QUESTIONS SURFACE | Lumby parent challenges class structure and staffing proposal at high school [A6]
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Sunday, January 10, 2016
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RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
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Grade 2 Beairsto Elementary School students Jaida Correia (left), Violet Ingrouille and Kaila Ledrew enjoy time on the ice Thursday at the Centennial Outdoor Rink at the Vernon Recreation Complex.
Walk-in clinic closing doors early JENNIFER SMITH Morning Star
Access to Vernon walk-in clinics is getting even slimmer. Just as the community received news that the Vernon Family Doctors Walk In Clinic is closing its doors in March, another one has been forced to slash its hours. The Gartree Medical Clinic, in the Vernon Square mall, has reduced its weekday hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to closing its doors early at 1 p.m. It remains open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “One of our doctors left so we’re down to just two doctors now,” said Dr. Tim Bintley, who operates the clinic with Dr. William Fair.
The two have split up the work schedule and have also let go one of the administrative staff members due to the schedule changes. With one doctor working each day, they stay until they’ve reached the 50-patient mark, which is what they get paid for, according to Bintley. “Our hours vary,” he said, after working until 3:30 p.m. one day and finishing earlier on another. The Gartree Clinic has been recruiting, and has sent notices to the doctors at the clinic which is closing in March. Bintley isn’t sure why Gartree hasn’t been able to attract anyone, as he claims that there is not a doctor shortage. Instead, he says there is a lack of doctors who are willing to work at walk-ins.
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The Gartree Medical Clinic in the Vernon Square mall has reduced its hours since losing one of its doctors.
ENDS JANUARY 11TH
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The future of proposed pickleball courts remains uncertain. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee says it needs more information before it can consider a request from the Jim Garlick Greater Ve r n o n Pickleball Committee and the Greater Vernon Tennis Association for facilities at Marshall Field. “They are approaching us with a legitimate demand. We need to have a comprehensive look at it,” said Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson. Among the information being gathered is other potential uses at Marshall Field, if other locations for the courts would be suitable, who would operate the facility and the potential funding sources for the project. The 12 pickleball courts and four tennis courts could cost up to $2.2 million. It’s been suggested that GVAC borrow the funds for construction and the two groups cover the debt repayment, but that may trigger a referendum. “This would have to go to the general public to get permission for borrowing,” said director Jim Garlick. Director Mike Macnabb also wants to investigate the possibility of no taxpayers’ dollars being used. “Look at a group where they fully fund their project,” he said. “They have private (pickleball) clubs in the U.S. not supported by public funds.”
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