WASHINGTON
Biden-Harris administration invests $266 million to help rural business owners, farmers and ranchers
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that USDA is awarding $266 million in loans and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation. This funding is made possible in part by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“Creating opportunity for rural communities means investing in farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” Secretary Vilsack said. “A key pillar of Bidenomics, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is ensuring our producers and business owners are not only a part of the clean energy economy but are directly benefitting from it. These once-in-a-generation investments in renewable energy, like wind and solar, and energy efficient technologies create new markets and deliver real cost savings for our small and mid-sized agricultural operations and Main Street businesses, building and keeping wealth in rural America.”
USDA is investing $266 million in 1,334 renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects in 47 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. The Department is awarding the loans and grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), including funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Since December 2022, USDA has made up to $1.3 billion available in REAP funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible applicants include rural small business owners and agricultural producers. The program is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which is working to ensure that 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal investments reach communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.
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UKIAH
Closing reception of Mendocino College’s 50th anniversary gallery exhibit
Mendocino College is delighted to invite the community to a closing reception for its 50th Anniversary Exhibit, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 7, from 4 to 6 pm. This event, open to the community, will be a fitting conclusion to a remarkable retrospective exhibition that has captured the essence of Mendocino College’s rich history and its close ties with the community.
Since its establishment half a century ago, Mendocino College has been a cornerstone of education and community engagement in the heart of Lake and Mendocino counties. This exhibit, which has been on display since June, has allowed us to reflect on our journey and celebrate the profound ways we have grown with our community.
The Closing Reception will be an opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, staff, and community members to come together and honor the institution’s transformative journey.
“We are incredibly proud to mark this significant milestone in our history with the Closing Reception of our 50th Anniversary Gallery Exhibit,” said Rose Bell, Director of Communications and Public Relations for Mendocino College. “This exhibition has allowed us to look back on our evolution and the profound connections we’ve built with our community. As we celebrate the progress we’ve made, we also look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.”
The Anniversary Gallery Exhibit showcases a captivating collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts that depict the evolution of Mendocino College over the past five decades. From humble beginnings to a thriving institution, the exhibit chronicles the college’s commitment to providing accessible education and fostering a vibrant learning environment.
Community members, alumni, students, staff and faculty are all invited to attend this memorable event. The Closing Reception will provide an opportunity to engage with the exhibit’s historical narrative, connect with old friends, and make new acquaintances. Light refreshments will be served.
The event will take place at the Mendocino College Gallery, located at 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah.
For further information, please visit www.mendocino.edu/gallery or gallery@mendocino.edu.
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LAKE COUNTY
Beloved Lake County Library team member to retire after years of inspiring readers
After years of dedicated service, a beloved member of the Lake County Library team is starting a well-deserved retirement.
Barbara Green started at the library system in 2000 as a Library Assistant at the Lakeport Library.
After a short break in service, she continued her career with the Lake County Library, eventually obtaining the position of Supervising Library Technician.
Barbara’s true passion at the library was coordinating children’s events and presenting Storytime to the children of Lake County. She has delighted children in weekly Storytimes without fail for over 16 years.
Over time the attendance at her weekly Storytime programs grew so large that it moved to Lakeport’s Library Park in the summers to accommodate the crowds. Barbara has also visited local schools and events to help children develop a love of reading. Over the years, Miss Barbara, affectionately known as such by the children, has presented over 1,500 programs, drawing in a collective audience of more than 57,000 children and their accompanying adults.
Miss Barbara’s last Storytime will be on Friday, September 1 at 10:15 AM at Library Park in Lakeport. Barbara does plan to appear at future story times as a special guest. Library staff members and volunteers will continue to host Lakeport Storytime weekly.
Barbara has been an instrumental member of the library team. She has processed over 21,000 books, DVDs and other library items to make them available for checkout. She has helped a countless number of people use the library. She has also played a vital role in various fiscal responsibilities and served as the second in command at the library.
“Barbara’s enthusiasm and dedication to igniting a love for reading in others is truly admirable,” said library director Christopher Veach, “Barbara will be profoundly missed. She has more than earned her retirement, and I wish her all the best.”
Barbara’s last day will be Wednesday, September 6. She will be at the Lakeport Library from 10 AM to 7 PM. All are welcome to come and wish Barbara Green well on her retirement journey. Light refreshments will be available.
Visit the Lake County Library Website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.
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