Sad Day in Vancouver

Vancouver's last independent pharmacy closes

Mike's Eastside Drugs and Homecare Equipment has closed its pharmacy business and transferred the accounts to Walgreens at 9714 E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver. Owner Mike Graeff has operated the pharmacy for 30 years and will continue to own the retail store at 8506 E. Mill Plain offering gifts, equipment rental services and a U.S. Postal substation. Graeff, 58, and Tom Kreller, Eastside pharmacy manager, will work at the 97th Street location. Graeff was the last independent pharmacist in Vanocuver. Steve Oliva, owner of Hi-School Pharmacy sold to Walgreen Co. a few years ago. Read more in Monday's Columbian.

I can't adequately express how sad this makes me. Nor do I know the language to use to express how wrong it is that this should happen. Independent anything is critical to our whole American way of life - and what does that mean? I don't know - things like being responsible for your own decisions, being involved in your community, knowing and supporting your neighbors, having choices in whatever you're making decisions about. (and no, choosing Walgreens or Riteaid is not actually choosing just like Democrat or Republican is not choice)

Sad, sad news people. One more vital part of America dying.

Whether you're looking for your first home, or possibly your last, or selling either of them, I have the patience and experience to help you find the best choice in Vancouver Washington. Working with a professional real estate agent (me!) who listens to your needs and works as a trusted advisor to get the best solution to your housing needs will give you a new attitude about real estate. If you are concerned about living a more sustainable lifestyle, Vancouver Washington may be the city for you. I specialize in knowing the neighborhoods in Vancouver Washington that have great walkscore ratings. Whether you want the low-maintenance condo lifestyle, a home that gets you off the grid, or a home that is something in between in Clark County, I can help you find just the right home and neighborhood. If you're looking for homes that have been certified as green, you'll want to know I keep informed of the newly constructed homes and their various green certifications. Visit my website for more information.