Here is the recap of our April, 2010 meeting.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Sutter Lakeside Hospital stepped up to the plate to provide pinch hit with Sandra West's being in the hospital - we wish her well. Tammy Sylva spoke of three new programs at the hospital - urology, bone density scans and a new incision-less acid reflux procedure.
The new acid reflux procedure results in far less pain and much quicker recovery for patients who need this type of procedure. This is a significant gain for Lake County patients.
The hospital also has new doctors coming on board including a new general surgeon. They are also recruiting doctors in other areas.
The mobile unit that looked to be so promising is temporarily sidelined as the practitioner who was to be responsible for the unit followed a different opportunity so the hospital is having to start from square one. A medical practitioner has to be responsible for the unit.
Strokes are also a major issue for people and often times a stroke in the family means a huge disruption in the lives of both the victim and the caregivers as they have to go where the solutions are. Sutter Lakeside is working on a new stroke telemedicine program so that stroke victims can stay here in Lake County allowing them to have far less disruption in their lives.
Lastly, Tammy spoke of a new baby jaundice detector that is not invasive -another big breakthrough and another way the hospital is caring for patients through less invasive methods.
From there we heard from Aydee Sandoval Ferguson who is from the Planned Giving Center. Aydee talked about a pretty terrific program for people looking to get more than the typical lousy rates on savings while also doing good.
Companies like Sutter Lakeside and other charitable organizations have a program that allows people to put money in account that behaves somewhat like a savings account to the depositor, but is received like a donation to the charity. Essentially, you are donating money to these charities but gathering interest on that money during your lifetime.
This is a terrific way to make a charitable donation while also earning interest on your investment - it's almost a no-lose situation.
Aydee mentioned that those interested in this type of charitable donation program should carefully research the company they're investing in while also working with their tax professional to ensure that they achieve maximum benefit.
For more information Aydee Sandoval Ferguson can be reached at fergusas@sutterhealth.org or (916) 286-6614. This is really an exceptional opportunity to do good for oneself as well as for the charities that make life better.
Denise Rushing
One of the reasons visitors and residents cherish Lake County is because of the incredible unspoiled natural beauty. An example of this is Rodman Slough. The County and active volunteers are continuing to work on a trail and a foot bridge that will create a path from Upper Lake all the way to Lakeport, across Scotts Creek and along Rodman Slough. The Board has recently approved applying for transportation grant funding for the trail and bridge and staff, with volunteer help, has secured most of the private rights of way bringing this project that much closer to reality.
Eric Seeley
Eric brought good news - the town clock in Upper Lake is on its way as it has been purchased by the County. But they got a great deal on Upper Lake's clock by buying one for Clearlake Oaks as well, so that area will get the clock as well.
The County is also applying for funding for sidewalks in parts of Upper Lake as part of the Federal Government's Safer Routes to Schools program.
Lastly, the County is working on Holiday Harbor and has started a citizen's committee to get input as to how to best operate this facility. Either Eric Seeley or Denise Rushing can provide information for interested individuals on how to be part of the success of this landmark.
Kenny's Marketing Minute
Kenny Parlet mentioned that he drives around during the day and sees a lot of people investing a lot of their effort in making their store fronts look attractive. Then he drives past many of those places at night and sees lights burned out or signs that don't function properly.
Presently PG&E is subsidizing compact fluorescent lighting solutions that help reduce energy cost and tend to last longer than traditional light bulbs. Kenny mentioned that he can sell these bulbs for as little as 99¢. These bulbs use less energy and also last longer, making your business look brighter and save money in the process.