LAKEPORT – “Power Up Your Nonprofit Web site,” a training for Lake County nonprofit organizations, will be held on Wednesday, June 30.

The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lake Family Resource Center, 890 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.

Learn why and how your organization should improve its Web presence to effectively compete in today's marketplace.

They will explore how nonprofit organizations are telling their story, gaining credibility and attracting resources using cost-effective Web sites.

The free session will be presented by Teddie Pierce of Small Nonprofit Help, and Carol Cole-Lewis, Internet marketing coach.

Seating is limited so be sure to sign up early.

Registration is required. To obtain further information e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707 544-1559.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake has partnered with Petdata Inc. to make it easier for Lake County residents to license their animals.

Under this arrangement, Petdata will administer all aspects of the county’s licensing program. As a result, residents will now be able to license their dog or cat either by mail or the Internet though Petdata.

Owners of currently licensed animals will receive renewal notifications directly from Petdata and all licensing fees may also be paid directly to Petdata. Petdata even provides the option of making payment with a credit card in most instances.

Petdata’s Web site also will provide additional resources tailored specifically to assist Lake County pet owners such as pertinent county ordinances and licensing requirements. Most importantly, using Petdata’s services will not result in an increase in the licensing fee paid by the pet owner.

Bill Davidson, acting Animal Care and Control director, stressed the importance of an effective licensing program.

“The purpose of animal licensing is to ensure that pet owners have vaccinated their pets against rabies,” Davidson said. “Other animal control agencies have consistently reported an increase in licensing compliance using Petdata’s services as well as positive customer feedback as a result of the convenience provided to pet owners.”

Licenses will still be sold over the counter at the animal shelter located at 4949 Helbush Drive in Lakeport (next to the county jail) or at Clearlake Vet Hospital in the City of Clearlake.

For more information, contact Petdata Directly at 1-866-923-1797 or visit their website at www.petdata.com.

Executive Director Richard Birk (left) presents Jose and Elizabeth Medina with the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity Home. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE – On a beautiful spring day, May 29, Habitat for Humanity Lake County held a warm house dedication and turned over the keys of its most recently completed home in Clearlake to the partner family.

Celebrated with food, camaraderie,and music provided by the Clearlake Methodist Church, Jose and Elizabeth Medina and their three children were welcomed into their new neighborhood by volunteers, family, friends and neighbors.

Grocery Outlet of Clearlake generously supplied the family with a substantial gift of kitchen and household items.

As the Medinas embark on their life as new homeowners, Habitat for Humanity Lake County has begun construction on its 15th home in the county.

Volunteers are always needed. To volunteer, or to find out if you are eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home, call 707-994-1100 or come by the office at 16285A Main Street, Lower Lake, Calif.

The Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club installed its new officers at a meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, in Kelseyville, Calif. Photo by Claire Grieve.

KELSEYVILLE – The Riviera Heights Clubhouse was the lovely location of the Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club's installation of officers, held June 15.

After members enjoyed a delicious potluck, a special guest and her family were introduced.

Elena Tipton from Clear Lake High School was the recipient of the $1,000 Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club Scholarship honoring Carol Kesey.

Sarah L. Johnson from Kelseyville High School was the recipient of the $1,000 Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club Scholarship in memory of Elizabeth Whitehead, but Johnson was unable to attend.

Outgoing Vice President Jo Douville presented a gift certificate from the club to thank outgoing President Jo Jameson. There was much applause for a job well done.

Nora Gerrard installed the new officers who will serve one-year terms.

The new officers are President Linda Waterstraat, Vice President Helen Turley, Treasurer Rena Clifton, Secretary Marva Brandt, and Parliamentarian Jo Shaul.

Waterstraat's theme for the year is “Grow Along With Us.”

Linda invited all members to the planning meeting which will be held at Mendo-Lake Credit Union conference room on June 28 at 9 a.m. The officers, chairman, and members will plan out the whole year's activities.

The club meets at noon on the third Tuesday of the month, September through May, at the Scotts Valley Women's Club House, 2298 Hendricks Road, Lakeport.

Members, guests and all interested are most welcome. President Linda Waterstraat, 707-245-4731, invites interested gardeners to join the group.

For more information see www.clttgc.org.

CLEARLAKE – The city of Clearlake's Independence Day festivities will take place this year on Saturday, July 3.

The fun kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m. from Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive, to Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive, where festivities will be held, including a street fair, kinetic sculpture racing, live music, car show, arts and crafts, barbecue, children's activities and more. The events are sponsored by the Lakeshore Lions Club.

Join the Clear Lake Chamber for Commerce for its 43rd Annual Worm Race Competition at Austin Park, held in conjunction with the Independence Day festivities.

The internationally recognized worm race competition has drawn competitors ranging from children to senators and congressmen. The event also has attracted the attention of Animal Planet, NBC and Bay Area Backroads.

Bring your own worm or you can pick out your racer from the worm stables.

There will be a fireworks display sponsored by Foods, Etc. following the day’s festivities at Austin Park at 9 p.m.

For more information, call the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce at 707-994-3600.

NICE – An open house celebration of the International Order of Sons of Italy's 105th anniversary will be held on Saturday, June 19.

Finger foods and refreshments will be served between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Sons of Italy club hall, 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

The event is free to the public. Everyone is welcome.

For information call 707-274-2244.