On a positive note ...

Spotlighting positive aspects of our community

Editor's Note: We like to provide a forum for our readers to spotlight positive aspects of our community. While such topics don't meet the criteria of a letter to the editor, we occasionally like to share selections from such letters.

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Jefferson City's Arthur T. Smith, who served in Vietnam in 1968-69 with the 3rd Marine Division, said he has always been pleased with the care he has received at the Jefferson City VA clinic, but its staff went above and beyond the call of duty recently.

He wrote: "On April 21, 2017 I had extremely low blood pressure and stomach and abdomen pain. I called the clinic and Registered Nurse Susan heard my condition. I was told my primary care physician Dr. Timothy Vaughan was not working that Friday afternoon. She talked to Dr. Vaughn told him my condition and called me back and said Dr. Vaughn would stay at the clinic and see me. I got there and saw the Dr. and my BP was so low and I was so dehydrated that Dr. vaughn gave me two units of Ringers Lactate to restore my BP. The doctor, nurses Susan and Terry all stayed at the clinic until my BP was restored. This was well after closing time."

He thanked them for their "selfless dedication."

Virginia Rackers, of Jefferson City, said a recent experience here proves the city is a friendly place to live.

"I rode the Jefftran bus to Gerbes West Friday morning for groceries. As is the rule, you call them again when you're finished and ready for home. I waited for at least an hour and a half, and still no bus. During that time many shoppers asked if they could help in any way, and of course, I thanked them and said I was waiting for my ride. The gentleman in the foyer selling poppies finally came out and said his wife would gladly take me home. After all that time, I couldn't say 'no.' I failed to get her name, but I am very thankful for their generosity and kindness. To the couple that helped me, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. This proves that generosity and kindness are not dead in Jefferson City."