| Restoration brings glow back to BGE and downtown
The Lexington Street construction fences are now down at Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.'s former headquarters. After months of renovation, one of downtown's most dignified office buildings (1916) has been reinvented by being made into apartments. I can't think of a better boost to this downtown Baltimore neighborhood. I pushed through the big revolving doors yesterday and found the lobby looking the best it's appeared in my memory. This preservation-driven rehab has exposed limestone walls hidden by unfortunate attempts at modernization in the groovy 1960s. Not everything is World War I-era here: The lobby is clean and fresh, with a honey wood tone lobby reception desk and new light fixtures. .
Holiday stress can lead to depression
While most people are singing carols and wrapping gifts during the holidays, those who struggle with mental illness often feel increased pain and isolation. Terese Gessler knows, because she's been there. "The bigness of it, how it comes across as being a very extreme holiday," said Gessler, 38, who was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety at age 14. "The stresses that go with it shopping, parties, family gatherings." Although statistics show that suicides in Sheboygan County aren't higher than at other times of the year, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers in Sheboygan see the result of the increased stress and pressure Christmas can bring. "This can be a very lonely, depressing time for people," said Beverly Randall of Mental Health America in Sheboygan County.
Walk to Wellness at Pleasanton park
Pleasanton-based pedometer and stopwatch manufacturer Accusplit, Inc. sponsors the first World Walk to Wellness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The event is open to all ages and includes a self-guided 5,000-step walk (2.15 miles) around Pleasantons Sports and Community Park. The event is free at 5800 Parkside Drive, Pleasanton. Visit http://www.walking10000.org. Alta Bates Summit Medical Center The Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center presents a free discussion for those touched by cancer, featuring support group leader and therapist Connie Holmes, from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Registration is recommended. At the Summit Campus, Peralta Pavilion, 430 30th St., Room 2810, Oakland. Call 510-869-8833. The weight-loss surgery support group New beginnings will be having meetings for people who have had or are considering weight-loss surgery.
Cage's naked intruder sent to rehab
The naked intruder that Nicolas Cage found in his home last year has been ordered to undergo six months of drug rehab, according to officials. Robert Dennis Furo, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking during a court appearance just outside of Los Angeles. A judge dropped two charges against the 46-year-old and gave credit for time already served. Cage and his family were at their waterfront home in the exclusive, gated community of Newport Beach on October 1 when Furo entered the house. The National Treasure star found Furo standing near a bathroom wearing nothing but one of his leather jackets. The Oscar-winning actor confronted him, asked him to remove the jacket, escorted him outside, and called a security guard. Furo's lawyer, Jack Kayajanian, said his client was in a stupor caused by sleeping pills and the prescription pain killer Vicodin.
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