LAKEPORT, Calif. – On the night of Friday, Nov. 2, the atmosphere at Color Organix on South Main Street was expectant as a small crowd gathered to join together with Regina Aponte as she sat down in the stylist’s chair.  

Generally when a woman sits down in a salon her expectation is to have her hair cut and styled. Aponte’s was to have all of her hair shaved as an act of love and support for a young friend battling breast cancer.  

Her gesture came from a place of love, as she had decided to shave her head as a gesture of solidarity with Rachel Mitchell, a young mother who had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage II breast cancer in her 24th year and while she was 14 weeks pregnant.  

Aponte’s friendship with the family has been longstanding and her heart ached with all the struggles the young family is dealing with. Mitchell also has recently been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy as well.  Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the facial nerves. It generally affects only one side of the face, but may in rare cases affect both sides.   

“The atmosphere was magical,” said Aponte. “A mixture of almost holy purpose, joy and a bit of trepidation. Everyone was so completely supportive, from the youngest grandchild or student, to the oldest and of course, wisest! We were blessed at every turn.”

Color Organix was filled with family, friends, supporters and a lot of kids, most of them students from Konocti Christian Academy (KCA) and grandchildren. Clear Lake High School junior Ryan Call, whose mother Kerri is also a teacher at KCA also joined in and had his shaved to add his support to Aponte and Mitchell.  

After shaving Aponte’s head, Marin Alexander, owner of Color Organix, and Aponte prepared the hair to be donated to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.  

“In bringing the needs of Rachel Mitchell to the forefront, my desire is to highlight the need for pregnant women to pay attention to their changing bodies during pregnancy, with the knowledge that being pregnant doesn’t exempt them from breast cancer,” said Aponte. “My desire is to raise as much money for this young family as possible. My original goal was $10,000 because that was the amount of their financial need due to medical bills and bills associated with the treatment. That is a high goal but we are just grateful for any and all donations that can help the family during her ongoing medical needs and surgeries.

Rachel Mitchell just had her ovaries removed last Wednesday morning as part of the ongoing medical treatment program designed to reduce any further risk of cancer.

The response has humbled and awed the Aponte and Mitchell families. The students at KCA where Aponte is a teaching assistant have taken this family to heart and have collected money for the family and continue to do so.  

Donations continue daily from students who told Aponte that they don’t want any attention drawn to their contributions, because they don’t want anyone to feel badly if they are unable to donate.  

First grader Noah Schlange is collecting donations for the Mitchells and will be shaving his little head soon as well.

“I can hardly believe the children and their precious, precious hearts! I am humbled by the responses,” Aponte said.

If anyone would like to join, taking a stand against breast cancer, and help this young family with their medical expenses, please call Aponte at 707-972-0980.  

More information, and an opportunity to donate to the financial needs of Rachel Mitchell and her family, visit www.iwillshavemyhead.com/ .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – One of Hospice of Lake County's volunteers works to bring an extra helping of comfort to those facing loss.

Hospice volunteer Jan Stewart crafts one-of-a-kind memory bears for the families and loved ones of hospice patients.

Each bear is handmade from articles of clothing that reminds families of their loved ones. Stewart transforms the clothing into a cuddly, soft bear to be hugged, talked to and serve as a companion during times of sadness and loneliness.

“What I do is simple,” said Stewart. “I just sew.”

Stewart got the idea when her mother passed away in another state. The local hospice made two memory bears from her mother’s clothing so the family had something to remember her by.

Stewart and her sister wanted all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have a bear too, so they gathered familiar articles of clothing and started sewing.

Seeing how much the bears meant to her family members, Stewart realized what a precious gift memory bears could be to other families who had lost loved ones.

“I wanted to give something back to hospice to say thank you,” Stewart said.

She contacted Judy Krings, RN case manager at Hospice Services of Lake County, and offered to make memory bears for the loved ones of Lake County’s hospice patients.

“I delivered Jan’s first bear to a recent widow. Her immediate reaction was to grab the bear and hug it while thanking me through tears of joy,” said Krings.

Each bear ends up with a personality of its own. Some are fatter than others; some have an arm or a leg that sits in a particular way. One bear even needed a nose job; its nose was just too big for its head.

Stewart has made cowboy bears, plaid flannel bears, flower print bears and one bear in shocking pink satin. She provides the special nose buttons, eyes, ribbons and stuffing for the bears. Hospice Services of Lake County reimburses Stewart for the expenses.

Hospice Services of Lake County relies on volunteers like Stewart who help in the thrift stores, visit patients that need companionship, package supplies for patients or perform light office duties.

For more information on how to become a volunteer at Hospice Services of Lake County, contact Laurie Fisher at 707-263-6270, Extension 130, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council will meet on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake County Office of Education, 1152 S. Main St., Lakeport.

For more information visit www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Women and girls have special challenges and needs that often go unmet, and many with such challenges live right here in Lake County.

If you are a woman who has worked to improve the lives of women and girls through your professional and/or volunteer work, you are a candidate for The Ruby Award.

Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is looking for applicants for this annual award that gives the recipient a cash award to be donated to her favorite Lake County charity.

The Soroptimist Ruby Award Women Helping Women recognizes and honors the first federation president, Ruby Lee Minar.

A ruby is also a deep red gemstone associated  with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, vivacity, power and love: all words embodying the strong and compassionate women who are our award recipients.

The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work.
             
Many Lake County women work in various capacities to meet those special need through their personal or professional influence to help other women or girls.

Past activists worked for health services to benefit low-income women, another lobbied for child care, others volunteered at a women's shelter or mentored young women or girls.

The Ruby Award acknowledges ordinary women who have worked in  extraordinary ways to remove barriers to a better life.

Soroptimist is a cause-related philanthropic federation of clubs improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment.

If you know of a special professional or volunteer or are one yourself, please request and fill out a  nomination form and include a statement (no more than 750 words) describing the work and impact of the nominee.

Nomination forms and more information can be obtained by contacting Marty Comito at 707-994-8464.

Mail paperwork to Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, P.O. Box 7167,  Clearlake, CA, 95422; deadline for submission is Nov. 19.

Soroptimist International Clear Lake meets twice monthly, at noon at Howard’s Grotto, business meeting on the second Thursday of each month and a program meeting with a speaker on the fourth Thursday of each month. Lunch is $12 and all interested women are invited to attend and learn more about the organization.

Please contact Wanda Harris, president at 707-987-9027 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – New facilities at Yuba College’s Clear Lake campus and a new president are among the topics that Yuba College Dean Bryan Bell will discuss at the next Middletown Luncheon Club program on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

The program takes place at the Middletown Methodist Church Social Hall, 15155 Armstrong at Washington, starting at noon. All programs are open to the public.

Lunch costs only $5 per person and a hearty Irish Stew will be served by the Oro Fino Rebekah Lodge.  Reservations are not necessary, just show up and enjoy.

For more information about the Middletown Luncheon Club, or to be a speaker, contact Linda Darms at 707-987-3494. There is no program in December.

The Middletown Luncheon Club is open to all, meets every third Wednesday of the month from January through November, providing informative speakers and presentations to the community.

Different local nonprofit organizations provide lunch each month and receive a donation.

NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.
 
LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Construction of a roundabout at the Route 20/Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road intersection will continue through Friday, Nov. 9. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction Inc. of Ukiah.

Highway 53

– Pavement repairs from Route 29 to 40th Avenue will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– Highway widening and rehabilitation from 40th Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Shoulder improvements at various locations from Iverson Avenue to 0.3 mile north of Kinney Road will begin Friday, Nov. 9. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Motorists should anticipate 40-minute delays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days per week except holidays. Contractor – Golden State Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

Highway 20

– Electrical upgrades near Gravel Pit Road will continue on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Cal Electro, Inc. of Redding.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility repairs from 0.1 mile east of Gravel Pit Road to 0.3 mile west of Wildwood Campground. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– A pavement repair project from 1.4 miles west of Little Lake Road to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from James Creek to 1.2 miles west of Broaddus Creek. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 128

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Route 1 to the North Fork Navarro River Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Pavement repairs from 0.4 mile east of the Robinson Creek Bridge to the Mendocino/Sonoma County line will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays. Contractor – OC Jones and Sons of Berkeley.

– Sheri Hansen of Yorkville has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit to install a driveway 0.5 mile west of the Ornbaun Creek Bridge. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Tetra Tech of Rancho Cordova has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for spill cleanup near the Mendocino/Sonoma County line on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance about 0.6 mile east of the Rodeo Creek Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 15. Work hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Intermittent full road closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Clark Anderson of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit to install a driveway about 2.7 miles south of Buckman Drive. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Singley Cattlepass to the Robinson Creek Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Slipout repairs about 5.6 miles west of Butler Ranch will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

Highway 271

– Electrical upgrades 0.9 mile south of the Caltrans Maintenance Yard will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Cal Electro Inc. of Redding.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).