Just My Opinion - By Mary Kilen
One Year Later
Last week marked an anniversary for me, but not one that I celebrated. I joked with some friends that perhaps I should wrap myself in bubble wrap on Friday as I hit the one year anniversary of breaking my foot.
I’m creeping up on my next checkup with Dr. Joshi, the surgeon who repaired my broken bone. I have so much respect for him and the ability to see him here in Stanley. I also really appreciate the staff that works with him at McKenzie County Health in Watford City.
I look back on that experience and realize how fortunate I was that I had great medical treatment the first night in the emergency room here in Stanley. I was fortunate that when I went in to see my provider, Abbey Ruland, two days later that she was able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joshi for the next Thursday when he was here.
He scheduled my surgery for the next week. I admit I was really nervous. I had never broken a bone before and hadn’t been in a hospital as a patient since Amanda was born. I did not know what to expect. Dale was an expert at talking me down off the ledge, but the staff at McKenzie County Health made it a very positive experience.
Because of the forward thinking of Mountrail County Health Center, I was able to continue all of my follow up appointments here at home. Dr. Joshi sees patients in Stanley on Thursdays and that is so convenient.
Since my surgery, I have spoken with several other patients who have had the same positive experiences. They are also grateful for the ability to receive their treatments here in Stanley after their surgery.
The cooperative effort between health care providers and facilities in our area are a shining example of what can be done to put the needs of patients first.
A Shining Light
If you drive by Mountrail County Health Center at night be sure to take a good look at the front of the building behind the construction equipment.
Last week administrator Steph Everett stopped in my office to visit and suggested I do the same.
I tried to get a good picture over the weekend, but the construction fences and my height challenges did not lead to success.
That being said, drive by and look to the beautiful stained glass window from the Bethel Home chapel that faces towards 6th Avenue.
This window and the chapel will be a focal point to the entrances once the facility construction is complete. Many have likely not see that stained glass window unless you have been inside the nursing home.
Now that window is lit at night as they are leaving lights on in the chapel. The beauty of the window is visible at all times right now, but it is spectacular at night.
I might not have gotten a good picture of the window, but I certainly enjoyed the sight before me as I tried. I’m trying to figure out how to get a good picture of that and with any luck I will still accomplish that and be able to share it with our readers.
The Splash Pad Will Be Open
It is tough to see the new outdoor pool close for the season while the temperatures are still so warm, but I get it. It is hard to keep the pool open as lifeguards head back to classes, either high school or college, and fall sports practices begin. Without the staffing available, the park district has no choice but to close the pool. That same closure is happening at pools around the state. We are not alone in that.
However, this weekend, I smiled as I read the Park District’s Facebook post about the splash pad.
The splash pad at the new pool will be open daily for parents and kids to use.
There are important things to note.
There will be no lifeguards on duty, but rather there will be an open gate policy.
No bathrooms or concessions will be available because the lifeguards are all heading back to school.
However, you can feel free to come and go as long as the north splash pad gate is open.
Please also note, that if the splash pad is being misused, they will close it for the season. They ask users to pick up after themselves and be considerate.
The plan is to have the splash pad open for use from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week for the rest of August and into September until the weather turns and forces it to close for the season.