LAKEPORT>>> At Xabatin Community Park, the Lakeport Rotary Club celebrated a century of service on Wednesday. The focus of the celebration was to acknowledge and bury a time capsule. The celebration was attended by more than just Rotarians. The Lake County Art Council and Cub Scouts of America were also present to hear a speech by Lakeport Rotary President, Pamela Harpster.
The time capsule served multiple functions. Although a symbol for the 100 years of service, the capsule was also a message to the future. The capsule was buried under layers of concrete nearby the Curfew Bell. The Curfew Bell itself was a project Lakeport Rotary finished last fall. In 2050, the capsule will be extracted.
Harpster spoke of how the capsule contained “a great deal of memorabilia, pictures, stories, letters to the kids in the future to be opened up.” She went on to specify that “the 5th graders in Upper Lake actually filled out a worksheet and talked about what their favorite things are in 2025 and what they hope to be doing in 2050.”
There were other noteworthy attendees for the Lakeport Rotary’s centennial. Kevin Ingram, Rotarian, City Manager, and Lakeport resident for almost a decade, spoke fondly of Xabatin Community Park. For Ingrim, Xabatin has been a source of excitement since early construction. He even commented on how “The intent of building this park would be an anchor for the community.”
Also in attendance was Pack 7142 of the Cub Scouts of America. Michelle Raabe and Cassandra Benitez were two adult organizers who gave praise to the Lakeport Rotary. “We’re impressed by everything that they’ve done for the community,” they noted and talked about how both the Rotary and the scouts align through being service oriented. The benefits of both organizations were the same because they provide great role models for children.
As for the time capsule, Raabe shared Pack 7142’s contributions. “Our youth created a letter from themselves to the future of Lakeport. They talked about what they do in Cub Scouts. They discussed what kids in the year 2025 do and their hopes for what the year 2050 will be like in the future. (…) we’re hoping for peace and for everyone to have a home.”
Leading up to the Time Capsule interment, during the weekm Rotary’s signature 4-Way Test Coins were hidden throughout the park as a fun and meaningful way to engage the community. The idea came from Jacob “Jake” Thomsen, a 5th grader at Upper Lake Elementary and grandson of Rotary President Pam Harpster. Thomsen shared, “If more people thought about the 4-Way Test, people would get along better and better decisions would be made.” His thoughtful idea was quickly embraced by the club and brought to life as a way to spread Rotary values throughout the community.
The 4-Way Test asks: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Each hidden coin featured the 4-Way Test — the same principles displayed permanently on a bench near the Curfew Bell in Xabatin Park. It serves as a lasting reminder of Rotary’s commitment to ethics, integrity, and service.
The Rotarians encouraged those who found a coin to Keep it — or pass it on. Participants were also encouraged to post a photo using #LakeportRotary100 and help share Rotary’s enduring message of truth, fairness, friendship, and community.
“Celebrate the past, inspire the present, and plant hope for the future,” noted Harpster.
“I really see the improvement of relations here in Lakeport. I grew up in a time where it was questionable, and now I’m really proud of it, the county. (…) Lakeport’s just a special place, it’s always been a special place to me,” said Les Miller, member of the Scotts Valley Tribe and a Clear Lake Cardinal since 1966.
Attendees expressed hope for the future and many said they hoped that when the time capsule is opened in 2050, not only would Lakeport Rotary and Xabatin Community Park be there, but the youths of today and tomorrow will have been involved.
