The day falls between the Yule of winter and the solstice of spring, and marks new beginnings.

Brigid is know for the blessings of the waters of healing so it seems appropriate to mark this day with the blessing of the waters of Clear Lake.

In memory of Corbin Harney, Western Shoshone elder and medicine man, a fire ceremony for healing will be held. Harney visited Lake County several times to bless the lake and remind us of his message: one earth, one water, one air. He passed in 2007 with strong love for our lake and healing springs.

All who hold intention for healing creation are asked to join in person or in spirit. Gathering will be canceled if it rains.

Lucerne Harbor Park is located at 6225 East Highway 20.

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The meeting will take place at the Lakeport Yacht Club located next to the Fifth Street launch ramp.

Any persons 17 years old or older with a desire to gain or learn new boating skills and to help promote safe boating is encouraged to join this active flotilla.

For additional information, please call 513-5122.

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Pictured, left to right: Dwain Goforth, Camisha Knowlton, Linda Lake, Jane Weaver, and Marybeth Alteneder, Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse staff and volunteers. Courtesy photo.

LOWER LAKE – The public is invited to a Living History Day on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

Museum staff, dressed in period costume, will be demonstrating Victorian-era household items and playing the 1906 player piano.

Toys and games from the early 1900s will be available for the children, along with the viewing of 3-D pictures through a stereoscope.

Take a step back in time and learn about local history.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and admission is free.

For information, please call the museum at 995-3565.

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The chicken cordon bleu dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with romantic dining music supplied by Robert Vollmer.

Dancing to Paris and Frindt and Friends – a mix of light rock and rhythm and blues – will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets cost $14 presale or $15 at the door.

There also will be raffles and a special door prize.

For more information call Louise at 739-7115.

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is located at 10^th and Country Club.

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There will be approximately 30 wineries pouring premium Lake County wines paired with gourmet chocolates by Sommelier Stephanie Green. New this year will be an array of olive oils and appetizers for an amazing experience for the palate.

Once again, Wine & Chocolate will take place at Mt. Konocti Growers, 2550 Big Valley Road, between Lakeport and Kelseyville. The activities will spread into a second building due to the highly successful 2008 event, with even more activities planned. The car and boat show will make is second appearance, coordinated by Allen Thomas.

Wine & Chocolate is an annual benefit for the programs and services of Lake Family Resource Center.

Tickets are now available for $35 in advance at Lake Family Resource Center’s offices in Lakeport, the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wild About Books in Clearlake, the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro in Kelseyville, tasting rooms at Wildhurst, Tulip Hill, Shannon Ridge, Steele wineries’ tasting rooms, and at the Blue Wing Restaurant and the Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake.

Tickets, which also will be available at the door for $40, include a commemorative wine glass and 10 tastings. Tickets may also be ordered with your credit card by calling Lake Family Resource Center at 262-1611.

In addition to the wine and chocolate pairings, participants will have the opportunity to purchase a “Wine Country” lunch and sit amidst sparkling lights and wine barrels for a full day’s experience complemented by live music by Misdemeanors of Jazz. Bottles of wine from participating wineries will also be for sale in our Market Place.

Special activities presented during the afternoon will include a display of antique cars, a silent auction with wine, dining, travel and art packages, and several classes and demonstrations, such as olive oil sensory, wine tasting sensory, chocolate demonstrations, biodynamic vineyards, and food and wine pairings.

More information about Wine & Chocolate, ticket purchases, and sponsorships may be obtained from Lake Family Resource Center, 262-1611.

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Waddell, who has served 13 years as the community programs director in the Davis state office, assumed her duties Jan. 20, succeeding Ben Higgins’ resignation and subsequent move to California Rangeland Trust.

She was named to the post by USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Douglas Falkner.

“We have a great team at USDA Rural Development, and I am proud to lead the effort to serve rural communities in the Golden State until a new successor is appointed,” said Waddell. “Significant progress has been made in fiscal year 2008 and my focus will be to keep that momentum going into 2009.”

Waddell, a 27-year USDA employee, has been the community programs director since 1996. She started her career at USDA as an assistant county supervisor in Georgia in 1982 for the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). She also served as district loan specialist before assuming the program director position in the California state office.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents by fostering growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.

Further information on rural programs is available at one of California’s 18 local USDA Rural Development offices or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov/ca.

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