Shirley Estreem (right) presents flower arrangement to Barbara Swanson (left). Photo by Claire Grieve.

LAKEPORT – At the last workshop until September of Lake Kabatin Redbud Arrangers, members surprised Barbara Swanson with a big thank you.

She does all the leg work to organize the group, and teaches and shares her knowledge with all the other flower arrangers.

Members brought a flower from their own gardens, and Shirley Estreem created the beautiful bouquet.

A potluck lunch also was a special treat.

These flower arrangers are members of Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club, and entitled to also be members of the Lake Kabatin Redbud Arrangers.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, September through June, at 11 a.m., at the Mendo-Lake Credit Union Bank conference room. Each month there is a different design theme. For more information phone Barbara Swanson 707-262-0636.

Please check out the Web site to view photos of the flower arrangements that members create each month. www.clttgc.org.

Standing, back row, from left to right: Susan Buckles, Carol Kesey, Sunsol Westergren, Shirley Estreem, Marva Brandt, Jo Shaul, Linda Waterstraat, Ann Blue, Joyce Porterfield, Leanne Harvey, Mary Secord. Front row, left to right: Doris Ellsworth, Nancy Benkleman, Jo Jameson, Linda Pyers, Barbara Swanson and June Beto. Not in picture was Claire Grieve, who took the photograph.

MIDDLETOWN – It’s fun for the whole family in Middletown on Father’s Day weekend with a “Spirit of the Old West” parade, barbecue, dance, merchant specials, and rodeo events in Central Park.

The fun begins on Saturday, June 19, with the 49th annual Middletown Days parade on Highway 29 in downtown Middletown.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., but you must be in town by 9:30 a.m. to find parking because the detour route cuts off most of the parking downtown.

Parking is available along side streets to the east of the highway, unless posted.

Get to town early to enjoy the pancake breakfast at the Middletown fire station from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 for eggs and pancakes and all the trimmings.

The Fire Sirens will also hold a rummage sale next door to the fire station all day.

When you get back to town, check out the fabulous deals on used books at the Middletown Library, located at Highway 29 and Callayomi Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After the parade, Middletown merchants will host a street fair on Bush Street, and many businesses will be offering Middletown Days specials.

The fun moves to Central Park just south of Middletown for a traditional barbecue, karaoke contest, parade awards, vendors, and lots of rodeo action in the arena.

The chicken and tri-tip barbecue with all the trimmings is served from noon until it’s gone. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.

Grab your partner for dancing under the stars beginning at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night in the park. Enjoy music by the Dave Russell Band, drinks from the Lions Club bar, and delicious carnitas all evening long. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12.

On Sunday, take dad to breakfast at the annual Father’s Day breakfast hosted by the Middletown Lioness Club.

Enjoy ham, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Lions Clubhouse in Central Park for only $7 for adults and for children.

Then it’s on to the arena for fast action at the gymkhana beginning at 10 a.m. The Cowboy Cafe and beer booth will be open all day.

The day ends with the Queen’s drawing for the beef raffle, followed by the exciting rescue race and hide ride to close out another fun weekend in the Spirit of the Old West.

CLEARLAKE – The Clearlake Planning Commission will meet this Tuesday, June 15.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

The first item of business on the agenda is Calvary Chapel's use permit application to construct a new church sanctuary at 14330 Olympic Drive.

The commission will then hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of a negative declaration of environmental impact and the approval of a subdivision application from Superior Acquisitions Inc. that proposes to create two commercial lots at 15895 Dam Road Extension.

There also will be a director's report.

Copies of maps and other information for the agenda items are available for review at the Clearlake Community Development Department at Clearlake City Hall between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Members of the public are invited to come to the meeting and comment on any item under discussion.

NICE – The newly chartered Northshore Lions Club is looking for new members.

Please come to find out more about the exciting new club this Thursday, June 17.

Meetings take place the third Thursday of each month. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m.

The group meets at the Marina Grill in Nice.

For more information call 707-274-9952.

LUCERNE – The Lucerne Friends of Locally Owned Water (Lucerne FLOW) will host their monthly meeting on Saturday, June 19.

The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 10^th and Country Club.

The center offers breakfast that is available to all.

The public is welcome to the meeting.

LAKE COUNTY – Organizers of the annual Lake County Home Wine Makers and Home Brewers Festival, taking place on June 26 in Lakeport, have extended the deadline for persons interested in submitting their products for judging.

The new cutoff date for entries is Friday, June 18.

Participants will have their wines, beers and ales judged by not only panels of experts, but also members of the public attending the event.

This year's festival will take place at Lakeport's Library Park between the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It is sponsored as a fundraiser by nonprofit Clear Lake Performing Arts, Lake County's fine music support group.

Information on the Winefest – now in its eighth year – may be obtained at www.homewinemakersfestival.com.

Wines will be judged in a broad variety of reds, whites and pinks.

Those interested in submitting their wines for judging and for sampling to the public may contact Connel Murray at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-277-7076. Home brewers should contact Scott Simkover at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-279-2762.

Discounted advance ticket sales were introduced June 7 at most Lake County wineries as well as many retail and civic outlets including both the Lakeport and Clearlake Chambers of Commerce and members of the Lakeport Main Street Association.

An addition to the list is the Kitchen Gallery, now in a new location at 341 N. Main St. in Lakeport.

Advance tickets are $15, while those purchased the day of the event are $20.