The Renaissance Christmas Pageant Troupe is getting ready for their December performances with early previews for community groups. Photo by Voris Brumfield.

CLEARLAKE – Costumed players from the Renaissance Christmas Pageant Troupe entertained a packed house on Oct. 17 at the Lakehouse Inn Bistro and Lounge (formerly the Lamplighter) in Clearlake.

More than 50 members of SIRS (Sons in Retirement) enjoyed a “taste of” the Christmas pageant, with a narrative by co-founder Voris Brumfield, who explained its history and gave the audience a lively description of what the event is like.

Players included lead actor Bob Silvestre, co-founder and choir director Claudia Listman, singer Barbarajo Bloomquist, and script-writer/artistic director Laura Lamar, who sang songs and engaged in dialog drawn from the pageant, including the “Wassail” song, a traditional toasting song.

Brumfield described the tradition of men-at-arms parading a boar’s head around the hall before the feast, accompanied by nobles singing “The Boar’s Head Carol.” Several other songs with dialog were shared to give an overall sense of the experience, while the players joked and interacted with the audience.

A “taste of” performance will be offered at the November meeting of the Middletown Luncheon Club, on Wednesday the 19th at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, 15388 Armstrong Street between Armstrong and Washington streets in Middletown, California, one block east of Highway 29. Come and see what all the fun is about!

This annual event takes place in the lavishly-decorated stone and stained-glass sanctuary of Middletown’s castle-like historic Pioneer Church, which was built in the 1890s. Gorgeous costumes and sets and delicious food make this a sparkling holiday entertainment, with over 16 traditional and Renaissance Christmas songs, dances, games, and entertainments.

The audience is part of this theater-in-the-round experience, and costumes are encouraged (but not required). Produced by the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, actors, singers, dancers, musicians, costumers, cooks and other volunteers — of all ages and faiths, including several parent/child duos — come from throughout the community and from other churches to participate in this production. This is family entertainment at its best, and a local tradition for over 15 years.

Tickets for the 15th Annual 2008 Renaissance Christmas Pageant and Feast in December are now on sale — and there’s a $5 discount on tickets purchased before Nov. 15^th.

Performances offer over two hours of non-stop entertainment, plus a three-course feast around which a lively costume drama unfolds. Shows will be held Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoons, Dec. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are pre-sale only and are $45 each; $5 off if bought before Nov. 15, so be sure to get yours early and save! Call Shari at 707-987-2653 to reserve your ticket. Or you can pick up tickets at Tri Counties Bank in Middletown, The Lake County Arts Council Gallery on Main Street in Lakeport, and at Wild About Books in Clearlake.

Pastor Wanda Celli can be reached at the church office at 707-987-3379.

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From left, educator Karl Reichman, inventor Jan Rippingale, Middletown Rotary President Korby Olson, and insurance broker David Riccio. Reichman, Rippingale and Riccio are all new members of Middletown Rotary. Photo by Helen Whitney.

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Rotary Club recently inducted three new members.

Club President Korby Olson, who also is Middletown Unified School District's superintendent, inducted the newest Rotarians.

They include educator Karl Reichman, inventor Jan Rippingale and insurance broker David Riccio.

For more information about the Middletown Rotary Club's current projects, events and membership, contact Helen Whitney, 928-9812.

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The Lake County Public Works Department reported that Bartlett Springs Road between the Lake/Colusa County Line (at Four Corners and Walker Ridge Road) to Mile Post Marker 28.5 will be closed to all traffic for an emergency bridge replacement.

The closure is expected to last through the middle of November. Signs and barricades are in place to alert the traveling public of the need to use alternate routes.

Kelsey Creek Drive at mile post marker 2.9 will be subject to single-lane traffic control with 20-minute maximum delays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in order to complete storm damage repairs. Work on this project also is expected to last through the middle of November.

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, and lasting through Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., Kelsey Creek Drive at mile post marker 2.9 will be closed to all traffic. Signs and barricades will be in place to alert the traveling public of the need to use alternate routes.

The Department of Public Works asks drivers to use caution in these areas, and thanks the public in advance for its patients and understanding while repairs take place.

For more information contact the Department of Public Works, 263-2341.

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CLEARLAKE – The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce will once again be sponsoring the annual Christmas Light Parade and Decorating Contest, and it's not too early to start planning your entry.

Applications to enter a parade entry are available online at www.clearlakechamber.com under downloads or at the chamber office, 4700 Golf Ave., Clearlake.

The Christmas Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 will begin at 6 p.m. and follow Lakeshore Drive to Austin Park for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit by Santa Claus.

Deadline to enter your float, group, etc. is Friday, Nov. 21.

Volunteers are needed to help with the parade. Call the Chamber at 994-3600.

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Cole-Lewis is president of the Lake County Unitarian Universalist Community. She will discuss the history of the community both globally and here in Lake County, what the community believes and her thoughts on how we can protect ourselves in a failing economy.

She also will discuss such issues as the environment and marriage equality from a Unitarian Universalist perspective.

Calls will be taken at 263-3435 and the program will be replayed on Monday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.

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