LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake Ka-ba-tin Redbud Arrangers is an “offshoot” group of the Lake County Trowel & Trellis Garden Club.

According to LCT&TGC member Barbara Swanson, this arrangers club was formed in the early 2000s for members to learn more about the art of flower arranging in a fun and informal setting.  

The unusual name is derived from a combination of the local Indian tribe’s name for Clear Lake, “Ka-ba-tin,” as well as the Lake County flower, the Redbud.

Swanson, who says she, together with member Shirley Estrem, serves as the informal “organizer” of the  group, is most passionate about the art of Japanese Ikebana arranging.  

She studied this unique type of arranging for a year under a Japanese teacher in the Bay Area and is available to teach the art form to the group.   

“There are many different schools, or types, of Ikebana with different themes, but overall the art is about arranging flowers under the ‘less is more’ rule-keeping the arrangement minimal and simple to showcase their exquisite beauty,” said Swanson.

Although learning Japanese arranging from this experienced and knowledgeable instructor is enjoyed by group members, all other types of arranging is presented and practiced as well.  

“Assignments” are given to the group prior to each meeting, with one arranging theme such as construction, all green, hanging, low table centerpiece, etc.  

Although the group meets strictly for enjoyment and none of the attendee’s arrangements are judged, Swanson says that members are taught arranging criteria according to the National Garden Club’s rules.  

“We do this so that anyone interested in pursuing this art form in more depth will know how to create arrangements that could be entered in judged flower shows, including our local Lake County Fair,” she said.

She added that in addition to the fun members have with their own creations, an added enjoyment is the chance to see and appreciate everyone else’s unique talent. “Everyone is always amazed at how the same assignment is interpreted so differently by each member-it is just a joy to see the creativity that crops up!”

The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1190 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Ka-ba-tin Redbud Arrangers can call Barbara Swanson for more information at 707-262-0636.

The group is sponsored by the Lake Country Trowel and Trellis Garden Club. LCT&TGC invites prospective members to attend their monthly meeting, held the Third Tuesday of each month – except July and August – at noon at the Scotts Valley Clubhouse, 2298 Hendricks Road, Lakeport.

CLT&TGC is a member of the Mendo-Lake District, CA Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Join the Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium on Saturday, March 16, for its latest “Window to the Universe,” which will be a presentation on asteroids by Taylor Staff member, Janis Traub.

The presentation will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the observatory, 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville.

Of all the natural disasters that could befall us, only an Earth impact by a large comet or asteroid has the potential to end civilization in a single blow.

Yet these near-Earth objects also offer tantalizing clues to our solar system's origins, and someday could even serve as stepping-stones for space exploration.

Lake County's Window to the Universe is held on the third Saturday of each month. The evening's event includes a science topic presentation, a planetarium experience and astronomical viewing. Public Events are held regardless of weather. Please dress accordingly.

Suggested donation is $5 per adult and $3 per child under 12 years.

For more information about the observatory, visit www.taylorobservatory.org or call 707-262-4121 and leave a message. Your call will be returned usually within 24 hours.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, March 7.

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.

NICE, Calif. – Come Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Italian style at Sons of Italy Lodge No. 2537 Nice with the band Twice as Good and a dinner prepared by Park Place Restaurant.  

“A Taste of Tuscany” dinner dance on Saturday, March 16, will be $20, which includes pork loin, Tuscano pasta, salad and dessert.  

The no host bar will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will start at 6 p.m. The fantastic music will follow for dancing.  

Raffle tickets for great items will be available at the event. This is a fundraiser for the club, as well as a membership drive.

Tickets are being sold presale only; absolutely no tickets will be sold at the door.  

Please call Donna, 707-263-5476; Nancy, 707-570-5103; or Debbie, 707-274-9952 to purchase tickets.  

The Sons of Italy Hall is located at 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – An activity centered day program for seniors with cognitive or physical impairments is coming to the Middletown Senior Center if there is enough interest.

“My husband always comes home smiling after a day with Jenny and her trained volunteers,” said the spouse of one of the participants. “They are so friendly and upbeat plus I don’t have to worry about him for five hours – that’s a real respite.”

Offering a variety of social experiences and one-to-one interactions appropriate to the level of the participant, it also includes morning snacks and a hot lunch.   

The program would be every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center.

Jenny Johnson, executive director of the Clearlake-based Adult Day Care/Respite program, not only tries to meet the individualized needs of the participants but their caregivers also.  

Caregiver respite and support is an important aspect of the program.   

If you are interested in bringing this much-needed program to Middletown, please contact Jenny Johnson at 707-350-3030 or Helen Whitney at 707-928-9812.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County First 5 Commission will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Lakeport.

The group will meet beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the conference room at Lake Family Resource Center, 896 Lakeport Blvd.

Agenda items include election of 2013 officers, revision to vision and mission statements, a task force report by Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook and a needs assessment survey.

Cathy Ferron will present a kindergarten entry data profile, Gina Griffin will discuss the nurturing parent program, and commissioners and Executive Director Tom Jordan will give their reports.

The commission also will hold a closed session for a performance review of Jordan.

For more information call First 5 Lake County at 707-263-6169 or visit www.firstfivelake.org .