UPPER LAKE, Calif. – November marks the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's famous “Gettysburg Address,” and the Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable will be discussing this speech and how spiritualism played a part in Lincoln's life when it meets Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The group will meet beginning at 6:15 p.m. at the Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main St. in Upper Lake.

Michelle L. Hamilton will give a presentation on the Lincoln's interest in spiritualism, and how seances and ghost sightings became a regular part of the Lincoln White House.

“The timing of this topic is perfect coming right after Halloween,” said Phil Smoley, co-founder of the roundtable. “Michelle has weaved together a very provocative narrative about Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln. I was told it is even a bit spooky.”

Hamilton is a historian, lecturer, Civil War reenactor and grad student working on her master's degree in history at San Diego State University.

Hamilton will be followed by President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, as re-enacted by Dr. Bill Cornelison, professor of history at Yuba College.

“Mr. Lincoln” will set the stage of his greatest speech by explaining how and why he wrote it, and describe the setting of venue. Then, he will commence with “Four score and seven years ago...” and re-tell the Gettysburg Address, and remain to answer audience questions after he completes his speech.

The Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable was formed to honor the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and typically meets on the first Monday of each month to review the events that month 150 years ago. Admission is free, all are welcome.

For more information, contact Zane Jensen at 707-349-6390 or Phil Smoley at 707 264-4905.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The California Retired Teachers Association, Lake County Division 35, will be host a celebration in honor of Retired Teachers Week.

It will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Morgan Valley Road.

Dwain Goforth, assistant curator, will give a presentation on local history. Light refreshments will be provided.

The school house bell will be rung for retired teachers past and present.

This event is open to the public.

For more information, contact Joyce Anderson, 707-995-1189.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Oct. 10 a line dance reunion was held at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center to celebrate the 10 years that Shari Koch has been an instructor there.

According to Koch, more important to her than 10 years of teaching is the fact that many dancers are still with her from seven to 10 years ago. These dancers also have donated many, many hours volunteering at the center.

“Line dance is a great way to exercise if you love to dance. The time goes by quickly and you don’t even realize that you are working out. Your brain gets a work out also as you learn the basic steps and put them together. Best of all though is the friendships that are made,” said Koch.

Koch said she feels very fortunate that she is able to do what she loves. She hopes to be celebrating another 10 years as well, right along with these same friends.

Everyone is welcome to join in on the classes or just come to the center and watch.

There are two new “Absolute Beginner” classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The classes are a good way to get started in learning the basic steps.

You can remain in this class to gain more confidence and use it for exercise or you can choose to move on to a more advanced class.

You can contact the center at 707-263-4218 or Koch at 707-263-7344 for more information.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Services Director, Caroline Chavez announced that the Eastlake Landfill and the Lakeport Public Services office will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

Residential pickup will be on their regular scheduled day.

Both facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Normal operating hours at the landfill are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

The Public Services office is normally open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding this subject or any of the solid waste issues in Lake County, please call 707-262-1760.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport English Inn is in preparation for the 11th annual Victorian Christmas Fair and high teas.

Innkeeper Karan Mackey, her mother Ruth, and Karan’s sisters Jill and Marlene present this year’s event between Nov. 23 and Dec. 22 at the bed-and-breakfast inn, 675 N. Main St., Lakeport.

Guests this year will be treated to a “Festival of Lights” in the displays throughout the inn. Dozens of fully-decorated trees fill the rooms and halls at the inn during the annual fair.

A world class, traditional English High Tea is presented by the three sisters and staff. Delicious scones, tarts, tiny sandwiches, Devonshire cream, desserts, shortbread cookies, all prepared with care and attention to detail, complement the tea.

“It is like having tea at the London Ritz,” said Marlene.

For a preview of the tea menu, visit http://lakeportenglishinn.com/high-teas/christmas-fair.asp .

“Come enjoy a glimpse of England,” said Mackey, who takes pride in presenting her English High Teas in traditional fashion.

She has visited many tea rooms in England, and she is unrelenting in making her tea experiences as true to the English tea as possible.

Only a few tea rooms exist in Northern California, and she visits those when she has the opportunity.

Lakeport is within a two-hour drive from Sacramento, an hour and a half from Santa Rosa, and approximately two-and-a-half hours driving time from the Bay Area.

“We invite Lake County residents and visitors to ring in the holidays with us. We look forward to opening our inn to guests during this special time so that they may enjoy strolling carolers, shop rooms of ornaments and decorations, smell and taste edible creations, and join friends for a proper English Victorian Tea,” said Mackey.

The Victorian Christmas Fair is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, except Thanksgiving Day.

High tea is served to the public every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday during the Christmas Fair. Seatings are at noon and 3 p.m. However, groups of more than 15 people may schedule tea on other days during the run of the holiday fair.

A three-tier platter of “scrumptious delights” is planned for the “Mad Hatter Tea Party.” For reservations, call the inn at 707-263-4317.

The innkeepers and tea servers invite guests to enjoy the celebration of Christmas traditions of long ago.

“You will be transported to a different era as the staff and carolers dress in Victorian style and stroll throughout the inn's Christmas Fair and tea rooms serenading visitors,” said Mackey.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Join with the Kelseyville Food Pantry and help make this holiday a little warmer for your friends and neighbors.

The pantry is collecting new socks of all sizes and colors to give away on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The goal is to collect 400 pairs of socks.

For more information on how to help, call the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church at 707-279-1104.