LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture was the inaugural sponsor for a new competition at the Lake County Fair called “Lake County Born” for local youth breeders who breed their own market animals.

“We are proud of our history of support for Lake County youth who aspire to become part of the agricultural economy,” the group said in a written statement. “Along with our commitment to increased agricultural awareness in this community, we want to promote the success of the next generation of farmers and ranchers. This competition for youth breeders who breed their own market animals is an important aspect of an exciting, hands-on educational experience that we hope will inspire these youth to seek careers in agriculture.”

LCCWA sponsored two awards totaling $500. Annie Davis,of Middletown 4H with her boer goats, earned the Grand Champion Award of $300 and Katey Brown of Kelseyville 4H with her market rabbit project, earned the Reserve Champion Award of $200.

Additional exhibitors in this competition were Tanner Hicks, Middletown 4H, swine; Gabriella Soria, Scotts Valley 4H, goats; Bentley Carter, Big Valley 4H, market goat; and Cecilia Knight, Big Valley 4H, rabbit breeding project.

Chapter members Dana DiRicco of Upper Lake and Rebecca Harper, executive director Lake County Farm Bureau, judged the competition.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Kelseyville Presbyterian Church invites everyone to an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 9.

It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. in the church’s Friendship Hall.

In honor of the church’s 150th anniversary of service to the Kelseyville community, church members have put together a series of history boards showcasing the pioneer families and others who have contributed in the past century and a half.

Come and enjoy a walk through history and an ice cream sundae, and get out of the heat.

The church is located at 5340 Third St.

For more information about the church visit www.kelseyvillepresbyterian.org.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — After two years of zoom meetings and limited activity due to the COVID pandemic, Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is again fully operational.

Through the “Live Your Dream” Program, two local women will each receive cash awards of $1,000.

The club’s mission is to help women and girls achieve economic empowerment through education and training.

One way it fulfills its mission is through the Live Your Dream program.

Under the program, women can receive cash awards to offset costs associated with their continuing education.

To qualify, applicants must be the primary source of financial support for themselves and/or families, have a financial need and be enrolled in or accepted for a high school equivalency program, vocational skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.

The application deadline is Nov. 15. To apply, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The program is a favorite of current President Sally Munger, a 35-year member of the Clear Lake Soroptimist Club and Tina Scott, a seven-year member who led the club prior to and throughout the pandemic.

“Sally is a powerhouse, I’m so pleased she stepped up to lead our club this year,” Scott said. “We lost some momentum during the pandemic but as we begin a new budget year, it warms my heart to know the Live Your Dream program is a top priority in 2022.”

In addition to Live Your Dream, the Club is resuming support of “The Nest,” a local residential program for new moms and their families.

“Supporting young moms in their transition from the nurturing and supportive learning environment at The Nest to their own homes is extremely rewarding,” Munger said. “It’s a defining endeavor I would recommend to anyone.”

Munger knows first-hand the value of these programs. Many years ago, when she was a struggling young mom, the Soroptimists helped her achieve her goal to become a nurse.

“Becoming a nurse opened the door to self-sufficiency and today I’m living the dream, right here in Lake County,” Munger said. “I encourage women who need help to apply for a Live Your Dream award. It made a difference in my life; it can make a difference in theirs.”

Munger added that under Scott’s leadership, the Live Your Dream and Nest programs thrived.

“Tina worked hands on to ensure the success of these programs. She made a difference in the lives of many and we are grateful,” she said.

On Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m., the club’s next meeting will be held at The Ripe Choice in Lakeport where owners Mark and Tammy Lip will cater dinner.

By changing the time and location, the club hopes to entice new members. Everyone is welcome for dinner and socializing.

Contact President Sally Munger at 707-485-2132 to make a reservation or for more information about what it means to be a Soroptimist.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The 2022 KXBX 98.3 Lakeport Summer Concert Series wrapped up on Aug. 19 with the ZZ Top tribute band Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers.

Bicoastal Media, the producer of the concert series, presented the Lakeport Rotary with a check for $1,500 to be used for the restoration and repair of the gazebo in Library Park.

Bicoastal Media General Manager Paul Thomas presented the check at the intermission to members of the Lakeport Rotary including President Laura Sammel, District Governor Jennifer Strong and Rotary Area Assistant Governor David Moon-Wainwright.

Also on hand were Lakeport City Council Member Michael Froio and Lakeport Main Street Director Marie Schrader.

“The Lakeport Summer Concert Series has been a part of this community for almost 30 years,” said Thomas. “Every summer, for 10 weeks we gather around the gazebo to spend time with friends and family and to listen to great music. Bicoastal Media would like to give back to the City of Lakeport and help restore and renovate the stage where so many fun memories have been made.”

Thomas said Bicoastal Media wanted to recognize and thank the many local businesses whose continued support helps to continue to provide free family entertainment to the community every summer.

“And, we would like to thank the City of Lakeport for our continued partnership, and the Lakeport Rotary for taking on the Gazebo Restoration Project,” Thomas said.

In addition to organizing and completing the project, the Lakeport Rotary has agreed to match Bicoastal Media’s $1,500 donation.

VALLEJO, Calif. — The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for the new Community Wildfire Defense Grant, or CWDG, program until Oct. 7, 2022.

While there are many initiatives on reducing wildfire risk to federal lands, the CWDG program is focused on non-federal lands and will provide funding to communities, Indian tribes, state forestry agencies, and nonprofit organizations that will be critical partners in helping communities reduce their wildfire risk and become more fire adapted.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the CWDG program with an investment of $1 billion over five years, starting in Fiscal Year 2022, with about $160 million allotted for its first year.

The program's primary purpose is to develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans and implement projects described in those plans.

The Act prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, and/or have been impacted by a severe disaster.

The CWDG helps communities in the wildland urban interface implement the three goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy:

• Restore and maintain Landscapes: Landscapes across all jurisdictions are resilient to fire-related disturbances, in accordance with management objectives.
• Create fire adapted communities: Human populations and infrastructure can better withstand a wildfire without loss of life and property.
• Improve wildfire response: All jurisdictions participate in making and implementing safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions.

More information and applications are available at the Community Wildfire Defense Grants webpage, and questions can be referred to Barb Geringer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-577-4827.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County is beginning another series of meetings to help adults who have experienced the death of a significant person, either recently or in the past.

Recognizing there is not just a single way through grief, Hospice Services’ bereavement program will present “The Journey of Grief,” a free, educational series.

The grief and loss group will meet once a week for eight weeks starting Sept. 8.

Hospice Services invites interested individuals to attend in person from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Redbud Public Library in Clearlake located at 14785 Burns Valley Road.

To register for the group meetings or obtain additional information, call Jennifer Nystrom at 707-263-6222, Extension 130, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Group sessions are structured with combined instruction and discussion in a safe environment, facilitated by Bereavement Services Manager Kathleen Bradley and Bereavement Counselor Jennifer Nystrom.

“In our world today, we are being challenged by losses of all kinds. Many of us are trying to also navigate grief due to the death of a loved one. In our groups, we companion and support each other as we attempt to find our footing and a new normal,” said Bradley. “During the weekly group sessions, education will be provided about grief, mourning, and what is ‘normal’ as well as support toward healing.”

Weekly topics are presented in a meaningful sequence, so attendance at all sessions is encouraged.

Examples of topics covered in groups include setting intention to heal, dispelling misconceptions about grief, exploring personal feelings of loss, seeking resolution, and self-care.

Hospice Services reminds individuals they do not have to navigate grief and loss alone.

“Often, when we lose a loved one, we don’t know where to turn for emotional support,” said Bradley. “Additionally, during these uncertain times, Lake County residents are coping with multiple losses and stress related to natural disasters and COVID-19. The ‘Journey of Grief’ sessions are designed to help individuals through the loss.”

Hospice Services of Lake County provides high quality medical, emotional and spiritual care to help patients and their families navigate their end-of-life journeys. For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, 707-263-6222. Visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.

Janine Smith-Citron is director of development for Hospice Services of Lake County.