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Jon K. Rust

Jon K. Rust is publisher of the Southeast Missourian and president of Rust Communications.

Opinion

Hospital salutes past and future

jrust

The theme of the Southeast Missouri Hospital annual dinner Thursday night was a salute to the physicians and leaders who, 20 years ago, developed the first heart surgery program in the region. More than 5,200 of our friends and neighbors have since been treated.

Modern medical technology is awe-inspiring, as are the skills necessary to use it. Among many exceptional doctors highlighted were the hospital's two original cardiothoracic surgeons, Robert Ruess and Darryl Ramsey, as well as cardiologists C.R. Talbert Jr., Charles DeFelice and Allen Spitler, who were instrumental in the planning of the Regional Heart Center.

Hospital administrator Jim Wente did a masterful job in his annual report. Michael Kohlfeld delivered the hospital foundation report, looking somewhat like a movie star projected on the Big Screen. His message included a stirring tribute to altruism: "Now, imagine our community without it. ... And imagine our community with a little bit more."

The president-elect of the medical staff, Dr. Khalid Khan, reported on accomplishments over the past year. As for the next year, Wente spoke proudly of two new developments in cancer care at Southeast, one which will enable prostrate brachytherapy locally.

Wente also offered heart-touching tributes to Stone Manes, a long-serving member of the board of trustees, who received the outstanding service award, and Susan Janzow, Tammie Scholl, Tom Philipps, Rebecca Plain, Vic Dockery and Linda Train, who were recognized as examples of the finest spirit of employee service.

I couldn't share the evening with you, however, without giving praise to hospital marketer Keith Whitworth, who produced several excellent videos for the event. It's also my privilege to congratulate Keith on his upcoming wedding to Laura Baker, who works here at the Southeast Missourian. The two tie the knot next Saturday. Congratulations!

Flourishing arts

Cape Girardeau has been sparkling with artistic fun, elegance and provocation the past couple of weeks. I sadly missed Notre Dame Regional High School's production of "Hello, Dolly," because it was already sold out on the days I could attend. Next time I'll buy early.

But two weeks of performances began for me with the university's production of "The Frog Princess." I think the adults were outnumbered 4 to 1 by children under age 10, but it was delightful for all ages, not least because of the interaction between performers and audience. A few days later it was a panel on Balanchine and Stravinsky, featuring Miami City Ballet artistic director Edward Villella. Villella was both electrifying and charming in his remarks about his years under the master dance choreographer, while Southeast music professor Robert Fruehwald engaged the audience's attention with his perspective on Stravinsky.

A couple of days later, the university's Rose Theatre served as site for a resplendent performance by the Miami City Ballet. From the first moment of the Balanchine-Stravinsky dance, "Rubies," when the curtain drew back to reveal a "necklace" of beautiful dancers in red, the event was breathtaking for the sold-out crowd. For his important role in making such a remarkable night possible, associate professor of dance and theater Marc Strauss deserves plaudits.

My art tour wasn't finished, however. Strauss' students and he performed their own works Friday night in the oftentimes provocative "Full Tilt" collection of dances. Thanks in large part to the schools and university, Cape Girardeau is becoming a flourishing arts community. This is just one more reason why this area is such a delightful place to live.

Jon K. Rust is co-president of Rust Communications.

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