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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: A place to sleep ... Is BSA right to allow gay scout leaders? ... Ticket Availability ... Our View: A place to sleep ... Is BSA right to allow gay scout leaders? ... Ticket Availability ... ROGUE COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC Makeover brings new look to old clinic Former Community Health Center has new name, but same mission Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted May. 18, 2015 at 8:20 PM Updated May 18, 2015 at 8:45 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted May. 18, 2015 at 8:20 PM Updated May 18, 2015 at 8:45 PM What do you think? --> Have an opinion on this issue? Send a letter to the editor at www.dailytidings.com/sendletter. » Read more X What do you think? Have an opinion on this issue? Send a letter to the editor at www.dailytidings.com/sendletter . » Social News With a $2,000 Day of Caring grant from United Way and lots of volunteer muscle, a dozen spirited people spent Saturday spiffing up Ashland’s rebranded Rogue Community Health clinic with new landscaping and painting designed to make it “pop.”  Volunteers raked, pruned and mulched the beds, replanted new, drought-resistant plants, cut back drooping tree limbs and brightened up the old tan exterior and beige interior, which employees said looked like it was trying to hide itself.  The facelift or “reviving” of the clinic at 99 Central Ave. goes along with a rebranding from the old title, “Community Health Center,” a name used by no fewer than 1,200 clinics in the nation, all of which are heavily funded by federal grants to bring affordable health care to the middle and working class, says Karen Elliott, RCH marketing director.  “I’m amazed, thrilled and humbled by the turnout and generosity here,” said Elliott. “We’re going for it today.”  Several volunteers from the ManKind Project, a men’s service group, manned rakes and hoes, spreading a fresh layer of bark dust on newly planted beds.  “ManKind is a big part of what we do to support the community and be of service, putting our talents and resources to good use in positive ways,” said David Wick, its mission-of-service coordinator.  The clinic started in Ashland in 1972 in an old house on 4th Street. One patient of those days, Evie Strauss, now 86, said she had just moved here and was without insurance, so she would come for appointments in the humble building, dodge the leaks of the leaky roof and “I didn't care about the drips, I cared about the medical care I received. I was uninsured, needed help and found very caring, competent staff at the clinic.”  The Central Avenue Clinic was bought and refurbished in 1998, with a big fund drive by Ashland Rotary, Boy Scouts and others. Six-figure donors were Florence Schneider and Marty Loquvam, who are honored with a plaque at the entry.  Rich Keesling, maintenance supervisor for all five RCH clinics in Jackson, said, “It’s awesome. We’re really in need of this fresh, new look. We used to look camouflaged and now it’s been popped. I’m very impressed.”  Paint and labor was donated by Sherwin-Williams Paint Store of Ashland. Its sales representative, Tyler Saty, said, “We’re giving back to a good cause.” He used green, blue and off-white to make the front “pop.”  Mike Spees of Conveyored Aggregate Delivery in Medford, dropped off a big load of mulch, gratis, noting, “It sounded like they needed some help.” He amazed volunteers by maneuvering his giant truck into position with a remote — no one at the wheel.  Greg Williams of Carol’s Colors donated the analysis and planning on the landscaping and irrigation.  Nurse Traci Darrow, the clinical networking officer for all five clinics, did landscaping and noted, “I’m absolutely thrilled we got the grant and so many people showed up to give a little love as we rebrand and show all the beautiful changes.”  The annual Day of Caring is the largest volunteer event in Jackson County, with 400 people helping at many nonprofits. The nonprofits submit applications for funding of work that can be done in one day, says Dee Anne Everson, executive director of United Way.  “The money comes from local business sponsors and is used to purchase materials and such that they can’t afford and aren't included in their budget. This is our 20th year of doing it. It’s a remarkable undertaking, where people can show that sometimes they can give money and sometimes they can give physical labor, to show they really care about them.” For more about Rogue Community Health, call 541-773-3863 or go to www.roguecommunityhealth.org or www.facebook.com/chcoregon. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted May. 18, 2015 at 8:20 PM Updated May 18, 2015 at 8:45 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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