GOOD MORNING!
We've got another terrific show lined up today at 9 a.m. The Lead Live Thursday host Delayne Sigerman will chat with Larry Howard about his various projects, including Arcadia Live. Join us on our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/thekerrcountylead
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SOMETHING BIG IS WORKING
Schreiner University sent out a vague press release on Wednesday afternoon saying they're going to make a big announcement at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Here's what it said: "Please join us this Friday at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of the Tom Murray Building, where Dr. McCormick will make a huge announcement that will have a huge impact on Schreiner and the community for the next five years and beyond."
So, what is Schreiner University President Charlie McCormick cooking up? It's also five years. Hmm.
OK, if you're not a fan of speculation, you may want to skip down to our piece about strokes. If you want to know what we're thinking, here goes:
- It's probably not an announcement about football because that decision should come in December. The university is conducting a feasibility study about adding the sport to its NCAA lineup.
- McCormick wants to grow the university, and it could be a new program or a capital campaign to handle that growth — expected to be about 3,000 students in the coming years. To do that, the university will have to beef up existing programs or add new ones.
- It could be a major endowment program to help fund new college students, especially those first-generation students. Even as a pricey private school, Schreiner has made great strides in attracting students who are the first in their families to attend university. However, a significant endowment would boost enrollment.
- The massive demand for medical professionals, especially nurses, could drive the conversation about the university's expansion into medical training. That could mean a partnership with another university or hospital system to expand those offerings. It could also mean further development of the university's already comprehensive medical certification programs.
- There was one suggestion about unifying the university's mascot. Schreiner is the Mountaineers, but the public face is Monty the puma or mountain.
- And, lastly, it could be a marching band. That's right, a marching band. Forget football; just add the marching band.
STROKE AWARENESS
Dr. Mirelle Foster discusses stroke prevention on Wednesday at Peterson Health. |
Dr. Mirelle Foster makes it clear strokes are preventable and survivable. The challenge, at least sometimes, is getting people to change their habits before they end up in an emergency room.
As the head of Peterson Regional Medical Center's Acute Rehabilitation Unit, Foster knows first-hand the impact a stroke can play in the lives who survive, along with the aftermath of those who don't.
During a presentation Wednesday at Peterson Health, Foster laid out strategies for preventing a stroke, along with some of the care what-ifs for those who suffer from them.
"Eighty percent of strokes are preventable," Foster told those who attended the stroke awareness event at Peterson Health.
That means checking off a list of areas to improve, like lowering cholesterol, getting regular exercise, limiting sodium and for those with diabetes — keeping it in check.
For those who don't, the consequences cannot only be deadly but leave survivors with long-term disabilities.
Foster's speech was just part of a full day of information for those wanting to understand the services available through Peterson. The hospital offers a 24-bed acute rehabilitation center, including a transitional living apartment, used for helping people get comfortable living on their own before returning home.
The acute rehabilitation offers three hours of therapy for those who have survived a stroke. The treatment features occupational, speech and physical therapy. Those who need speech therapy are likely to meet dynamo Candace Ibbotson, who says she takes her mission beyond seriously.
"It's the purpose of my life," said Ibbotson, whose enthusiasm for her work is infectious. Her mission is to help those learn to speak or even swallow again after a stroke.
Foster recognizes this is all daunting, but it's also critically important to understand the resources available. Foster said early signs of a stroke could be quickly identified, and if there is a concern don't wait in going to the emergency room.
Foster emphasized speed in getting to the hospital. Healthcare professionals use an anacronym called FAST — Face, Arm, Speech, Time. If any of those are impaired, get to the hospital fast.
"I've seen a lot of amazing recoveries," Foster said.
There are many resources available in the community for those who do recover from the Dietert Center to therapy dogs to other groups that provide services to help those recover.
Victoria the therapy dog listens to Dr. Foster's speech. |
MORE ART FOR THE WEEKEND
Temple's Susan Sperle was painting the Guadalupe River on Wednesday night. |
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center is playing host to Paint Kerrville this weekend — drawing Plein Air artists from across the state. It's just one more big event for people to enjoy this weekend.
The kickoff event is Friday night with a VIP reception. Tickets are $75. There's a slew of events on Saturday, and the exhibition runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. One of the events you won't want to miss is the quick draw, where artists will have three hours to paint a scene downtown. Several of the artists are already in Kerrville, and many are painting along the Guadalupe River.
We ran into Susan Sperle of Temple on Wednesday night. She was painting a river scene just west of G Street along the Guadalupe River Trail. Sperle said she's looking forward to painting with the other artists on Saturday — and maybe selling a piece or two.
For more information, visit KACC's website at: https://kacckerrville.com/news/2021/paint-kerrville-event-schedule
SPEAKING OF ART
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On Wednesday, we mentioned we had a spectacular gluten-free cupcake from Carte and Co. However, we ate them before we had a chance to take a picture of the delicious creations found at 216 Quinlan St. When it comes to gluten-free goodness, this is my current No. 1 pick in Kerrville.
