From left, Congressman Mike Thompson; Charlotte Griswold and Wilda Shock, the Lake County Land Trust's Supporters of the Year; and Pete McGee, president of the Lake County Land Trust at the group's annual dinner on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Moore Family Winery in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 11th Lake County Land Trust annual benefit dinner was a great evening at the Moore Family Winery, with a sold-out crowd, delicious food, music, speakers and more.

The annual Land Trust dinner is a fundraising effort by the Lake County Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving valuable habitat and open space in Lake County.

This year the dinner was held at the Moore Family Winery, a beautiful venue that provided a lovely setting for the annual dinner.

The silent auction brought many generous bids, music by Tom Nixon and Doug Kauffman during the social hour was enjoyed, and speakers, including Peter Windrem and Congressman Mike Thompson, delivered interesting addresses.

Two Lake County Land Trust Supporters of the Year were honored: Wilda Shock and Charlotte Griswold. Both women were honored for their ongoing support of the land trust, including volunteering at the Rodman Slough Preserve nature education center.

Peter Windrem, featured speaker for the evening, gave a fascinating talk on the history of the Clear Lake Hitch, or “Chi” and how the effort to preserve Clear Lake’s remaining native fish tie in with efforts by the Lake County Land Trust to preserve the remaining habitat along the shore of Clear Lake from the Clear Lake State Park to the south part of Lakeport.

Congressman Thompson praised the land trust’s efforts and also presented congressional certificates to the trust’s Supporters of the Year.

Land Trust President Pete McGee reviewed the trust’s activities over the year, including introducing the trust’s new executive director, Catherine Koehler.

Jon Ambrose, land trust secretary, was an able master of ceremonies, keeping the program moving and introducing the speakers.

Ciao Thyme caterers delivered a delicious meal and wines were provided by both the Moore Family Winery and numerous Lake County wineries.

The Lake County Land Trust is membership-supported organization. The trust owns and operates the Rodman Slough Preserve and Nature Education Center near Upper Lake, as well as the Rabbit Hill park in Middletown.

For more information about the trust, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org.

Videgrapher Hiram Dukes and Velocity Video's McKenzie Paine made up the film crew and provided the video that was compiled to create the online presentation.

Commissioner Vincent Lechowick, center, with new CASA volunteer Harold Yee, right, and Jeremy Livingston, left. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Aug. 30, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA) of Mendocino County enjoyed the swearing in of its first volunteers for its long-awaited expansion into neighboring Lake County.

The ceremony, which took place at the Lake County Courthouse, was performed by Commissioner Vincent Lechowick and was witnessed by many of the attorneys and social workers who currently work with delinquent and dependent children in Lake County.

Prior to taking their oaths, the first class of volunteers completed the 30-hour CASA training program.

This comprehensive technical training is designed to provide CASA volunteers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enable them to work in the best interests of the children they will ultimately be assigned to serve.

The training covers, but is not limited to: the history of child abuse and neglect; the laws established for child protection, which include the structure and governance of California’s Child Protection System and Juvenile Justice; and, the factors that impact children and families whose lives have been affected by these courts. Cultural sensitivity is stressed as well as how to plan an investigation and manage a case, and the role and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer.

Currently there are more than 200 Lake County children living in out-of-home placement due either to abuse or neglect, or because they need more structure than can be provided for them in their family’s home.

These children lead uncertain lives; some are in foster care, others in group homes or shelters. Many of them are separated from their siblings and most don’t understand what has happened or why. CASA programs and their volunteers across the United States exist solely to help these vulnerable children.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, however they have one thing in common: they all have a strong commitment to stand up for these children in court, advocate for their best interests and seek to ensure that these children receive the services they need.

They strive to minimize the amount of time the children spend in placement before reaching permanency either with their biological or adoptive family; and that they are protected from any further risk of abuse. In short, CASA volunteers become an objective voice for the child in the court process as well as a consistent and caring person in the child's life.

The board and staff of CASA of Mendocino & Lake Counties congratulate its newest class of volunteers – it’s first class of Lake County advocates.

If you would like to request more information about the CASA program, please call 707-463-6503 or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The party will take place from 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. at the observatory, 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville.

This event will give local amateur astronomers an opportunity to share their knowledge with the general public.

There is no charge for registering. A small donation is appreciated.

In the event large numbers register, it may be necessary to limit the number who may attend due to limits on the number the observatory can accommodate.

Please register by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or by calling the observatory at 707-262-4121.

Habitat for Humanity recently assisted the Lake County Youth Services Center when its cooling unit was stolen. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Lake County.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – When the Lake County Youth Services Center recently had its cooling unit stolen, resulting in an electrical fire, Habitat for Humanity Lake County was there to help.

A group of volunteer laborers came together to replace the cooling unit and worked to repair the fire-damaged facility.

“This is the sort of project our organization likes to get involved in, the chance to give back to the community to help make our county stronger,” said Habitat for Humanity Lake County President Richard Birk. “We were glad to be able to help.”

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity at 707-994-1100, or come by the group's office at 16285A Main St., Lower Lake.