CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Soroptimist International of Clearlake is an organization dedicated to assisting and helping to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and through out the world.

Soroptimist which means “Best for Women” aims to create true social and economic equality for women and girls.

As a public service, Soroptimist provides white papers on various topics relevant to women that can help those who wish to become more educated about issues facing today’s women, or learn what can be done to provide direct assistance to women in need.

Soroptimist of Clearlake organized in 1964 recently elected and Installed new officers and inducted four new members.

The new officers are Wanda Harris, president; Kathy Freeborn, vice president; Marsha Willard, secretary; Reiko Hattori, treasurer; Carol Hanson, vice treasurer; Marti Foltz, public relations; Arlene Grimes, immediate past president and current director.

Soroptimist International of Clearlake has a business meeting the first Thursday of each month beginning at noon at Howard’s Grotto and a program meeting on the fourth Thursday also at noon at Howard’s Grotto.

Women who are interested in learning more about the organization are encouraged to contact Wanda Harris at 707-987-9027 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Performance rallying is a cross between the vehicle-pounding toughness of off-roading and the finesse driving skills needed for a road race such as Sonoma Raceway.

From noon to early evening on Saturday, Aug. 4, rally teams will be driving full-out in a race against the clock across the tight and twisty dirt forest roads of South Cow Mountain between Ukiah and Lakeport.

Teams, consisting of a driver and a co-driver will depart from the Tractor Supply store in Ukiah at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and drive to South Cow Mountain for the first of eight high-speed Special Stages.

The rally will traverse some 90 miles, including more than 45 miles of racing Stages.

All Special Stage roads are closed to the public by a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Special Use Permit all day Friday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 4.

While on public roads, competitors must observe all normal traffic laws. Each car will be inspected for safety and must be licensed and “street legal.”

The route will include two much needed breaks and pit-stops at the Lakeside Family Fun Center in Lakeport.

For viewing live rally action, a spectator area for the public has been set up on the Ukiah side of South Cow Mountain. The rally’s Web site has complete schedules and detailed driving instructions to this spectator area.

The public also is invited to view the racing cars and chat with the drivers in Ukiah at the Tractor Supply store between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday and in Lakeport at the Lakeside Family Fun Center at 1:15 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.

Local support is being provided by Flowmaster exhaust systems, Parducci Wine Cellars, Mendocino Brewing Co., Hampton Inns, Comfort Inn & Suite, Les Schwab Tires, Tractor Supply Co. and the Lakeside Family Fun Center.

For more information, go to www.MendocinoRally.com .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee will host a “Double Event Day” at the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, Saturday, Aug. 11.

Living History will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with museum staff and volunteers dressed in period costumes sharing stories and demonstrating early household appliances.

The 1906 player piano will provide old-time music, and kids of all ages can play Victorian era games, experience writing with pen and ink, and send a Morse code message via telegraph transmitter and receiver. The stereoscope for viewing pictures in 3-D also will be available.  

Turn-of-the-Century refreshments will be provided and feel free to wear your finest Victorian or most authentic Old West costumes.

Upstairs in the Weaver Auditorium there will be an artists reception for the 19th annual Quilt and Textile Exhibition.

From noon until 2 p.m. quilt and textile artists will discuss their work currently on display, members of the Sheep Thrills Spinning and Weaving Guild will demonstrate spinning techniques, and Sheila O'Hara will demonstrate loom weaving. And, of course, refreshments will be served.

So come and enjoy the fine artwork, talk with the artists and watch the demonstrations upstairs, as well as take a step back in time with old-time music, games, and more downstairs. A fun time is guaranteed for all, and admission is free.

The Schoolhouse Museum is located at 16435 Main St. in Lower Lake.

For more information please call 707-995-3565.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Clear Lake Road Riders club will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

The group will meet for dinner at 6 p.m. at Kelseyville Pizza, 5285 State St.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

The group meets the first Wednesday of each month.

For more information call Paul, 707-263-9000.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The annual Cardinal Soccer Camp is getting started on Monday, July 30, but players are welcome to join in any time during the week.

The camp, for players age 4 through 14, takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 30, through Thursday, Aug. 2, at Clear Lake High School, 350 Lange St., Lakeport.

The cost is $60, which includes a t-shirt and water bottle. They will pro rate the cost at $15 per day for any days missed.

Prizes will be awarded each day. The emphasis is on fun and skill development.

All proceeds go to the Clear Lake High School Girls Soccer program. Donations are gratefully accepted.

For more information call Coach Paul Larrea at 707-263-7276.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Richard Cooper, chief executive officer of Mendo Lake Credit Union and board member of the Economic Development Finance Corp. (EDFC), and John W. Kuhry, executive director of EDFC, will be the featured speakers at Thrive Lake County's meeting on Monday, July 30.

Time will also be provided at the meeting for networking and open space discussions on energy, food, policy, and alternative economies.

The meeting will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will be held In the community room at the Lucerne Community Clinic on Route 20 at 14th Street in Lucerne.

Admission is $5 for Thrive Lake County members and $10 for non-members to cover the cost of refreshments.

Please RSVP by commenting on Thrive Lake County's blog post at www.thrivelakecounty.org/2/post/2012/07/july-quarterly-meeting.html .