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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
This workshop focused first upon cleaning up your computer operation with special software to make it run more efficiently. Every registered participant was given a flash drive with special software on it to make both their laptop (which they were encouraged to bring to the workshop) and their desktop computer at home run more efficiently. Mark Rudiger of LakeCountyWebsites conducted that portion of the workshop.
Once the flash drives had been distributed and the tutorial on how to use several of the programs included on the device had been completed, it was time to focus on Social Media. How could an individual or a small business take advantage of the exploding popularity of the Social Media Space? This portion of the workshop was conducted by Lamar Morgan of CDMM - Synergistic Business Marketing. Here such online resources as Skype (VOIP), Yugma (desktop sharing), Twitter (micro-blogging), Squidoo (now-blogging), budURL (website link shrinkage) and Aardvark (cyberspace Q&A minus SPAM) were discussed.
What makes so much of what social media has to offer work is mutual collaboration between individuals. It's wikinomics meets Web 2.0 innovation. Squidoo, for example, has more than one million one-page websites - all built by volunteers in just a few short years. How many employees does Squidoo have? Six. How is it possible that just six people could set up a system online that generates enough revenue to not only pay its employees, but many of its volunteer lensmasters, and also raise money for needy charities - especially in today's difficult economic environment? The key is in cleverly encouraging mutually beneficial business relationships with an audience of followers. Squidoo has accomplished this extremely well. And, Squidoo is not alone.
Twitter is perhaps one of the fastest-growing Social Media sites in the world. It got that way by asking a simply question – "What are you doing now?" and hoping people would be willing to answer it in just 140 characters or less. Not only did the world want to answer that question, many software developers saw ways they could help once Twitter's API was available to them. Check out Twitter.com at http://twitter.com .
Then, along comes Aardvark. A group of former Google employees decided that when people need answers to questions in a hurry and do not know who to ask, they should come to them. Aardvark believes people deserve answers to questions from real people – not databases. They believe those answers should come in about five minutes from the time they are asked by text message. They believe those answers should be to able to be followed-up. But, they do not believe the sharing of contact information is needed. Therefore, the interaction between the person asking the question and the person answering is done through Aardvark as an intermediary. This arrangement is SPAM-free by design. Need a question answered in a hurry? Ask Aardvark at http://vark.com .
For nearly five years, the Ryze Business Network has been reaching out to Lake County. This actually goes back to a 2005 Middletown Merchants Mixer at the Calpine Visitor Center, where the network was first introduced to the county. At last Sunday's workshop, each participant was given a magnetic to-do-list board for use on the most popular location in the home – the refrigerator door. This board was created by members of the Ryze Business Network across the United States and Canada. A small quantity of those boards were actually shipped from Canada to Lake County to demonstrate to local residents the power of "mutual collaboration" between people. Ryzers also want to encourage Lake County folks to freely join Ryze.com.
The Ryze network, Clusters, is especially appropriate for Lake County folks as it is moderated by someone living in Hidden Valley Lake. Clusters advocates the formation of small business networking groups - about four people - who desire to mutually collaborate to help each other out. Several Lake County businesses – the Hidden Valley Food Mart, Spirit Lake Bed and Breakfast, Ting's Thai Kitchen and the Ocean Spirit Vacation Rental – are already engaged in this process. While they last, to-do-list boards may still be available at the Hidden Valley Food Mart and the Doug Reams Dental Clinic in Lucerne, off Highway 20. More information about membership in the Ryze Clusters Network is available at http://clusters-network.ryze.com .
Although the workshop was a tremendous success, it was decided that future workshops would not be conducted until January of next year. The public needs a break for the holidays. In the meantime, folks all over Lake County are encouraged to join the Lake County Social Media Workshop Meetup to ask questions about cleaning up their computer and benefiting from Social Media. The process for joining the Meetup is simple and free. Just visit http://budurl.com/LakeCountySMW and join up.
This workshop would not have been possible to conduct had the Hidden Valley Food Mart not built a nice dining area, placed a 42-inch HDTV screen up on the wall with a 16-foot VGA cable attached and become a FREE Wi-Fi hot spot. Other Lake County groups may be able to take advantage of this wonderful resource for showing slide show presentations and videos. All they really need is to show up with a laptop computer and connect to the VGA cable. For more information on what the Hidden Valley Food Mart has to offer, just call the owners of the Hidden Valley Food Mart, Jack and Karen Lair at 707-987-9794.
Lamar Morgan lives in Hidden Valley Lake.
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- Written by: Ann White
The madrigal singers from the pageant, volunteering their time and energy every day of the festival, braving the heat in their authentic costumes, created a "noble presence" and performed their music flawlessly, all the while staying in character and being part of our environment of the 16th century.
I never thanked them properly, so it seems like an appropriate time to tell them that they are welcome in our little Italian village anytime. And especially in their English noble persona.
If you have the opportunity to enjoy their historical reenactment of Christmas in the 1500s you shouldn't miss it. And while enjoying the meal remember what they used to say, "If God had meant for me to eat with a fork … he wouldn't have given me fingers."
Ann White is artistic director of the Lake Renaissance Festival.
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- Written by: Jaclyn Ley
The Lake County Historical Society would like to thank its members and guests who participated in our many events this fall.
On Sept. 19 at the annual Lake County Wine Alliance auction, more than $4,500 was donated towards the completion of the Ely Stage Stop and Museum. Pretty good for one night! We sincerely thank the generous attendees of the event for their donations. It was a marvelous display of support for local history and the community.
Our members beat the heat to decorate the Pear Pavilion at the Kelseyville Pear Festival. The centerpiece of the event was loaded with relics of pear farming in the good old days. Just about everyone who attended the event took a pit stop under the shade of the tent. The folks finding refuge from the sun were treated to displays by Greg Dills, Don McCloud and Rudy Glebe. Much thanks to them and to all who stopped by to have a look.
Thanks also to our volunteers Mike Anderson, Floraine Chalk, Joe and Pat George, KC Patrick, Florence Peck, and Bonnie and Shelly Skee. They all defied nature by exposing themselves to the heat in our booth. Maybe next year we’ll find some more room in the Pear Pavilion …
The same day as the Pear Festival, ECV Chapter Yerba Buena 1 dedicated a plaque at the historic house on the Brassfield Winery and Estate. The ceremony was part of their annual doins and was attended by one of our bravest members, Janeane Bogner.
On Oct. 4 at the general meeting society members and the public were treated to an enlightening presentation on “Indian History of Lake County” by archaeologist Dr. John Parker. Dr. Parker packed the house and we thank him for providing a fascinating presentation. Volunteers were many, and special thanks for their efforts in bringing this terrific event together. Thank you to the many who attended as well.
Also at the meeting, Eileen Rasmussen of Lake County Hospice donated two 1800s-era handmade quilts to the Historical Society. These quilts are made from flour-sacks; in the 1800s flour-sacks were also made into pantaloons, women’s blouses and men’s shirts. The magnificent donation will eventually be displayed at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum.
On Oct. 16 and 17, our neighbors to the west in Mendocino County hosted an outstanding occasion. Attending members were immersed in the history of the region during this two-day tour. Food, fun and fascinating history were all part of this wonderfully arranged event, whose highlights included the Grace Hudson Museum, a talk on “Civil War in California” led by Phil Smoley, a tribute at Seabiscuit’s grave and a train ride at the Roots of Motive Power in Willits.
Thanks to Jean Beeson, Bonnie Skee and Florence Peck for their contribution to this event, and a special thanks to Mildred Pickersgill for being a bridge for our historical societies.
The Lake County Historical Society has had a busy fall so far, and the best is yet to come. Members, don’t forget our annual Thanksgiving dinner party! More information to follow.
Jaclyn Ley is publicity director for the Lake County Historical Society.
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- Written by: Jill Ruzicka Leighton
My two sons are receiving a solid education and tremendous positive reinforcement at both of these schools. This is such an accomplishment, particularly when our school administrators are being overwhelmed with class and staffing cuts.
My boys and I moved to Lakeport from Southern California. My oldest son’s first day of school in Lakeport was as a CLHS freshman. He had no friends and looked like a sixth grader. When he chose to wear his Elmo shirt on that first day, I died a little on the inside wondering about how in the world this short, goofy kid would ever be accepted into the new social world of high school.
Two and half years later, I can say my worries were unfounded. Fellow students immediately “adopted” him into their social circles, faculty picked up on his talents and nurtured them, and the administration positively responded to any questions and concerns that I had as a new parent to the school system. My youngest son’s experience at the Terrace Middle School has been just as positive.
I volunteer at both schools and have experienced the student population firsthand. Last year, the Terrace Middle School drama students were introduced into the world of high school when they helped usher at the production of “Grease.” I was amazed when, in turn, numerous high school students stepped in to help make sure the middle school drama production was a success.
On the Washington DC field trip, I observed seventh and eighth graders successfully interacting with each other throughout the entire week-long trip. During senior project panels last year, I was humbled by the community service projects undertaken by CLHS students in a quest to help make their world a better place.
This year, during high school football games, I’ve enjoyed watching my two sons socialize with students ranging from seniors to seventh graders. There has been acceptance and respect on the students’ parts, which one might find surprising given the age range. There are so many wonderful teens in our community.
I have also been amazed at the work of parent volunteers. Right now, as a community our biggest concern with our local schools should be how to make sure our kids continue to get an excellent education when school budgets are being slashed left and right. I have seen parent after parent step up to the plate to help ease the pain of those cuts.
My boys and I have had such a positive experience with our local schools. Kudos to those who work so hard to educate our kids during these difficult times.
Jill Ruzicka Leighton lives with her sons in Lakeport.