Mount Pulaski breaks ground for doctors’ office and pharmacy

[November 21, 2015]  MOUNT PULASKI - The weather was fair yet on Sunday, and a perfect day for a groundbreaking. Vonderleith Living Center's Board of Directors were joined by dignitaries and others for the start of building a new doctor's office and pharmacy.

Turning earth on the momentous occasion were Mike Maske, Julian Wubben, Jeff Martin, Jim Hild, Rich Edwards, Dr. Erin Schafer, Tom Cross, Dean Cates and Pat Przykopanski. Cates was an original member on the Board of Directors for Vonderleith’s 42 years ago when ground was broken for the Nursing Home.

Services offered through the doctor's office and the pharmacy will serve the public, as well as residents of the senior living complex.

Dr. Erin Shafer, who is Vonderleith Living Center's Medical Director, and Springfield Clinic, will occupy the doctor's office.

Sav-Mor Pharmacy will offer walk-in and drive-through service. Sav-Mor Pharmacy has a number of other outlets throughout central Illinois. Some of the 13 to 14 outlets are located in Clinton, Mount Zion and Mount Vernon.

The project is estimated to cost a half million dollars and was a decision made by the Board.

The single story 32 feet by 106 feet brick building will be located southeast of the skilled nursing facility and east of independent living apartments.

Access to the new facility will be made by Vonderleith’s current front drive or off the Elkhart Blacktop.

Contractor for the new facility is Building Systems of Illinois, Inc. of Decatur. Weather permitting, it is expected to be completed this spring.

In a statement from the board, "The vision of Henry and Jane Vonderleith was to enhance the healthcare for the residents of the Mount Pulaski area, and this facility made possible by their generosity, will provide another focal point in that endeavor."

[Roy Logan and Jan Youngquist]