Residents throughout the islands who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, together with their spouses and/or caregivers, can learn more about this disease by joining a group in which attendees could hear from an expert and/or discuss each matter together.

Lopez is the only island where there is now such a group, and it respects both locals and anyone in San Juan County.

For more info,  call Jackie Ashe at 468-2435, or send an email to jackieashe@centurytel.net. The Lopez group meets the third Monday at 4:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place in Lopez Village, the next meeting being on Sept. 19.

Those living on Orcas and San Juan islands are encouraged to form their own groups. For info, call Ted Grossman at 376-4979, or 376-2666 or email tfgrossman@yahoo.com.