Idlewood 3… Hot August

Ah, August; the month when tomatoes grow heavy on leggy vines and some Healdsburg natives recall back-to-school shopping at Rosenberg and Bush and Schwab’s Shoe Store. Send your memorable items to “IDlewood 3…” – your “who, what, where” column. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!    
The recent Relay for Life opening ceremony was on a foggy morning at Rec Park. The event is two-days of “celebrating the lives of people who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and fighting back against the disease.”  Many of your friends and neighbors were there as survivors or supporters or both. Some noted that while it appeared to be a smaller group than some years, the cause was just as important as always. Being honored this year were Lydia Wright and Joan Passalacqua. Lyle Studer was also singled out as a 17-year survivor. The Survivor Walk was led by Lydia, Joan (and her daughter Jane), Barbara Tuscany (accompanied by her son Massimo), Harry Tappin and others braving the chill. Booths and tents lined the track and extended out onto the field. Local businesses and groups offered granola, cupcakes, coffee and other sources of nourishment for the body and spirit. Early-birds set up were: Chase Bank, Starbucks, Exchange Bank and St. John’s School.  Gary and Lorraine Plass were there; he was doing the midnight security shift again. Lorraine noted, “Someone in your life has been affected by cancer – your mother, brother, sister. Donate even $5 to the cause. Say hello to people wearing the purple Relay for Life t-shirts in town. It means a lot to them.”
Stroll the boulevards during the upcoming Summer Sidewalk Sales, August 17 through 19. Local downtown businesses will showcase their wares and offer tempting specials.  
While “Harvey” himself may be elusive, the Raven Players recently held auditions for this entertaining and humorous play about the eponymous 6-and-a-half-foot rabbit. They were looking for actors to portray the affable Elwood P. Dowd, his besieged sister, Veta, niece Myrtle May and other main characters. No mention of Harvey, though. Hmmm, does he exist? Come see for yourself when “Harvey” opens in October. The Raven’s 2012-13 season begins on August 31st with the farce “Moon Over Buffalo.” Call 433-6335 for info.
Look for a familiar face at the Chamber of Commerce. Local Healdsburger Carla Howell took over the position of Interim CEO/President in July, right after the annual Bike Tour. Carla has owned a business on the Plaza and was most recently with the Cloverdale Chamber. “I’m really glad to be back working in Healdsburg,” Carla noted. “It’s going to be an interesting time now with all the cutbacks.” She added, “I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a dynamic and interesting time in town.”   
Treasure hunting. Trundle down to the final Antique Fair of the season, on August 26, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Plaza. It’s a benefit for the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society. Peruse the Museum’s space while there and see what collectibles and curiosities they offer for your procurement.
“Great!” That was the review of the recent Heidi Newfield concert, at the Solano County Fair. Heidi is a “local girl” who now has a successful singing career on the country music scene. A contingent of Healdsburgers attended the concert to applaud one of our own.
It was a lively and happy 34th birthday celebration in July for the Farmers Market. Jimtown Store’s Carrie Brown produced beautiful and tasty carrot cakes for all visitors. The group “Sweet & Simple” provided summer-appropriate Hawaiian music. The Market itself was full of delicious fragrances: basil at one end, ripe apricots at the other. Unusual vegetables are, well, usual, at the Market. La Bonne Terre had sweet little Nantes and Golden carrots. Sebastopol Berry Farm offered Marion Blackberries. There were Dutch yellow shallots and French breakfast radishes, bright green chard, deep purple plums and bulbous tomatoes and lemon cukes.
Vroom. Look for souped-up zukes (as opposed to zuke soup) at the Farmers’ Market annual Zucchini Car Races on August 18th.  The market opens at 9 a.m. and the races, contests and wild squash festivities begin at 10 a.m.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and full-time Healdsburg resident for over 17 years. Growing up, she spent summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number.