It’s a time for giving thanks for our little ‘Burg. Please send your holiday or wintery news items to [email protected]. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all.
The public was invited to view the new city hall expansion at an open house on Nov. 8. Staff members were available to answer questions and direct lost citizens who wandered the halls. The new addition is two stories and adds about 4,200 square feet, according to City Manager David Mickaelian. It is more energy efficient, cost effective and has environmentally friendly landscaping. A plaque was unveiled, and Mayor Brigette Mansell thanked everyone, saying, “We can get through anything as a community if we work together.” Past and present city council and planning commission members were also in attendance. On display was the fire department’s new “brush rig,” delivered just that day. It’s called a Type 6 engine. Firefighter Bennett Leda explained that it is a rescue, extricator vehicle. “It is designed for small wildland fires and can fit into tight spots, like on Fitch Mountain, Dry Creek and Westside Road,” he said.
More city news: there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 29 to commemorate the opening of the roundabout. Expect music, singing and a poem by our Literary Laureate Russ Messing. A larger celebration will be held next spring.
Speaking of roundabouts, word is that there will be a second one coming to town, on Grove Street near Dry Creek Road.
You may want to hurry to the Saturday Farmers’ Market for their holiday craft market. The farmers’ market ends November 24, and we won’t see it again until spring. On a recent Saturday, there were persimmons and potatoes, toffee and fresh tortillas, garlic and gourds. One extra aisle was set aside for crafts. Look for silver and beaded jewelry, Volo chocolate, Tin Barn soaps, textiles, ceramics and more. The market also has its usual bounty of eggs, bread and veggies. And music.
Halloween trick or treating downtown was a “boo-tiful” event. Little munchkins dressed as pumpkins, witches and superheroes dashed from store to store collecting goodies. The Torres’ cute little grandson, Jackson, was a lively lion. Alicia Mutch and her husband John went the steampunk route, while daughter Emily was the mermaid Ariel. All around were skeletons (and Jack Skellington), T-Rexes, piggies and a big bad wolf, pirates and a pink poodle. Customers on the Oakville Grocery’s patio had a ring-side seat to the festivities and liberally handed out treats to passing children. This year, the Senior Center opened its doors to kids and parents. The Center’s Volunteer Coordinator Donna O’Brien said they had a dessert bar with pumpkin pie, cheesecake, candy and other treats. It was sponsored by the Friends of the Senior Center. “We gave out lots of candy,” said Donna, “and we invited the parents to come in also and play family games. She added that the seniors enjoyed interacting with the kids and parents, too. “It was a ton of fun!”
The Dia de los Muertos in the Plaza was a true community event, from start to finish. Expanded this year, parts of Plaza and Center Streets were closed to accommodate food vendors and activities. Thousands of marigolds bedecked memorial walls and tributes. Photos of loved ones, candles, music, dancing and blessings combined to make this a memorable day of the dead.
The Healdsburg Library celebrated 30 years in its present location on Center and Piper Streets with an anniversary party, sponsored by Friends of the Healdsburg Library and Friends of the Sonoma County Wine Library. The party drew patrons of all ages, who were treated to refreshments and a buffet meal that included cookies by Downtown Bakery. (The bakery supplied cookies at the opening reception 30 years ago, too.) Branch Manager Jon Haupt and Bo Simons, retired manager, were two of the speakers, and they acknowledged the great staff and community. Credit was given to the late Mille Howie for creation of the Wine Library and to the late David Sabsay, former Sonoma County library director. There was no “shush-ing” in this library! The ’80s rock band Choppin’ Broccoli had books vibrating off the shelves to wrap up the party.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 31 years. Growing up, she spent delightful summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood phone number. She is the author of “Herbie – A Toy’s Adventures in Healdsburg” and various articles about our area.
