idlewood 3… Month of Spring

February: the month of sweet violets. Is it spring yet? Idlewood was the original telephone exchange for Healdsburg. Now, send your news items to “IDlewood 3…” at id*******@hb*****.com. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!  
Healdsburg Center for the Arts says, “Kids Are Our Valentines This Month.” The lively and beguiling work of young artists fills the gallery Feb. 12 to March 9. This annual exhibit of student art includes both two- and three-dimensional works, which fill the gallery from floor to ceiling with colorful, inventive creations. Participating schools are Alexander Valley School, Fitch Mountain School, Geyserville School, Healdsburg Charter School, Healdsburg Elementary School, The Healdsburg School, St. John Catholic School, Sonoma Country Day School, West Side School and HCA’s Youth Art Programs. There will be a reception on Friday, Feb. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.
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A reminder that the annual Mr. Healdsburg Pageant is Feb. 22; tickets may have already sold out for this zany spoof and fundraiser. Good luck to all of the nine gentlemen who are vying for the coveted title.
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Intrepid lovers of the outdoors and all things piscine braved a soggy Saturday to attend the annual Steelhead Festival at Lake Sonoma. The day’s deluge forced the vendors and exhibitors inside the hatchery and visitor center. Conservation, recreation and wildlife groups were in abundance. Fly fishing, archery, trout, wildlife and mushrooms were represented. One volunteer walked by in a fish costume. Lively music was provided by the Russian River Ramblers. Ducks enjoyed the waterways as humans sloshed across the bridge to the hatchery and fish ladder. At the hatchery, workers were counting and identifying coho and steelhead. One coho that came through that afternoon was originally from the hatchery program and released two years ago. At the Museum’s exhibit, volunteer and former-staffer Meredith Dreisback commented it was a great family event; all the kids there attired in bright slickers attested to that.
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Ann Howard reports that the Museum now has 18,000 historical photos in their database – all available for viewing from your personal computer. The program is user-friendly. Just go to www.healdsburgmuseum.org, look for the “Online Photo Collection” tab and then type in keywords for your search: baseball, babies, houses, hops – there’s a treasure trove of photos from our past.  
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It’s no joke – Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary is hosting a black tie event on April 1st at Shone Farm. The soiree will celebrate Healdsburg community volunteerism and honor the Marie Sparks volunteer award winners of the year. Chair Will Seppi will have more details soon.
And, who are this year’s award winners? Sonia Drown, City Recreation Manager, related that the committee has announced that the Marie Sparks awards will go to Gus Hermoso and the husband and wife team Denny Drowty and Carol Noack. “The awards will be presented on March 3rd, right after the start of the 6:00 p.m. City Council meeting,” added Sonia.
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Another two community favorites were due to be recognized at I.C.F. Branch 52’s annual Ravioli Dinner on February 15th. Mary Madden and Monica Dunne both came here from Ireland and taught at St. John the Baptist School for many years. “We are honoring two angels,” said I.C.F. President Nancy Seppi. “We’re grateful they chose to stay in Healdsburg and not return to Ireland and we thank them for everything they have contributed to the greater community.”
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The Healdsburg Philharmonia will present “Music for Lovers – Romances for Sax” on March 1 and 2 at the Raven. The program features Jordan Wardlaw on the saxophone. Saturday’s performance is 8 p.m.; Sunday is at 2 p.m. General Admission is $25; $10 for students with ID. Become a “Phil H” fan. Go to www.raventheater.org for tickets and details.
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There are kitties at the Doghouse! Owner Natalie Tappin has been hosting the kittens as part of an adoption program there — with great success. Stop by the store at 212 Healdsburg Avenue to ooh and ahh over the cats and “purr-haps” take one home.
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Did you see the spiffy gaggle of Chryslers gathered recently around Hotel Healdsburg? Chamber Executive Director Carla Howell confirmed that there was indeed a car commercial being shot around and about town.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 25 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 stories and articles.