County dispenses community grants

Douglas County commissioners were faced Thursday with the unenviable task of handing out community grants to organizations whose sole purposes are to make life better for residents.

From the Suicide Prevention Network to the Douglas County Pops Orchestra, representatives offered PowerPoint presentations and heartfelt pleas to board members with a little over $54,000 to distribute.

"What a passionate group," said Comptroller Claudette Springmeyer who helped organize the grant requests. "We appreciate all you do. If we could just bottle that passion."

Commissioners were able to give everybody something, but there was not enough to grant 100 percent of requests for some organizations.

"We don't have enough money," said Commissioner Nancy McDermid. "I want to thank all the presenters. It's too bad this wasn't first on the agenda so the roomful of residents could see all the help we get from you."

The dozen agencies each were given five minutes to make their presentations.

"I am reminded we are a community of good works," said Commissioner Michael Olson.

The allocations from the general fund include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson Valley, $10,000 for transportation;

• Carson Valley Arts Council, $5,000;

• Carson Valley Conservation District, $15,000;

• Carson Valley Pops Orchestra, $1,500;

• Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, $10,000;

• Suicide Prevention Network, $5,000;

• Tahoe Youth and Family Services, $5,000;

Funds from the county social services funds, room tax fund and Tahoe Douglas Transportation District Fund were allocated to the Family Support Council, Community Counseling Center, Partnership of Community Resources, Tahoe Douglas Senior Center, Young at Heart Senior Citizen Club and Tahoe ski bus.