idlewood 3…

Marie Butler
Have you noticed? These are the dog days of summer. Float down
the River with Rover or play Frisbee with Fido at Rec Park. Just
take a second to send your late-summer news to “IDlewood 3…” your
who, what, where column. Hedda Healdsburg wants to know all.
Antique Appraisals! Ever wondered how much your bisque
shepherdess, old comic book or little toy train is worth? Well,
bring your treasure into Healdsburg Classics on Tuesday, August 25,
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free, verbal appraisal. They’re
situated at 226 Healdsburg Avenue, across from the Chamber. Owner
Gail Lynch advises that they take items on consignment, too, if
you’re looking to sell.
If you want to browse or buy antiques and collectibles, don’t
forget the Antique Fair in the Plaza, August 30, from 9 a.m. until
4 p.m. It’s sponsored by the Healdsburg Historical Society. Note:
this year it’s being held the week before Labor Day weekend, not
over the holiday.
Costeaux’s Bastille Day celebration was trés Française. Can-can
dancers, fencing, pastries, tri-color decorations and a Francophile
menu all made for a magnifique event.
Second generation. A proud Mike Welty advises that his son,
Matt, has joined his law practice this month. “Matt has been
practicing law in Washington, D.C., in real property litigation,”
said Mike. “It’s the ultimate honor to have him join. It’s nice to
have the next generation coming back to Healdsburg and Matt has
lots of classmates and friends here.” Matt’s wife, Evan, just
finished her Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown and Mike said
they are in the process of looking for a house to rent in town.
Mike has been here in Healdsburg for 33 years and is also happy to
be back in his offices on North Street after being displaced due to
an arson fire a few years ago.
A few good men…and women. Jody Wilson (no stranger to
volunteering) checks in about the Senior Volunteer Patrol Program.
The Healdsburg Police Department is looking for a few good retired
men and women to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per month.
Volunteers will be charged with several activities including a
downtown foot patrol program, documenting and removing graffiti,
conducting vacation checks, community outreach at local events and
completing minor administrative tasks. “If you’re ready to step up
and get involved, Phyllis Daniels, Volunteer Coordinator, would
like to hear from you!” said Jody. Contact Phyllis at 433-2544.
Background checks are mandatory for all interested individuals.
“Volunteer,” extolled Jody. “It keeps you young!”
Sign of the times. Speaking of the City, those newish,
bright-turquoise poles with rings outside City Hall are today’s
version of “hitching posts” — they’re bicycle racks.
Rumors. Well, the rumors swirling about Santi’s leaving
Geyserville are half true. Yes, they are moving to Santa Rosa near
Fountaingrove. No, they have not already closed their doors.
Manager Doug Swett says Santi’s is definitely still open in their
old spot, seven nights a week, through December. You still have a
few more months to enjoy the patio, live music and locals’
night.
The hot, hot weather didn’t faze the cool, collected and
articulate Vivienne Sosnowski, who was speaking at a recent
Museum/Wine Library event at Cellar No. 8/Asti Winery. Against the
backdrop of the historic, old Italian Swiss Colony Winery, Vivienne
read an excerpt from her book on Prohibition, “When the Rivers Ran
Red.” In attendance that day were two of Healdsburg’s “Enduring
Spirits,” Lou Colombano and Walter Murray. Vivienne related how the
“Volstead Act” affected the lives of local grape growers for many
decades. She quoted a story by Lou Foppiano about the day federal
agents turned on the spigots of the family winery tank, spilling a
“river” of 140,000 gallons of wine. Lou Colombano’s story (as
recounted by Vivienne) about bootleggers using the family property
was equally fascinating. Vivienne advised there were 700 wineries
in Napa and Sonoma at the beginning of Prohibition; only 160
remained after it was over.
Start your zucchinis. Yes, it’s the Farmers’ Market Annual
Zucchini Festival. And in Healdsburg, we have so many zukes, we
race them! Head to the Market on Saturday, August 22 for the
zucchini races and giant zuke contest. Lots of veggies; lots of
fun!
Wonderful Wednesdays. Have you shopped downtown lately on a
“Wonderful Wednesday?” Sue Sacks of Options hopes that you’re aware
of this town promotion. “There are 45 shops, spas, lodging spots,
tasting rooms and restaurants that are offering discounts, gifts
and tastings,” she said. The specials end on August 26, so now is
the time to take advantage of free goodies. “Come shop and support
local merchants and walk away with a bag full of gifts,” said Sue.
Look for flyers at any participating merchant, or at the Chamber of
Commerce. Sue also noted that studies show for every $100 spent in
local shops, $68 of it goes back into the community.
More shopping news: many downtown shops have extended hours on
Friday and Saturday evenings, open ’til 7 p.m. or later. And, don’t
forget Sidewalk Sales, August 21 through 23.
The Raven Players have announced their new season. Playing now:
“Sylvia.” Upcoming: look for “Sly Fox,” a farce, “2 by 5,” a
musical revue, the classic “Our Town” and the ever-popular “Cats.”
Call 433-6335 for info.
Bird Walk. Jimtown Store is hosting a bird walk, on Tuesday,
September 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with guide Peter Leveque of
the Madrone Audubon Society. Dr. Leveque is a retired professor of
biology from SRJC, a revered local naturalist and fascinating bird
walk leader. The walk is followed by lunch on the Jimtown Patio.
After lunch, you can enjoy wine tasting at the neighboring Hawkes
Winery. Start at Alexander Valley Community Church at 8:30 a.m. and
gather at Jimtown Store for coffee and carpooling. Tickets for the
excursion are $25 with a portion of the fee going to the Madrone
Audubon Society. Call Jimtown Store for reservations and info:
433-1212.
Back to school, back to work…ready to sing a September song.
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Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg
resident for over 21 years. Growing up, she spent summers at her
family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number.