Idewood 3: On the Move

Squirrels are chirruping and elbowing each other out of the way to grab loose acorns. Send your autumnal items to “IDlewood 3…” – your “who, what, where” column. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!      
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The Zucchini Festival at Farmers’ Market was a blast. Kip Miller was in charge of the races, assisted by Barbara Wolner (wearing appropriately stylish overalls). Mr. Healdsburg (aka Chris Herrod) was in regal attendance, and wielding a zuke scepter. At the start of every zucchini race, trumpeter Eric Schlaeppi, music director at Sonoma Country Day School, sounded the fanfare. Kip then led the crowd in an enthusiastic “one, two, three…” chant and – zoom – the zukes whizzed down the raceway. It was an exciting day at the track. Kip was doing double-duty; he said he was headed to T Barney’s art event later, for a role as “Mobius” personified. Besides races, there was a giant zucchini contest won by Scott Monroe with his 14 ½ pound yellow, striped behemoth. Kids submitted whimsical and ferocious decorated squash: there was a blue farmer’s truck, a flower-bedecked car, steer with turnip horns, lion and more. Patrick Sullivan won for his a shark squash eating tiny zukes. The Community Foundation presented Patrick with a $100 gift certificate that he could donate to the charity of his choice. Adults also got into the act: Ray Williams received first place for his zuke car with lemon headlights, carrying potato chicks with corn silk “feathering.”  
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If you missed the Zucchini Fest, mark your calendar for the Farmers’ Market Pumpkin Festival on October 27th from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be pumpkin carving and races. Market Director Mary Kelly advises, “This year the judges will be very strict about the Pumpkin Cars. The axel for the wheels must go through the squash, and the wheels must fit inside of the 12 inch track.” The Wednesday Market continues through October on the Plaza. “In fact,” Mary notes, “the last one will be on Halloween and won’t that be a hoot!”
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Congrats to the 2012 Harvest Fair Honorees, including Healdsburg’s Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Winery. Clay was named as the 2012 Outstanding Young Person in Agribusiness. The Fair acknowledged Clay’s “passion, professionalism and skill.”  
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Smoke Signals was the aptly named recent photo exhibit at the Healdsburg Library Forum Room. Sponsored by the Friends of the Healdsburg Library and the Healdsburg Firefighters Association, it featured pictures of local firefighters battling to save our beloved old Post Office from that devastating 5 Alarm fire. Austin Brewin and Ray Holley contributed images to the exhibit. Some of the surreal shots showed distraught neighbors and townspeople looking on; a pair of firefighter boots on the wet sidewalk; water from hoses aimed like searchlights at the Post Office. Attendees at the opening reception were served wines offered by Hook and Ladder Winery in Santa Rosa and Hooper 206 Vintners in Healdsburg.  
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Stop by the Museum for their “Ancestors of Mexico” Heritage exhibit, running through November 8th. The exhibit features photos and memorabilia on loan from local families, handcrafted art, textiles and ceramics by Mexican artisans, plus historical artifacts and photos from the Museum’s collection. It’s an entertaining exhibit for all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
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Kindle fans — local author Camille Picott has a new book available to download from Amazon entitled “Sulan, Episode 1, The League.” A post-apocalyptic story, it relates the adventures of sixteen-year-old Sulan Hom and her life in America after “the Default.”
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The Healdsburg Literary Guild’s Third Sunday Salons have been gathering every month since 2000. They are held at the Bean Affair from 2-4:00 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, and are presided over by current Literary Laureate, John Koetzner and  2008-09 Laureate Vilma Ginzberg. There are monthly speakers and an open mic portion. The September Salon featured local veterinarian Dick Perce, author of “High Country.” John advised, “We’re looking to develop new perks for members, including an on-line publication.” He’s hoping to develop contests for kids, too. For information email ma****@wi******************.com or call 799-2350.
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On the move. If you have been wondering about the increased activity at 452 Healdsburg Avenue, it will be the new site of Healdsburg Vintage (formerly Geyserville Vintage of that town). The move is expected to be completed by early October.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 24 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 children’s stories.