Lake County is so special.
We have a great lake surrounded by majestic mountains teaming with wildlife, Mt. Konocti offers views and hiking, assorted parks and trails, clean air and friendly and supportive communities. Recently, a friend told me this; “ We lived in the Bay Area for years, but never had the vibrant social life and many friends that we have made and enjoy here”.
Life is good in Lake County which brings me to why I am writing a letter of appreciation today.
Did you know that Lake County has a women’s organization named Park Study Club? A little history; in 1942, eight ladies from Clearlake Park formed a group that met in each others homes. During the WWII years, with gas rationing and travel limits, those ladies held book reviews, discussed timely topics, such as art, music, shared ideas, promoted civic improvements and supported each other while some of the men were deployed in the military.
The club grew and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1947. In 1949, the Park Study Club (PSC) joined the California General Federation of Women’s Clubs Association and is still affiliated today.
The PSC was so popular and growing that homes of the charter ladies could no longer accommodate the member numbers. Monies were raised by using various fund raisers and fortunately, three members donated lakefront lots which were then sold at a nice profit. Then, a small lot at 13687 Santa Clara Avenue in Clearlake was purchased and with the help of husbands, friends, PSC ladies and anybody who was willing to help, the current clubhouse was built and dedicated in September 1959.
From the beginning, the Club collected books for their library. Following that, and with much effort, a promotion and campaign brought about a ballot initiative for the County Library in Clearlake. Due to the diligent efforts of PSC membership the County Library in Clearlake became a reality in 1967.
Today, after more than seventy years, the Park Study Club remains a nonprofit organization with a commitment to community service dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships, the Hugh O’Brian Foundation, hospice support, local K-9 units, senior community centers, U.S. flag donations to the City of Clearlake Austin Park and many other charities in need of help.
To support these efforts, each year The Park Study Club puts on two major fund raising events; a fall fashion show and a spring dinner dance gala.
Our communities in Lake County may not be the wealthiest, but are definitely most generous and giving. The outpouring of support for our two events is nothing short of astonishing. Thus, my letter of “thank you” to everyone who made the fashion show possible.
On November the 12th, we held the “My Fair Lady” fashion show at the new Cornelison Event Center in Clearlake. The festivities included: fashions from Anna’s boutique in Clearlake Riviera, Lisa’s Women’s apparel in Clearlake, a lunch including home made key lime pie from our pastry chef Ruth. We received a number of premium local wines donated from wineries around the lake, some of them were auctioned and others we poured for our guests. Guests enjoyed a large selection of raffle items, silent and live auctions, and door prizes to help with contributions.
We even raffled off our center piece table decoration derby hats. It was fun fun fun …
The Konocti Education Center school opened its doors to us providing our venue. The vice principal Nikki Sabatier, Jeff Dixon, and their staff provided the essential technical support. The students who were assisting the PSC members were great and worked diligently from start to finish. The chorus from the KEC school under direction of Cydney Dixon was lovely and talented.
Many thanks to the businesses around the lake who made our event possible: Laujor Estate Winery, Boatique Winery, Rosa D’Oro Winery, Wildhurst Winery, Fore Family Winery, Steele Winery, Don Angels Cellars, Thorn Hill Winery, Cache Creek Winery, Gregory Graham Winery, Chacewater Winery and Oil Mill, Smiling Dogs Winery and Ranch, Anna’s Boutique, Lisa’s Women’s apparel, the Oak Boutique, the Shoe Box Store, the Soap Shack, B Young Skin Care, Doctor P. Dhanda Spa, Riviera Food Grocery Store, Sutter Lakeside Hospital/ Siri Nelson and management team, members of PSC, and many anonymous donors.
Major kudos to all Park Study Club membership, who diligently worked hard ‘til the final cleanup and many with a number of different assignments, and to our president, Anne Garner, who kept us going at a fast and orderly clip.
The membership thanks you for such a wonderful job.
Sasha Reynolds is a member of the Park Study Club
