Comings and Goings: Yuma Free Clinic to open Tuesday

The Yuma Free Clinic will open Tuesday to provide free medical health care to those who can't afford it. It's located in the Kachina Medical Complex at 2451 S. Avenue A, Suite F101, in office space donated by Yuma Regional Medical Center. To qualify, patients should fall within 250 percent of the poverty line.

The clinic, to be staffed by volunteers, initially will provide outpatient medical care and family practice, chronic disease management and acute care for minor injuries. It also will have an on-site pharmacy. The clinic won't charge for services but will accept donations.

The clinic can be reached at 276-4418.

***

Aiello Eye Institute welcomes Dr. Elliott Snyder, an optometrist who is currently seeing patients primarily in the Foothills office 11551 S. Fortuna Road, Suite E. With his addition to the staff, Aiello Eye Institute has opened an optical department in that location with a trained optician to help clients select glasses or contact lenses to fit their lifestyle.

Dr. Snyder received a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He continued his education at Nova Southeastern University's College of Optometry in Florida, earning a bachelor's degree in vision science and a doctorate in optometry. During several externships, he gained knowledge in the fields of ocular disease, pediatric ocular care and contact lens management.

He is a member of the American Optometric Association and works with InfantSEE, a public health program managed by Optometry Cares, the AOA Foundation. Dr. Snyder is fluent in Spanish.

Aiello Eye Institute also has offices at 1881 W. 24th St., Suite C, and 275 W. 28th St. For more information, call 782-1980.

***

Construction has resumed on the new Quilting Bee building, 3155 S. Avenue B, with plans by Dancemakers to relocate there.

Quilting Bee is in a temporary location at 10179 South Frontage Road inside the Westco Pipe building. It and Dancemakers will be relocating from their current locations once the new building is completed. Each tenant will occupy 7,000 square feet.

Dancemakers will have four studios and a large hallway with windows for parents to observe their children, an area for students to do their homework and front and back reception areas. Quilting Bee will have a room for the five long-arm quilting machines for machine quilting, large classroom with design walls and individual ironing station. The entire building is handicap accessible.

***

As of Jan. 1, NationsHealth, which operates a call center in Yuma, is going by the new name of Convey Health Solutions, reported Yvonne Daugherty, senior vice president of marketing and sales.

The new name is the result of the company's sale in December of its medical products division. The sale includes the NationsHealth name and logo.

The sale will allow the company to focus on the high-growth insurance services business that it operates in several locations, including Yuma, Daugherty said. She noted that the company is hiring again in Yuma for some client expansion.

Daugherty explained that the new name, Convey Health Solutions, was selected to represent the work the company does helping people to better understand their health care, health insurance and wellness options.

***

Dr. Robert Smythe announces that he has completed a two-year study course in bariatrics and is now board certified in bariatrics by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He also is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

Bariatric Medicine is the non-surgical treatment of overweight and obesity using diets, medication and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Smythe is in practice at the Up2Par Medical Clinic, 2775 S. 8th Ave. For an appointment, call 341-0700.

***

Runyan Enterprises has purchased property at 11509 S. Fortuna Road. Dr. Todd Runyan said the plan is to open a satellite orthopedic office there to better serve Foothills-area residents and visitors. He hopes to open the new office sometime in February.

***

Diva's Hair Studio by Veronica has moved and now is located inside Ambiance Salon and Spa in the Pacific Plaza at 2851 S. Avenue B, Suite 12.

Veronica Rodriguez specializes in razor and texturing cuts, color, color correction, hair straightening, hair extensions and special-occasion updos as well as all regular hair services. For an appointment, call 726-5513.

***

There's a new contracting business in town, Wichman Family LLC, that will provide commercial piping services. It's the business of Gilbert Wichman and his son-in-law, James Judge, who has 32 years' experience in piping.

For more information, call 345-1840.

***

Catherine's Cupcakery, a new online cupcakery that offers gourmet cupcakes, is now making its cupcakes available on Saturdays at Chicken on the Run in the Foothills, 12479 South Frontage Road.

***

Jim D. Smith has purchased property at 248 S. 1st Ave., the former parsonage for First Church of Christ. Smith said he has no immediate plans for the property, but it is next door to other property he already owns.

***

Sorry about no column last Sunday. I took some time off for the New Year's holiday and went camping. It was cold but nice to be out where you can see the stars and hear birds instead of sirens.

Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.