Opinion
A week ago, I brought home to Lake County – on a few hours' notice – a terminally ill friend.
One call to Hospice Services of Lake County and by the time I drove back from UC Davis, all the necessary medical equipment was already delivered and installed at my home.
Prescriptions were called in. Insurance was already redirected from Sacramento. And a supervisor was waiting to get all of the details of the new patient.
By the next day, we had visits from a social worker, a nurse and a home health worker. A medical power of attorney was put in place. Additional equipment was delivered.
Over the next week until my friend died a very dignified death, we couldn't have asked for more help and support in a very difficult situation.
So glad I have always supported the thrift store in Lakeport little knowing that I would be in need of the services supported.
Thanks to all. Hospice is an organization of which Lake County should be truly proud.
Gillian Parrillo lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
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- Written by: Gillian Parrillo

Today, more than six million veterans call rural America home, a higher concentration than any other part of the country.
At USDA Rural Development we are working hard to ensure that when our military men and women return home, they have access to affordable housing, quality education, good jobs and dependable health care.
For instance, we recently assisted Robert Simon, a disabled veteran living in the small town of Spalding in Lassen County.
Robert and his wife Rita have been without water for the past several months after their well went dry.
Stuck hauling water in five gallon buckets from the local church, the Simons needed help – and needed it fast.
USDA Rural Development's home repair program was a great fit and the Simons were able to drill a new well earlier this month.
In addition to our efforts at Rural Development, USDA has been helping thousands of veterans grow their farming businesses, and offer job skills and training programs targeted to veterans.
We are proud of our staff of more than 11,000 veterans, and we are working to bolster services and programs that support veterans and their families.
As we honor our veterans this November, I would personally like to thank them, along with our active duty military personnel for their service and dedication to protecting this great nation.
We will continue to grow opportunities here in rural California and across the nation so that whether they grew up there or have relocated there, veterans and their families can continue to call rural America home.
Glenda Humiston is the California state director for USDA Rural Development. She oversees the agency's 40-plus programs and invested nearly $1 billion in California's rural communities during fiscal year 2014.
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- Written by: Glenda Humiston
No one likes to think about death and dying, but it’s something everyone has to face eventually.
There’s an incredible resource in our community that provides comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or life-limiting illness. It’s Hospice Services of Lake County.
November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that is hospice care.
One of the most important messages to help people understand is that hospice care helps patients and families focus on living.
This specialized care and support helps make more meaningful moments happen for those facing end-of-life challenges.
The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones.
The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver.
The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.
Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal and by most insurance plans and HMOs. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or any place a person calls home.
Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness. Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say. They make your wishes a priority.
If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice care is right now.
Diane Plante, CPA, is president of the Hospice Services of Lake County Board of Directors serving Lake County, Calif.
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- Written by: Diane Plante

Lakeport Christian Center's Fall Fest 2014 was a tremendous success despite the weather.
A couple hundred people enjoyed the event held at the church on S. Forbes St. on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Lakeport Christian Center would like to thank all the hardworking and dedicated volunteers, all those who donated candy and lemonade for the kids, as well as Odom Construction for growing and donating all the pumpkins.
The church also congratulates Mark Leckner on winning the grand prize of the fabulous remote-controlled model airplane.
Lakeport Christian Center is located near the Fairgrounds. Services are open to everyone. Visit www.lcchub.com for more information.
Rev. Ruth Suski and her husband, Pastor Mike Suski, lead Lakeport Christian Center in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Ruth Suski
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