Live music, door prizes, a potluck and a presentation by consultants from the California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) on the progress of a storefront feasibility study for the organization will be featured at this year's annual event.

"All of that surrounded by our conscious intention to reflect upon this past year's events and happenings in our community," noted Member Relations Committee Coordinator Janine Smith-Citron.

The members and general public are highly encouraged to attend. "Please bring a dish that you're inspired to share," she added.

The co-op has continued for a second year with all of their projects in community, which include the Friday Night Farmers' Market, the “Lake County Community Co-op Presents...” educational series, the weekly CSA vegetable boxes and monthly bulk goods ordering, and the community garden at the Highlands Senior Service Center.

"We have much to be thankful for," added board member and Community Garden Coordinator, David Goolsbee, "and much to look forward to as we continue to take steps towards a storefront."

Co-op specialists, Luis Sierra of the California Center for Cooperative Development and consulting specialist, Andrew McLeod, will attend this year's gathering giving the membership an update on the progress of the storefront feasibility study as well as how Co-op members can actively help in this vital step of the Co-op's development.

"I'm so excited to be part of this phase in our development," remarked Co-op Chair, JoAnn Saccato, "and encourage the whole community, membership and beyond, to participate in the process."

For more information about the co-op and this event go to www.lakeco-op.org , contact Janine Smith-Citron at 707-277-8208, or the co-op at 707-993-4270.

CLEARLAKE OAKS – The inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in The Plaza in Clearlake Oaks will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

The community will string lights on a 20-foot tree for the event.

There will be carol singing and a candy cane for each child with hot cocoa available after the tree is shining brightly.

Come join in as they start a new tradition in the beautiful new Plaza.

KELSEYVILLE – The Kelseyville Lions will be serving up breakfast to benefit Lake County Special Olympics.

The breakfast will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lions Club in Kelseyville, 4335 Sylar Lane.

For the low, low price of $6 you can have a full breakfast with all the fixins served by your local Special Olympics athletes.

This year's ticket price also includes an entry into a raffle for a truckload of wood delivered to your door.

For more information call 707-262-1269.

The park is located on Highway 53 between Lower Lake and the city of Clearlake.

Santa Claus will be there to greet children and hand out treats. Christmas songs will be performed by local entertainers with the public invited to join in.

The Christmas tree, decorated with the help of local elementary students, will be on display in the parlor of the historical ranch house at the park. Free hot cider, coffee, and lots of cookies and other treats will be provided.

Entertainers include Dr. Harry Lyons from Yuba College, Rick McCann, Tom Nixon, Middletown’s David Neft, Bluegrass musician, Don Coffin, Anna McAtee, Gaye Henry, and Joan Moss and friends.

This is a great opportunity to visit the historical ranch house at the park. The event has been a favorite holiday tradition for many years; and is continuing this year with the help of many local volunteers. Christmas at the Ranch was started by the original members of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) and is continuing to be presented by the association. The event is designed to welcome visitors to the house to enjoy the warm and festive atmosphere.

Christmas music is enjoyed by all and Santa waits in the parlor for youngsters to tell him of their Christmas wishes. A fire burns cheerily in the dining room where cookies, hot coffee, and cider are served. The Interpretive Society’s gift store will be open where you might find just the right unique item for that hard-to-please person on your Christmas list.

The public is warmly invited to attend this traditional, relaxed, and fun holiday event. Join the volunteers of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association for an old-fashioned Christmas open house at the ranch.

For more information, contact Roberta Lyons at 707-994-2024.