Letters to the Editor
Opinion
Published: December 16, 2011
Bertha Romano
To the Editor:
One of our greatest generation just passed away. No, not a World War II Veteran, but one of the compassionate, caring, and competent hospital nurses of the 1980s and 1990s. Bertha was one of those exemplary caregivers at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. Attending a memorial service included some members of that superb staff, including Jeanette Foy, Marlene Moniot, Donna Wills, Muriel Marks, and Chris Ortiz. I’ll bet Marlene Bailey, Noreen Aberlee, and Irene Reardon were there in spirit.
It was a wonderful moment to remember those who were trained to provide nursing care and were able to excel in performing that skill. Alas, today’s nurses may be just as motivated to provide care, but so many are chained to the computer screen. They must be jealous of that greatest generation.
Richard J. Tushla, M.D.
Santa Paula
Lights of remembrance
To the Editor:
On Saturday, November 26, 2011, family and friends gathered at the community Christmas tree located on the property of the United Water Conservation District to participate in the Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Light Up A Life event. This ceremony gave many of us an opportunity to gather and share a special time to remember family and friends by name and light the community Christmas tree for the first time for the holiday season in their honor. This special ceremony provides a time to stop and remember the love and support given by the people whose names are read.
Those remembered continue to give to their communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru through the contributions of their family and friends to the Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group. The SCVH provides free services to those living in the Santa Clara Valley with life threatening illnesses and the families supporting them. Services include medical equipment, caregiver respite, psychological and spiritual counseling, van transportation for medical appointments and coordination with medical hospice service providers. All of these services are provided through the generous donations made by individuals, service organizations and fundraisers.
This was my first year to be responsible for the Light Up A Life ceremony and I would like to thank some very special people for their help. First of all is the United Water Conservation District for allowing us to utilize the tree and parking lot on their property. They were very gracious and accommodating. A special thanks to Wayne Allee and Joe Luis for arranging for the electrical power for the ceremony and the lighting of the Christmas tree. SCVH Board Member Larry Cossid and his fellow musicians, the Sound of Saxes, played wonderful Christmas music.
The white knight award for the evening would go to Dan Robles, Director of the Santa Paula Library. When chairs, lights and a P.A. system did not arrive, Dan quickly volunteered to provide Library equipment and the ceremony continued on schedule. The wonderful citizens attending the ceremony, without hesitation, helped to carry the chairs and equipment between the Library and the parking lot. Several of those attending the ceremony volunteered to read the names of those being remembered. The 2011 Light Up A Life program was truly a community event in which all attending and those who contributed shared in making it meaningful and successful.
On behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Hospice, I would like to thank the communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru and many other friends outside of our Valley for their support of our mission to help those with life threatening illness and the families who provide their care.
Kathy Kemp, LUAL Chair
Santa Paula
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