UPPER LAKE – The half-way point in the continuing series of “Thursday Evenings with The Schmids,” dealing with the market downturns was reached April 2, when The Lodge At Blue Lakes owners Maryann and Peter Schmid presented the third informal gathering of Lake and Mendocino County business and community leaders.

The Schmids and their manager, Sylvia DeSantis, wish to thank all the attendees for their enthusiastic reception and contribution to our informal gathering, and also to sponsors Steele Winery, Mendocino Brewing Co., and the Harbor House Espresso Bar for providing refreshments; Pro-flame for the appetizers and the “King Kooker” raffle prize, and musician Steve Winkle and Mike Canovas for background guitar music.

Special guests included Debra Sommerfield, executive director, Lake County Development Board; Lori Peters, executive director, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce; and Carre Brown, First District Supervisor of Mendocino County.

Featured speaker Marcia deChadenèdes, coordinator for the geotourism map, was a hit with the audience when she described her current assignment, which is to explain to area business owners that they can literally get their businesses “on the map” at no charge.

The featured guest speaker for series' fourth installment, which takes place on April 16, will be Camille Schraeder, executive director of Redwood Children’s Services. She will be speaking on the ways in which a nonprofit organization like RCS is coping with these challenging economic times.

Hal Bryan, economic historian and free market advocate, will update attendees on his progress with the “Blue Lakes Model – A Survival Plan for Small Business,” with emphasis on current market movement.

Melissa Fulton, chief executive officer of the Lakeport Chamber of Commerce, will donate a free hot sheet insert as a special raffle prize to all Lakeport Chamber member attendees. Additional raffle prizes will be donated by Pat Meyer of Pat Meyer and Associates and Jon Meyer, the Tax Man, Mendocino Brewing Co., Frey Vineyards and Harbor House Espresso Bar.

Mendocino Brewing Company and Frey Vineyards will provide refreshments and Shannon Baker, the featured culinary artist, will prepare the appetizers and wine pairing for this event.

Due to the success of the series and to preserve the intimate and relaxed fireside ambience, the Schmids feel obliged to limit the number of guests, so it is essential to RSVP for the upcoming get-togethers.

To inquire about future speakers and to RSVP, please contact Sylvia DeSantis at 707-275-2181. The Lodge at Blue Lakes is located at 5135 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake, www.thelodgeatbluelakes.com.