Holiday theater festive performance of Charles Dickens,’ “A Christmas Carol,” from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24 at St Peter’s-by-the-Sea Church, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay. Free. A merry troupe of local actors will present the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his wondrous transformation, and the ghosts that make it happen, just in time for Christmas.
Continue reading Community Calendar—Dec. 25, 2014
Monthly Archives: December 2014
Unity Telethon A Cherished Memory—By King Harris
Of all the events I’ve experienced over the years in my career as a news journalist, none will ever quite compare to that of helping to create and participating in a seasonal event televised by KEYT-TV in Santa Barbara that became known as the “Christmas Unity Telethon.”
Its stage was both inside the studio and outside on the patio of the facility, high up on a mesa referred to as “TV Hill” overlooking the city. With music provided by the talent from local school choirs to popular musicians and singers far and wide, persuaded by those who already lived in the area, it blossomed into an incredible 12-hour community celebration of seasonal spirit and Yuletide cheer, underscored by the cause to contribute to a multitude of less fortunate who otherwise might not experience any kind of Christmas whatsoever. Continue reading Unity Telethon A Cherished Memory—By King Harris
Police Blotter—Dec. 25, 2014
Avila Beach
• Dec. 14: Santa Díos, someone reported indecent exposure on San Juan Street at 3:37 a.m. Deputies got there at 3:42 p.m. to scope out the sitch-u-ashun. But alas don’t despair, a suicidal subject was reported at 8:50 a.m. on Avila Beach Drive and according to logs, deputies arrived at 9:07 p.m. and “No Disposition Needed” by then. Continue reading Police Blotter—Dec. 25, 2014
Donation Kicks Off 5 Cities Homeless Coalition Cash Drive
The 5Cities Homeless Coalition year-end fundraising drive is off to a healthy start thanks to a $7,000 donation from community member Joan Sargen.
Sargen’s donation kicks off the Coalition’s efforts to raise $25,000 to underwrite referral and support services designed to connect South County families in crisis with services and to move them from the streets into stable homes.
Thus far in 2014, 5Cities Homeless Coalition has collected and distributed in-kind donations for needy families and children valued at more than $100,000, including food, household goods, clothing, shoes and work boots, dental and hygiene products, diapers, blankets, gift cards and more.
By the end of the year, the organization hopes to match that amount in cash. Friends, businesses, service clubs and community organizations have already raised $75,000 to help with deposits, move-in costs, utilities, car repairs and other basic needs as well as referral and counseling services.
For more information or to contribute to the fundraising drive, visit www.5CHC.org or (805) 574-1638.
Operation Medicine Cabinet
Increasing trends in medication use, prescribing, and prescription drug abuse are issues we want to consider together as a community. In 2010, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reported 48% of Americans took at least one prescription drug in the month the study was done. From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of Americans using two or more drugs increased from 25% to 31%, and the use of five or more drugs increased from 6% to 11%.
Patients discontinue medications as often as doctors prescribe them. Many times, patients never tell their doctor they’ve discontinued a medication and they rarely throw away the unused portion. Some patients bring medication samples and half-empty pill bottles to their physician’s office for disposal. However, this may not the safest mode of disposal. These half-taken packs of birth control, half bottles of antibiotics, and the occasional bottle of narcotic go into the office trash. Then, these unwanted medications make their way to dumpsters and landfills.
Disposing of unused medications safely keeps these medications out of our water supply and environment. Safe disposal also prevents accidental ingestion by children and pets, and keeps drugs of abuse from getting into the wrong hands.
The best venue for safe disposal is your local Police Station. “Operation Medicine Cabinet” is a free disposal service for residents of San Luis Obispo County, for unwanted over-the-counter pills, supplements, medication samples, ointments, eye drops, creams, gels, and veterinary medications. Drop-boxes are installed at all local police stations and three Sheriff patrol stations.
Safely dispose of your unwanted medications today!
Please note: All “sharps,” needles, syringes, and thermometers can be safely disposed of at any local pharmacy. For information on disposal of “Hazardous waste”, like batteries and antifreeze, see www.iwma.com.
Send your Health Questions addressed to Dr. Prewitt at Tolosa Press.
No question is too big or too small.
Lauren Prewitt, D.O., F.A.C.O.O.G. is a traditional Osteopath and Board Certified Ob/Gyn. She is an active medical staff member at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and Marian Regional Medical Center, holds adjunct faculty status at Western University and Touro University, and participates in the Central Coast Osteopathic Regional Society. She resides in Morro Bay.