot weather, summertime travel and outdoor activities require special attention to keep furry companions safe and healthy. This month, Our Community Cares, sponsored by KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7, focuses on Pet Health and the veterinary professionals and resources available in the Twin Lakes area. For information on Pet Health and Safety tips as well as re, visit our website at KTLO.com.
- A routine visit to the vet is a important to make sure your pet is being treated for heartworm, ticks and fleas.
- Animals can get dehydrated quickly; make sure outdoor pets have plenty of fresh, clean water and access to shade at all times of the day.
- When temperatures soar and become dangerously hot, if possible, keep pets indoors.
- Know the signs of overheating in pets such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness and stupor.
- Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even with the windows open. Cars can quickly become hot enough to cause heatstroke, brain damage and even death.
- Letting a dog ride in an open pickup truck is especially dangerous in hot weather. Truck beds can become hot quickly. Overexposure to heat causes many of the same symptoms as shock.
- Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car by calling local authorities at 425-2361 or 425-7000.
- Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address and phone number.
- Pet grooming and coat brushing will keep pets comfortable, especially in hot weather.
- The pads on the feet of dogs and cats are sensitive to heat. If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it could be to hot for your pet.
- The loud sound from fireworks can be frightening to pets and exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets.
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Diabetes is becoming the epidemic of the 21st century with Arkansas ranked fifth in the nation for those with the disease. Today, children are at an increased risk of developing this lifelong disease and its complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, hearing problems, the risk of amputation and diseases of the kidneys and nervous system. This month, Our Community Cares, sponsored by KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7 and Active Lifestyle Institute focuses on diabetes and the educational, medical and support services on the disease available in the Twin Lakes Area.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic holds a special clinic for diabetic patients the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 6 p.m.
- The Reppell Diabetes Learning Center at Baxter Regional Medical center offers educational information, support services and programs for diabetics and their families.
- The biggest risk factor for developing diabetes that can be controlled is obesity.
- Americans spend an estimated $174 billion each year to treat diabetes.
- Over 20% of adults over 65 years of age have diabetes.
- Diabetics have a 2 to 4 times higher death rate from heart disease that those without the disease.
- Diabetics have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of stroke than those without the disease.
- Twice as many women die of diabetes than breast cancer.
- Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes than it is in those who do not have the disease.
- It is estimated that 26 million people are currently diabetics with an additional 57 million people having pre-diabetes.
- Diabetics are far more likely to have a foot or leg amputated than those without diabetes.
- Diabetics are at higher risk to developing blindness and other eye disease including glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy than those without the disease.
- Diabetics are more likely to develop foot problems, neuropathy and diseases of the skin than non-diabetics.
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THE MOUNTAIN HOME CHRISTIAN CLINIC
The Mountain Home Christian Clinic opened their doors eleven years ago to bring free medical care and support services locally to those in need. Since then, they have provided nearly $20 million dollars in medical services, supplies and medication to over 10,000 men, women and children without health care through a volunteer team of over 400 including medical professionals. This month, Our Community Cares sponsored by Active Lifestyle Institute, KTLO and Classic Hits salutes the Mountain Home Christian Clinic. To learn more about the work of the Christian Clinic, visit our website at KTLO.com.
SPONSORS: Active Lifestyle Institute, KTLO, Classic Hits 101.7
- The mission of the Mountain Home Christian Clinic is to provide free health care and spiritual support locally to those in need who are not being served by the established system.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic has served over 10,000 local men, women and children with free health care and medical services since opening their doors 11 years ago.
- A volunteer team of over 400 men and women from the community, including health care professionals, enable the Mountain Home Christian Clinic to provide free medical services locally to those in need.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic has provided nearly $20 million dollars in medical services, supplies and medications locally to those in need since opening their doors eleven years ago.
- Free services provided to those in need by the Mountain Home Christian Clinic include basic medical care, dental care, eye care, diabetic care, pharmaceutical services, financial counseling, social services and spiritual counseling.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic holds a general clinic, without appointment, the first and third Thursday evening of each month from 6 p.m. until the last patient is seen.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic holds a special clinic for diabetic patients on the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 6.
- The Mountain Home Christian Clinic provides medical care and assistance to those in need without regard to race, ethnic origin, sex, creed, age or religion.
- The annual benefit Golf Tournament for the Mountain Home Christian Clinic sponsored by YELCOT and First Security Bank will be held June 4th and 5th at Big Creek Country Club.
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THE BLACK STALLION LITERACY FOUNDATION
Sponsored by: Clark’s Service Center, Active Lifestyle Institute, Advanced Auto Body, KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7
- The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation instills the love of reading in children by combining a live horse experience with the reading of Walter Farley's classic children's books.
- The proposition of the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation is children who learn to read, succeed and children who don't, fail - both in school and in life.
- The National Adult Literacy Survey documents the direct correlation between illiteracy and numerous serious social issues among Americans both young and old.
- Through its unique approach to reading for children, the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation creates a motivated student for teachers and a motivated teacher for students.
- Since its creation in 1999, the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation has helped motivate hundreds of thousands of children to enjoy reading.
- The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation was created in 1999 by children's book author Walter Farley's son Tim and Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction owner, Mark Miller to motivate children to read.
- Horses make the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation unique. When children touch a horse, they have a real connection with what they are reading and want to read more.
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Here are some pictures of area school children with the horses:
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States...but the risks of heart disease can be prevented through a healthy diet and lifestyle. February is American Heart Month and this month Our Community Cares sponsored by Nature's Way, the Health Food Store on the Square; KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7 salutes the health care providers and services in our community that promote heart health through diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress reduction. Learn more about those resources by visiting our website at KTLO.com.
SPONSORS:
Nature's Way, Active Lifestyle Institute and H & R Block.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death and is a major cause of disability in the United States.
- Go Red For Women Day, celebrated February 4th, supports the fight against heart disease; the number one killer of women in the United States.
- Heart disease doesn't just affect the elderly; it is on the rise among young adults.
- Smoking, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol abuse increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Breathing second hand smoke increases a person's risk for heart attack and other heart conditions.
- Engaging in physical activity for a least 30 minutes a day will help prevent heart attack and stroke.
- Risk factors for heart disease that can be prevented or treated include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, stress, excessive alcohol use and the use of illegal drugs.
- Eating a least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and limiting salt intake to less than a teaspoon a day helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes increases a person's risk of heart attack and stroke. By controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, those risks can be minimized.
- Obesity increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To maintain an ideal weight, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Experts say that getting seven hours of sleep each night is optimal for maintaining heart health. Too little or too much sleep increase the risks of developing heart disease.
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Homelessness is not just a big city problem; it exists right here. On any given night, there are nearly 165 homeless people in the Twin Lakes area. Over the past year, the homeless rate in our community has increased by 10 percent and nearly a quarter of those homeless are Military Veterans. This month, Our Community Cares sponsored by KTLO and Classic Hits 101.7 and Active Lifestyle Institute salutes Alpha House in Mountain Home where homeless men find more than a shelter, they find a safe place to call home while getting back on their feet.
* On any given night, there are nearly 165 homeless men, women and children in the Twin Lakes area.
* Nearly a quarter of the homeless in our community are United States Military veterans.
* Adult men, with an average age is 42, make up 56 per cent of the homeless population in our community.
* Alpha House in Mountain Home provides more than a shelter, it is a safe place to call home for homeless men while they get back on their feet.
* In addition to housing, Alpha House provides counseling, job assistance and transportation to homeless men while they get back on their feet.
* Alpha House is the only shelter for homeless men within a 60 mile radius of Mountain Home.
* Since Alpha House opened their doors in 2001, they have provided shelter to over 600 homeless men.
* Over two thirds of the homeless men served by Alpha House are natives of the four county area around Mountain Home.
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