LAKE COUNTY
An evening of remembrance on October 15
The community is invited to join Mother-Wise and Hospice Services of Lake County as we participate in the global Wave of Light on Saturday, October 15 for an evening set aside to remember all babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
Pregnancy and childbirth are usually joyous, happy, and busy times. But when things don’t go as hoped or planned, when the unthinkable happens, families are left with the unimaginable devastation and profound grief that surrounds the loss of a baby.
In 1988 when President Ronald Reagan designated October as national Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, he noted that “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.”
This is still true, despite the fact that October was set aside to “recognize the loss so many parents experience across the U.S. and around the world.”
October 15 was chosen as a day of remembrance throughout the world. Since 2003, the global Wave of Light has served as an opportunity for bereaved parents, family and friends to commemorate their babies by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. in their local time zone and leaving it burning for at least one hour. The result is a continuous ‘wave of light’ spanning the globe for a 24 hour period in remembrance of all loved and longed for babies gone too soon.
Mother-Wise supports Lake County’s expecting and new moms through all transitions that accompany motherhood, including loss, with weekly topic-oriented groups, individualized supportive services, and community resources. The organization has participated in this special day of remembrance to coincide with similar events worldwide since 2014.
Whether you have endured a loss yourself, or love someone who has, whether this loss was recent or long ago, all are welcome to join us.
Participants will meet at Library Park, located at 200 Park St. in Lakeport, and the event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be offered, as well as community speakers, and remembrance activities. Candles will be provided and lit at 7 p.m.
For any questions, or to RSVP, please contact Mother-Wise at (707) 349-1210.
—Submitted
OAKLAND
Ways to reduce energy bills in recognition of National Energy Efficiency Day
Though it’s emphasized today on National Energy Efficiency Day (EE Day), Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) commitment to helping customers reduce bills with energy efficiency is a year-round effort.
“Energy efficiency is a critical tool to help customers reduce their bills and grow local economies by creating sustainable employment. EE Day reminds us of the importance of being energy efficient every day,” said Aaron August, PG&E Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation.
Beginning in 2016, National Energy Efficiency Day continues to urge customers to save energy, cut pollution, and create jobs. Energy efficiency transforms how we use energy, ultimately benefiting everyone. It is the most affordable and fastest way to meet energy needs, cut utility bills, and reduce pollution.
PG&E’s Home Energy Checkup, an online audit tool has helped more than 1.2 million residential customers since 2013 reduce usage and save. After the customer shares basic data about their home and energy use through the tool, PG&E provides customized energy savings recommendations tailored to the specific household. Customers who take the Home Energy Checkup are more likely to take the recommendations due to their personalized nature. As National EE Day and National Customer Service Week (until October 9) are being celebrated, PG&E thanks customers and shares the following ways to make sustainable choices, lower energy use and bills this fall.
- Set thermostat for savings. When it’s cold out, save about 2% for each degree the thermostat is lowered. Turning down the thermostat from 70°F to 65°F health permitting, for example, saves about 10%.
- Control water temperature. Set water heater thermostat at 120°F. This reduces the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain hot water and reduces the risk of scalding by not overheating it.
- Microwave and save. Reheating leftovers and cooking in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80% less energy than a standard oven.
- Seal air leaks. Air sealing an old or especially drafty house can save more than 20% on heating and cooling bills.
To find other energy-saving actions, visit www.pge.com or join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #EEDay2022. Customers can also compare and shop energy-saving appliances and electronics by logging onto guide.pge.com
—Submitted
