Community
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The 2023 Pear Essay Contest is open to any resident of Lake County, California age 18 and under.
Essays should be nonfiction and adhere to Modern Language Association, or MLA, style in both format and citation reference.
Entries may be personal history, informative narrative or any other nonfiction genre.
Essays should include reference to pears, pear trees, pear farming or any other pear-related topic the writer chooses.
Please limit essays to 1,000 words. Please state the name of your school and include your return address and phone number.
Essays will be evaluated for literary merit, relevance to the theme and creativity.
Prizes are:
• First place: $250.
• Second place: $150.
• Third place: $100.
Essays should be submitted no later than Sept. 17, 2023, to
We will acknowledge receipt of each essay received electronically only.
U.S. Mail essays will not be acknowledged nor returned.
- Details
- Written by: Lakeport Rotary Club
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Rotary Club of Lakeport is proud to unveil its groundbreaking initiative, the "virtual beer booth," offering a unique way for community members to contribute to the betterment of Lakeport while enjoying the spirit of camaraderie.
This innovative project transforms the act of giving into a rewarding experience, as patrons make donations to the Rotary Club of Lakeport in exchange for $1 coupons to O'Meara Brothers Brewing Co.
Unlike traditional beer booths, where beer is sold, this virtual rendition sets a new precedent by prioritizing philanthropy over transactions.
The virtual beer booth operates on the principle of generosity, wherein individuals make direct donations to the esteemed Rotary Club of Lakeport and receive $1 coupons to O'Meara Brothers Brewing Co. as tokens of appreciation.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Virtual Beer Booth, an initiative that embodies the heart and soul of giving,” said Mark Lipps, president of the Rotary Club of Lakeport. “Our goal is to foster a sense of community unity by channeling the spirit of philanthropy through a simple act. While the Virtual Beer Booth does not involve beer sales, it offers something far more valuable — the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our beloved Lakeport.”
The Rotary Club of Lakeport has long been a beacon of community service, spearheading initiatives that address local needs and uplift the lives of Lakeport residents.
Through this collaboration, O'Meara Brothers Brewing Co. aims to amplify the impact of the Rotary Club's efforts by engaging community members in a novel way.
“Partnering with O'Meara Brothers Brewing Co. for the virtual beer booth is a testament to the power of creativity in philanthropy," noted Pam Harpster, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Lakeport. “The virtual beer booth is not just about raising funds; it's about raising awareness and encouraging community participation. By joining hands, we can continue making a positive difference in the lives of Lakeport residents.”
The virtual beer booth experience is simple and meaningful. Supporters can visit the Rotary Club of Lakeport’s website, where they can make donations directly to the Rotary Club of Lakeport by purchasing a “virtual beer.”
In return, they will receive $1 coupons to O'Meara Brothers Brewing Co., symbolizing the shared commitment to community well-being.
The Rotary Club of Lakeport invites individuals who are passionate about contributing to their community to partake in this innovative philanthropic endeavor.
The virtual beer booth will run from Thursday, Aug. 24, until Saturday, Sept. 30.
Visit www.lakeportrotary.org to learn more about the virtual beer booth and how you can play a part in shaping a brighter future for Lakeport.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A twilight spent under the majestic pine trees of Cobb Mountain, a savory steak dinner paired with delicious local wines, dancing to the smooth tunes of a talented jazz trio, and raising funds for a worthy cause; can you imagine a more perfect way to spend a fall evening in Lake County?
A fundraiser benefiting the Lake County Passion Play will take place at 5 p.m. Sept. 23.
The Passion Play is a live outdoor performance depicting the final days of Christ’s ministry on Earth, His death and His resurrection.
The cast of over 100 people (and animals) is completely voluntary, and the play itself is free of charge.
Over the past 40 years, thousands of audience members have been moved and inspired by the Passion Play’s message of forgiveness, hope, and peace.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 for a single ticket, $120 for a couple or $500 for a table of eight.
They also are seeking donations for the live and silent auctions.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the event, or would like to make a donation of any kind, please contact Maryann Sanderson at 707-489-8820, Lisa Lambert at 707-245-7281 or email Laura Barnes at
Organizers ask for the community’s help in ensuring the Passion Play continues to touch hearts and souls in our community.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Activities League announced that Gordon Astrup is the winner of one of only ten scholarships awarded annually by the Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship Fund.
The Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship for eighth-grade participants of the Junior Giants program, a free baseball and softball program for youth, according to the fund’s website.
The website said the scholarship is based on leadership, character, academic potential and Junior Giants involvement. It is named in honor of the late Giants owners Harmon and Sue Burns.
Gordon, 13, is the son of Mahanga Astrup and the late Paul Astrup. He is a student entering the eighth grade at Mountain Vista Middle School in Kelseyville.
Gordon enjoys baseball, basketball and football. His favorite subjects are English and the language arts. He is considering a legal career.
As part of the scholarship requirements, Gordon must continue to make good grades, attend functions set up by the Giants Foundation and also perform a specified amount of volunteer hours each year.
When Gordon has graduated from high school and is enrolled in an institution of higher learning, he will be awarded the scholarship.
Gordon’s older brother, Adam, won the same scholarship two years ago.
The Kelseyville League of Junior Giants concluded its summer program on Aug. 3.
The Giants Foundation provides all equipment. Kelseyville Unified School District provides the fields.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Activities League recruits volunteers to manage the program and to coach the students.
Major funding for other aspects of the program are provided with grants and donations.
The Lake County Wine Alliance and Lake County Tribal Health have been generous supporters in recent years.
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