KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Join the Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium on Saturday, April 21, for a look at the Mars Curiosity mission.

The presentation will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the observatory, 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville.

The Curiosity Science Laboratory, launched November 26, 2011, is closing in on Mars and is expected to land in August.

Observatory assistant Edward Giannelli will present up-to-date information about the mission.

Lake County's Window to the Universe is held on the third Saturday of each month.

The evening's event includes a science topic presentation, a full dome theater experience and astronomical viewing.

Public events are held regardless of weather.

Suggested donation is $3 per person.

For more information visit www.taylorobservatory.org or call 707-262-4121.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Six boys and girls, and their pets, were judged to be the most creative and to have the best presentations at the Children’s Push Pull Pet Parade which took place on Saturday, April 7, at Library Park in Lakeport.

First place winner was four year old Alexader Hundley and her pet Labrador dog, Ori, who were dressed up as Little Bo Peep and her sheep. Alexader won a $75 gift certificate to Pet Country of Lakeport.

Second place went to Jake and Paige Pruett, ages 8 and 6, who put together a San Francisco Giants theme with their Boston Terriers and rabbit. They won a $25 gift certificate to Pet Country.

Third place winner was Summer Coleman, age 7, and her bunny, winning a $25 gift certificate to Furry Tails of Kelseyville.

A $25 gift certificate from Furry Tails went to fourth place winners, Sara and Emilee Harris, ages 9 and 3, and their Labrador dog.

All 35 participants also received a free ice cream from Biggs 155 Diner of Lakeport.

Lakeport Main Street Association, the parade’s presenter, thanks volunteer event organizer Alan Mathews of Bicoastal Media and sponsors Pet Country, Furry Tails, Biggs 155 and Northlake Vet Clinic.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The “We Be Cookin' Club” at Middletown High School donated $900 worth of nonperishable foods to the Middletown Methodist Food Program on Tuesday, April 10.

“Thankfully Bill Miller of the Lake County Hunger Task Force and Lisa Rosen of the Summer Meal Program for Students had stopped by the church just in time to assist Club Supervisor Jim Marschall and former Middletown High teacher Elsie Thompson unload more than 80 cases of food,” according to Pastor Voris Brumfield.

“This is such a blessing,” said Brumfield. “Never have we received such a huge one-time gift, and all from students baking and selling cookies.”

Marschall told Brumfield, “Each year the club receives $150 from the district and for the past 10 years through our cookie sales we have purchased computers, desks, and chairs. We are teaching the kids that giving can be a wonderful thing.”
 
The food will be distributed during the fourth Wednesday food distribution at the Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 15851 Armstrong St. and through emergency requests, which can be made by phoning 707-295-7174.

For more information on the programs and services at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church check www.middletownmethodist.org .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee will present its annual Treasures & Trash Sale on Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the museum, 16435 Main St. in Lower Lake.

This event will occur rain or shine.

Donations are being accepted for the sale during the museum’s regular business hours, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

Please, no large appliances or clothing.

For more information or to arrange for pick up of items, please call the museum at 707-995-3565.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Green Party of Lake County will meet on Sunday, April 15.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. at the Lagoons, 1800 S. Main St. in Lakeport.

A light potluck is planned. All are welcome.

Larry Bean, Affinity Solar representative, will discuss benefits of solar and re-dreaming the American Dream.

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call Joanne or Phil at 707-263-3391.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The deadline is fast approaching to nominate local heroes for recognition in the 15th annual Stars of Lake County Award program.

Nominations for the awards must be delivered to the Lake County Chamber office, 875 Lakeport Blvd., at Vista Point by 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, or by letters that are postmarked by April 13.

As always happens when the deadline draws near nominations are arriving in rapid succession via the chamber Web site at www.lakecochamber.com , by people are dropping them off or faxing them to 707-263-5104.

In many cases chamber staff must request additional information/details or ask for other sources to obtain more information.

The selection committee depends upon the details in the nomination letters so the more the better.

In the case of needing additional information, that can be received after April 13, as long as the chamber has it in hand by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17.

Tickets for the Stars of Lake County are on sale as of Monday, April 16, for the event on May 6 at the beautiful facility of PSI Seminars in High Valley.

Dinner tickets are $60 per person.

The reception begins at 4 p.m., dinner is served at 5 p.m. and the awards program begins at 6:30 p.m.   

Calpine Corp. is sponsoring the dinner this year and the chamber currently has the following category sponsors: Cliff & Nancy Ruzicka; WestAmerica Bank; Marymount College; Calpine Corp.; Savings Bank of Mendocino; Strong Financial Network; Lake County Land Trust; Foods Etc.; Bruno’s Shop Smart; Congressman Mike Thompson; John Tomkins Tax Consultants; North Lake Medical Pharmacy and the Lake County Record-Bee.  

“Without the support of the business community this event would not be possible,” said chamber President Jim Magliulo.

Through the efforts of the business community more than 1,500 nominees have been acknowledged since 1998.

Congressman Mike Thompson will be presenting special certificates to each Stars recipient, in person at the awards as he has done every year.

David Neft will play for the reception as he has for all the years of the program. Music during the awards will be provided courtesy of Featherbed Railroad B&B.  

Please contact the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 707-263-5092 with any questions concerning nominations or tickets.