LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Sunrise Special Services' Reach Out program hosted a celebration earlier this month to mark a special date in Mexican history.

Wednesday, Sept. 15, saw a festive evening as ladies entered the Seventh-day Adventist Church with well-mannered children and potluck dishes in hand.

The mood was light as they all gathered around a big table to share food, friendship, historical facts and stories; they were celebrating Mexican Independence Day with some friends from south of the border.

This year is the 200^th anniversary of the war of independence of Mexico from Spain. The struggle began on Sept. 16, 1810, with the cry of Delores (“El Grito de Delores”), a town in Mexico where the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla incited people to fight – he is now known as father of the nation.

Mexico did not actually receive independence until 1921, but celebrate this event every year starting on the evening of Sept. 15 when the president of Mexico addresses the people in Mexico City’s square or Zocalo. The president waves the Mexican flag and rings the liberty bell once used by priest Miguel.

You can join our group anytime on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 21640 Hwy 29 at the Seventh-day Adventist church at 6 p.m.

They share food (a healthy cooking class) and healthy lifestyle information including sound nutritional advice, and of course, friendship.

A special thanks to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the support and a good place to meet. They also thank Earth Goods Health foods, Middletown Hardester’s Market, Linda Barton and Diane Leon, along with Maria Sanchez for working with the precious children.

Annie Barnes, Suzanne Abel, Veronica McGee and Jacque Felber are part of the Sunrise Special Services Reach Out program, which promotes preventive health classes all around Lake County.

For more information call Sunrise Special Services at 707-274-9121.