LAKEPORT, Calif. – A small herd of members of the Lake County Horse Council turned out for trash pickup along their newly adopted section of Highland Springs Road this past Saturday.  

Four members with carts pulled by miniature horses and ponies drove the four-mile circuit from the dam parking area westward to the Toll Road and back while eight horseback riders focused on several areas known for chronic, illegal dumping of trash.

The Lake County Horse Council Board of Directors approved the road adoption as part of their continued efforts to give back to the area.  

A grant from AQHA and Tractor Supply made possible important trail preservation work at Highland Springs this spring.

Considerable numbers of Lake County equestrians frequent the popular Highland Springs trails including the Hooves and Wheels Driving Club, which also maintains trails on several acres of open range on the Highland Springs property.  

Go to www.lakecountyhorsecouncil.com for more information and our calendar.

The Lake County Horse Council is incorporated as a nonprofit, public benefit, membership organization under California Corporations Code sections 5000-9927 and IRS tax exempt status of IRC 501(c)(3). All donations are 100-percent tax deductible.

More than a third of all Americans , or 36 percent, have not saved any money for retirement, according to a new www.bankrate.com report.

Sixty-nine percent of 18-29 year-olds haven't saved anything, along with 33 percent of 30-49 year-olds, 26 percent of 50-64 year-olds and 14 percent of people 65 and older.

The good news is that Americans who are saving are starting earlier. Twice as many 30-49 year-olds started saving in their 20s as opposed to their 30s.

But 50-64 year-olds were only slightly more likely to have started saving in their 20s than their 30s, and Americans 65 and older were almost evenly split between starting in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

“Regardless of age, there is no better time than the present to start saving for retirement,” says Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride, CFA. “The key to a successful retirement is to save early and aggressively, but even those on the cusp of their golden years should have some money allocated toward equities as opposed to all cash and bonds.”

Americans' feelings of financial security were unchanged from one month ago, indicating a slight improvement in their financial security compared to one year ago.

Bankrate.com's August Financial Security Index registered at 100.1. Any number above 100 illustrates improved financial security compared to one year ago, while any number below 100 reflects deteriorating financial security.

Despite their lack of retirement savings, millennials feel more financially secure than any other age group. They feel more secure in their jobs and more optimistic about their current financial situation than any other age group.

Job security, net worth and overall financial situation are all areas in which Americans note improvement over one year ago.

However, there are twice as many Americans less comfortable with their savings (compared to one year ago) as those that are more comfortable.

Men's feelings of financial security slipped, while women noted improved financial security since last month. However, men still note improved financial security compared to one year ago while women still feel a slight deterioration.

Americans' comfort level with debt remains mixed. Sentiment slipped slightly this month, as those less comfortable with debt compared to last year edged out those more comfortable.

At present, 24 percent are less comfortable while 23 percent are more comfortable than one year ago.

The survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) and can be seen in its entirety here:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/consumer-index/financial-security-charts-0814.aspx .

PSRAI obtained telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,003 adults living in the continental United States.

Interviews were conducted by landline (501) and cell phone (502, including 309 without a landline phone) in English and Spanish by Princeton Data Source from August 7-10, 2014.

Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, Aug. 21.

The group meets at the First Lutheran Church, 3863 Country Club Drive across from the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Social worker Jenny Johnson is the facilitator.

The group is sponsored by Redwood Caregiver Resource Center (1-800-834-1636) and the Social Day Programs in Lake County.

For more information call Jenny Johnson at 707-350-3030 or Caroline Denny at 707-263-9481.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Kiwanis of Lakeport sponsors an Aktion Club, whose members work at People Services.

Recently, the Aktion Club refurbished the set of quagga mussel prevention signs – in the form of the old style Burma Shave signs – on Soda Bay Road, at the intersection of Reeves Road.

The Aktion club painted the signs and installed them along Highway 175 and on Soda Bay Road a few years ago and felt it was time to change the message.

During their monthly club meetings held at People Services, the members painted the series of signs and then installed them.

Landowners adjacent to each set of signs approved their installation.

The current set of signs on Highway 175 read: “Quagga Mussels  Like to Reach, “We Don't Want A Mussel Beach,” “707-263-5665.”

The newly installed signs on Soda Bay Road read: “Quagga Mussels Are a Fright,” “Your Dry Boat Avoids the Plight, “707-263-5665.”

This project won an award with the Kiwanis California-Hawaii-Nevada District for an Aktion Club project.

The purpose of the signs is to increase public awareness of the threat of invasive species for Clear Lake.

LAKE COUNTY – Six Lake County wineries spent a sunny afternoon pouring their fine wines on the Vallejo waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The afternoon event drew scores of people to the grassy area next to the ferry building with kite-flying, arts and crafts, barbecue, chocolatiers, music, tai chi, yoga and more.

“This was a wonderful event with wine, food, activities, and artisan crafters. It gave us a chance to showcase Lake County wines and introduce the Lake County wine region to people in the Vallejo area,” said Lake County Winery Association Director Terry Dereniuk.

U. S. Rep. Mike Thompson and his wife stopped to take in the event along with Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis and many members of city government.

Vallejo resident Frank Malifrando, brought the event together in just six weeks with help from Mayor Davis and Congressman Thompson.

“Frank was wonderful to work with on this event. Through his efforts, the Lake County wine region enjoyed exposure with ads on the SolTrans bus system, the electronic bill board just off Highway 80, and many other outlets in the area,” said Dereniuk.

Lake County wineries pouring their wines included Rosa d’Oro, Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill, Olof Cellars, Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Art and Farm Wines and Moore Family Winery.

Dereniuk, Lu Baird, and local author Gaye Allen were on hand to pour a flight of Sauvignon Blanc with wines from Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Wildhurst Vineyards, Steele Wines and Vigilance Winery in a sensory pouring.

Allen, who has just published a book titled “Lake County Wine Guide,” said, “People really enjoyed comparing the four different Sauvignon Blanc wines side by side. Terry's idea to bring some fruits and other examples of typical flavor characteristics for people to smell worked especially well. We received a really warm reception from the people of Vallejo who showed a great interest in Lake County’s location as well as its wines. Many asked if we were coming back next week.”

“People were thrilled to have a beautiful wineglass (instead of plastic) to take home after tasting our amazing wines,” said Baird, a Lake County Winery Association member and supporter. “Several dozen attendees returned to the ticket table to purchase additional tasting tickets and commented on how impressed they were with our product. Some already knew about Lake County; and many said, ‘Now I’ll have to take a trip to visit your wineries.' Attendees were also given a postcard with special offers from participating wineries. I was so pleased to be able to showcase our beautiful county.”

For Robin and Steve Moore, pouring in Vallejo was a trip home.

“It's beautiful down here,” said Steve Moore as patrons lined up to taste their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Not many cities have this. I think they should push this waterfront.”

Gigi Stahl, Konocti Trails Coordinator for the county of Lake, brought information and displays about the outdoor activities that Lake County offers.

She made a special presentation to Congressman Thompson, giving him with a camp stool as a small token of appreciation for his continued support of Lake County’s trails.

Upcoming events for Lake County Winery Association and Lake County wineries include a booth at the Kelseyville Pear Festival where Lake County wines by the glass will be available and the annual Christmas in the Country the first weekend in December.

The Lake County Winery Association works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center will host a fun Western Band Potluck on Wednesday, Aug 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The third Wednesday every month marks this regular fundraiser and music event.  

The High Notes band is featured and will get toes tapping.  

This potluck fundraiser has a $12 admission.

Bring something wonderful to share. This is a chance to hear one of Lake County’s most experienced talent and to dance.

All proceeds from the meal benefit the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, a not-for-profit that serves north shore senior populations with on site lunches, Meals on Wheels and advocacy.

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive.

For more information about services or the Western Band Potluck with the High Notes, call the center at 707-274-8779.