MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Lake County Milers will again put the fun in fitness, including a crazy hat competition, with the fifth annual family-friendly Crazy Creek Beer and Brat Lite Run/Walk on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 7, at Crazy Creek Glider Port, just north of Middletown off Highway 29.

Kids ages 4 through 9 can enjoy half K and 1K races at 8:30 a.m. while youths and adults can take part in the 5K run or walk at 9 a.m.

All participants will get a souvenir medal and a bratwurst and beer (or root beer/soda) after finishing the race, which ambles through beautiful scenery along a flat, partly paved course with zero traffic. Plus, special awards will go to the top three boy and girl winners in each of the kids races, as well as to the top five men and top five women in the 5K run and the top five finishers in the 5K walk.

New this year is a crazy hat competition, with prizes to the three craziest hats worn during the race.

The annual fitness event, which drew more than 120 entrants and their families in 2011, returns this year to the scenic Crazy Creek Glider Port, located at 18896 Grange Road, about half a mile off Highway 29.

Early registration through Sept. 21 is $15 for adults, $8 for youths 16 and under. After Sept. 22 and through race day, all fees go up $5.

Participants can register online through RunSignUp.com (for $2.50 per entry convenience charge) or by printing out a registration form available at the Milers’ Web site, www.lakecountymilers.com .

For an entry form and other instructions, call John Sullivan at 707-987-3229.

The Milers running and walking group meets Saturday mornings in two locations: the parking lot of Hardester’s Hidden Valley Lake shopping center (Hartman Road exit off Highway 29) and in Kelseyville in front of, 3990 Main St. The public is warmly invited. Additionally, longer training runs are generally scheduled for Sundays.

To find out more about the Lake County Milers call 707-987-3229 or visit www.lakecountymilers.com .

LUCERNE, Calif. – Lake County Genealogical Society celebrates its 35th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 22.

The event takes place at the Lenore Clark Genealogy Library, inside the Lake County Visitor Information Center, 6110 E. Highway 20 in Lucerne, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Lake County Genealogical Society was formed in 1977 to promote the preservation of records and to help individuals find their family roots.

Over the years society members have gathered a large collection of historical and genealogical information on Lake County including information about schools, resorts and cemeteries.

The afternoon of Sept. 22 can be spent sharing information with fellow researchers, seeing what is new at the genealogy library and viewing displays of some Lake County ancestors.

Light refreshments will be provided.

NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance near Hillsdale Lane beginning Tuesday, Sept. 18. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency guardrail repairs from the junction of Routes 20/53 to New Long Valley Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

Highway 53

– Pavement repairs from Wilson Street to 40th Avenue will continue. Nighttime work hours are 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday Morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect, and motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Daytime work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect, and motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– Highway widening and rehabilitation from 40th Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. Work hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Golden State Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work just north of Camp 1 Tenmile Road beginning Tuesday, Sept. 18. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance Ocean Meadows Circle to Abalobadiah Creek beginning Monday, September 17. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 20

– A pavement repair project from 1.4 miles west of Little Lake Road to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Metal beam guardrail repair from 1.9 miles east of Parlin Fork Camp Road to 0.8 mile east of Three Chop Road will begin Wednesday, Sept. 19. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– A pavement repair project from 0.8 mile west of the James Creek Bridge to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

Highway 101

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from the junction of Route 101/222 to Lake Mendocino Drive beginning Monday, Sept. 17. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Southbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Crosswalk improvements at Gregory Lane will continue. Work hours are 5 a.m. to noon, weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Cal Electro Inc. of Redding.

– Pavement restriping near Ryan Creek Road (south) will begin Monday, Sept. 17. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

– Shoulder widening and installation of rumble strips from just north of Ryan Creek Road (south) to just south of Big Trails Drive will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Legg Inc. of Livermore.

Highway 128

– The Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to hold a fair Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists are advised to watch for pedestrians and drive with caution through the area.

– Hilbers Inc. of Yuba City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit to pave a driveway at the Boonville Cal Fire station Monday, Sept. 17, through Wednesday, Sept. 19. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from 0.4 mile east of the Robinson Creek Bridge to the Mendocino/Sonoma County line will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – OC Jones and Sons of Berkeley.

– Terra Tech Inc. of Rancho Cordova has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for hazardous waste removal near the Mendocino/Sonoma County line beginning Monday, Sept. 17. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Culvert repairs at various locations from Cattle Pass to 0.5 mile west of Slide Creek will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. Contractor – Team Ghilotti of Petaluma.

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Cattle Pass to Stipp Lane will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Slipout repairs about 5.6 miles west of Butler Ranch will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

Highway 271

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from 1.1 miles north of the southern junction of Routes 101/271 to the Humboldt/Mendocino County line will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Postal Service is hosting a series of Passport Fairs in the San Francisco Postal District to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications.

“Passport Fairs make it easy for our customers to apply for a U.S. passport without having to first make an appointment,” said San Francisco District Marketing Manager Lani Meneses. “Plus, with many of the Passport Fairs taking place on a Saturday, it’s a chance to get the kid’s passports without having to take them out of school.”

From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, customers can visit the Clearlake Post Office, 14500 Olympic Drive, to apply for a passport without first making an appointment.

Application forms, information on the costs and how to apply for a passport book and/or passport card can be found at www.usps.com/passport or www.travel.state.gov/passport .

U.S. citizens also may obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 877-487-2778.

In 2011, the Postal Service accepted more than 5.7 million passport applications at more than 6,000 retail locations across the country. Most of the locations also offer passport photo services at a price of $15.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Dates have been announced for the second annual Hands Around Clear Lake Tribal Gathering and Healing Ceremony, a yearly event that unites Lake County citizens and neighbors around a common intention of blessing and healing Clear Lake and our community.

The event will take place the night of Friday, Sept. 21, and the morning of Saturday, Sept. 22, which is also the 2012 Autumnal Equinox.

The location is Shi-Kom Pomo Village, a beautiful field right on the shore of Clear Lake in Nice, CA, close to the Sentry Market.

Take Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Rd. to Lakeshore Blvd. and look for the signs. In the Pomo language, “Shi-Kom” means “the gathering place.”

The Friday night “Concert & Campout on Clear Lake” will feature a ceremonial fire, a huge drum circle, dancing, storytelling, and live performances by several in-demand Lake County musical acts, including Blue Collar, Without a Net, Righteous Vibrations, The Possible Futures, and Lucas Prana & the Gypsy Vayus. The concert is free and begins at 6 p.m.

The gathering will last all night, and free camping is available. Families and pets are welcome. There will be a potluck dinner, and guests are encouraged to bring drinking water, as well as reusable dishes to make this a green event.

Saturday morning there will be a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. to bless Clear Lake and to heal the water, the land, and our people.

The ceremony will include blessings by indigenous elders, shamans, spiritual leaders and healers from all around the region, and will be broadcast live on KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lake County Community Radio.

Those unable to attend the ceremony in person are encouraged to gather privately on the shore of the lake wherever possible to share in this healing event. The radio broadcast will go from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and will be streaming online at www.kpfz.org .

The sunrise ceremony will be followed by a partially catered potluck breakfast and a morning of fun activities on the shore, including swimming, drumming, more live music and art projects for the whole family.

Hands Around Clear Lake is a free event. All donations will benefit the event’s sponsors, Transition Lake County, Thrive Lake County, the Lucy Moore Foundation and KPFZ Lake County Community Radio.

More information about the event is available at www.handsaroundclearlake.com , on Facebook or by calling 707-279-1989.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, the party moves to “the Inn” in Upper Lake (located at 682 First St.) for a Transition Lake County Potluck with a Purpose at 3 p.m., followed by a celebration of the Autumnal Equinox at 5 p.m.

Citizens are invited to gather for networking and sharing with local community leaders working together to co-create a healthier, happier, more resilient Lake County, and to share in a celebration of the beginning of fall.

The potluck will be followed by an evening of drumming and celebration in community.

More information about the afternoon festivities can be found at www.transitionlakecounty.org or by calling 707-279-1989.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The last youth nature education program of the season will be held this Saturday, Sept. 15, starting at 9 a.m. at the Lake County Land Trust’s Rodman Preserve near Upper Lake.

The program is free of charge and open to youth ages 7 to 12 or younger if parents want to accompany them.

Parents are welcome to enjoy the program with their children, or take the weekly walk at the preserve which also starts at 9 a.m.

Leading the program is well-known youth education specialist Elaine Mansell.

She will focus on young Rodman Explorers using their senses to discover that “every trail leads to a new adventure.”

Mansell will focus on the five senses using binoculars and microscopes and examining animal tracks, skat, trees, water, and insects. Hikers will open their ears to listen to and identify sounds.

They also will touch mammal skins look at nests, and feel leaves, bark, seed pods and more to discover there are many different surfaces and textures in nature.

“The purpose of this program is to direct children to be observant utilizing all of their senses rather than ambling through the woods aimlessly,” Mansell explained.

The program is sponsored by the Lake County Land Trust, which owns and operates the Rodman Preserve which is located at 6350 Westlake Road in Upper Lake.

Take the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff off of Highway 29, between Lakeport and Upper Lake. Turn east onto the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff, then left on to Westlake Road. The preserve entry is to the immediate right after turning on to Westlake.

Reservations are requested and this can be accomplished by calling Elaine Mansell at 707-263-1637.

Go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org for more information.