LAKEPORT – The Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health Advisory Board (MCAH) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake Family Resource Center Community Meeting Room at 890 Bevins Street in Lakeport.

Agenda items include reports about the Dental Disease Prevention Program, First Five Lake Projects, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Adverse Childhood Experience Survey (ACES) Program, Dr. Ira Chasnoff’s Perinatal Prevention Program, Mother-Wise Program as well as current issues affecting children and families in Lake County.

Mother-Wise, the Postpartum Mood Disorder Prevention Program, has recently offered a two and a half day comprehensive training for volunteers and professionals.

On March 31 and April 1, potential Mother-Wise volunteers received valuable information preparing them to be matched to provide support to new moms who may be at risk or experiencing some perinatal mood disorder such as postpartum depression.

On April 2, professionals such as counselors and medical providers who work with women and families received continuing education credits for attending the half-day training offered by Sonoma State University instructor Allison Murphy. The trainings were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clearlake. Mother-Wise program coordinator, Jaclyn Ley, can be reached at 707-349-1210 to get more information about the program.

Anyone is welcome to attend MCAH monthly meetings to learn more about many important local health matters. For more information call Tom Jordan at 707-263-6169 or Catherine Rose at 707-263-3949.

LAKE COUNTY – Doug Rhoades, who is a candidate in this year's district attorney's race, reported that he has received the endorsement of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee.

Rebecca Curry of the LCDCC provided information about the endorsement on April 2.

"I am very pleased to receive this endorsement,” said Rhoades. “The DCC heard from both non-incumbent candidates, and gave me their support by vote this past week. They studied the issues and are convinced that my candidacy will help Lake County achieve the proper balance and advocacy in the administration of justice that I have advocated for the past 13 years.”

He added, “I am very happy with their endorsement, and am grateful for their confidence and show of support."

Doug Rhoades can be reached via his campaign at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or voters can gather more information by visiting www.dougrhoadesforda.com.

Are you expecting a refund from the IRS this year? Here are the top 10 things you should know about your refund.

1. Refund options. You have three options for receiving your individual federal income tax refund: a paper check, direct deposit or U.S. Savings Bonds. You can now use your refund to buy up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I savings bonds in multiples of $50.

2. Separate accounts. You may use Form 8888, “Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account,” to request that your refund be allocated by direct deposit among up to three separate accounts, such as checking or savings or retirement accounts. You may also use this form to buy U.S Savings Bonds.

3. Paper return processing time. If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund will usually be issued within six weeks from the date it is received.

4. Returns filed electronically. If you filed electronically, your refund will normally be issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date.

5. Check the status online. The fastest and easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to go to www.irs.gov and click the “Where’s My Refund?” link at the IRS.gov home page. To check the status online you will need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your return.

6. Check the status by phone. You can check the status of your refund by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. When you call, you will need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund shown on your return.

7. Delayed refund. There are several reasons for delayed refunds. For things that may delay the processing of your return, refer to Tax Topic 303 at www.irs.gov, which includes a checklist of common errors when preparing your tax return.

8. Larger than expected refund. If you receive a refund to which you are not entitled, or one for an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check until you receive a notice explaining the difference. Follow the instructions on the notice.

9. Smaller than expected refund. If you receive a refund for a smaller amount than you expected, you may cash the check. If it is determined that you should have received more, you will later receive a check for the difference. If you did not receive a notice and you have questions about the amount of your refund, wait two weeks after receiving the refund, then call 800-829-1040.

10. Missing refund. The IRS will assist you in obtaining a replacement check for a refund check that is verified as lost or stolen. If the IRS was unable to deliver your refund because you moved, you can change your address online. Once your address has been changed, the IRS can reissue the undelivered check.

For more information, visit www.irs.gov or call 800-829-1040.

LOWER LAKE – Get your suspenders and sunbonnets ready! The fifth annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival will be held rain or shine on the second Saturday this coming September at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The festival is presented by the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA), the Children’s Museum of Art and Science (CMAS) and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The Bluegrass Festival supports the preservation and educational work of AMIA as well as local schools and service groups and cannot happen without community backing and involvement.

This year, the event is on Sept. 11. Some of the proceeds from the 2010 festival will go to local fire and rescue organizations.

“In 2009, the business community as well as individuals really stepped up to the plate and helped with financial and in-kind sponsorships,” said Henry Bornstein, AMIA treasurer. “We look forward to that support continuing and working with all the sponsors, raffle supporters and volunteers who are needed to make the 5th Annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival another successful major Lake County event.”

“Last year’s Old time Bluegrass Festival went off without a hitch,” said Gae Henry, AMIA secretary. “The music was the best ever and the food was, without a doubt, the most varied and best quality so far. We hear over and over again from attendees how much they enjoy the food, music, vendors, and children’s activities. We also hear how much they appreciate the organization and cleanliness of the park and how friendly everyone is – this indeed feels like a home town event with our best foot forward.”

More information about the Bluegrass Festival can be found at www.andersonmarsh.org.

For information about volunteering, becoming a festival sponsor, making a donation to the festival raffle or becoming an AMIA member, please contact AMIA at 707-995-2658 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LUCERNE – Lake County Sheriff/Coroner candidate, Francisco Rivero, will be the guest speaker at the March meeting of the Lake County Democratic club.

The club meets Saturday, April 10, at noon at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center in Lucerne.

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive (corner of 10^th and Country Club) in Lucerne.

The senior center serves breakfast from 9 a.m. until noon.

The public is invited. Membership in the Lake County Democratic Club is open to registered members of the Democratic Party.

For more information e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-277-0713.

Jessika McCollian, a young horsewoman, is among this year's contestants for Lake County Rodeo Queen. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – Hello, my name is Jessika McCollian and I live in Lower Lake, Calif. I am competing for the title of Lake County Rodeo Queen.

I have been riding and training horses for six years, and have competed in local gymkhanas and barrel races. I am attending college at Yuba Community College and after I graduate I will be furthering my education as a certified horse trainer.

I am the secretary of the Anderson Marsh 4-H and am involved in the 4-H's Citizen and Leadership Club. If I am selected as the Lake County Rodeo Queen I want to encourage young persons to be involved with their community, especially in the sport of Rodeo.

If you are a cowgirl who likes to show off your skills and earn great prizes, we would love to have you compete for the title Lake County Rodeo Queen or Princess.

Applications and qualifications are at www.LakeCountyRodeo.com or call Jeannette Roush at 707-263-0741.