Living long on Lopez – many of us want to do just that. But when life’s events come along we may start to wonder just how we’re going to do it. What are the resources available? Who do I turn to? How do I let my family and friends know what I want? And most importantly, what do I need to make me feel as if I’m in control of my life?

If you’ve ever wanted to talk to people “in the know” about help and resources available for Lopez residents, “Living Long on Lopez” is your opportunity to get the answers you need.

Scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2-4 p.m. at the Gathering Place in the Hamlet, “Living Long on Lopez” is a program designed to help you make your own decisions and to encourage you to start the conversations that will lead to friends and family being able to support you based on your wishes.

The first program will include of a panel of experts who will address your questions and concerns about care at the end of life: Mary O’Bryant, Client Services Manager for Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support; Dorian King, Community Outreach/Education Liaison, Hospice of the Northwest; Caleb Pal, Paramedic, Lopez Fire and EMT; Karen Gilbert, ARNP, Palliative Care, Skagit Valley Hospital; and Nichele Sorenson, Hamlet House Administrator.

Elizabeth Landrum of Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support’s Community Education Committee will moderate the event.

Following introductions, each participant will make a short presentation about the services they provide, and how these services are extended to include other Lopez providers.

The remaining time will be open for questions. Panel members will provide information about resources, and brochures and handouts will be available.

Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support will also use this as an opportunity to help plan future “Living Long on Lopez” programs.

For more info, call the Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support office, 468-4446, email admin@lihhs.org, or go to the website, lihhs.org