On Saturday, December 17, 2011, from left, Clearlake Mayor Joyce Overton, Ted Mandrones of Mendo Mill Home Center and Lumber Co., and Dave Hubbard of Lake County Toys for Tots attended the toy giveaway. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The annual Toys for Tots fundraiser in Lake County helped more than 1,000 children have a merry Christmas.

Mendo Mill Home Center and Lumber Co. in Lakeport put on a Toys for Tots fundraiser to assist the effort.

Ted Mandrones of Mendo Mill presented a check for $2,841 to Lake County Toys for Tots Coordinator Dave Hubbard.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, Toys for Tots distributed 3,249 toys to 1,083 Lake County children.

Ted Mandrones of Mendo Mill Home Center and Lumber Co. in Lakeport, Calif., presents a check for $2,841 to Lake County Toys for Tots Coordinator Dave Hubbard in December 2011. Courtesy photo.

An artist's rendition of the new Middletown Library and senior center complex. Courtesy of the Friends of Middletown Gibson Library.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – By now, most everyone in Middletown is aware of the exciting building project currently under way in the community to finally bring to town the long-anticipated new public library and new senior center complex.

Construction has begun after more than 10 years of hard work, planning and funding efforts. Completion later this year is anticipated.

One of the ideas for the new library being worked on right now is a proposed patron wall.

This wonderful idea was proposed by the Friends of Middletown Gibson Library to Lake County Administrative Office Kelly Cox, and he encouraged the group to work up some ideas for consideration.

Patron walls are common for many public buildings, educational institutions, public parks, etc.

Many public libraries have patron walls. The patron wall at Nylander Park in Clearlake Oaks is a fine example of a rather recent patron wall project.

Patron walls often are created as a way for local citizens, businesses and various service organizations to associate their names with the community building or park. That is what Friends of Middletown Gibson Library hopes to accomplish with this patron wall project.

The patron wall project is also a fundraiser. Monies raised will be used to purchase learning materials and needed equipment for the new library.

People and local artists who are interested in submitting their name for consideration to be the designer of the patron wall are asked to contact Middletown Librarian Gehlen Palmer during regular library hours at 707-987-3674.

Palmer will be able to answer most general questions from interested parties and he will communicate with Friends of Middletown Gibson Library so that interested parties will have a chance to make a complete presentation in the very near future. A portfolio of previous works is also requested from any interested party if one is available.

Patron walls have been constructed of many types of building materials: most notable, tiles, wood and metal.

All ideas will be considered by Friends of Middletown Gibson Library before being submitted to the county for its review. Ideas of where the wall shall be placed (inside vs outside) are being discussed by the board as well.

When plans are finalized for the type of wall to be created, an announcement will be published in various local papers on how someone can include their family name or business on the wall. This wall will proudly display our local heritage for decades to come.

The sooner the design concept for the patron wall is finalized the better, artists and those who might know an appropriate artist should contact Palmer as soon as possible.

This project promises to be a great addition to the overall presentation and "look" of the new library.

The classes take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Tuesday at 14420 Lakeshore Drive No. A.

Classes are for children 18 months to 4 years of age.

Moms and children enjoy time together doing a fun make and take project.

All supplies are provided, and participants don't have to clean up afterward.

The cost is $25 for a month or $8 for a drop-in session.

For more information call Elizabeth at 707-350-5683.

The part-time positions will be compensated in time dollars.

The Time Bank of Lake County consists of individuals, organizations and businesses who get and give services to each other in return for time dollars.

Each hour of service is worth one time dollar, without regard to the service provided.

"We're hoping people will catch on to the Time Bank's alternative economy by applying for these positions," said Carol Cole-Lewis, the coordinator of the Time Bank of Lake County. "And, after our upcoming recruitment drive, there will even be more places and ways to spend the time dollars you'll earn."

Cole-Lewis continued, "If you're currently looking for employment, taking one of these 'volunteer' positions at the Time Bank of Lake County would be useful for your resume. And, if you're retired and looking for something worthwhile to do, you'll get time dollar compensation for your contribution."

The Time Bank of Lake County is a community organization that began in January of 2011 and currently has 151 members with a wide variety of skills and abilities.

For more information about the Time Bank of Lake County and to apply for these positions, visit the Time Bank Job Board at http://timebanklakeco.com/jobs.

Both facilities will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Normal operating hours at the landfill are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

The Public Services office is normally open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about this or any solid waste issues in Lake County, please call 707-262-1760.