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Special Section...... page 9
VALLEY H
oliday raditions
THE
SENTINEL T always for the community
December 2009
VOL 15, NO 2
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
SPOTLIGHT
Monte Vista Student Meets With National Leaders
Happy Holidays!
By Staff Writer
This fall, e l i z a b e t h e va n s, represented Monte Vista High School at the national Yo u n g L e a d e r s Conference (nYLC) in Washington, D.C. outstanding high Elizabeth Evans school students from across the United States took part in a unique leadership development conference in our nation’s capitol. The six day program provided scholars the opportunity to interact with a variety of personnel who operate within the three branches of government, the news media and the international community. “nYLC prepares students to serve our country well, whether that means as elected officials in our nation’s capitol, as active members within communities around
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10 Things Bay Area Families May Not Know Local and Hope Hospice in Dublin is resident wins About Hospice Care working hard to change that. By Staff Writer State Pagent with a life-limiting illness They include: over the past months, the CBS television news program “60 Minutes” has been working on a story about care at the end of life. Inspired by correspondent Steve Kroft’s personal experience, producers worked closely with the national Hospice and Palliative Care organization to gather information and collect research on the topic. The segment aired on november 22, 2009. When Kathy Carson (not her real name) realized her mother’s illness had reached the end stages she wasn’t sure what to do next. The doctor had suggested hospice care, but Kathy didn’t think the time was right or that the family could afford it. And, she says, “My mother doesn’t have cancer and wants to stay at home instead of going to the hospital.” Kathy’s case is typical of many Bay Area families who love someone
and could benefit from the many aspects of hospice care. But misinformation is often a road block to comfort and compassion. Many people think hospice care is just about dying. Hospice care is more than that; it’s bringing comfort and support to people at a time when it’s needed most. The national Hospice and Palliative Care organization reports that last year 1.4 million Americans were served by the nation’s hospice providers. Yet there are many facts about hospice that people across the country and here in the Bay Area are not aware of, and it’s keeping people from getting the care they need and deserve. There are 10 things most families don’t know about hospice care,
1. Hospice is not a place, but is a kind of special care that brings a team of professionals to address every need: physical, emotional and spiritual. 2. The cost is covered by Medicare and most health plans, and no one is denied care due to lack of insurance. 3. Many of the patients cared for by Hope Hospice remain in their home, where the patient is surrounded by family and friends. other times, the care is provided in nursing homes or other care facilities. 4. Hospice patients and their families can receive care for See HOSPICE page 5
You care about what you put in your body... Remember to care about what you put on your body too. See page 12 730 Camino Ramon, Danville, CA 94526 • 925-362-0767
By Staff Writer
Castille Zander
Local resident Castille Zander, a 12-year-old 7th grader, did exceptionally well in the national American Miss northern California State Pageant. The competition was held at the Hyatt Hotel in Santa Clara this past August. She did so well that she will be going on to compete against girls from across the United States in the national All-American Miss Pageant. See LOCAL page 6