Page 36 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2017

Pedal 4 Polio: All the local Rotary International clubs have banded together to bring us the Pedal 4 Polio, a six-day, 332-mile non-competitive bike ride spanning the entire length of Rotary’s Northern California District 5130. Although some have opted for the full length ride, which starts on Aug 13 in Crescent City, many Petaluma riders have chosen join in for the final leg, which starts in Cloverdale on Sat, Aug 19, which culminates with a big party at the finish line at Lucchesi Park in Petaluma. And after burning all those calories, you can treat yourself to something from two of my favorite food trucks - Bodega – CA and Gator’s Rustic Burger. Non-cyclists are encouraged to join in the celebration by attending the Lucchesi festivities or by sponsor a rider, which can be done through the registration site at www.rotary5130.com/pedal-polio. Proceeds go to help Rotary in their ongoing goal to eradicate Polio completely.
The Writers Forum returns to Copperfield’s Books on Thur, Aug 17, from 6:30-8:30pm for a presentation by author Peg Alford Pursell. She has taught flash fiction locally at the College of Marin, Book Passage and in the North Bay Writers Workshop and her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Review, Per- mafrost, Joyland Magazine, and many other journals and anthologies. “Flash fiction isn’t simply fast fiction. Learn more about the short short and explore its potential to enliven and deepen your writing.” Writers Forum founder Marlene Cullen invites you to visit www.TheWriteSpot.us for more information.
The Taste of Petaluma takes over downtown for the 12th year in a row on Sat, Aug 19, from 12-3pm. This culinary walking tour of downtown Petaluma promises to give locals and visitors an experience like no other. For $40,
guests get ten tasting tickets to use at the locations of their choosing. A free hop-on and hop-off trolley makes getting around downtown easy for those that are too full with all the great tastings samples to walk anymore. It also will make it easy to get between the Wine & Cheese Garden at the Petaluma Historic Library & Museum, the Beer Garden on Water Street, and the Caterers Showcase at the Hotel Petaluma. Also at the Hotel Petaluma, local food experience author Frances Rivetti will be signing her popular Fog Valley Crush and Fog Valley Winter books. Signed copies of Frances’s books make for great holiday gifts to locals and non-locals alike. This is a fundraiser for Cinnabar Theater.
www.tasteofpetaluma.org
Shakespeare on the River: Petalumans look forward to the Petaluma Shakespeare Company’s free presentation of this year’s Shakespeare on the River, which raises its curtain from Fri, Aug 25 – Sat, Sept 9 on “Henry IV – Part One” (directed by Skylar Evans) at the Foundry Wharf at the corner of H & 1st Streets. Friday’s performances start at 7pm, while the weekend’s start at 3pm. Guests will enjoy Shakespeare under the open sky, as it was originally performed at the famed Globe Theater. Instead of bringing our own, we purchase snacks on-site, as this helps support the efforts to keep these shows free to the public. Petalumashakespeare.org
Petaluma Arts: Along with all their great exhibits, the Petaluma Art Center has two special announcements for August. The first is that Executive Director Val Richmond will be retiring. Val has been, and continues to be a valued member of the Petaluma community, and perfectly exemplifies why Petaluma remains such a rewarding place to live. Second, the very popular ArtBus returns to PAC on Sat, Aug 26 at 9:30am to pick up guest for a tour of the fabulous murals of S.F.’s Mission District. Tickets are only $23. www.petalumaartscenter.org.
The Friends of the Petaluma Library will hold their Summer Children’s book sale on Fri & Sat, Aug 11 & 12, followed by the General book sale from Wed, Aug 16 – Sat, Aug 19. Although picked over by Saturday at 2pm, the last two hours, ending at 4pm, are the Bag Sale, where a bag full of your choice of books will only run you a few bucks. Contact Anita Greene at (707) 762-5003 to help volunteer.
The 2017 Petaluma Music Festival is Sat, Aug 5 at the Petaluma Fair- grounds. The festival has raised over $200K throughout the years, all going to benefit local school music programs. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and stay open till 9:30 p.m. Tickets $50. www.PetalumaMusicFestival.org.
36 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/17
Tidal Response at Art Center The Petaluma Arts Center opens a new exhibition, Tidal Response: Coastal M:arine Environments from Above and Below, on August 19 through October 21. Tidal Response explores the intersection of art and science through a series of responses to coastal environments. Some of these marine impressions are more literal – Peter Connors displays formerly living sea creatures as a medium in his delicate algae pressings, Chris Dewees uses sea inhabitants as part of his process of Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing). Other works are more conceptual, as Richard and Judith Selby Lang repurpose objects found at the water’s edge to express both environmental philosophy and sense of place. Collectively, these artists, some trained in fine arts, some in biology, conduct a dialogue with nature, and with each other, breaking down disciplinary silos and allowing for a more holistic and richer exploration of a complex ecosystem. Meet the artists at the Opening Reception on August 19, 5pm – 7pm (free). An artist talk on “3D Modeling Demonstration of Undersea Coral Specimens” is set for August 31, 7:00pm-8:00pm with Erika Woolsey of The Hydrous, presenting 3D printing methods. $5 general, PAC members free. Doors at 6:30. www.petalumaartscenter. org.
Green Mill: The restaurant closed more than 15 years ago, yet the Green Mill on Old Redwood Highway looms large in our memories. The property was sold for 2.1 million in May 2017. According to the Redfin website, the Historic Green Mill Inn’s value is in the “land and cell tower leases. The restaurant is in very poor condition. Possible 4 separate APN’s make up this 9.62 acre site. Possible sub division. 2 bedroom 1 bath home currently rented.” Recently, a committee
of locals were interested in fixing up the iconic and
crumbling windmill sign on Hwy. 101, whose blades
proclaim “Food At It’s Best”, but Ms. Grammar notes
that apostrophe placement indicates “At Best It’s Food”.
Just sayin’. The restoration costs would’ve been huge,
so the restoration effort was scrapped. Meanwhile, 101
North Brewing erected its own windmill sign adjacent
to the original: “Beer At It’s Best”. Ms. Grammar encourages you to interpret this Apostrophication in your own manner.
Penngrove Market: Co-owner Rebecca McDowell gives an update on the BIG TOPIC around town: “We’re extremely excited to get the Penngrove Market open! Martin Sessi (property owner) recently received final approval on the building and its permitted use. We await approval for permits on building our kitchen expansion, coffee bar and checkout counters. We ran into a snag securing an ABC license due to a 2008 ordinance forbidding sales of alcohol within 1000 feet of a school or childcare facility. Because we are directly across the street from Redwood Montessori and
our building was not in use for at least one year, we are subject to this ordinance. However, we are working hard to find a solution. It is likely we will call upon the community to weigh in on the importance of this offering to the community. We are gratified for your curiosity. We welcome your comments and questions directly anytime, as well, as we certainly strive to connect and be tapped into the pulse of Penngrove. Thank you!” Contact her at rebecca@penngrovemarket.com.
Follow the Yoga Mats I see my neighbors walking with yoga mats slung over their shoulders. Follo:wing the trail, I discovered Blue Door Yoga in The Grove center. Owner Jesi Mifsud started with a home studio, and soon decided to expand to her downtown location. Just walking in, a calming feeling seeps into you through the beautifully decorated space with its coral and blue colors. There’s a huge variety of class types, workshops, and yoga for kids, too. The community acupuncture clinic on alternate Saturdays is a great option, and must be booked in advance. I had an excellent (and economical) treatment with Gidon Levenbach, a very intuitive acupuncturist. The kink in my neck disappeared! He is from South Africa where he started the non-profit Flying Needle Project to serve the low-income community. See www.Ilovebluedoor.com.
Save the Date: Hawaiian Luau & Drawing is coming to Penngrove Park on Saturday, September 9th. It’s a delicious Late Summer happening with live music, Hawaiian dancers and a Hawaiian pork and chicken dinner. Tickets are available at JavAmore Cafe. It’s a benefit for the park, so if you enjoy having the park lovingly kept up by Penngrove Social Firemen, now’s the time to turn out. A smaller event than most, it’s mellow and enjoyable with @ 130 people last year.