idlewood 3… Summer songs

“In summer, the song sings itself.” And, summer in the ‘Burg is a delightful and busy tune; even hot. Fan yourself, then send a missive to “IDlewood 3…” – your “who, what, where” column. “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!  
Fourth of July began with a “bang” at the Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast at the Villa Annex. A steady crowd streamed through the doors, eager to enjoy the repast. Red, white and blue decorated tables were often filled, so diners spilled outside to the picnic tables down the hill. Our favorite Supervisor, Mike McGuire, was holding court by the orange juice, wishing everyone a happy fourth. Scoutmaster Doug Price reported that the “crowd never stopped” and attendance was up from last year. “We used local vendors more and worked within our community this year,” advised Doug. “There was more outreach,” he said, pointing out the donated coffee from Flying Goat. Another new touch was the use of real maple syrup from trees grown on land from the Green Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts. Jugs of Goodrich’s Maple Syrup from Vermont were on display. Scoutmaster Martin Dreiling said, “We wanted to kick it up a notch this year.” One woman brought her own syrup but told him she didn’t use it, “since this was so good.”
If you’re fond of summer fruit and vegetables but your yard isn’t cooperating, don’t forget that our Farmers’ Market is held Saturdays in the West Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and also mid-week, on Wednesdays, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Plaza Street between Healdsburg Avenue and Center Street. We heard that juicy Santa Rosa plums were going to show up for sale.
It’s also not too soon to start pampering your zukes for the Farmers’ Market Zucchini Festival, on Saturday, August 18th. Larger squash can be entered in the Giant Zucchini Contest. More mobile ones can participate in the Zucchini Car Races.
Ooh-la-la. It was a day of Francophile fun at Costeaux Bakery’s Bastille Day celebration on July 14th. There were games of petanque on the sidewalk (using bread balls), an accordionist and French songs, Eiffel Tower cookies, a guillotine, delicious pastries, fencing demonstrations and so much more. The special menu even included buttery escargots. An oh-so-charming Marie Antoinette made an appearance, of course. In a cultural cross-over, she tossed crisp Italian biscotti to the willing diners. The line was out the door; everyone, it seemed, wanted to be French for one day.
Attention bibliophiles and bluestockings: the Friends of the Healdsburg Library book sale is almost here. Shop on Friday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday July 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The “Bag Sale” is noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. You can get a bag of books for only $5.00 and teachers get one bag free!
Authors, authors …The Senior Center Writing Project’s successful new book, “Tuesday Morning Memories: An Anthology,” is selling like hotcakes. Class instructor and coordinator Shonnie Brown reports, “The first printing is sold out!” Look for the second printing soon. Rumor has it that the various authors will be happy to autograph your copy, too.
The Raven Players’ recent production of “Gypsy” was a rousing, standing-ovation hit. If you missed it, well, in true show-biz tradition, the show goes on… or at least the new 2012-2013 season does. Beginning at the end of August, look for “Moon Over Buffalo,” followed by “Harvey,” “The Odd Couple,” “The Angel of Chatham Square,” “The Imaginary Invalid,” and finally, “Evita.” Season tickets are available now at www.raventheater.org. Bravo!
Here’s your opportunity to expand your wine collection. The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society is once again offering chances for their “Instant Wine Cellar.” Hundreds of bottles of wine are donated from generous wineries around the area and will be raffled on August 25th. Contact the Museum or a Board member for tickets.
If you’ve been watching the television show “Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen,” you may have seen a familiar face. Local chef Douglas Keane from Cyrus made a recent appearance as a judge for this reality show cooking competition. As an aside, Cyrus is closing after a delicious seven-year run in town.
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.