Hemingway's GM moves to health care

Dan Ching has taken over as administrator for NorthPark Village retirement community after serving as Hemingway’s general manager since it opened in 1987. Ching, 56, also was Bass Pro Shops’ director of food services in Springfield during that time.

Ching took over the care of 34 senior citizens Oct. 10 at NorthPark Village, 4449 N. Highway NN in Ozark. The assisted and independent living community is owned by Americare Systems Inc., which Ching said operates 75 facilities in Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee.

Ching said he joined NorthPark Village to have ordinary working hours after years of nights and weekends on the clock.

“I owe special time to my wonderful wife, Cathy, who endured years of not spending weekends or holidays together,” Ching said. “While I will dearly miss my friends at Bass Pro, especially my associates and many loyal guests, I will be trading an adventure in dining for an adventure in living life to the fullest.”

Ching estimated he has spent 10 of the last 36 months traveling to Florida and Myrtle Beach, S.C. to open new Bass Pro Shops-owned restaurants.

Ching, who graduated from the University of Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management, said his job skills translate well to the administrative position.

Larry Whiteley, director of corporate communications for Bass Pro Shops, said there is neither a timetable nor a list of candidates to replace Ching, but the company is looking for the right person.

“Those are big shoes to fill,” Whiteley said. “Dan had been with us a long time and (has) done a great job there. We’re wanting somebody of his caliber to step in there.”

Ching declined to disclose his new salary but said he was pleased. Meanwhile, Ching said he’s excited about his new gig.

“Things will be rocking at NorthPark Village assisted and independent living,” he said.