KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Lake Family Resource Center is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Each year, in California and Nationally, April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The 2014 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month Campaign is focusing on healthy sexuality and young people.

The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to help prevent sexual violence.

The children and teens of today are our hope for tomorrow. It’s important for parents, adults and communities to help set young people on the path for a healthy future and support them as they work to create positive change.

Young people face many challenges during adolescence. Stereotypes and negative messages in the media do not make it any easier.

By learning and talking about healthy adolescent sexuality, adults are able to support the teens in their lives. It’s time for adults and communities to be a resource to teens as they learn and grow.

How can we support teens during this time of change and discovery? Young people need age-appropriate information about healthy sexuality and relationships from trusted adults. The first step is to start and open and honest dialogue. Ask questions and most importantly listen.

Everyone can play a role in modeling healthy behaviors, promoting positive skills, and creating safe environments. It’s important to empower the voices of youth and challenge negative, unhealthy messages.

To create a vision for a future without sexual violence, every voice can play a role in a healthier, safer tomorrow.

Lake Family Resource Center Rape Crisis Center offers free services including a 24/7 Community Crisis Line (1-888-485-7733) answered by trained sexual assault advocates. The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, support, safety plans, education, hospital accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy for all victims of sexual assault.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Lake County was proclaimed on Tuesday, April 1, by the Board of Supervisors Chambers.

Lake Family Resource invites the community to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 23.
 
You can help us “break the dress code, break the silence,” by wearing jeans on Denim Day. For more information on Denim Day please contact Gina Pilat at 707-279-0563, Extension 203.

Gina Pilat is a sexual assault advocate for Lake Family Resource Center, based in Kelseyville, Calif.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – At the April 17 meeting of the Konocti Lioness Club, club President Anna Jones received a prestigious award for her service to the community.

Lions District 4C-2 Governor Don Webb presented Jones with the prestigious award plaque of “Lioness of the Year” with the inscription reading “In recognition of outstanding service, loyalty and leadership for Lions District 4C-2.”

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Saturday, April 26, come out and meet sheriff's candidate Brian Martin and enjoy an evening of “Kickin' it in the Country” at The Scully House in Lakeport.

There will be cocktails from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a cowboy boot chicken fajita dinner to follow.

There will be music and also a silent auction.

Tickets are $30 per person.

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Pam at Lakeport Furniture or look up Brian Martin for Lake County Sheriff on Facebook.

To purchase tickets online go to http://martinforsheriff.com/?page_id=350 .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Relay For Life Survivor Social & Dinner will take place on Saturday, April 26.

It will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Westlake Club House, 3534 Westlake Drive (entrance is located on Park Way).

Join them for a lasagna dinner and live music by the Lake County Diamonds.

The event is free to cancer survivors, and $5 per person for their guests.

Please RSVP. For more information or to RSVP, contact Katrina Hickey at 707-349-1179.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Laura Pankratz and Mitchell Sylva are happy to announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

Laura Pankratz is the daughter of John and Patricia Pankratz.

She attended Clear Lake High School in Lakeport and graduated in 2009. She then acquired her associate of science degree in business management from Mendocino College. Laura is currently employed at First American Title Co. as an escrow assistant.

Mitchell Sylva is the son of William Sylva and Lindy Callegeros.

He also attended Clear Lake High School and graduated in 2009. Mitchell attends Mendocino College but will be transferring to University California Davis in the fall to finish his bachelor's degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior.

The couple will be married on the coast of Mendocino County on Aug. 30, 2014.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Join the Lake County Land Trust on Monday, May 19, for the annual Spring Dinner at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro in Kelseyville starting at 6 p.m.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Saw Shop at 707-278-0129; payment is taken at the door on the evening of the dinner; tickets are $70 per person.

Mingle with friends and fellow Lake County Land Trust supporters and enjoy wonderful Lake County wines during the 6 p.m. social hour, followed at 7 p.m. by a delicious four-course dinner crafted and served by the chef and staff of the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro restaurant.

Services, food, and wine are donated by Marie Beery owner of the Saw Shop to help support the Lake County Land Trust.

This fundraiser benefits the Land Trust’s land conservation projects and public programs.