The Mariposa Family Health Center in Patagonia and the non-profit Board of Directors of the Amigos are hosting a welcome reception for Family Nurse Practitioner Tim Penniston on Friday, Feb. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Home Plate Restaurant. There will be free music by Haywire as well as a buffet of Mexican food.

Tim Penniston has joined the staff of the Mariposa Family Health Center in Patagonia. Contributed photo.

Amigos board member Ann Mihalik said, “We want the community to come meet the newest member of the clinic staff. As a family nurse practitioner, Tim is licensed to provide comprehensive primary care medical services and he has over 10 years experience in the health care field. We are so pleased to have him.”

Penniston was a Registered Nurse in Albany, Ga., where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Albany State University. He chose to continue his training and received a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing in 2001. He and his family moved to Santa Cruz County and joined Mariposa Community Health Center last fall.

Paula Schaper, local resident and business owner, expressed her gratitude for the Family Health Center. “Having a local health care center is such a major contributor to our small town quality of life in Patagonia.”

Mihalik said, “Molly Anderson, M.D., will support Tim Penniston and continue to see patients at the Family Health Center on a part-time basis. Walk-ins are always welcome.”

To make an appointment, call (520) 394-2262. For questions about the reception, call Mihalik at (520) 394-2013.