Sunday, March 8, 2015 - The Morning Star A7
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Friends rally for Vernon nurse Morning Star Staff
For Robin Orcherton, her life was forever changed in a second. It was around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2014, that the Vernon mother, wife, licensed practical nurse and well-respected co-worker and friend, had just finished her day at work at a Vernon seniors residence and was on her way home to her family. Orcherton, 44, was behind the wheel of her Hyundai at a red light at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Alexis Park Drive when her vehicle was struck by a Jeep which, said Vernon RCMP shortly after the accident, had been reported stolen and its driver had been spotted running from the accident scene. Orcherton was still in her car when emergency personnel arrived on the scene. She was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital, then transferred to Vancouver General Hospital with serious injuries including a spinal fracture and numerous other broken bones. The accident left Orcherton a quadriplegic. She continues to recover in a Vancouver hospital.
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Vernon’s Robin Orcherton, a wife, mother and nurse, continues to recover from an accident in December that left her a quadriplegic. Her friends and co-workers have organized a fundraising page on gofundme.com to help with medical expenses. Now, her friends are rallying to help with expenses. “Robin’s life changed for-
ever that fateful day and we are all hoping to make her homecoming a little easier
by helping fund her medical needs,” said friend and co-worker Tina Berg, who has organized a fundraising page online at gofundme.com (Robins journey). Orcherton is working hard in therapy and keeps a very busy schedule all day long. “We admire her strength and determination although it comes as no surprise,” said Berg. “That is who Robin is. Her sense of humour has not been altered and we are blessed to hear her laugh. We really miss that at work.” The page hopes to raise $25,000 for Orcherton’s needs. As of Thursday, more than $4,400 had been raised towards the goal. “Robin is ever so grateful and is beyond words to express her thanks for all the support and thoughts and best wishes,” said Berg. “She really enjoys reading the comments and notes. Some have brought tears to me so I can imagine how important and special they are to her. Keep them coming please!” A 22-year-old Vernon man was arrested in connection with the accident last week in Vernon.
Snow storm sparks response concerns RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Victoria is being asked to do more to ensure rural residents aren’t stranded by snow storms. Electoral Area Advisory Committee representatives have opened up communications with JPW Road and Bridge, the Joe Wrobel
local contractor for highways and rural roads, after a two-day storm hit the region in early January. “We will push the Ministry of Transportation for extra funds so JPW can hire contractors when needed,” said director Mike Macnabb. Macnabb points out that level of snow varied over a vast region covering the North Okanagan and Shuswap and JPW crews and contractors were used. “They were over-tasked,” he said.
During the Jan. 4 to 5 storm, some rural residents expressed concern that it took days for their roads to be plowed. One possibility that has been put before JPW is the possibility of hiring local farmers with blades on their tractors. “It has happened in the past and did happen to some extent in the snow storm,” said Joe Wrobel, JPW president and general manager. “But there are liability and insurance concerns. We look at everything we have to try to improve what we do.”
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1900 - 32nd Street, Vernon • 250-542-2823
Is there anything that my dog could contract from frequenting the Doggy Park? Any time we take our dog to places where other dogs go, we run the risk of them becoming sick whether by a virus or parasite. The risk is always greater when there are a greater number of dogs in a specific area. Canine cough or Kennel cough is one of the things that we do see frequently. This virus is spread by coughing or sneezing, contact with contaminated hands, clothing or other surfaces and also direct contact with an infected dog. Basically this virus or sometimes bacteria is spread much the same as the common cold. Clinical signs of canine cough are coughing, sneezing, retching and a nasal discharge. The cough is described as a deep, hacking, retching cough that is persistent. Appetite can decrease and they can become lethargic. lf your pet exhibits any of these symptoms consult your veterinarian. There is a vaccine available to prevent or reduce the signs of canine cough. To assess your dog’s risk consider their lifestyle. Do they frequent doggy parks? Attend obedience or agility classes? Go to Doggy day care or a kennel facility? lf you have answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, consider vaccinating against this infectious respiratory disease.
Dr. Herbert Mehl
Dr. Miles Latwat
Dr. Dave Lemiski
Vernon Veterinary Clinic
www.vernonvetclinic.com 805 Kal Lake Rd, Vernon, BC • 250-542-9707
• ANNOUNCEMENT • Dr. Brooke Parker, Optometrist who has been a resident of Vernon for the past 4 years, is pleased to announce the opening of his Vernon optometric practice in association with Peter Martens, the owner of Lensmakers Optical. His office is open Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm. OPEN SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Those who wish to have a comprehensive eye health and vision exam by a licensed doctor of optometry may arrange an appointment by phoning 250-545-3225. Call early for a Saturday appointment.
VERNON
Suite 101 3304 - 32nd Avenue
250-545-3225