LAKE COUNTY
Youth Mentorship Program accepting applications
In partnership with Hope Rising, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Youth Mentorship Program. We are also now meeting with interested business and community leaders who would like to volunteer to mentor our youth.
The Youth Mentorship Program
Created out of a desire to help guide young adults of Lake County through and beyond the effects of the 2020 pandemic and into a career focused and citizenship engaged mindset, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors spearheaded a one-of-a-kind mentorship program. The Youth Mentorship Program is a practical, skill building program designed to assist our young adults with tools and resources to help them secure jobs, learn to be career minded, and become goal setters early on.
The Youth Mentorship program is open to young adults ages 18 to 24. The mentees are mentored by our Lake County business leaders, carefully curated to provide training to build skills and confidence. The program is delivered in collaboration with both Mendocino Community College and Woodland Community College faculty. LCCC is proud of a highly successful first run in 2021, led by leadership coach, Gretchen Mills, where participants attended weekly virtual classes lead by academic faculty and local subject matter experts, met one on one with mentors to learn valuable job skills, and received collectible feedback.
The program is designed to better prepare our youngest citizens to be strong members of our workforce, meeting a great need that many in our business community face. To accomplish this, we are seeking supportive community and business leaders to volunteer to train and guide our young people in the seven-week program.
As a result of our 2021 pilot program, six mentees successfully completed the training earning much more than a certificate of completion and a graduation ceremony, the mentees exited the program with the knowledge that they have the skill and ability to achieve career goals and are valuable citizens in the community. We are happy to share the success of one mentee who
secured full-time employment shortly after graduation, and another who began an entrepreneurial endeavor selling clothing and crafts at farmer’s markets and festivals. Graduates of the Youth Mentorship Program are also often invited to other opportunities to connect with community leaders. For example, all 2021 graduates of the Youth Mentorship Program received scholarships from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce to the Lake Leadership Forum held in June 2022.
To apply to become a mentor or a mentee for this exciting program, please visit tinyurl.com/lakementorship. Applications will be accepted until September 9. Please reach out with any questions to mentorship@lakecochamber.com or (707) 263- 5092.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Clear Lake Soroptimist Club to make cash awards
After two years of zoom meetings and limited activity due to the COVID pandemic, Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is again fully operational. Through the “Live Your Dream” Program, two local women will each receive cash awards of $1,000.
The Club’s mission is to help women and girls achieve economic empowerment through education and training. One way it fulfills its mission is through the Live Your Dream program. Under the program, women can receive cash awards to offset costs associated with their continuing education.
To qualify, applicants must be the primary source of financial support for themselves and/or families, have a financial need and be enrolled in or accepted for a high school equivalency program, vocational skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
The application deadline is November 15. To apply, email: siclearlake@soroptimist.net.
The Program is a favorite of current President Sally Munger, a 35-year member of the Clear Lake Soroptimist Club and Tina Scott, a 7-year member who led the Club prior to and throughout the pandemic.
“Sally is a powerhouse, I’m so pleased she stepped up to lead our Club this year,” Scott said. “We lost some momentum during the pandemic but as we begin a new budget year, it warms my heart to know the Live Your Dream program is a top priority in 2022.”
In addition to Live Your Dream, the Club is resuming support of “The Nest,” a local residential program for new moms and their families.
“Supporting young moms in their transition from the nurturing and supportive learning environment at The Nest to their own homes is extremely rewarding,” Munger said. “It’s a defining endeavor I would recommend to anyone.”
Munger knows first-hand the value of these programs. Many years ago, when she was a struggling young mom, the Soroptimists helped her achieve her goal to become a nurse.
“Becoming a nurse opened the door to self-sufficiency and today I’m living the dream, right here in Lake County,” Munger said. “I encourage women who need help to apply for a Live Your Dream award. It made a difference in my life; it can make a difference in theirs.”
Munger added that under Scott’s leadership, the Live Your Dream and Nest programs thrived. “Tina worked hands on to ensure the success of these programs. She made a difference in the lives of many and we are grateful,” she said.
On September 14, at 5:30 pm, the Club’s next meeting will be held at the The Ripe Choice in Lakeport where owners Mark and Tammy Lip will cater dinner.
By changing the time and location, the Club hopes to entice new members. Everyone is welcome for dinner and socializing. Contact President Sally Munger at 707-485-2132 to make a reservation or for more information about what it means to be a Soroptimist.
—Submitted
OAKLAND
Take steps now to prepare for incoming excessive heat wave
As part of our ongoing series, Simple Ways to Save Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is helping customers prepare for the incoming excessive heat wave by sharing ways to reduce energy bills and stay safe.
During the summer especially during times of prolonged extreme heat, the air conditioner can account for as much as half of residential energy usage. This is the time to take simple steps to improve efficiency, every small action can add up when it comes to reducing energy and helping ease the strain on the grid during crucial hours.
Energy Savings Tips
Here are easy ways to lower AC costs and still stay cool indoors during the prolonged heat.
- Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, after cooling the home to below-normal levels in the morning. Turn it off when away from the home.
- Replace filters monthly
- Dirty air filters make the air conditioner work harder to circulate the air. Clean and/or replace air filters monthly to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
- Close shades in the afternoon
- Sunlight passing through windows heats the home and makes the air conditioner work harder. Customers can block this heat by keeping blinds or drapes closed on sunny days.
- Avoid using the oven. Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
- Enroll in PG&E’s new program, Power Saver Rewards. The free, voluntary program rewards participants for temporarily reducing energy use when demand is high. By conserving energy during Power Saver Rewards events coinciding with Flex Alerts customers earn $2 for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy saved. It’s easy to enroll and get rewarded for reducing energy use.
—Submitted
