UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Redwood Empire's Civil War Roundtable will meet to discuss the events of the Civil War in April and May of 1865 when it next meets on Monday, May 4.

The group will meet beginning at 6:15 p.m. at the historic Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main St. in Upper Lake.

April and May of 1865 had so many things going on in America, some major events just got lost in the shuffle.

What else would explain that the greatest maritime disaster in American history was largely forgotten?

The Sultana was a Mississippi River side-wheel steamboat and on April 27, 1865, the boat exploded.

An estimated 1,800 of her 2,427 passengers died when three of the boat's four boilers exploded and she burned to the waterline and sank near Memphis, Tennessee.

This was hundreds more than died on the Titanic in 1912. But due to the recent fall of Richmond on April 3, the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox on April 9, the assassination of Lincoln on April 14, and the killing of John Wilkes Booth the day before on April 26, the news of this great tragedy was largely lost in the epic events of the time.

What caused the explosion? Who was to blame? Who were the victims? These are some of the things to be explored at the May 4 roundtable.

The other big event to be discussed is the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis on May 10, 1865, near Irwinville, Georgia.

Davis was attempting to escape capture and make it to Texas to carry on the fight against the North.

He was put in leg irons and placed in a dungeon at Fort Monroe, Virginia, to await trial for treason for his efforts in leading the secession movement.

He was imprisoned for two years while the government prepared a case against him. The trial was viewed as more than just about Jefferson Davis guilt or innocence.

The whole concept of self-determination through secession was to be put on trial; if the South had the right to democratically secede, then the government had no authority to invade to force them back into the Union against their will, thus there would had been no treason.

Davis felt confidant he would win the legal argument in court that was obscured by the war. Ultimately, the case was dropped by the government.

Did they drop it from fear of losing the legal argument, or was there a legitimate concern about putting Davis in double jeopardy? This will also be discussed at the Roundtable.

Jefferson Davis himself (as re-enacted by John Smoley) will be on hand to describe his capture, imprisonment and preparation of the "Greatest Trial That Never Was."

The Civil War Roundtable meets once a month to discuss topics related to that war, and is attempting to review the war month by month. The group was founded to coincide with the sesquicentennial of the conflict. Topics are presented in a manner that can be enjoyed by novice and expert alike.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

For more information, contact Phil Smoley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-264-4905, or Zane Jensen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-349-6390.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Eight volunteers for Hospice Services of Lake County were recognized for outstanding service in 2014 at its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 17.

Those honored included Laisné Hamilton for patient support; Madelene Lyon for bereavement support; Pat Brown for clerical support; Edna Harrison for service in the Lakeport thrift store; Lupe Costello for service in the Clearlake thrift store and Tonya Albright for service in the Middletown thrift store.

Karl Parker and Carolyn Rubendall were each recognized for special services performed across various departments during 2014.

Awards were presented to each of the outstanding service volunteers in a manner reminiscent of a roast.

Each volunteer’s supervisor regaled the crowd with a story or two about the volunteer before presenting the award.

There was laughter and some tears, applause and cheers as the volunteers came forward to accept the awards.

Following the awards presentation, several baskets filled with goodies and a set of theater tickets were raffled off, giving all the volunteers an opportunity to win a prize.

The luncheon was held at the Buckingham Homeowner’s Association Club House and catered by Rosemary Martin and the staff of Rosey Cooks.

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through Hospice Services of Lake County.

For more information, contact Hedy Montoya at 707-263-6222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum continues the celebration of the American music heritage from the Ely Stage Stop Victorian Era, welcoming back the Old Time Fiddlers Association for the monthly First Sunday Fiddlers’ Jam on Sunday, May 3.

Local musicians of all ages will meet in the Ely barn from noon through 2 p.m. to perform in the round robin style jam session.

The fun begins at the museum at 11 a.m.

Come and enjoy the newest display in the main house celebrating the Lake County Dairy Industry. Collections of milk bottles and butter churns are featured with old photos from by-gone days at the dairies.

There will be the regular monthly raffle near the end of the jam and more chances to purchase raffle tickets for the “Barns, Birds and Quilts” raffle that will celebrate a winner later in the year. Those items will be on display during the jam.

This free, family-friendly, fun-packed day can be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. Make it a day. Beverages and tasty treats will be available from the docents. Or bring a lunch and maybe some wine and picnic in the Oak Grove.

View the stagecoach, chuck wagon, buckboard and other large display items on the grounds around the barn. Check out the progress being made on the blacksmith complex and then take a ride up to the house on the hay wagon. Many surprises await. So see you there.

Donations made during the jam benefit both the Ely Stage Stop, helping to fund the construction of the blacksmith complex, and the Old Time Fiddlers Association District 10, who uses it to partially fund their scholarship programs.

Home to the Lake County Historical Society, the stage stop is located at 9921 State Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road) in Kelseyville, near Clearlake Riviera, just north of Highway 29-Kit's Corner.

Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Fiddlers’ Jams occur the first Sunday of every month from noon until 2 p.m.

Living history events featuring local historians are held on the fourth Saturday of every month, again, from noon to 2 p.m.

Visit www.elystagestop.org or www.lakecountyhistory.org , check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop or call the museum at 707-533-9990.

EMERVYVILLE, Calif. – Due to declines in gas prices and finance charges, the annual cost to own and operate a vehicle has fallen to $8,698, a nearly two percent drop from last year, according to AAA’s 2015 Your Driving Costs study.

This research examines the cost of fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, license and registration fees, taxes, depreciation and finance charges associated with driving a typical sedan 15,000 miles annually.

In the United States, a driver can expect to spend $0.58 for each mile driven, nearly $725 per month, to cover the fixed and variable costs associated with owning and operating a car in 2015.

“Fortunately, reduced gasoline and finance costs more than offset rising costs in other areas,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “As a result, car owners can look forward to saving approximately $178 this year.”

Fuel: Down 13.77 percent to 11.2 cents per mile/$1,681.50 per year (-$268.50).

Compared to last year’s study, the average cost of regular unleaded fuel fell nearly 13 percent to $2.855 per gallon.

This decline, coupled with improvements in vehicle fuel economy, resulted in an average 11.21 cents-per-mile fuel cost. 

Due in large part to this decrease, the cost of owning and operating a sport utility vehicle is slightly less than that of a large sedan this year.

Finance charges: Down 21.02 percent to $669 per year (-$178).

With rising car sales and stiff competition among dealers, many manufacturers are offering low finance rates to attract buyers. 

In 2015, average vehicle finance rates dropped 21 percent, which equates to approximately $15 per month on a typical five-year loan.

However, rates vary widely with borrower credit scores.

Depreciation: Up 4.10 percent to $3,654 per year (+$144).

The single largest ownership expense, depreciation, rose for 2015 due to increasing new car sales that are causing an influx of used and off-lease vehicles entering the marketplace.

This increased supply has resulted in lower values and selling prices for used vehicles, thus driving up depreciation costs.

Insurance: Up 8.99 percent to $1,115 per year (+$92).

Insurance rates vary widely by driver, driving habits, insurance company and geographical area.

AAA’s calculations are based on low-risk drivers with excellent driving records. Premium-cost modern vehicle features such as infotainment systems, advanced safety features and lightweight materials can be more expensive to repair and insure.

Maintenance: Up 0.99 percent to 5.11 cents per mile/ $766.50 per year (+$7.50).

Annual maintenance, including labor time and repair part costs associated with factory-recommended maintenance, was factored into the 2015 survey along with average costs of an extended warranty. 

Maintenance costs varied widely by vehicle type but, on average, were up slightly from 5.06 cents to 5.11 cents per mile.

License/registration/taxes: Up 3.74 percent to $665 per year (+$24).

Vehicle prices rose modestly in 2014, contributing to an overall increase in state and local tax costs. 

Additionally, some states increased fees related to vehicle purchasing, titling, registration and licensing.

Tires: Up 1.03 percent to $0.98 cper mile/$147 per year (+$1.50).

Due to the competitive and dynamic nature of the tire market, tire costs in 2015 remain relatively unchanged, rising by just $0.01 per mile.

AAA has published Your Driving Costs since 1950. That year, driving a car 10,000 miles per year cost $0.09 per mile, and gasoline sold for $0.27 per gallon.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Friends of the Lake County Library is holding its annual spring book sale on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Library, 1425 N. High St. in Lakeport.

Friends of the Library members can get in a half hour early and get a sneak peek at what's at the sale.

To become a Friend of the Library visit your local branch and ask for an application.

Memberships start at $15 for students/seniors, $25 dollars for adults/family, and $50 for donor level membership.

All proceeds go to making our Lake County Library system great.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch will meet on Wednesday, May 27.

The group will meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Lake County Agriculture Center, 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.

Draft minutes from the April 22 meeting are available at  http://lakelive.info/chicouncil/pdffiles/4.22.15minutes.pdf .

For more information about the group visit http://www.lakelive.info/chicouncil .