Dusting off last year’s eye-catching — and largely successful — outdoor chalkboard, the Lake County Regional Economic Development Committee last week prepped an even larger wall for residents and visitors to scratch on.
The idea, if you remember, was to encourage a public dialogue about the county’s many charms. Just as before, several columns of lines under the heading ‘What I Love About Lake County …’ wait for handwritten commentary.
Yeah, the 2014 version attracted its fair share of sophomoric wit. Responses such as “the weed” and R-rated chalk representations by minimalistic artists shared space with more reflective notes. But it is a wall for all comers. And the committee keeps a set of erasers on hand.
But picking you’re way through the phallic symbols and scatalogical humor last year was worth it. For the majority of people wrote about the beauty of the region, the many outstanding wines, the view from one point or another, a favorite restaurant, bright summer days, good people and the lake.
There was always a wide-eyed comment about the lake.
The committee — I hesitate to use the LCREDC acronym because I really don’t wish to look back up the column to reference each letter — brought back the wall as a precursor to the Lake Leadership Summit, a seminar of sorts for local innovators, leaders in all fields and budding entrepreneurs. It’s a way to build some enthusiasm for economic growth and the many possibilities for improvement, with a series of outside speakers as well as locals bringing fresh ideas.
Of course, committee members already shot down my notion for a bar next to any one of the local colleges. Name it “The Library” and it’s sure to hit big. “But mom, I don’t know why I’m failing. I spend all my time in The Library.”
I’ll admit the idea that followed was pretty lousy. No need to go into further detail.
The new wall is located on the side of Lakeport’s City Hall facing the popular Park Place Restaurant. And it began filling up right away.
Why not — it’s a great idea. You can’t help but stop and read through the thoughts of so many residents and visitors. Skimming over the childish stuff, you nod in agreement at memories of summer concerts in the park, the nature and trails, the number of classic cars roaring down streets and more. You realize again that Lake County is a special, even spectacular place. You might even begin to tick off some of your own favorite things.
Again, the committee discouraged me from adding my own favorite activity. Kicking back in my rocking chair watching sports on TV could be done just about anywhere, they pointed out.
But even I can’t help but appreciate the growing number of good restaurants committed to local, seasonal ingredients and dishes created from scratch. Or the people setting up each week at farmers markets. And the variety of activities all year round, from live music to old movies — I can’t help but notice those.
Oh, and there’s the way people urged on firefighters during the recent month of fire. And the wine. And the lake. And … Well, something so simple — a wall painted chalkboard black with a few white lines and very little instruction can be captivating.
Yes, the wall works. Enjoy it during this year’s run.
