CLEARLAKE – The movie that was almost never made, adapted from a controversial book, “And the Band Played On,” will be shown by the Lake County Stonewall Democratic Club Friday, Sept. 18.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Redbud Library, Conference Room, 14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake.

The book, written by openly gay journalist Randy Shilts, details with daunting statistics and primary sources the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and the denial and refusal to recognize the great crisis as the virus HIV spread across the nation.

Optioned by a mainstream studio that realized that it was too controversial to film, the movie took about six years before it was produced by HBO in 1993.

In an attempt to pare down the epic proportions of the book, the movie concentrates on Dr. Don Francis of the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and the slow reluctance of the government to contribute funds, and the denial of the gay community to recognize and deal with the deadly virus.

 

The movie is still compelling and informative with a stellar cast starring Lily Tomlin, Gary Oldham, Steve Martin, Richard Gere, Sir Ian McClellan and Angelica Houston.

Gripping in its intensity and a grim reminder of how politics can become a liability in dealing with health issues, the movie remains relevant and pertinent to today's audience, particularly in light of the recent swine flu outbreak.

 

The movie is free, and refreshments such as popcorn and soft drinks will be served.

 

Everyone is invited. Come and enjoy this landmark movie.

MIDDLEOTWN – Corey Warner, MD, known to be a very lively and humorous speaker, will present a "Medical Matters" program at the next Middletown Luncheon Club, noon, on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Warner joined the Hidden Valley Medical Services Center as the full-time internal medicine doctor in October of 2008. He is board certified and specializes in the full spectrum of adult medicine.  

He received his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed his residency in internal medicine at Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center, both in Portland, Ore.

His distinguished professional record, caring manner and commitment to his community reflect the high standards shared by the physicians at St. Helena Hospitals.

Dr. Warner and his wife, Amber, moved to Hidden Valley Lake from Danville, Ill., where he practiced at the Carle Clinic Association and Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. They enjoy golf, volunteer work, church and spending time with family.  

He was active in the Danville community where he served on the Boys and Girls Club board and was a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters for seven years.

The Middletown Luncheon Club meets at noon at the social hall of the Middletown Methodist Church, 15833 Armstrong at Washington, Middletown.

Lunch is only $5 per person with proceeds going to the serving group. Lunch this month will be prepared by South Lake Fire Sirens. All programs are open to the general public.

If you don’t know about the Middletown Luncheon Club (MLC), here is the perfect opportunity to tap into the 108 year continuum of community.

MLC meets every third Wednesday of the month from January through November. A nonprofit organization is selected to provide lunch, and there is a different program each time to keep things lively and informative.

For more info on the MLC, contact Helen Whitney, 707-928-9812.

LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Department of Public Works reports that there will be closures for road repairs on Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 17.

Park Way, between Hill Road and Hill Road East, will be subject to a full road closure on Sept. 16 and 17 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. for necessary road repairs.

Signs will be in place to alert the traveling public of the need to use detours during this time.

The Department of Public Works thanks the community in advance for its patience and understanding.

For more information call the Department of Public Works at 707-263-2341.

NICE – Enjoy an Italian buffet on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Sons of Italy club hall, 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

The meal will include chicken Parmesan, rigatoni, French bread, green salad, green beans and homemade cake for dessert.

The bar is open for socializing at 5 p.m., then dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Enjoy dancing to music by the Jim Williams Band right after the meal.

All tickets cost $14 at the door. Everyone is welcome.

For information about this event or renting the hall for your own, call 707-274-9952.

 

CLEAR LAKE RIVIERA – On Thursday, Sept. 24, attorney Dennis Fordham will offer a free seminar on “Your legacy and peace of mind: Wills versus revocable living trusts.”

The presentation will take place beginning at 7 p.m. at the Clearlake Riviera Community Association's community room, 9689 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451 (near Fairway).

Learn how trusts can protect you and your family.

Topics will include probate avoidance, disability planning, control over distributions at death, spendthrift provisions (to protect children’s inheritances against their creditors), protection for children’s inheritances vis a vis divorce or remarriage, special needs provisions for beneficiaries on “needs based” public benefits (i.e., Medi-Cal planning).

This informative 40-minute slide show is followed by a question and answer discussion.

RSVP by calling the Law Office of Dennis A. Fordham at 707-263-3235. Refreshments will be provided.

LAKEPORT – The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild proudly announces its eighth annual Falling Leaves Quilt Show is coming soon to the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Show dates are Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4.

The hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

The Lake County Fairgrounds are located at 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.

More than 200 quilts, on loan from guild members and from the community at large, will be on display in Lewis Hall. A number of vendors will be selling quilt-related merchandise, such as books, patterns, notions and supplies. Vendors also will perform demonstrations during the show.

At the Country Store boutique, guild members will sell a variety of quilt and craft merchandise, a good place to get started on Christmas shopping.

Show guests can take a chance at an opportunity quilt and a selection of gift baskets, and can bid on the silent auction items. Angelina’s Bakery will serve lunch in Barty’s Café across the street from Lewis Hall each day.

The quilt guild is delighted to announce that this year’s featured quilter is Patricia Knoechel an internationally-known quiltmaker, speaker, teacher, and designer. Knoechel will display a number of her quilts at the Falling Leaves Quilt Show. Her work features traditional designs with fresh touches and soft clear colors that reflect the flowers and butterflies that she favors.

Patricia Knoechel and her sister, Eleanor Burns, another well-known quilter, have worked closely together for many years. In 1985 Knoechel started her business Creating with Color in response to Burns’ need for special rulers to use with her Quilt in a Day patterns. Visit Pat Knoechel’s website www.creatingwithcolor.com to see a gallery of her quilts and to learn more about her. The Quilt in a Day Web site is www.quiltinaday.com .

LLQG welcomes all quilters, prospective quilters and quilt lovers to its meetings and events.

For more information about the Falling Leaves Quilt Show, contact Donna James at 707-262-1201, or visit the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild Web site at www.LLQG.org .