Hank Montgomery

As Paul Harvey used to say, "and now, the rest of the story..."

Recently, there was a message from ActiveRain encouraging members to post a new photo and offering 1,000 points to do so. And so I went through the photo album and found the picture above and cropped the 'mugshot' of myself and uploaded the photo.

Today, I'm posting the uncropped photo and revealing "the rest of the storey..."

About a year ago, I applied for and was hired as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Lake County. This was a short term job which allowed me to continue my Real Estate business while doing something for the community. As both a General Contractor and a Realtor I jumped at the opportunity!

Of all the things I did in this job...the best was handing the keys over to a family of their new home. A Habitat home buyer is by definition someone who could not otherwise buy a home. These are hardworking people who live in sub-standard housing and for whom the Dream of home ownership seems impossible.

‘Back to the Future' was the theme for Lower Lake High's Back to School night. On Tuesday evening Jeff Dixson, Principal Lower Lake High School welcomed back those in attendance to the new school year. Principal Dickson introduced several new faces on the Lower Lake faculty and they were warmly welcomed by staff, parents, students and friends in attendance.

One of the more popular stops on the classroom visitation tour was the Career-Tech classrooms. The Konocti Unified School District has embraced vocational education and this years offering of Career Technical classes is impressive...all the more so when you consider all the cutbacks to school budgets. Dr. Bill MacDougall, the driving force behind Career Technical education in the Konocti district was on hand to discuss the future!

In addition to the traditional Back to School night activity of classroom visitation, Lower Lake High School also was host to an impressive ‘College Fair'. The ‘College Fair' provided an opportunity for parents and students to visit with recruiters from Community Colleges, Universities and Trade Schools. A wealth of information was made available as well as an opportunity to ask questions and make a personal connection as the students contemplated their futures. The ‘College Fair' was sponsored by the University of California and the Lake County Office of Education.

And while all of this was taking place...the ‘Lady Trojans' were defeating the St. Vincent Mustangs in the new Lower Lake High School gym. The future is very bright!

A warm summer evening, hot dogs on the grill and kids everywhere...this was the setting as Principal Greg Mucks welcomed the community at Back-to-School night last Thursday evening. Lower Lake Elementary School was abuzz with energy and enthusiasm as the new school year was greeted by parents, teachers, students and friends.

The staff of Lower Lake Elementary School was obviously proud of their recently refurbished school as they greeted visitors to their classrooms. The school has not only remodeled the campus...it has also reconfigured its educational program. Lower Lake is now a K-8 school and parents almost universally expressed their appreciation and support for this return to traditional elementary education.

Dr. Bill MacDougall was also on hand to visit with parents and answer questions about education in general and his ‘neighborhood school model'. Martha Miller, Elementary Music Teacher was on hand to discuss the many opportunities available for Music Education in the Konocti Unified School District.

Science Camp for 6^th graders was the focus for the evening fundraiser. Parents and staff were busy cooking hot dogs, serving beverages and keeping the dessert table stocked.

This promises to be a Great Year at Lower Lake Elementary School.

HEY YOU HEP CATS, COOL DUDES, AND BOBBY SOXERS....Be sure and make it to the Spring Valley 50"s Sock Hop (you're allowed to wear shoes, of course!) on September 19^th at 6 P.M. Music will be provided by our own Jim Carey via CD (hey they're still flat and round...just no grooves!)

And speaking of that, for all of you who really want to get in the groove dig out that poodle skirt and bobby sox, a leather jacket, roll up your shirt sleeves, dig out your jeans and roll ‘em up, slick back your hair (if ya got any left) in a D.A., and dress in 50's attire (but not necessary to come join in the fun) as there will be a contest for the best dressed guy, gal, and couple...complete with prizes.

Do ya remember how to twist, swim, mash potato, stroll, etc? We're gonna try them all. There's even a contest for several types of dances....the granddaddy of them all will be a contest to see who can last dancing to 5 straight songs! Think your fit? Then ya gotta chance to win! Prizes there too!

Remember the hula hoop? Remember how to do it? Yup, another contest for that. Now you non-participants are sure to get a hoot out of that contest. See there's something for everyone so come and have a good time and get a few laughs.

Now for the tummy part....Bring yourself and the kids for the soda fountain treats; root beer floats, vanilla cokes, cherry cokes, ice cream sundaes...you get the idea. Since it starts at 6 P.M. plan on that being dessert. Of course, the full bar will also be available to those of you who are allergic to milk products.

Bring some coins and buy your raffle tickets ($1.00 each or 6 for $5) for the Chinese style raffle; you get to put a ticket in the prize you want and don't need to be present to win.

Get your picture taken in a 1950's car as a memento...ah, did you find your thrill on Blueberry Hill? Can you remember back that far? We'll also have some oldy but goody cars parked out front.

This fundraiser is open to everyone; residents, friends, strangers, kids, grandmas and grandpas, and you name it. So BE THERE OR BE SQUARE...SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR!

Reprinted by permission from editor http://SPRINGVALLEYHOME.COM

Come Home to Konocti

Debi Malley, Principal East Lake Elementary School, welcomed parents and community members Thursday evening at ‘Back to School Night'. The multipurpose facility was standing room only as parents had the opportunity to enjoy dinner provided by the Parent Teacher Organization and listen to Mrs. Malley as she introduced teachers and staff to those in attendance.

The Konocti Unified School District has adopted a ‘neighborhood school model' with the conversion of all elementary schools into K-8 schools this year. Eastlake was originally a K-8 school and parents cheered loudly as Mrs. Malley discussed the return of Eastlake to its original configuration.

Superintendant Dr. Bill MacDougall was on hand to discuss the ‘neighborhood school model' as well as any other issues or concerns with parents. Sue Salmina RN PHN district school nurse was available to discuss health related matters including H1N1

.

Parents then had a chance to visit the classrooms and listen to teachers as they discussed the year to come. Everywhere you looked the energy was high and the mood was both positive and optimistic. It promises to be a great year. Visit: http://eles.konoctiusd.org/