idlewood 3…

Well, the groundhog saw his shadow so it’s hi-ho, six more weeks
of winter. Let’s splash in the rain and make the most of it. What
are you doing to while away winter? Send your news to “Idlelwood
3…” your “who, what, where column.” Hedda Healdsburg wants to know
all!
A good diversion this winter is the upcoming “Winter Pops
Concert,” presented by the Community Band. It will be held on
Sunday, February 21st at the Healdsburg Community Church on
University Street. It’s an afternoon concert, at 3 p.m.; tickets
are $10. They’ll be featuring the show tunes of George and Ira
Gershwin and Rogers and Hammerstein. You can pick up tickets at
Copperfield’s or from a cheerful band member humming
“O-klahoma…”
Happy Chinese New Year! Local author, Camille Picott is
celebrating with the publication of her new children’s book,
“Raggedy Chan.” The story centers on Auntie Gracie, a Chinese
immigrant who tells the fairy tale of Raggedy Chan, a Chinese
princess whose home is threatened when Drought Fury steals the
bringer of rain. Raggedy Chan’s quest to save her homeland leads
her to America, where she must adapt to strange, new ways. Look for
her book and dolls on www.pixiupress.com, at the shop
Limestone near Hotel Healdsburg or at Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
The contestants have been chosen for the Mr. Healdsburg pageant,
to be held at the Raven on February 27th. The gents competing for
the coveted title are: Michael Bairdsmith, a new dad; Hardy
Wallace, a master tweeter for Murphy-Goode and running as Mr. Tweet
Lips; John Gavello, who just launched Goofy’s of Healdsburg hot dog
shop; Michael Baker, one of the favorite masseurs at Oasis; Sean
Sentenn, tasting room manager of Rosenblum Cellars; Kevin Roach,
from Topel tasting room and a part-time model; Dan Minaglia, who
has lived most of his life in Healdsburg; Derrick Montanye, of
Rodney Strong, who is competing against his buddy Dan. And, it’s
never too early to start charming the Mr. Healdsburg judges! Those
persuadable ladies are Lucy Lewand of Camellia Inn, Sue Sacks of
Options Gallery, Arlene Dalton, a performer with Camp Rose Players
and the Healdsburg Community Chorus, Natalee Tappin, owner of The
Dog House and Barbara Grasseschi, a local grape grower. As Judge
Lucy says of this fun and fundraising event, “We’re accepting
bribes of all sorts.”
Roll out the barrel. The Russian River Wine Road is hosting
their 32nd Annual Barrel Tasting, on March 6th and 7th, 13th and
14th. Over 100 wineries are participating. This is your chance to
sample wines from the barrel, talk to winemakers, purchase futures
and explore wineries in your own backyard. For more information,
visit www.wineroad.com or
call 433-4335.
Sure, March 7th is the night of the Oscars. But, it’s also the
evening that the Battlefield Band performs at the Raven Theater.
Watch the Hollywood celebrity arrivals on television, tape the rest
and head into town for this local show at 7:30 p.m. The “boys from
Scotland” are regulars here and present a witty program with a
variety of songs. Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door;
students are $10. Stop by Copperfield’s to purchase tickets or see
www.raven.org. Maybe wear a
kilt. Your choice.
It’s time for the Chamber’s annual “Business Trade Show &
Silent Auction,” Wednesday, March 3rd at the Villa. The show is
open to the public from 5-7 p.m. As always, admission to the event
is free. Browse through the 56 booths and bid on local silent
auction items. There will be food and prizes, too!
Pigs & Pinot. Charlie Palmer’s fifth Annual Celebration of
“Pigs & Pinot” will take place on March 19th and 20th at Hotel
Healdsburg. If you’re a “foodie,” you may have seen a preview of
“Pigs & Pinot” in this season’s television show “Top Chef.” Now
is your chance to take part in the real action. Charlie is joined
by an all-star cast of chefs for this event, including: Tyler
Florence, Kevin Gillespie, Bryan Voltaggio, Roland Passot and
Dustin Valette. The weekend includes wine and food tastings,
seminars and a gala dinner. Even better, all proceeds benefit Share
Our Strength (www.strength.org) and local schools (The Healdsburg
Education Foundation, St. John’s School and The Healdsburg School).
Visit www.hotelhealdsburg.com/pigsandpinot.php
or call 431-2800.
If you’re “itching” to be on the stage, the Raven Players are
holding auditions for their upcoming production of “Cats.” Prowl by
the Raven Performing Arts Center on March 9th or 11th at 7 p.m. or
the 13th at noon and satisfy your curiosity. Raven Board Member
Dick Bertapelle advises, “We also still need at least one more
solid, male performer for ‘Our Town,’ with rehearsals starting in
another couple weeks.” Call 433-6335 if you’re interested.
Plaza Arts Center was the site for the recent exhibit,
“INSPIRATIONS – A Student Show.” It featured the artwork of more
than 25 high school students from Cloverdale High Studio Art,
instructed by Ralph Duell, Healdsburg High Advanced Ceramics,
instructed by Tom Laughlin and Healdsburg High Advanced Placement
Studio Art, instructed by Linus Lancaster. Scott Carrillo, a Center
volunteer, local artist and student at SRJC advised that the
comments for the show have been positive. “Visitors have been
impressed with the level of sophistication shown. People have even
been asking about buying some of the work.” Scott added, “We
support the local students and schools. It’s good for the students
to see their work displayed, too.” Mediums used included ceramics,
photography, pastels, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink
and mixed media. Can we look forward to another showing in the
future?
Kurt Hahn reports in that he’s completed his sixth round of
chemotherapy sessions at Stanford Medical Center. “Recent scans
have offered a hopeful prognosis that I am in remission,” Kurt
said. “While I have attended or participated by phone in most
meetings of the Hospital Board and California Hospital Association,
I will now be able to resume a more normal routine of civic
activities. I am confident that we are winning the battle with
Mantle Cell Lymphoma, but challenges still remain.” Here’s wishing
Kurt all the best.
Congratulations to Joe Rochioli, the Museum and Historical
Society’s 2010 Pioneer of the Year winner. Joe will be honored for
his many contributions to our agricultural community on March 11th
at an event at Trentadue Winery. Call 431-3325 for ticket
information.
The St. Patrick’s parade is only a month away! See you on the
Plaza. Wear green and wave. Then send your St. Paddy’s observations
to

id*******@hb*****.com











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Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg
resident for over 22 years. Growing up, she spent summers at her
family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number.