Victoria Howard, a recent Mendocino College Nursing Program graduate, has made a donation to the program. Courtesy photo.

UKIAH – Victoria (Vicky) Howard and her husband Jeff have recently given a $500 donation to the Mendocino College Foundation to be used for nursing scholarships.

Howard, a graduate of the Mendocino College RN Program in May, was a scholarship recipient during her time as a student.

“That meant so much,” Victoria Howard said. “Hopefully this donation will mean as much to someone else and will ultimately help them to decide to donate when they are able.”

According to Howard, she believes in paying it forward as a reason for her donation.

“The Mendocino College nursing program changed my life for the better in many ways and I want to thank the nursing program faculty and staff for their encouragement during my time as a student,” Howard said.

Howard recently passed her licensing examination and is now a registered nurse. She will begin work at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits in the near future.

She relocated to the Ukiah area from Castro Valley because of the nursing program.

“Vicky was always a positive force in her nursing classes. She will be an excellent R.N. and Howard Hospital is very lucky to have chosen her to work for them. Her donation is very generous and goes to show her spirit of caring,” Mendocino College Nursing Program Director Dr. Barbara French said.

For additional information on the Mendocino College Nursing program visit www.mendocino.edu or call the Nursing Department at 707-468-3099.

Women interested in receiving a free mammogram must first call toll-free 800-511-2300 to see if they qualify for the California Department of Health Every Women Counts program. This cancer detection program provides California's medically underserved women access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s free mammograms are intended for women NOT eligible for the Every Woman Counts program. Those who do not qualify for the state program must meet the following criteria:

• 40 years or older;

• Require a screening mammogram only;

• No insurance or high deductible;

• No mammograms in the past 12 months;

• No patients with implants;

• No recent breast biopsy or breast surgery.

Women who meet these criteria can call the Sutter Lakeside Hospital Medical Imaging Department at 707-262-5030 to schedule an appointment. All appointments are made on a first come, first served basis.

The free mammograms will take place Oct. 14 and 15 at Sutter Lakeside Hospital Medical Imaging Department.

CLEARLAKE – Millions of Americans are affected by gluten-related illnesses and they don't know it. One in a hundred people has celiac disease, and one out of three is gluten intolerant.

Dr. Eydi Bauer will discuss his groundbreaking new book, “Life After Bread: Get Off Gluten and Reclaim Your Health,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Wild About Books in Clearlake.

Bauer's book will help you determine whether you're of the millions whose health is being compromised by wheat products.

If you are, there's good news – there's life after bread.

You can put an end to your unanswered health questions and stop feeling sick and getting tired. When you remove gluten from your diet you will:

• Reduce pain and inflammation;

• Relieve depression, anxiety, and mental problems;

• Improve digestion and bowel issues;

• Increase your strength and revitalize your energy;

• Restore balance to your biochemistry.

Dr. Eydi will discuss gluten free changes you can make to your life. Gluten free snacks will be served.

Wild About Books is located at 14290 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-9453. Visit the store online at www.wildaboutbooks.net .

Norb Yates and Helen Turley, facilitators of the educational series “Introduction to the Four Agreements,” which will be held at Sutter Lakeside Hospital Healing House. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – Have you ever wondered how you came to be where you are today and what you can do to take back your personal power for your own happiness?

Sutter Lakeside Hospital will host an educational series entitled “Introduction to the Four Agreements,” which is based on the book “The Four Agreements” and other Toltec teachings of don Miguel Ruiz.

The Four Agreements state: 1) Be impeccable with your word; 2) Don’t take anything personally; 3) Don’t make assumptions; 4) Always do your best.

Although the agreements are simple truths, they are not always easy to put into practice. Participants will work together to master these agreements and learn to live them in their daily lives.

“Introduction to the Four Agreements” will be taught by Helen Turley and Norb Yates, former apprentices of don Miguel Ruiz.

Using the tools found in the Toltec teachings, Turley and Yates have found happiness and freedom in life by freely giving to others based on their respect and love for themselves and life as a whole.

Both Turley and Yates live in Lakeport and continue to study Toltec teachings today.

The five-class series will be on the first and third Monday nights of the month, starting on Sept. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The series will take place at the Sutter Lakeside Hospital Healing House, just east of the main hospital building.

The fee for the class is $30 which includes all five sessions. A 50-percent discount is available for current SLH Wellness Center Members.

To register for the class or for more information, please call the SLH Wellness Center at 707-262-5171. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve your space today.

If you have a question for Turley or Yates, please contact them at 707-262-1721, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit their web site at www.twotoltecs.com .