Letters
As a person living with Parkinson’s disease, the sad news this summer surrounding Robin Williams’ diagnosis has hit close to home, as does the speculation in the media regarding the disease, its medications, depression and suicide risk.
I would like to help set the record straight for the families affected by Parkinson’s disease in Lake County and to let people know that there are resources available to help.
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, depression is very common in Parkinson’s. But in most cases, it can be successfully managed under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in PD. I am fortunate that I do not have any symptoms of depression with my Parkinson’s.
More importantly, there is no evidence that medications typically prescribed in the early stages of Parkinson’s are associated with risk for suicide. In fact, the risk of suicide among people with Parkinson’s seems to be the same or lower than the general population.
I encourage others to find the facts by contacting me, or by visiting the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF)’s Web site at www.pdf.org or contacting their National HelpLine at 800-457-6676 or
Each person will have a unique journey with this disease and its symptoms. But there are places to turn for help including the Lakeport Parkinson’s Support Group that meets once a month on the second Monday.
Phil Myers is a research advocate for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. He lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Phil Myers
The 18th annual Taste of Lakeport was another huge success, thanks to the community support of our gold sponsors Northlake Medical Pharmacy, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Law Office of Judy Conard, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Golden Gate Meat Co. and Hillside Honda; our silver sponsors, Tomkins Tax Consultants, Robinson Rancheria Hotel & Casino, WestAmerica Bank, Clearlake Club and Konocti Realty; and our bronze sponsors, Marymount California University and Mendo Lake Credit Union.
The sponsors' recognition event was the night before the Taste of Lakeport at the last concert in park hosted by Bicoastal Media, KXBX.
Lakeport Main Street Association President Barbara Breunig presented sponsors with plaques and certificates and a special thank you for sponsoring our biggest fundraiser organized by the LMSA.
The summer concert series ended with a barbecue by Lakeview Market and wine and hors d'oeuvres served by Lakeport Main Street Association with recognition of community support given. With community support anything is possible.
Patrons of the event enjoyed tastes from local wineries and restaurants, such as Chacewater Winery, Smiling Dog Ranch, TNT Mexican Restaurant, Old World Tavern and many more.
During the tasting music from “Without a Net” and “Pole Cat Rodeo” added to the ambiance of event and for the street dance classic tunes played by the band Jimi Z was center stage where hundreds of patrons enjoyed music and danced well into the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the wine basket raffle, the basket was won by Allison Aclufi.
Last but not least, the Lakeport Main Street Association would like to extend a very special thank you to Amy Casey, Linda Wankel, Marc Spillman, Toni Vaars and many others who volunteered their time and attention to this year’s Taste of Lakeport.
Paula Pepper-Duggan is executive director of the Lakeport Main Street Association, based in Lakeport, Calif. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.lakeportmainstreet.com/ .
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- Written by: Paula Pepper-Duggan
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