"We have activity packages including golf and fishing, lake cruises, getaway accommodations, theater packages – even a week in a condo in Hawaii," she said. "There are also dozens of merchandise offerings including, of course, wine lots from virtually all of our top local wineries."

The event is sponsored by nonprofit Clear Lake Performing Arts in conjunction with the Kelseyville Business Association and the Lake County Winegrape Growers Association, with all proceeds going to help fund CLPA's music support programs, including the symphony, the youth orchestra, a regular concert series and student scholarships.

Festival donors at the Patron level are Sears, Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Westamerica Bank while a Donor Level sponsor is Dr. Paula R. Dhanda's Specialty Care and Surgery Center. More than 70 other merchants are participating sponsors.

The festival, now in its sixth year, is becoming an annual fourth-Saturday-in-June tradition in Kelseyville, where Main Street is roped off to permit the dozens of booths needed to accommodate the winemakers – both amateur and commercial – as well as numerous arts and crafts representatives.

A panel of judges, including well-known wine critic and author Craig Renaud, will judge the results of the home winemakers' best efforts, although the general public will select the popular "Peoples Choice" winner.

Music will be provided by the David Neft Duo, consisting of Middletown's musical icon David Neft, supported by percussionist Steve DuBois.

Amateurs submitting wines for judging must present them to the judge's station located at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro no later than 10 a.m. There is no limit on the number of varietals any individual can enter and the fee is $5 per bottle. Reds, whites, blushes, blends and dessert wines are all welcome. Only those wine makers who agree to pour samples for the public are eligible.

Judging will be blind tasting with points awarded on a scale developed by Renaud. Other judges are Charley Hassom of Snows Lake Vineyard, Jack Vos of Rob Roy restaurant, Rodney Duncan of Duncan Vineyards, Stephanie Cruz-Green of Kelseyville's Focus on Wine shop, Valerie Ramirez of Wildhurst Winery, Eric Stine of Langtry Estates Winery and Record-Bee food columnist Ron Jones.

Tickets for the festival can be bought in advance at Catfish Books in the Willow Tree Plaza in Lakeport, or at the Arts Council's Main Street Gallery, also in Lakeport. In Clearlake tickets are available at Wild About Books on Olympic Avenue. Advance sale tickets are $15 while those purchased at the gate are $20, which includes a monogrammed wine glass.

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The Clear Lake Scullers club is offering rowing classes and activities this summer. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – This summer the Clear Lake Scullers club is offering rowing activities for both students and adults.

A free rowing camp for all high school students will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 28. The weeklong camp will introduce athletes to the sport. There will be rowing in eight-person shells and some sculling.

Classes will be held at the Clear Lake Scullers boat yard located at Natural High School on Main Street in Lakeport.

For adults interested in rowing, a one-week camp will be held from Monday, June 23 through Saturday, June 28. Times will be 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the Saturday schedule to be announced.

The club will host open houses and learn to row days on every Saturday in June from 8 a.m. to noon.

On July 26 the club will host the Clear Lake Rowing and Paddling Championships for club members to compete.

Summer membership are $100; the annual fee is $200.

For more information call Mike Sullivan, 349-9779, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit the Clear Lake Scullers Web site at www.clearlakescullers.org.

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Currently, there are several businesses involved in raising funds for the fireworks display: Lakeview Market, Lucerne; Northshore Sentry Market, Nice; in Lakeport, The Cottage, Renee's, Park Place, Biggs 155 Diner, Linda's Hallmark, Cafe Victoria, Piedmont Lumber, Shari's Secret Garden, The Kitchen Gallery, Bruno's Shop Smart, the Lakeport Regional Chamber and Kelseyville Lumber.

“Each year we receive many compliments on the quality and excitement of the fireworks,” said event chair Jan Parkinson. “So we know how much the public appreciates the display.'

However, continues Parkinson, there is a huge cost for the display and all donations to the Fireworks Add A Dollar campaign help the chamber continue to present the display each year.

The fireworks display is coordinated to music on radio station KXBX 1270 AM on the dial. By tuning into that station, you will hear music which has been especially selected by Pyro Spectaculars.

Please consider making a donation when shopping/visiting any of the businesses above to help produce the north County fireworks.

If you have questions concerning the July 4 activities in Lakeport or around the county, please contact the chamber at 263-5092 or go online at www.lakeportchamber.com.

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Terror is generated by “random” acts of violence. It comes from the unpredictability of that violence.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has dedicated thousands of hours patrolling our bridges, ports, refineries and waterways. The USCG Auxiliary has been the eyes and ears of the Waterway Watch program. A program similar to the Neighborhood Watch program.

“The America’s Waterway Watch program just makes good sense,” said Robert Nelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “People who spend much of their time on or near the water already know what is normal and what is not – just like they do when it comes to their own backyard, and they are well suited to notice suspicious activities, including activities possibly indicating threats to our nation's homeland security.”

Lake County boaters have as much a role in this program as other folks throughout our nation. When we consider the impact of a suicide bombing and that individuals access to public areas, it isn’t hard to imagine how a small vessel could be the bearer of terror within the recreational waters we enjoy.

The Bay Area is some of the most beautiful boating waters in the world. We protect ourselves, our loved ones and our country by simply staying alert. For more information about the America’s Waterway Watch program visit www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

Learn more about boating safely in a boating class on July 19. Contact Betty Strach, Flotilla staff officer for public education at 928-9811. For information about the local Auxiliary call Rich Thomas at 489-0466.

As the uniformed, civilian component of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has the primary responsibility for America’s Waterway Watch outreach to the recreational boating community. For more information about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary visit www.cgaux.org.

Betty Strach is commander and staff officer for public education for Flotilla 11N0808 Lake County.

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