Mono County offers new programs

Mono County has advised of two new programs available in our county. They are:

1. A prescription drug discount card is available to all residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. This card can save up to 22 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. Savings are available through more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. To get your card, contact Mary Booher at Mono County (760) 932-5583 or www.caremark.com/naco. You can use it immediately at any participating pharmacy, so this could be a bonus for all of us.

2. Mono County offers grants to business owners who have employee rental housing units that are in need of energy and/or health and safety upgrades. The grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the housing unit, and they require a 25 percent match by the property owner. Applications are only accepted until April 16, so contact Mary Booher at (760) 932-5583 for an application or information.

Helpful locals

On March 25, there were 18 Marines, the public liaison officer of the base, the Antelope Valley Fire Department, the Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce, as well as several local individual residents, who worked to pick up trash and debris from the BLM land at the Eastside shooting range. They also installed signs to remind those enjoying the use of the area to help take care of the public lands. Thank you to all who worked so hard.

New supervisor for District 4

On March 19, Gov. Schwarzenegger appointed Robert Peters as the interim supervisor until a new supervisor is elected at either the June primary, or in the case of a runoff election, in November. Mr. Peters is a long-time business owner in the district, and strong promoter of tourism and business and will care about us until we have a full-time supervisor.

This and that

The Valley Friendship Circle is a group of very kind and thoughtful residents who want to let people with major health issues know that they care about them. Since their inception in 2002, they have handmade and given out around 100 beautiful quilts to those needing some emotional support for their health issues. It is wonderful to know this happens.

The Antelope Valley Lions Club hosted the Regional Speaker's Contest last Saturday. The winner was Kristina Blum from Bishop, barely edging out Andrew Oliveira, our district's entrant. Both of them were very impressive. Kristina will move on too competition elsewhere in the state. We wish her well.

Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@schat.net or (530) 495-2552.