Comings and Goings - 'You can still get to us' despite roadwork

Business owners in the strip center at the northwest corner of 16th Street and Arizona Avenue want to assure customers they're still open during the intersection construction project that has things a bit torn up and that section of Arizona Avenue closed.

"You can still get to us from 16th Street," said Kathie Morgan, owner of m'lady m'lord salon, one of several businesses located there. "We realize it's not as convenient, but you can still get to the parking lot. We're all still open for business and have the same hours while construction is going on."

Greg Hyland, city of Yuma spokesman, said that beginning Aug. 10 customers will be able to access the strip center and other businesses on the north side of 16th Street by using the alley off 1st Avenue. The alley currently is being paved.

Hyland said the city also is working to assure access to other businesses in the area, such as National Bank of Arizona and Chretin's. He advised motorists to follow the detour signs and not cut through parking lots.

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After 20 years experience as a hairstylist, Melinda Rico has opened her own studio, N Vogue Styles by Melinda. While opening her own business required lots of paperwork, she didn't have to move a thing as her full-service salon replaces the studio where she had been working at 2375 S. 4th Ave., Suite 1.

She's available Mondays through Saturdays by appointment - call 920-7777 or e-mail ricomelinda@yahoo.com.

Rico recently attended training in Hollywood and Las Vegas to become certified by Matrix in the application of the company's line of hair color products and learned other hair techniques.

Joining Rico at N Vogue is Conchita Carvajal, who has 18 years experience in the business. Her services include hair, nails, pedicures, permanent makeup and waxing. She can be reached at 261-1823.

The salon also has two independent conractors to round out the services provided.

Rafael Brown, who has 24 years' experience, provides hair services and is a color specialist certified by Vidal Sassoon. For an appointment with him, call 782-5699.

In addition, Arcy Hackamack has relocated her massage business to the salon. With 11 years' experience, she offers Swedish, deep tensile and hydrotherapy. She can be reached at 726-6069 or 287-9343.

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Plans have been submitted by Yuma Regional Medical Center for an interior remodeling project to establish digital mammography services, reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma assistant building official. The service will be located at the Diagnostic Imaging Center.

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Gama Automotive Center is now open for business at 6638 E. Highway 80 with a selection of "good, clean, preowned dependable automobiles that people can afford" for under $12,000, said owner George Gama. Financing is available.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays so "people can browse in peace," Gama said with a chuckle. The business can be reached at 726-4300.

With the auto sales center up and running, Gama's wife, Rose-Ann Gama, is making plans to open an insurance agency onsite. Gama expects the full-service agency to open by Sept. 1.

"That will make it easy for the customer to buy a car and get insurance all in one stop," Gama said.

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After more than 30 years as a local Farmers Insurance agent, Lynn Evans has retired effective the end of July and closed his office at 1355 W. 16th St.

His loyal customers will be serviced by other local Farmers agents, who will be sending out letters to Evans' clients over the next two weeks.

For more information and questions about policy status, call the Yuma District Office at 782-2991.

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Yuma Contractors/ Engineers/Architects Custom Plan Room Services has new owners: Brock and Jessica Holbrook. Brock, formerly project manager for Lee Homebuilders, has 35 years' experience in the construction industry. Jessica, also a former employee of Lee Homebuilders, has 18 years' management experience as well as experience in construction project scheduling and subdivision projects. In addition, she is a licensed real estate salesperson.

Judy Gren, who has 10 years' experience in blueprint copying and custom plan room services, will remain as the plan room manager.

The business serves licensed contractors by providing blueprint copying services and a listing of commercial and government projects in Arizona and California that are available for bid.

The Holbrooks also are planning to expand the Bid Bulletin to help homeowners and Realtors find licensed contractors for such projects as room additions, patios, storage sheds, block walls, concrete work, roofing, A/C and electrical upgrades.

The plan room is located at 1185 S. 4th Ave., Suite E, and can be reached at 782-8065. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

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Steve Eckert can now be found working in the pharmacy department at the Foothills Walgreens.

With the recent opening of the Walgreens store, he closed his business, Eckert Drug, and transferred over.

Walgreens can be reached at 342-1034.

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Frank and Son, a windshield repair and replacement business, has opened a second location at 1981 S. Avenue B - the former home of McDonald's Discount Carpet and at one time the Harley-Davidson shop.

Owners are Frank Velez and his son, Jorge. They've been in business for nine years with a shop at 3007 S. Avenue B, which they will maintain as well as the new shop.

Frank and Son offers mobile service and insurance work for windshield replacement, chip repair and window tinting. For more information, call 446-6109 or 726-7500.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.