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Opinion
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- Written by: Lorrie Gray
We grew and gleaned in four locations this summer, and distributed to the local food banks, senior centers, and various food programs 6201 pounds of fruits and vegetables.
Without the support of many, we would not been able to contribute this food.
Our major benefactors have been Lars Crail and Maile Field. For several years, they have donated a garden plot, including water, organic fertilizer and tilling to our organization. That one garden grew an astounding 4,768 pounds of food. They generously have allowed us to glean from their organic orchards as well. The pears gleaned were approximately 1,000 pounds, and are not included in the above totals.
They are some of the most generous people in Lake County, and we owe them more than we can ever repay.
Our gratitude to Phyllis and Kirt Kelsey of Middletown who started a new garden on their property. They took on a 500-square-foot garden, almost by themselves, and raised about 600 pounds of food that was donated locally.
In addition, we need to thank the Lake County Office of Education for donating three raised beds, a garden plot and, most of all, a greenhouse where we are able to start all of our garden plants each season. Tim Doukas has been instrumental in facilitating our efforts, and for that we owe thanks.
Two organic farmers have been most generous donating produce this year. Kudos to Rick Barber and Ralph Rittenhouse. Rather that letting their extra go to waste, they contacted us and we distributed the food. Rick gave approximately 310 pounds of vegetables, and Ralph gave 37 boxes of peaches. Thank you, gentlemen.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the Lake County Wine Alliance for putting their faith in our group, and naming us as one of the recipients of their annual auction. Their continuing support means more that we can express.
Thanks also go out to the Lake County Farmers Finest and Cornelia Sieber for allowing us to have an information table at the farmers market at Steele Winery the first Saturday of each month the past two years. We try to disseminate information regarding our programs, and general information about where those who are hungry might go to get some food, as well as letting those who grow the food know we can help with their “leftovers.”
In August we gave canning lessons, and I must thank the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church for the use of their wonderful kitchen space. The lessons were conducted by Brian Gray, and we thank him for his annual contribution sharing his valuable skills in a fun way. This year he was assisted by Cathy Gonce, Tammy Alakszay and Patricia Shuman. Thank you all.
Last but by no means least, I would personally like to thank all the members of the Hunger Task Force for their perseverance this year, and all the hard work in the gardens. In particular, I would like to mention Lynn Vierra and Ellen Sommers for their tireless harvesting during July and August when I was unable to lend a hand. Thanks also to Tammy Alakszay who coordinated the distribution around the county.
Finally, I would like to thank those members who worked our booth at the Pear Festival and the Harvest Festival. Stand up and take a bow, Lou Denny, Hedy Montoya, Barry Miller, Tammy Alakszay, Ginger Frank, Patricia Shuman, Lloyd Shuman, Jara Johnson, Peter Johnson and Brian Gray.
Lorrie Gray is community garden coordinator. She live in Kelseyville.
- Details
- Written by: Becky Curry and Wanda Harris
The community support is always appreciated and this year our thanks go to Shannon Ridge, Shedhorn, Steele and Tulip Hill Wineries.
The Saw Shop, Lakeport English Inn, Watershed Books, Funtopia, Butterfly Skin Essentials and David Engle Hair Designs supported us by donating to the silent auction. Their contributions are invaluable.
We extend grateful thanks to our labor sponsors, Classified School Employees Association, North Bay; the California Teachers Association; North Bay Labor Council; Operating Engineers Local 3 Unit 10, IBEW Local 551, Teamsters Local 624, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake Building & Trades Council and United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 38.
Special thanks go to Congressman Mike Thompson, Sen. Patricia Wiggins, Assemblyman Wes Chesbro and Board of Equalization Chair Ms. Betty Yee for their generous contributions.
We were pleased to host our attending speakers, Sen. Wiggins, Assemblyman Chesbro, Assembly member Noreen Evans, Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico and California Democratic Party Chair, Sen. John Burton.
We thank Lakeport City Councilwoman Suzanne Lyons for leading the ceremonies.
Local musicians, the Sulfertones, brightened the day by lending their special talents to the day’s activities and we are grateful to them for providing entertainment for our guests.
The barbecue could not have happened without the hard work of the members.
Johnnie Hathcock and Evan Willig provided the excellent meal.
Thanks to Celesta and Norm Deter, who once again organized and mounted a beautiful silent auction; Harold Riley, chair of the Stonewall Democratic Club, and Stonewall members; and Sunol Westergen, chair of the Lake County Democratic Club and the members of that club who were all tireless in giving their support.
Clearlake City Council member Joyce Overton, James Evans, Laurel Groshong, Paula Mune, Wanda Quitiquit, Jennifer Popovich, Shirley Howland, Theresa Thurmond, Mary Sanderson, Wendy White, and numerous others deserve our gratitude.
Melissa Swanson with the City of Clearlake was great to work with and we look forward to having the event at the Clearlake Senior Center again next year.
Thanks to everyone who attended and we look forward to seeing you at another successful event next year.
Becky Curry and Wanda Harris are co-chairs of the barbecue event for the Lake County Democrats.
- Details
- Written by: Judy Thein
City staff decorated the corridors of City Hall, as they majestically created the spirit of Halloween so that children could enjoy the enchantment of the season. Our staff masqueraded in various attire, creating the ambiance that was enjoyed by children and parents alike. Several hundred children and parents paraded into our corridors wearing various attire which reflected the spirit of the festivities.
The success of our event would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of our community.
Our sincere gratitude to Cecil’s Take and Bake Pizza who donated an endless supply of freshly baked pizzas to feed our children and parents. To ensure the children and parents received hot pizzas, Cecil’s Take and Bake Pizza continuously delivered hot pizzas throughout the entire evening. Foods Etc.’s generous, yearly donation to the festivities included 200 specially baked Halloween cookies along with numerous gallons of punch to ensure our many thirsty children and parents would share in a fun time. Their donation was complete with napkins, plates and cups.
Halloween would not be complete without the traditional candy that Halloween generates.
Wal-Mart generously donated an abundant supply of candy in order that all children would be able to leave our corridors with reflective Halloween bags filled with many goodies. The city of Clearlake and Konocti Unified School District partnered together to have the reflective Halloween bags available for the children with the imprint” Don’t Be Tricked, Drugs are no Treat” in order to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a nationally recognized and celebrated drug prevention campaign for our youth, promoting a positive message that will help create a drug free community.
Our appreciation is also extended to the Record Bee, Clearlake Observer-American and Lakeconews.com for their pre-coverage of our event. Their efforts of early reporting helped inform the community of the forthcoming festivities that would be taking place at City Hall. The attendance at this event was overwhelmingly popular with a record number of attendees.
This event once again left a lasting memory in the eyes of the children and parents of our community. It was our pleasure to offer the children of our community a safe alternative to trick or treating in unknown neighborhoods. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the parents and children who attended our festivities.
Our Halloween festivities are now an annual event for children as the city of Clearlake continues to find ways to support the youth of our community. We look forward to seeing all of you again next year as new additions will continually be added to our Halloween festivities.
Judy Thein is vice mayor of the city of Clearlake.
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- Written by: IHSS Advisory Committee
There are nearly 1600 IHSS caregivers in Lake County giving quality care to IHSS recipients. The compassion and patience given to each recipient allows them the benefit of living in their own home environment safe and secure, knowing a provider will respond to their needs.
The IHSS Advisory Committee would like to acknowledge the quality care, commitment and compassion providers give to their recipients. Providers, continue standing for your recipients for what is right, proudly and professionally. We stand with you.
Thank you, IHSS providers of Lake County.
Tom Gressley, chair, and the members of the Lake County IHSS Advisory Committee