NICE, Calif. – Everybody has that vintage item that they think may have some value and Saturday, Aug. 3, they can see if it’s trash or treasure at the Featherbed Railroad.

Laurence Martin of TV’s Baggage Battles who has also been featured on Storage Wars offering valuations to that show’s stars will be on-hand at the Featherbed Railroad offering free valuations of vintage and antique items from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

“You never know if you’ve got something that’s worth quite a bit,” said Martin. “You might have gold in your attic – or just junk in your trunk.”

For years Martin and his wife, Sally, have been offering on-camera valuations to the stars of TV’s Storage Wars.

Three years ago the Martins got their own show, Baggage Battles, where they take this expertise to auctions all over the world. This is a chance to meet Martin and explore his incredible knowledge of the value of vintage and antique items.

There is no charge to have items evaluated and Laurence may actually buy some items to take back to his shop, Studio Antiques.

No matter what, this will be a fun afternoon with a true character and you may finally be able to rest knowing that grandma’s vintage dresser is worth a small fortune - or is just a great place for her drawers.

While limited in supply, there are still rooms available at the Featherbed Railroad for this event for those who wish to stay.

More information, reservations and specific details are available on the Featherbed Railroad’s Web site at www.featherbedrailroad.com or by calling the resort at 707-274-8378.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Thursday, July 25, the Westside Community Park held a ribbon cutting and dedication for the park's new “Jane Barnes Field” sign.

The sign commemorates the support and donations of the late Jane Barnes, a longtime Lake County resident and youth advocate.

She and her family have given significant support – including financial contributions – to the park's development.

Attending the event, and pictured above, left to right, were Henry Anderson and his son Norm; Robert Boccabella, Lake County Chamber director, Business Design Services; Ted Mandrones, Lake County Chamber director, Mendo Mill Home Center & Lumber; Stacey Mattina, Lakeport City Council, Konocti Realty; Lakeport Mayor Tom Engstrom; Ron Raetz, past Westside Community Park Committee chair; Dennis Rollins, current Westside Community Park Committee chair; Tom O'Rourke, Lakeport Rotary president; Jane Barnes family members Wilda Shock, Ken Barnes and Susie LaPointe; Mark Borghesani, Kelseyville Lumber; Roy Parmentier, Westside Community Park Committee treasurer; Marc Spillman, Lakeport City Council; Bruce Brower, Lakeport Kiwanis Club; Gary Riesen, Lake County Chamber director, G&G Printing Services; Jim Magliulo, Lake County Chamber president, CPS Commercial.

For more about the park, visit http://www.westsidecommunitypark.org/ .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Museum will hold a living history day and a quilt and fiber artists’ reception on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Living history begins at 11 a.m. with museum staff and volunteers dressed in period costumes, sharing stories and showing many of the museum’s unique items.

Flint napping will be demonstrated by Curtis Fair, Grindstone archaeologist, Mendocino National Forest.

The 1906 player piano will provide music, and kids of all ages can play Victorian era games, write with pen and ink, and send a Morse Code message via telegraph.

Turn-of-the-century refreshments will be served.

The Quilt and Fiber Arts Exhibit artists’ reception takes place from noon until 2 p.m.

Artists from Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild and Kerrie’s Quilting will discuss their work, and world renowned weaver, Sheila O’Hara, will demonstrate loom weaving. Refreshments will be served.

The Schoolhouse Museum is located at 16435 Main St. in Lower Lake.

For more information please call 707-995-3565.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Redevelopment Oversight Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 1, has been canceled.

For additional information call the city of Clearlake at 707-994-8201.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, Aug. 1.

The group meets at the First Lutheran Church, 3863 Country Club Drive across from the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Social worker Jenny Johnson is the facilitator.

The group is sponsored by Redwood Caregiver Resource Center (1-800-834-1636) and the Social Day Programs in Lake County.

For more information call Jenny Johnson at 707-350-3030 or Caroline Denny at 707-263-9481.

Respite is provided by the centers at no charge.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The days are getting shorter, and the time has come to plan your fall/winter vegetable garden.

While it may seem too early, many fall crops are started from seed in August.

The University of California Master Gardeners are pleased to present two informational workshops on fall planting.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the North Coast’s unique second growing season and how you can take advantage of it to ensure a year-round supply of fresh produce from your own backyard.

“Fall Planting I” will cover head-forming vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage and will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“Fall Planting II” will cover leafy greens such as kale, mustards and lettuce and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Both workshops will be held at the Agricultural Center, 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, a wheelchair-accessible facility. A $5 contribution to cover workshop handouts is requested.

For further information or directions to the Ag Center, or to RSVP for the workshop, please call the UC Cooperative Extension at 707-263-6838.