Opinion

Fergussons: Thanks for grantwriting presentation

Details
Written by: Scott and Linda Fergusson
We’d like to thank and congratulate Lamar Morgan of CDMM for hosting a very successful presentation by Scott Ullman from the Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake on Monday March 3 at 7 p.m.


The Greenview was packed with people we recognized from around Lake County. The information we received was very valuable. We learned all about what it takes to get grants from existing foundations that are created for the purpose of giving funds to nonprofit groups who need it and will use it wisely. Most of the grants given are by private foundations; not the government.


We learned that good relationships and communication skills are very important when asking for grants. A big reason that I am very happy that Scott and I attended this presentation is because I discovered that I may now be able to benefit a nonprofit group that I belong to in Santa Rosa called Connections www.connectionsca.com! One of my friends and past co-board member has a good working relationship with Bill Gates ... I think he may have some grant funds available!

 

Anyway, thanks again Lamar!

 

Scott and Linda Fergusson live in Middletown.


{mos_sb_discuss:4}

Keas: Getting Jay Leno's attention

Details
Written by: Ron Keas
Last week I sent a copy of the new Konocti Visitor Magazine to Jay Leno at the NBC Tonight Show as a way of introducing him my photography and artwork. This year I did most of the photography in the magazine, including the front and back covers. I was also named “Artist of the Year” by the magazine.


A few days later, I was surprised by a personal phone call from Jay Leno. He called me to praise my artwork and my photography. He also said that he wasn't familiar with Lake County, but that the Konocti Visitor makes him want to visit here when he gets the chance. He also said he was going to pass the magazine around his staff at NBC.


There is a possibility that I will be on the Jay Leno show this spring or summer to unveil a new oil portrait of Barack Obama. If this happens, I will be proud to brag about our beautiful Lake County. You can see a slideshow of some of my Lake County photography on my Web site at www.3dviewmax.com.


The Visitor Center in Lucerne has a supply of my Lake County DVDs and my new Lake County Screensaver. My wife and I moved to Lucerne three years ago from Santa Cruz County, and we love it here!


Watch for the new Lake County billboard on Highway 101 in Ukiah. It features one of my photographs again this year. It's a picture taken from Clear Lake Vista.


Ron Keas lives in Lucerne.


{mos_sb_discuss:4}

Thompson: Important information for seniors

Details
Written by: Mike Thompson
Most Americans have heard that Congress recently passed an economic stimulus package that puts hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 130 million American families. This year, about 15 million California households will receive an average of $844 in tax rebates.


However, most Social Security recipients don’t realize that they are eligible for a rebate of $300 through this economic stimulus package, even if they have no other income. This rebate also applies to people who receive VA disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits. But they can only receive it if they file a tax return.


If you receive Social Security benefits or VA disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits, I encourage you to file a tax return so you can receive your rebate. This economic stimulus package was designed to help Americans who are struggling with the rising costs of housing, energy and health care, and that includes many seniors and people with disabilities.


All you have to do is file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form, which includes your SSA or VA benefits.


For assistance, please call my Congressional office at (707) 226-9898. Or, find complete instructions for filling out this form at my Web site, http://mikethompson.house.gov.


These rebates and other efforts to revitalize the economy are just a start. There is clearly much more to be done. Congress continues working to find new, long-term solutions to our country’s economic problems.


Mike Thompson represents Lake County in the House of Representatives.


{mos_sb_discuss:4}



Butts: Mascot versus education

Details
Written by: Lake County News Reports
Where should the focus be? Certainly there is more at issue than a mascot. Lake County residents need to be focusing on how we can keep our teachers in our schools doing what is necessary for the future of our children, our county and our country.


Please, please, everyone get your heads out of the morass of mascot sand and get busy with seeing to it that the children of Lake County get the best possible education. That means all children. Get out of the past! Deal with the future. Stop wasting time, newspaper space, money and emotions on the past!


Lake County Office of Education is dealing with a very difficult situation. Give them your support to keep our schools functioning. A mascot has nothing to do with the quality of education required by children to be successful, self-supporting, productive human beings. Let’s close the chapter on mascots now and forever, and get the entire community united and focused on the critical issue of educating our children.


To me, and to many others with whom I have discussed this issue, the Kelseyville Indians have always represented school teams that are tenacious, courageous, resourceful and bright with a winning attitude. Does this sound derogatory?


Leona M. Butts lives in Clearlake Oaks.


{mos_sb_discuss:4}

  1. Young: Testimony was powerful medicine
  2. Paris and Frindt: Concerns about hospital status change
  3. Holden: Here's a mascot idea

Subcategories

Letters

LCNews

Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake.