Spaghetti fundraiser set for April 8

A local fundraiser to benefit Helen Sturdy will take place on Saturday, April 8 at 5 p.m. The spaghetti dinner will be held at the Walker Community Center with the local Lions sponsoring a no-host bar. The cost of the dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 10. There will be a live auction, silent auction and a raffle to help defray Helen's on-going medical expenses. Although she is still trying to work, she will continue to need medical care to treat her serious condition. You can buy dinner tickets and quilt tickets at the Antelope Elementary School Office, the Meadowcliff Restaurant or at the Walker General Store. Our valley residents are known for their generosity, so join in and help support this good cause.

Northington joins Mono County Sheriff race

On March 7, Doug Northington filed to be a candidate in the Mono County Sheriff's election, emphasizing his vision for a positive change in the sheriff's department.

"I'm running for sheriff because I know I can provide the leadership needed to move the department into the 21st century by creating a focus on community policing," said Northington. "I envision building a sheriff's department that is closely integrated with each of our individual communities.

"Officers should be known in the communities they patrol. We should talk to business owners, visit the schools and know local residents. The department should know and respond to community concerns and interests.

"This approach of integrating law enforcement into the community is how modern law enforcement departments are achieving success across the country. Mono County is a small rural county. We can achieve this integration better than most places - and we can do even more, like welcoming skilled citizens into volunteer roles with the department.

"The better the sheriff's department runs, the better it is for all of us - even in Mammoth, where the sheriff is responsible for answering 911 calls, providing search and rescue, leading local disaster response and management and providing backup support for the town police force."

Northington got a jump on the election, which is scheduled for June 6, by obtaining his preliminary filing papers last December on the first day they were available. Since then he has proposed a focused mission and value statements for the sheriff's department, which he promises to implement if elected. They can be found on his website, www.dougforsheriff.com.

A Bridgeport resident for 18 years and highway patrolman for 24, Northington has a diverse range of law enforcement experience including complex criminal investigations, road patrol, and drug interdictions. He has acted as liaison to the courts, the Department of Justice, district attorney and additionally he's lead safety training and public affairs programs. Northington gained a wealth of experience in urban Los Angeles and San Diego early in his career. He's been happily married for 19 years, has four children, and is currently serving in his sixth year as a school board member.

"I'm excited to talk with people throughout Mono County about how the sheriff's department can best serve them," said Northington. "I welcome residents contacting me at any time."

Walker Senior Center

The next caregiver support group will be held at the Walker Senior Center on Tuesday, March 21 at 1 p.m. The meeting will deal with issues surrounding depression. These group meetings are open to any person who is caring for an aging loved one. There is no charge for these meetings, so invite a friend. For further information call Debborah Morales at the CARE Center in Bishop, (760) 872-3871.

Mono County Health nurse, Carolyn, will visit the Senior Center in Walker on Thursday, March 23 at 1 p.m. Seniors may call the nurse for more information or to arrange for a specific injection by calling her at (760) 924-1830. She will be happy to take your blood pressure or discuss your health concerns on her scheduled visits.

Antelope Elementary

There will be no school on Friday, March 17 and minimum days are scheduled for March 22, 23 and 24. Parent-teacher conference notices will soon be in the mail. Remember, parent conferences are a very valuable component of the formula for improved student achievement. So if you cannot make the listed time call the school office to reschedule with secretaries Mary Hussman or Chris Smith.

Beta Sigma Phi corned beef dinner great success

Hardworking members of the Beta Sigma Phi hosted a successful evening with more than 125 dinners served. While everyone enjoyed their dinners, the raffle was ongoing. The grand prize of a $500 Visa card or a choice of a Las Vegas trip was won by John Cecil, our representative on the Mono County Board of Supervisors. Mike and Diane Elliott won a two-night stay at the Tahoe Ridge, dinner and a spa treatment. The Gunns won a $250 savings bond donated by Wells Fargo. Mike Rebiejo from TRE won the yummy looking gourmet food basket. Rebiejo and other friends from TRE, who filled one table, said they had been coming to the dinner for many years. It was fun to visit with old friends such as Pat and Bernie Allen who came from Carson City. A few of the people who also won some of the other great prizes were Larry Sherman, Jim Ackels, Frances Rich, Rose Murray and the Penfields. Local businesses that generously donated items were Sierra Retreat, Meadowcliff Gift Shop, Amerigas, Outwest Gallery, Topaz Lodge and the Stitch'n Horse Ranch. There were many more items raffled which were donated by various members of Beta Sigma Phi. All proceeds from this event benefit local projects and residents. Thanks to all for generously supporting this successful annual event.

n Marylin Portman can be reached by e-mail at mportman@direcway.com