Idlewood 3…

July is jumping
“Then followed that beautiful season … Summer … ” Send your summer tidbits to to “IDlewood 3…” at id*******@hb*****.com. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!
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Father’s Day was a time for dads – and art – at the June Warehouse event on Grove Street. Amber Keneally had whimsical family portrait pillows. Natalie McKean’s mugs featured under-the-sea creatures. Young sculptor Jackson Scheibal brought mini concrete heads, while musician Justin Brown provided acoustic soul as a mellow background. Annette Evers had a wide array of jewelry, zipper pulls and pet charms. She was raised in Alexander Valley, and has designed jewelry for 20 years; her large necklaces are one-of-a-kind. Besides her art, she is involved with the Camp Rose Players and hinted that they will be doing a fall show of short theatrical pieces.
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The griddle turned round and round, cooking up scores of pancakes at Boy Scout Troop 21’s annual Fourth of July pancake breakfast at the Villa Annex. “Fluffy” was the word most overheard to describe the delicious pancakes. Diners were also treated to scrambled eggs (garnished carefully with chives by the Scout servers), fresh fruit, ham and real maple syrup. Jugs of Goodrich’s Syrup were on the tables, straight from Vermont. The entrance to the Annex was decked out like a campsite. Pots and sleeping gear, a “campfire,” flags and a hammock made of barrel staves were part of the display. Scout Henry Dreiling entertained the crowd outside by playing Reveille on his bugle. He’s been a Scout for five years and is a student at Healdsburg High School. “I play jazz at school and am in the concert band,” Henry explained. His bugle call repertoire also includes Taps, First Call and more. His mom, Deborah Hall, credited Henry’s father, Martin Dreiling and co-committee chair Doug Price with making the breakfast happen. Carry on, Scouts.
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A huge thank you and goodbye to our town’s former Recreation Manager, Sonja Drown. She is leaving to follow other pursuits and will be missed by the community she served so well and so long.
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When strolling on North Street (perhaps after shopping at Farmers’ Market), stop and smell the roses. The rose garden in the West Plaza was rededicated on July 7 and Garden Club Beautification Chair Gretchen McKay led the event. A group of locals and dignitaries attended, including Jay Tripathi of Gardenworks, Jamie Licea, our Parks Supervisor, Jan Tolmasoff of Russian River Rose Company, Police Lieutenant Matt Jenkins, Rotarians and Garden Club members. Two years ago, the club and Jamie started working together to revive the somewhat neglected garden. Some roses came from Russian River Rose Company and others from cuttings. “There are about 35 new plants, incorporating new colors,” said Jan. Plants were reused, moved and saved. There are close to 60 rose bushes dotting the garden now. Consulting Rosarian, Cher Frechette, pointed out the different varieties, ranging from the classic Cecile Brunner, developed in the late 1880s, to the two-year-old strain, Daybreak. The yellow Julia Child roses will greet you by the North Street bench. Outgoing Club President Denise White mentioned the club is always looking for new members, too.
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Extra art? Do you have a piece of art that you haven’t displayed in some time? Downsizing and have no room? Then donate your treasure to the Healdsburg Center for the Arts (HCA). Items will be sold at the Opera in the Garden fundraiser, August 5 at Madrona Manor, and will benefit HCA’s Youth Education Programs. Board President Diana Jameson said, “Several pieces have been donated so far. We have two or three small oil paintings, drawings, and even 18th century bookplates.” They anticipate holding a pop-up event this winter, too, featuring art pieces that are over $1,000 each in value. Call 433-1970 for information or go to their website, www.healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.
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July means county fair time. A traveling mini-fair came to Foss Creek Community Center on July 9 to give Healdsburgers a preview and entice us to attend the “real thing” starting July 24. Popcorn, balloons, games, contests, Legos – it was a treat for all who came. Jo Peterson had two grandchildren in tow: eight-year-old Andrew Ambrosi advised, “I hope I get more free popcorn.” Katianne Wickwire liked the huge coloring board the best. The fair’s theme this year is “Down on the Farm.”
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Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 25 years. Growing up, she spent delightful summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number. She is the author of the children’s book: “Herbie – A Toy’s Adventures in Healdsburg” and other stories and articles.