BLUE LAKES – Maryann and Peter Schmid, owners of The Lodge At Blue Lakes in Upper Lake will welcome Lake and Mendocino business owners and community leaders to their final “Thursday Evenings with The Schmids” get-together of the 2009 spring program on May 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The experimental series has evolved into a successful, bi-county event, generating discussion trade and barter among attendees and a greater appreciation of, and involvement with one another’s efforts both in the for-profit and non-profit arenas.

The Schmids felt from the beginning that the Lodge site, almost astride the county line on Highway 20, would provide an ideal meeting place for leaders in both counties to exchange business contacts and ideas for coping with our current economic challenges.

The relaxing and informal meetings by the fireside have allowed an easy discourse with a backdrop of the areas’ excellent wine appetizers and soft flute and guitar music.

The final meeting will concentrate on summarizing the concept of the “Blue Lakes Model” for small business and some tips on decision-marketing by series speaker Hal Bryan, and the reappearance of guest speaker Marcia deChadenedes, outreach partnership coordinator for the North Coast Geotourism Project. She will explain the application process for Lake and Mendocino County Business owners and residents to nominate their businesses, favorite places to visit, historical sites, etc., for the National Geographic Society branded map and Geotourism Map Guide website.

The Blue Wing Saloon will prepare and serve the appetizers. Lolonis Vineyards will pour wine and Martha and Ronald Benway of the Harbor House Espresso Bar will feature blended coffee drinks. George Husaruk, flutist, and Jason Argos guitarist, will provide music.

Ms. deChadenedes will also be on hand at The Lodge At Blue Lakes, the following day, Friday, May 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to assist interested parties in completing their applications.

Attendees are encouraged to experience not only the evening, but the hospitality offered at the Lodge At Blue Lakes, by spending the entire evening with us and will receive our special “Friends and Family” room discount.

To RVSP for the “Thursday Evenings with the Schmids”, accommodation reservations and/or sign up for Marcia deChadenedes’ workshop, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Sylvia DeSantis, at 707-275-2181.