So Smithville Regional Hospital has entered an agreement with the Seton network.

The initials could actually remain the same – SRH.

The long term health of the hospital and its associated groups are so important for our community, and I commend the leadership of the Smithville Hospital Authority and the SRH leadership for making a tough decision. 

The jobs and the health care provided by these assets are vital. 

As this blending of the two groups emerges, we look forward to a win-win situation for our community.

Seton, welcome to Smithville. You have already recognized our assets. You bring along your strengths and we encourage you to continue to grow.

We will support your efforts to continue to bring quality medical care to our area – thanks for becoming our new community partner.

Now if someone could just invent the totally painless shot.

 

T-Shirts change fashion, expression

Does anyone out there remember life when the only T-shirts were white ones? 

I actually Googled to see when the T-shirt took over our daily wardrobe – especially that of the under-30 crowd. 

According to Google, decorated T-shirts were first introduced in Miami in the early 1950s to advertise Walt Disney characters. In the 1960s tie-dyeing and screen-printing T-shirts emerged. Since the 1980s, T-shirts have flourished as a form of personal expression.

Another interesting fact about T-shirts: A life cycle study shows that the total CO2 emissions from T-shirts is about 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) – including the growing of the cotton, manufacturing and wholesale distribution. The loss of natural habitat potential from T-shirts is estimated to be 10.89 square meters (116 square feet).

Now that is really more than you wanted to know about T-shirts.

But to my point, we don’t visit a unique place, have a special event or support our team of choice without the purchase of a T-shirt. We collect them, we wear them and we enjoy them.

Companies thrive on selling T-shirts and many businesses and non-profits enjoy the benefits of selling shirts. You have probably never heard of Tropix Togs, but thanks to their decision to decorate those first T-shirts, you now have a drawer full of them.

For most of us, a T-shirt is a staple in our wardrobe and for many of us wearing a T-shirt means it’s time for fun and relaxation. T-shirts are like computer keyboards – there are millions of people who can’t remember before keyboards existed.

 

School + community = recognized

One T-shirt in particular has caught my eye recently – actually it took my breath away.

Sitting in the stands at Barry Field, I noticed the Smithville ISD faculty and staff wearing new orange shirts.

When I saw the backs of the shirts, I saw this phrase: “Schools + Community = Recognized.” 

Seeing that message on the backs of those hard working professionals was not only a thank you for the work that has been done and the accomplishments gained, but also a challenge to continue.

We do all work together to encourage and support our students not only during the school days, but also throughout the year.

I challenge all of us to make plans for next summer’s long, hot days.

Our community’s programs for our students are great, but we need to do more.  We need to keep those minds, hearts and hands engaged.

Let’s continue to work together to “= accomplishment.”