The AAHMES Shriners Club held its annual inauguration of offices on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Hartley Lodge Masonic Hall in Lakeport, Calif. From left, last year's president, JJ Jackson, Honorable Potentate Jay Williams and 2010 Shriners Club President Jim Swatts. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – The AAHMES Shriners Club had its annual inauguration on March 30 at Hartley Lodge Masonic Hall in Lakeport.

With great honor, the gavel has changed hands from former President J.J. Jackson to newly elected President Jim Swatts in the presence of Honorable Potentate Jay Williams, its members and guests.

Other members were also honored and their official positions are: Harvey Fisher, vice president; Skip Wilson, secretary; Bill Storey, treasurer; Freeman Hass, ambassador-at-large; and Randy Hass, club ambassador.

It has been a great honor to be visited by the Potentate and to listen to his inspiring speech. It was an event to be well remembered. The group thanks the Honorable Potentate for visiting.

The Lake County AAHMES Shriners Club is a organization that provides free medical treatment at the Shriners Hospital to children born with physical impairment or injured from severe burns.

The Shriners provide free transportation for the children and parents and housing, when needed, through fund raising and yard sales.

To those that shall forever live in the memory of parents, children they have served. These are the warriors of love; these are the Lake County “AAHMES” Shriners Club.

They have left a written historical legacy behind them forever to be remembered for their effort, love and care given to children which otherwise would have never lived a normal life. Hats off to these wonderful human beings.

LAKE COUNTY – According to population projections developed by the state’s Department of Finance, Lake County will be over 50 percent larger in 2030 than it is today.

This growth raises major questions: Where will people live, work, shop, and play? What services will they need? How can communities maintain their character, protect cultural and natural resources, and also improve the quality of life?

Finally, what will Lake County look like in 2030?

The Lake County/City Area Planning Council (Lake APC) is developing a long-range vision for the County, called “Lake County 2030” that will provide guidance to elected officials and planners for the future of the County.

Approximately 100 Lake County residents have recently attended interactive workshops as part of the final stage of the outreach process.

Although the workshops have concluded, there is still an opportunity for residents to learn about Lake County 2030 and register opinions through an online survey that follows the same format at the workshops.

The survey is available at www.lakeapc.org. Click on the “Lake County 2030” link on the right side of the page. It will be online through April 15.

For more information, please call Terri Persons at Lake APC, 707-263-7799, 711 (TTY), or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LOWER LAKE – The Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee will hold its annual Treasures and Trash Sale on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The sale will take place at the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

Small appliances, tools, books, live plants, and gently used household and kitchen goods will fill the auditorium for this one-day, rain or shine event. Proceeds go toward preservation of the museum.

Donations are welcome for the sale.

To donate items, please contact the museum during regular business hours, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, at 707-995-3565.

No large appliances or clothing please.

MIDDLETOWN – The South Lake County Fire Sirens are hosting a grand reopening of the House of Bargains located next to the Middletown Fire Station on Highway 175.

A huge rummage and bake sale will take place on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They have lots of new, clean and in-working-order merchandise for sale. All departments are reorganized for ease in shopping.

The Fire Sirens are a volunteer organization and proceeds go toward emergency equipment for the South Lake County Fire Protection District.

Their goal is to have four weekend sales during the year and be open for business every Wednesday, beginning in May, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Club Vice President Carol Olsen and volunteering firemen have done a great job getting the building ready.

Come and see all we’ve done to improve the House of Bargains, find some treasures and enjoy some yummy food items while you shop.

Mark your calendars for May 1 and 2. See you there.

KELSEYVILLE – Kelseyville Presbyterian Church will host a fiesta dinner on Saturday, May 1.

The dinner will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, located at 5340 Third St.

Get an early start on Cinco de Mayo and enjoy a dinner of homemade enchiladas, tacos and more for just $10 per person for adults and $5 for kids under 10.

Take out dinners are available by calling 707-279-1104.

Proceeds go to Kelseyville Presbyterian Church' Community Outreach.

The community is invited and they hope to see you there.