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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 14, 2012)
free february14 2012 V E R N O N I A’ S reflecting the spirit of our community volume6 issue 3 Verdura Family Wellness Made in Vernonia Opens Storefront Ready to Open Clinic in on Bridge Street Vernonia Verdura Family Wellness will open the doors at their new location in Vernonia on February 20, 2012. The medial clinic, under the direction of Dr. Bryan Miller, will be open to see patients Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Vernonia community is invited to an Open House on Saturday February 18 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM where they can meet the staff and providers of Verdura Family Wellness, as well as fill out patient registration forms. Registration forms will also be available at the Vernonia Pharmacy and at West Oregon Electric Co-op office. Prospective patients can also read more about the Verdura providers and practice philosophy, print patient registration forms through their Patient Portal, and view accepted insurance carriers at their website—www. verdurafamilywellness,com According to Clinic Manager Sara Miller, Verdura Family Wellness has expanded their staff to include Physician Assistant Albert Rodriguez, who will work at the Vernonia Clinic. “He graduated from Pacific University in 2008,” says Sara Miller. “The majority of his work has been in Orthopedics, so he brings that background into our family practice office.” Rodriguez lives in Forest Grove. Miller also confirmed that Verdura has hired several Vernonia area residents for their staff, including Medical Assistant Jessica McLaughlin, who previously worked at Tuality, and receptionist Tonia Clark. Sara Miller says Dr. Miller will be in the Vernonia clinic a few days per month. She also confirmed that Verdura is exploring options to provide several ancillary services, including a mental health counselor, and a physical therapist. Verdura Family Wellness currently operates a Family Practice clinic in Hillsboro. Dr. Bryan Miller received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board certified in Family Practice by the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice. Verdura Family Wellness is located at 510 Bridge Street in Vernonia. Their phone number is 503-429-0300. inside 10 local artist 11 mat pack 12 vhs sports “Made In Vernonia,” a new business that opened last fall right in time for the holi- day shopping season has moved to a new and more visible location at 805 Bridge Street. The store, an outlet for all kinds of handmade gifts, art and other items, is being managed by Kathy Larsen. On February 4 th , Kathy Larsen has expanded the Made in Vernonia store and moved to 805 Bridge St. Larsen held a grand opening party to celebrate Made in Vernonia’s move to their new loca- tion. “The turnout for the grand opening was incredible,” says Larsen. “It was non- stop and all positive. People are so excited to have the store here. They are amazed at all the things they can find here and at all the talent we have here in Vernonia.” The shop feature items on sale by consignment and will be open Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Larsen managed the Vernonia Open Air Market last summer and saw an opportuni- ty to give local crafters, artists and other entre- preneurs a place to display and sell their wares through the holidays. The original space on Madison Avenue was very successful during the two months it was open, so Larsen decided to take the leap and try a larger space right on Bridge Street. “The first location was just a test to see what could happen,” says Larsen. “And the response was really just overwhelming and I could tell there was a need for the store.” Larsen feels somewhat fortunate she was able to secure such a prime location at the corner of Bridge and Jefferson Streets. continued on page 9 Vernonia Resident Fights Kidney Disease By Scott Laird The Citizens of Vernonia have been known for taking care of themselves. And when a family in this community is unable to deal with personal or medical problems on their own, Vernonians are known for stepping up and helping each other. A family in Vernonia has quietly been dealing a very serious health issue on their own for almost two years, and now they are asking for help. Ryan and Laura Roberts are members of the Vernonia community. Laura has lived in Vernonia for almost 10 years; Ryan has lived here for the last 3 years. Ryan grew up in the Rainier area, actually closer to Goble, “...out in the country,” he says. Laura lived in Banks at one time before moving to Vernonia. Ryan and Laura were married in April of 2010. “We had a wonderful ceremony and honeymoon Laura and Ryan Roberts (center) with their children Brianna and Tyler. Ryan is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. in Hawaii and we had just bought a house on Texas Avenue in Vernonia a few months before and life was really good,” says Laura. Ryan and Laura currently live in that home on Texas Avenue with Laura’s children Brianna and Tyler. Then in June of 2010 Ryan was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). He was hospitalized for a couple of weeks and told that he needed to have a kidney transplant. “When they first told us about this it was like being punched in the gut,” remembers Laura. Since his diagnosis Ryan has been on dialysis 3 times a week for 5 hours a day, all while attempting to continued on page 8
