Idlewood 3… Fall pastimes

Shuffling through fall leaves is a pleasant pastime. Raking them – not so much; whoooo knows what you might find under there? Send your spooky items to “IDlewood 3…” – your “who, what, where” column. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!      
If you missed the first weekend of ARTrails, don’t fret. Take in the final tour on October 20th and 21st. Artist studios both in town and throughout the county are open. View pottery, glassware, paintings, sketches, textiles and more. Go to www.sonomaarts.com for info and a map of participating artists.
The Wine Road held a successful “meet and greet” style informal trade show at their offices last month. It was an opportunity for local lodging facilities and wineries to introduce (or re-introduce) themselves to each other. The event was held at the Wine Road offices on Moore Lane. “It was a great success,” advised Wine Road Member and Guest Concierge Tracy Logan. Staff from about 18 B&Bs, hotels and vacation rentals lined the walls, greeting reps from 48 wineries. It was a good afternoon to become re-acquainted and form new partnerships.
It’s not too soon to make reservations for this year’s Strolling DineAround, December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th. Try out the ‘Burg’s newest dining spots, then wander to old favorites on this four-course progressive dinner. A portion of the proceeds benefit Healdsburg Shared Ministries Food Pantry and the North Coast Consortium Program. Event coordinator Lori Moore says, “This year’s DineAround promises to be better than ever, with 20 restaurants participating.” Call Lori at 479-7488 for more info.  
Speaking of delicious food, a famous rapper was rumored to have been at Baci Café and Wine Bar recently. Was he there sampling the “Burrata”? Wonder how you would write a rap song about mozzarella stuffed with cream?
Healdsburg Community Church’s annual boutique and yard sale will be on November 3rd at 1100 University Street. The garage sale begins at 8:00 a.m. and the boutique opens at 9:30 a.m. This ever-popular event will feature linens, Christmas decorations, toys, dishes, furniture, bikes, tools and more. New this year: a European “sidewalk café” serving coffee and baked goods from 8-10:00 a.m.
Also on November 3rd, an authentic Italian polenta dinner presented by the Italian Catholic Federation and held at St. John’s Church Activity Center/Gym. The doors open at 5:45 p.m.; dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The meal also includes salad, Costeaux breads, beverages and dessert. Please call 433-5454 or email ic***@ao*.com for reservations.
Honoring veterans. Join the members of the Sunrise Rotary Club as they pay tribute to our Veterans on Wednesday, November 7th at the Villa Annex. Breakfast is at “0700” (that’s 7:00 a.m.). The official program includes live performances of patriotic songs and a POW/MIA table ceremony. The Keynote Address will be given by Colonel L. “Pete” Peterka, U.S. Army (Retired). This event is open to all members of the community. A $10.00 contribution benefits the Pathway Home in Yountville, a residential recovery program serving our Nation’s “New Warriors.”
On Friday, November 9th, 7-10:00 a.m., the Center Street Café and Deli will once again generously provide free breakfast to Veterans.
Then, on Sunday, November 11th, the annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony in the Plaza will be held at 11:00 a.m. Gather at the corner by the “little boy with the flag” statue for this observance sponsored by the American Legion Sotoyome Branch #111.
It’s a boo-tiful time of year. Pumpkins abound (and bound) at the Farmers’ Market Pumpkin Festival and Races on October 27th, 9:00 a.m. to noon. After the excitement there, trundle to the Plaza for the annual Howl-o-Ween doggie parade and festivities, sponsored by the Healdsburg Doghouse (and benefitting the Healdsburg Animal Shelter). No werewolves; just pups and people decked out in their Halloween best.
Join the Healdsburg Museum in remembering and celebrating the dead in the “Día de los Muertos” exhibit put on by the Healdsburg High School M.A.Y.O. Everyone is invited to the opening reception on November 1st, at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit will continue through November 8th.
Local artists and purveyors will display their wares from 9:00 a.m.-noon at the Farmers’ Market Arts and Crafts Fair, November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th in the West Plaza. How pleasant to shop local.
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.